Abstract:
A foldable solar energy apparatus is provided. The foldable solar energy apparatus includes a frame, a first solar energy module, an actuation module, and a power module. A photovoltaic panel is coupled to a first holder of the first solar energy module, and electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel is stored in the power module. The first holder is rotatably coupled to the frame so that the first holder is collapsible via the actuation module, which is disposed at the frame and connected to the first holder. The first holder and the actuation module provide the solar energy apparatus with a foldable function. Thus, the solar energy apparatus can be folded in response to changes in weather conditions, thereby preventing the photovoltaic panel from being damaged by bad weather.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a foldable solar energy apparatus and, more particularly, to a foldable solar energy apparatus applicable to a solar power generator. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    In view of global warming caused by the greenhouse effect and the various impacts of global warming, environmental awareness is on the rise, and international environmental conventions were successively signed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Hence, many countries are now devoted to the research of alternative energy sources that are capable of replacing traditional fossil fuels. 
         [0005]    As an inexhaustible pollution-free energy source, solar energy is both economical and environment-friendly. Therefore, government efforts around the world have been directed to promoting applications powered by solar energy. Solar energy is not only useful in fulfilling our daily electricity demand, but also applicable to the automobile industry, for example. In the latter case, cars are designed to be driven by solar energy instead of gasoline, thereby significantly lowering carbon dioxide emissions. 
         [0006]    For photovoltaic panels to absorb solar energy efficiently, it is necessary to install photovoltaic panels in an open space where long-term exposure to the sun is attainable. Besides, most photovoltaic panels have large surface areas so as to increase solar energy absorption efficiency. However, such design also makes photovoltaic panels bulky and difficult for storage. Therefore, when the weather is inclement, such as when a typhoon strikes, the wind acting on the large wind load area of photovoltaic panels tends to render the panels unstable or even blow the panels down, thus causing damage and shortening the service life of the panels. 
         [0007]    Taiwan Patent No. M311007 discloses a foldable photovoltaic panel comprising a plurality of substrates, wherein each of the substrates has a top surface formed as a light-receiving surface. In addition, flexible plates are provided between adjacent substrates such that the substrates are interconnected and can be folded upon one another. 
         [0008]    The photovoltaic panel disclosed in the above-cited patent can be folded so as to have its volume reduced for easy transportation. However, such a manual folding design is not applicable to very large photovoltaic panels or to a large number of photovoltaic panels. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides a foldable solar energy apparatus wherein a solar energy module is rotatable by means of pivot units operating in conjunction with an actuation module, such that the solar energy module is collapsible when needed. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides a foldable solar energy apparatus wherein a solar energy module is collapsible under control of an actuation module. Therefore, with the actuation module, even a large solar energy module is easily collapsible. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides a foldable solar energy apparatus wherein a solar energy module is collapsible to reduce a wind load area thereof. Thus, the solar energy module can be collapsed in response to changes in weather conditions so as to avoid damage. 
         [0012]    In order to achieve the above and other effects, the present invention provides a foldable solar energy apparatus including a frame, at least one solar energy module, an actuation module, and a power module. The frame includes at least one first pivot unit coupled to a top portion of the frame. Each first solar energy module includes a first holder and at least one photovoltaic panel. Each first holder has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Each first holder also includes a second pivot unit provided at a first lateral surface of the first holder and rotatably coupled to the corresponding first pivot unit. The at least one photovoltaic panel of each first solar energy module is coupled to the first surface of the corresponding first holder. The actuation module is provided at the frame and connected to the first surface of each first holder, thus allowing each first holder to move between a first position and a second position. The power module includes an electricity storage unit electrically connected to the at least one photovoltaic panel of each first solar energy module so as to store electricity. The power module also includes a control unit connected in electrical signal communication with the electricity storage unit so as to control charging/discharging of the electricity storage unit and drive the actuation module. 
         [0013]    In order to achieve the above and other effects, the present invention also provides a foldable solar energy apparatus including a frame, a third solar energy module, a fourth solar energy module, an actuation module, and a power module. The third solar energy module includes a third holder and at least one photovoltaic panel. The third holder has a fifth surface coupled to a top portion of the frame and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface. The third holder also includes at least one fourth pivot unit provided at a fourth lateral surface and a fifth lateral surface of the third holder, respectively, wherein the fourth lateral surface is opposite the fifth lateral surface. The at least one photovoltaic panel of the third solar energy module is coupled to the sixth surface. The fourth solar energy module includes a fourth holder and at least one photovoltaic panel. The fourth holder has a seventh surface and an eighth surface opposite the seventh surface. The fourth holder also includes a fifth pivot unit provided at a sixth lateral surface of the fourth holder and rotatably coupled to the corresponding fourth pivot unit. The at least one photovoltaic panel of the fourth solar energy module is coupled to the eighth surface. The actuation module is provided at the frame and connected to the seventh surface, thus allowing the fourth holder to move between a first position and a second position. The power module includes an electricity storage unit electrically connected to the photovoltaic panels so as to store electricity. The power module also includes a control unit connected in electrical signal communication with the electricity storage unit so as to control charging/discharging of the electricity storage unit and drive the actuation module. 
         [0014]    Implementation of the present invention at least involves the following inventive steps: 
         [0015]    1. As the solar energy module is collapsed under control of the actuation module, even a large solar energy module can be collapsed with ease. 
         [0016]    2. With the solar energy module being collapsible, the solar energy apparatus can be folded in response to changes in weather conditions, so as not to be damaged by inclement weather. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The invention as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a foldable solar energy apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view showing another aspect of the foldable solar energy apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing operation of the foldable solar energy apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram of the foldable solar energy apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a foldable solar energy apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view showing another aspect of the foldable solar energy apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing operation of the foldable solar energy apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
       [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a foldable solar energy apparatus  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a frame  10 , at least one first solar energy module  20 , an actuation module  30 , and a power module  40 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the frame  10  includes at least one first pivot unit  11  coupled to a top portion of the frame  10 . The frame  10  further includes a base  12  formed at a bottom portion of the frame  10 , thus allowing the power module  40  to be provided in the base  12 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the first solar energy module  20  includes a first holder  21  and at least one photovoltaic panel  22 . The first holder  21  has a first surface  211  and a second surface  212  and includes a second pivot unit  213 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the second surface  212  of the first holder  21  is opposite the first surface  211 . The photovoltaic panel  22  is coupled to the second surface  212 . The second pivot unit  213  is provided at a first lateral surface  214  of the first holder  21 , wherein the first lateral surface  214  is a lateral surface adjacent to the first pivot unit  11  so as for the second pivot unit  213  to be rotatably coupled to the first pivot unit  11  of the frame  10 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the actuation module  30  is provided at the frame  10  and connected to the first surface  211 , thus allowing the first holder  21  to move between a first position and a second position. The first position is the position in which the first solar energy module  20  receives sunlight during normal operation, as shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . The second position is the position in which the first solar energy module  20 , after being rotated and collapsed, has a reduced wind load area, as shown in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, the actuation module  30  can pull the first holder  21  such that, with the first pivot unit  11  and the second pivot unit  213  serving jointly as a fulcrum, the first holder  21  is rotated from the first position and to second position, thereby collapsing the first solar energy module  20 . 
         [0030]    The actuation module  30  is a hydraulic device or a pneumatic device. Therefore, even if the first solar energy module  20  is provided with a large-area photovoltaic panel  22 , the actuation module  30  can still move the heavy large-area photovoltaic panel  22  easily. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the power module  40  includes an electricity storage unit  41  and a control unit  42 . The electricity storage unit  41  is electrically connected to the photovoltaic panel  22  so as to store electricity. The control unit  42  is connected in electric signal communication with the electricity storage unit  41  so as to control charging/discharging of the electricity storage unit  41 . Thus, the electricity storage device  41  is prevented from having a shortened service life which may otherwise result from the electricity storage device  41  being overcharged. The control unit  42  is also configured for driving the actuation module  30  such that the actuation module  30  moves the first holder  21  according to instructions from the control unit  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 3 , each of the solar energy apparatuses  100 ,  101  further includes an anemometer  50 . The anemometer  50  is coupled to a second lateral surface  215  of the first holder  21 . The second lateral surface  215  is opposite the first lateral surface  214 ; in other words, the second lateral surface  215  is a lateral surface facing away from the frame  10 . The anemometer  50  generates a wind signal WS containing such information as wind direction and Beaufort scale, thus allowing the control unit  42  to drive the actuation module  30  according to the wind signal WS. 
         [0033]    For example, the anemometer  50  detects the Beaufort scale around the solar energy apparatus  100 ,  101  at any time so as to generate the wind signal WS. If the wind signal WS indicates that wind is growing stronger, the control unit  42  will immediately drive the actuation module  30  into operation. As a result, the first holder  21  will be moved from the first position to the second position to collapse the first solar energy module  20  and reduce its wind load area, thereby preventing the first solar energy module  20  from being damaged by strong wind. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 3 , each of the solar energy apparatuses  100 ,  101  further includes a wireless transmission unit  60 . The wireless transmission unit  60  is provided in the frame  10  and preferably in the base  12 . The wireless transmission unit  60  is configured for receiving a remote control signal RS. Thus, the control unit  42  can drive the actuation module  30  according to the remote control signal RS as well, allowing the folding of the solar energy apparatuses  100 ,  101  to be controlled from a distance. Moreover, the wireless transmission unit  60  also enables simultaneous remote control over a large number of solar energy apparatuses  100 ,  101  such that all the solar energy apparatus  100 ,  101  can be folded within a short time and thus prevented from damage caused by abrupt weather changes. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , the solar energy apparatus  101  further includes a second solar energy module  70 . The second solar energy module  70  includes a second holder  71  and at least one photovoltaic panel  22 . The second holder  71  has a third surface  711  and a fourth surface  712  and includes a third pivot unit  713 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , the third surface  711  of the second holder  71  is connected to the actuation module  30  while the fourth surface  712  is opposite the third surface  711 . The second holder  71  further has a recess such that the fourth surface  712  is a bottom surface of the recess. The at least one photovoltaic panel  22  of the second solar energy module  70  is coupled to the fourth surface  712 . The second solar energy module  70  may include a plurality of photovoltaic panels  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , or a single large-area photovoltaic panel  22  (not shown), thereby increasing the efficiency of solar energy absorption. Like the second holder  71 , the first holder  21  may also have a recess for accommodating the photovoltaic panel  22 . 
         [0037]    The third pivot unit  713  is provided at a third lateral surface  714  of the second holder  71 , wherein the third lateral surface  714  is a lateral surface adjacent to the frame  10 , thus allowing the third pivot unit  713  to be rotatably coupled to the corresponding first pivot unit  11  of the frame  10 . 
         [0038]    When the actuation module  30  is driven by the control unit  42 , the first solar energy module  20  and the second solar energy module  70  are simultaneously moved from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, the first solar energy module  20  and the second solar energy module  70  are protected from being damaged by any abrupt weather changes. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , a foldable solar energy apparatus  102  according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a frame  10 , a third solar energy module  80 , a fourth solar energy module  90 , an actuation module  30 , and a power module  40 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the third solar energy module  80  includes a third holder  81  and at least one photovoltaic panel  22 . The third holder  81  has a fifth surface  811  and a sixth surface  812  and includes at least one fourth pivot unit  813 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the fifth surface  811  of the third holder  81  is coupled to a top portion of the frame  10 . The frame  10  further includes a base  12  formed at a bottom portion of the frame  10  so as for the power module  40  to be provided in the base  12 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the sixth surface  812  of the third holder  81  is opposite the fifth surface  811 , and the photovoltaic panel  22  of the third solar energy module  80  is coupled to the sixth surface  812 . The at least one fourth pivot unit  813  is provided at a fourth lateral surface  814  of the third holder  81 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the fourth pivot units  813  are provided at the fourth lateral surface  814  and a fifth lateral surface  815  of the third holder  81 , respectively. The fourth lateral surface  814  and the fifth lateral surface  815  are two opposite lateral surfaces of the third holder  81 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the fourth solar energy module  90  includes a fourth holder  91  and at least one photovoltaic panel  22 . The fourth holder  91  has a seventh surface  911  and an eighth surface  912  and includes a fifth pivot unit  913 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the eighth surface  912  of the fourth holder  91  is opposite the seventh surface  911 , and the photovoltaic panel  22  of the fourth solar energy module  90  is coupled to the eighth surface  912 . The fifth pivot unit  913  is provided at a sixth lateral surface  914  of the fourth holder  91 , wherein the sixth lateral surface  914  is a lateral surface adjacent to the third holder  81  so as for the fifth pivot unit  913  to be rotatably coupled to the fourth pivot unit  813  of the third holder  81 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the actuation module  30  is provided at the frame  10  and connected to the seventh surface  911 , thus allowing the fourth holder  91  to move between a first position and a second position. The first position is the position in which the fourth solar energy module  90  receives sunlight during normal operation, as shown in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B . The second position is the position in which the fourth solar energy module  90 , after being rotated, has a reduced wind load area, as shown in  FIG. 5 . More specifically, when pulled by the actuation module  30 , the fourth holder  91  can be rotated on a fulcrum defined by the fourth pivot unit  813  and the fifth pivot unit  913 , so as to move from the first position to the second position, thereby collapsing the fourth solar energy module  90 . 
         [0046]    The actuation module  30  is a hydraulic device or a pneumatic device. Therefore, even if the fourth solar energy module  90  includes a large-area photovoltaic panel  22 , the actuation module  30  is still capable of moving the weighty large-area photovoltaic panel  22  easily. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the power module  40  includes an electricity storage unit  41  and a control unit  42 . The electricity storage unit  41  is electrically connected to the photovoltaic panels  22  so as to store electricity. The control unit  42  is connected in electric signal communication with the electricity storage unit  41  so as to control charging/discharging of the electricity storage unit  41 . Thus, the electricity storage device  41  will not have a shortened service life which may otherwise result from the electricity storage device  41  being overcharged. Furthermore, the control unit  42  is configured for driving the actuation module  30  such that the actuation module  30  moves the fourth holder  91  according to instructions from the control unit  42 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 5 , each of the solar energy apparatuses  102 ,  103  further includes an anemometer  50 . The anemometer  50  is coupled to a seventh lateral surface  915  of the fourth holder  91 . The seventh lateral surface  915  is opposite the sixth lateral surface  914 ; in other words, the seventh lateral surface  915  is a lateral surface facing away from the third holder  81 . The anemometer  50  generates a wind signal WS containing information such as wind direction, Beaufort scale, and so on, thus allowing the control unit  42  to drive the actuation module  30  according to the wind signal WS. 
         [0049]    For example, the anemometer  50  detects the Beaufort scale around the solar energy apparatus  102 ,  103  at any time so as to generate the wind signal WS. If the wind signal WS indicates an increase of wind, the control unit  42  will drive the actuation module  30  into operation at once. As a result, the fourth holder  91  will be moved from the first position to the second position to collapse the fourth solar energy module  90  and reduce its wind load area, thereby preventing the fourth solar energy module  90  from being damaged by strong wind. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 5 , each of the solar energy apparatuses  102 ,  103  further includes a wireless transmission unit  60 . The wireless transmission unit  60  is provided in the frame  10  or in the base  12 . The wireless transmission unit  60  is configured for receiving a remote control signal RS. Hence, the control unit  42  can also drive the actuation module  30  according to the remote control signal RS, thereby enabling remote control of the folding of the solar energy apparatuses  102 ,  103 . Besides, the wireless transmission unit  60  also enables simultaneous remote control over a large number of solar energy apparatuses  102 ,  103  such that all the solar energy apparatus  102 ,  103  can be folded within a short time and thus prevented from damage caused by abrupt weather changes. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the solar energy apparatus  103  further includes a fifth solar energy module  110  which includes a fifth holder  111  and at least one photovoltaic panel  22 . The fifth holder  111  has a ninth surface  112  and a tenth surface  113  and includes a sixth pivot unit  114 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the ninth surface  112  of the fifth holder  111  is connected to the actuation module  30 , and the tenth surface  113  is opposite the ninth surface  112 . In addition, the fifth holder  111  has a recess such that the tenth surface  113  is a bottom surface of the recess. Meanwhile, the at least one photovoltaic panel  22  of the fifth solar energy module  110  is coupled to the tenth surface  113 . The fifth solar energy module  110  may include a plurality of photovoltaic panels  22 , as shown in  FIG. 4B , or a single large-area photovoltaic panel  22  (not shown), thereby enhancing the efficiency of solar energy absorption. Like the fifth holder  111 , the holders  91 ,  81  may also have recesses for accommodating their respective photovoltaic panels  22 . 
         [0053]    The sixth pivot unit  114  is provided at an eighth lateral surface  115  of the fifth holder  111 , wherein the eighth lateral surface  115  is a lateral surface adjacent to the third holder  81  so as for the sixth pivot unit  114  to be rotatably coupled to the corresponding fourth pivot unit  813  of the third holder  81 . 
         [0054]    When the actuation module  30  is driven by the control unit  42 , the fourth solar energy module  90  and the fifth solar energy module  110  are moved simultaneously from their respective first positions to their respective second positions; in other words, the fourth solar energy module  90  and the fifth solar energy module  110  are moved from the positions in which they receive sunlight during normal operation to the positions in which they have reduced wind load areas, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus, the fourth solar energy module  90  and the fifth solar energy module  110  are protected from being damaged by any abrupt changes in weather conditions. 
         [0055]    The foregoing embodiments are illustrative of the characteristics of the present invention so as to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the disclosed subject matter and implement the present invention accordingly. The embodiments, however, are not intended to restrict the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modifications and variations made in the foregoing embodiments without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention should fall within the scope of the appended claims.