Abstract:
Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/856,521, filed Sep. 17, 2007, entitled “SOLAR ARRAY SUPPORT METHODS AND SYSTEMS” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/606,204, filed Jun. 25, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,719, issued Oct. 23, 2007, entitled “SOLAR ARRAY SUPPORT METHODS AND SYSTEMS” which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/459,711, filed Apr. 2, 2003, entitled “SOLAR SCULPTURE” ENERGY AND UTILITY ARRAY, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]    The present invention is related to the field of solar energy capture. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    Present systems for supporting solar panels tend to be bulky and expensive. Given the size and weight of such systems, implementation of solar panel arrays in remote locations is difficult and expensive. When large equipment is required, installation of a solar panel array in an environmentally sensitive area without significant impact on surrounding habitat becomes very difficult. Typically, such support systems do not allow for secondary uses of the solar panel arrays. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]    The present invention, in an illustrative embodiment, includes a system for supporting a solar panel array. The system includes two pairs of vertical columns, where each pair includes a tall column and a short column. The pairs are placed a distance apart, and a first support cable is secured between the short columns and a second support cable is secured between the tall columns. A guy wire or other anchoring devices may be attached to the columns to provide lateral support to the columns against the tension created by suspending the support cables between the spaced columns. The system further includes a solar panel receiver adapted to be secured to the two support cables. The solar panel receiver may be adapted to receive any type of solar panel or several panels. The receiver may include a maintenance catwalk or other access providing design element. 
         [0005]    In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention includes a system for providing both shelter and electricity. The system may again include columns, support cables, and one or more solar panel receivers as in the illustrative solar panel array support system noted above. 
         [0006]    The system further includes a number of solar panels secured to or received by the solar panel receiver. The columns may be sized to allow an activity to occur beneath the solar panel receivers. For example, if the desired activity is that of providing a shaded parking lot, the columns may have a height allowing vehicles to be parked beneath the solar panel receivers, and the columns may be spaced apart to create a sheltered area sized to correspond to the desired area of the parking lot. 
         [0007]    In yet another illustrative embodiment, the present invention includes a system for supporting a solar panel array, the system comprising four anchor points, with a first support cable suspended between a first pair of anchor points, and a second support cable suspended between a second pair of anchor points. The system further includes a solar panel receiver adapted to be supported by the first and second support cables, the solar panel receiver also adapted to receive one or more solar panels. 
         [0008]    In a further embodiment, the present invention includes methods of supporting a solar panel array. The methods include the step of using cables to support solar panel receivers adapted to receive one or more solar panels. In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of creating a sheltered space which makes use of a solar panel array that creates electricity, where the method also includes using the electricity to cool an area beneath the array. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a solar panel array supported in accordance to an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal section view of a solar panel array supported in accordance to an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a horizontal section view of a solar panel array supported in accordance to an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective rear view of an illustrative solar panel array; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of an illustrative solar panel array; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of an illustrative pod showing the use of several struts and cords to create a rigid member; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a section view of an illustrative pod including several optional features; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of several solar panel receivers linked together; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of several solar panel receivers linked together; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a front and side perspective view of an illustrative solar panel array including a center support member; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a section view showing an illustrative solar panel array including a center support member; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of an illustrative solar panel array suspended across a valley; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an overhead plan view of an illustrative solar panel array suspended across a valley. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a solar panel array supported in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A solar panel array  10  is illustrated as including a number of solar panel receivers  12 . Pairs of short columns  14   a ,  14   b  and tall columns  16   a ,  16   b  are aligned with one another. The pairs of columns  14   a ,  16   a  and  14   b ,  16   b  may also be connected by a stability cable  18  that runs along the edges of the array  10 . The solar panel receivers  12  are held above a surface  20  at a height  22  defined by the columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b.  A first cable  24  is suspended between the short columns  14   a ,  14   b , and a second cable  26  is suspended between the tall columns  16   a ,  16   b . The solar panel receivers  12  are designed to be supported by the cables  24 ,  26 , so that the overall design is a lightweight, flexible and strong solar panel array  10  that leaves plenty of usable, sheltered space below. Anchor lines  28  and anchors  30  may be used to provide further support and to enable the use of lightweight columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b.    
         [0024]    The surface  20  may be, for example, a generally flat area of ground, a picnic area in a park, a parking lot, or a playground. The height  22  may be chosen to allow for a desired activity to occur beneath the array  10 . For example, if a parking lot is beneath the array  10 , the height  22  may be sufficient to allow typical cars and light trucks to be parked underneath the array  10 , or the height may be higher to allow commercial trucks to be parked beneath the array  10 . If a playground is beneath the array  10 , the array  10  may have a height  22  chosen to allow installation of desired playground equipment. 
         [0025]    Any suitable material and/or structure may be used for the columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  including, for example, concrete or metal, or a simple pole or a more complicated trussed column. In some embodiments a footing may be placed beneath the base of each of the columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  to provide stability on relatively soft ground. The cables  18 ,  24 ,  26  and anchor lines  28  may be made of any material and design as well including, for example, metals, composites, and/or polymeric fibers. In one embodiment the primary material used in the columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b , the cables  24 ,  26  and the anchor lines  28  is steel. Because the primary support technology for the array  10  is the cables  24 ,  26  under tension, the design is both visually and literally lightweight. 
         [0026]    While  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment wherein the columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b  are either “short” or “tall”, in other embodiments the columns may all be of the same height. No particular angle of elevation is required by the present invention, however, it is contemplated that, depending upon the latitude, time of year, and perhaps other factors, certain angles may be more effective in capturing incident sunlight. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal section view of a solar panel array supported in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The array  10  illustrates the relative spacing of rows of the array  10 , and helps to show how the stability cable  18  connects the columns  14 ,  16  of the array  10 . The stability cable  18  may be coupled to an anchor member as well, though this is not shown in  FIG. 2 . It can be seen that the relative heights of the columns  14 ,  16  help to define the angle that the solar panel receivers  12  have with respect to the incident sunlight. In some embodiments, the columns  14 ,  16  or the solar panel receivers  12  may include a mechanism allowing for adjustment of the angle of the solar panel receivers  12 . To do so, for example, the length of the columns  14 ,  16  may be adjusted, or the solar panel receivers  12  may include a mechanism for changing the angle of individual panels or entire receivers  12 . For example, with the changing of seasons, the height of the sun in the sky may vary sufficiently to affect the efficiency of the solar panel receivers  12 , and so it may be desirable to vary the angle of the receivers  12 . Also, as the sun moves during the day it may be desirable to change the angle of the receivers  12  to improve light reception. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a horizontal section view of a solar panel array supported in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As illustrated, the array  10  is supported by short columns  14   a ,  14   b , tall columns  16   a ,  16   b , and cables  24 ,  26 . Anchor lines  28  and anchors  30  are provided to improve stability and allow the use of lightweight columns  14   a ,  14   b ,  16   a ,  16   b . The solar panel receivers  12  are illustrated as pairs of individual units  32  having gaps  34  between each unit  32 . The gaps  34  allow for air movement, reducing the amount of wind resistance of the array  10 . The gaps  34  also allow for relative movement of the units  32  since the cables  24 ,  26  are somewhat flexible. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective rear view of an illustrative solar panel array. It can be seen that the stability cables  18  are coupled in various configurations along the length of the array  10 , linking the short columns  14  and tall columns  16  to create a linked structure. The array  10  also includes various anchor cables  28  and anchor points  30 , including at the end of the array  10  that may help anchor the stability cables  18 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of an illustrative solar panel array  10  which is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . It can be appreciated from the several views of  FIGS. 1-5  that the illustrative array  10  provides a readily usable shelter that is amenable to a variety of activities. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a pod which may be used as a solar panel receiver. The “pods” illustrated herein are intended to provide an example of a solar panel receiver that may be used with the present invention. The solar panel receiver may, of course, have a variety of other structures to perform its function of holding one or more solar panels while being adapted to couple to support cables as illustrated herein. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of an illustrative pod showing the use of several struts and cords to create a rigid member. The pod  40  is shown with several solar panels  42  which may be, for example, photovoltaic panels. A maintenance walkway  44  is included as an optional feature of the pod  40 . Several curved struts  46  extend vertically along the back of the pod  40 , with several horizontal struts  48  coupled by moment connections to the curved struts  46 . By using moment connections, the overall structure becomes a rigid yet lightweight frame for receiving the solar panels  42 . A center strut  50  extends out of the back of the pod  40 , and is connected to a truss cable  52  which provides another lightweight yet highly supportive aspect of the structure. The center strut  50  and truss cable  52  allow a lightweight curved strut  46  to be used, lending support to the center of the curved strut  46 . 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, rather than creating electricity with photovoltaic panels, the present invention may also be used to support solar panels that collect solar thermal energy. The solar thermal collectors could be mounted on the solar panel receivers illustrated herein, and thermal energy could be collected by the use of a heat transfer medium pumped through flexible tubing. In one such embodiment, glycol may be used as a mobile heat transfer medium, though any suitable material may be used. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a section view of an illustrative pod including several optional features. The pod  40  is shown with solar panels  42  in place. The optional maintenance walkway  44  is again shown on the lower portion of the curved member  46 . The center strut  50  and truss cable  52  again provide support to the curved member  46 . The pod  40  may include, for example, a mister  54  that can be used to provide evaporative cooling to the sheltered area beneath a solar array using the pod  40 . The pod  40  may also include a light  56  or security camera, for example. In one embodiment, a solar array may be used to provide a parking shelter, with the solar array storing electricity during the day using, for example, fuel cells or batteries, and then discharging the stored electricity by lighting the shelter created by the solar array during the evening. 
         [0035]    Two cable receivers  58 ,  60  are also illustrated. While shown in the form of a simple opening that a cable may pass through, the cable receivers  58 ,  60  may take on a number of other forms. For example, the cable receivers  58 ,  60  may include a mechanism for releasably locking onto a cable. It can be appreciated from  FIGS. 6 and 7  that the illustrative pod  40  is designed so that rain is readily directed off of the solar panels, as the water will run down the curve of the pod  40 . In other embodiments, the pod  40  may be more or less flat, rather than having the curvature shown, or may have a different curvature than that shown. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is a perspective front view of several solar panel receivers linked together. A first solar panel receiver  70 , a second solar panel receiver  72 , and a third solar panel receiver  74  are supported by an upper support cable  76  and a lower support cable  78 . An optional maintenance walkway  80  is illustrated as well. Also included is a flexible electric cable  82  that allows for transmission of electrical power from each of the solar panel receivers  70 ,  72 ,  74  when solar energy is captured. The flexible electric cable  82  may also serve to distribute power to devices such as security cameras or lighting that may be provided beneath the solar panel receivers  70 ,  72 ,  74 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of several solar panel receivers linked together. Again, the solar panel receivers  70 ,  72 ,  74  are shown supported by an upper support cable  76  and a lower support cable  78 , and include an optional maintenance walkway  80 . Two flexible electric cables  82   a ,  82   b  are illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and may serve the same purposes as that noted above with respect to  FIG. 8 . It is clearly shown in  FIG. 9  that there is a gap  84  between the solar panel receivers  70 ,  72 ,  74 . The gap  84  allows the solar panel receivers  70 ,  72 ,  74  to move independently, rendering the overall array less rigid and more likely to withstand high winds. The gap  84  also prevents neighboring solar panel receivers (i.e.  70  and  72  or  74  and  74 ) from damaging one another in windy conditions. 
         [0038]    Depending on the desired output of the array, the flexible electric cables  82   a ,  82   b  may be coupled to a substation for gathering produced power and providing an output. For example, the electricity gathered is inherently direct current power, an array as illustrated herein may be easily used to charge batteries or fuel cells. The power may also be used with an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen available for use as a fuel. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a perspective front and side view of an illustrative solar panel array including a center support member. The illustrative array  100  includes a number of alternating short columns  102  and tall columns  104 , with support cables  106 ,  108  suspended from the columns  102 ,  104 . Anchor lines  110  and anchors  112  provide additional support, and the array  100  supports a number of solar panel receivers  114 . The further addition in  FIG. 10  is the inclusion of a center support  116 , which allows for a longer span to be covered between the outer columns  102 ,  104 , reducing the need to place additional anchors  112 . Further, because the center support  116  does not have to provide stability against lateral movement, and only needs to provide vertical support, the center support  116  may be of an even lighter weight construction than the outer columns  102 ,  104 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a section view showing an illustrative solar panel array including a center support member. Again, the array  100  is supported by the use of a short column  102 , a tall column  104 , a lower support cable  106  and an upper support cable  108 . The array  100  is stabilized in part by the use of anchor lines  110  and anchors  112 , and a number of solar panel receivers  114  are supported. The center column  116  provides a central support, but is not required to add to the lateral stability of the array  100 , because there are portions of the array pulling equally on both sides of the center column  116 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of an illustrative solar panel array suspended across a valley. An array  120  is suspended across a valley  122  by the use of four anchors  124  that enable two support cables  126 ,  128  to be suspended across the valley  122 . A number of solar panel receivers  130  are supported by the support cables  126 ,  128 . By suspending the array  120  across the valley  122 , a desired height  132  above the valley floor can be achieved by the array. The height  132  may be sufficient to allow wildlife to pass below. 
         [0042]    A number of potential environmental benefits of this type of structure can be identified, including that the structure provides a quiet and safe energy production array, the structure provides shade and/or shelter, and the structure can be installed without requiring a large amount of heavy machinery. The use of an array over eroding ground may encourage foliage growth in highly exposed locations, slowing erosion. 
         [0043]      FIG. 13  is an overhead plan view of an illustrative solar panel array suspended across a valley. It can be seen that the array  120  is designed to match the shape of the valley  122 . In particular, the array  120  includes a number of individual lines of solar panel receivers  130 . By varying the number of solar panel receivers  130  suspended by each pair of support cables, a relatively short line  134  can match a relatively narrow place in the valley  122 , while longer lines  136 ,  138  span a wider portion of the valley  122 . 
         [0044]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. 
         [0045]    Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.