GB2464288A

GB2464288A - Photovoltaic cells integrated with vertical post

Info

Publication number: GB2464288A
Application number: GB0818421A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul John Tyrrell; Philip Shadbolt; John Edward Elson
Original assignee: Zeta Controls Ltd
Current assignee: Zeta Controls Ltd
Priority date: 2008-10-08
Filing date: 2008-10-08
Publication date: 2010-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-08
Also published as: GB2464288B; GB0818421D0

Abstract

Photovoltaic collector apparatus is incorporated with a post (4) that in use is located in a substantially upright position, the post may comprise a support for street lighting (figs 2-4, 11, 12) or for signs etc. (figs 1, 14-21). A plurality of solar cell panels 32 are attached to the post (4) and may be lie in a substantially vertical plane. Preferably the panels are flat and mounted on three flat portions 16 of a support body attachable to the post, the remaining portion being cylindrical, and the panels may be protected by a cylindrical shield 40 (figs 5, 6). The PV post 4 may be mounted on a support post 2 and be rotated.

Description

Photovoltaic Collector Apparatus The present invention relates to a photovoltaic collector apparatus for collecting solar energy and converting it into electrical energy for later or immediate use.

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are commonly used for generating electrical energy for use in items such as solar powered street lamps, road signs and bus stops. The photovoltaic array usually consists of a flat panel of photovoltaic cells, which is mounted in a substantially horizontal or slightly inclined position, in order to gather solar energy. Preferably, the panel is inclined to the south when used in the northern hemisphere or to the north when used in the southern hemisphere in order to absorb the maximum amount of solar energy as the sun moves along its path.

* *. There are a number of disadvantages associated with this general arrangement. As the sun's :.:: position varies as it travels along its path, and its path varies from day to day throughout the S...

year, the panel is rarely perpendicular to the sun's rays and it therefore collects only a fraction * : of the available energy. In winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, very little energy may be collected, particularly at higher latitudes. This is particularly disadvantageous since the amount of electrical energy required is generally greatest in winter, when the nights are at their * longest. Further, if the solar panel is horizontal or inclined at only a shallow angle, it tends to collect dust and dirt, which further reduces its efficiency. Large solar panels also tend to be rather unsightly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic collector apparatus that mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a PV collector apparatus comprising a post that in use is located in a substantially upright position, and a plurality of PV panels that are attached to the post and cover at least part of its surface, each said PV panel being mounted such that in use it lies in a substantially vertical plane.

Although it is preferable that the PV panels are as close to vertical as possible, absolute verticality is not required. It would be acceptable for the PV panels to be slightly inclined, for example at an angle of up to 100. The term "substantially vertical" is intend to encompass such arrangements. Also, although it is preferred that all of the PV panels are substantially vertical, the apparatus may also include one or more additional PV panels that are not vertical, providing that those additional panels do not significantly increase the overall size of the apparatus.

By mounting the PV panels vertically, they are arranged to collect solar energy when the sun is low in the sky. They are therefore able to collect energy efficiently in the winter, when the need for stored energy is greatest. The panels are self-cleaning during rainy weather, avoiding problems associated with the collection of dirt and dust. They are also unobtrusive and can be aesthetically pleasing.

*: Advantageously, the post has a first side that is substantially covered with PV panels and a *... second side that is not so covered. As only one side of the post is exposed to the sun, only that side carries the PV panels. Advantageously, the first side extends around the circumference S.....

of the post through an angle in the range 120° to 270°, preferably in the range 180° to 220°, in order to collect solar energy throughout the day from dawn to dusk. S. S. * a. * .

Advantageously, the post includes a plurality of flat faces for receiving the PV panels.

Advantageously, the post has three flat faces, which angled to collect light in the morning, at mid-day and in the afternoon. The post may have a curved second face.

Advantageously, the post includes an upper part that carries the PV panels, which is mounted on a lower support part. This helps to avoid shadows and protects the PV panels against accidental damage and vandalism. The upper part is preferably rotatable relative to the lower part so that the PV panels can be turned during installation to face the direction of the sun at midday. The apparatus may include means for locking the upper part relative to the lower part.

Advantageously, the apparatus includes a transparent or translucent cover for the PV panels, to protect them from environmental damage. Preferably, the cover is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the support post, so that visually it forms a continuation of the post. The diameter of the cover is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the post, for example being up to three times the diameter of the post. Slightly increasing the diameter of the cover beyond the diameter of the support post allows it to accommodate larger PV panels that can capture more solar energy, without making the apparatus appear too top heavy.

The design is therefore simple and elegant.

The apparatus may include a storage cell for storing electrical energy generated by the PV panels and a control device for controlling the flow of electrical energy to and/or from the storage cell. Advantageously, the apparatus includes one or more electrically operated devices that are arranged to be powered by electrical energy stored in the storage cell. These electrically operated devices may for example include lights, illuminated displays and signs, * : :* closed circuit television cameras, wireless transmitters/receivers, public address systems, etc.

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* ... An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to * the accompanying drawings, in which

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* 20 Figures 1 to 4 show four different applications of the invention; Figure 5 is a front view of a photovoltaic collector apparatus from the front, with part of a cover cut away; Figure 6 is a rear view of the photovoltaic collector apparatus, again with part of a cover cut away; Figure 7 is a cross-section on line A-A of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an end view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a cross-section through a support sleeve forming part of the apparatus; Figure 10 shows the support sleeve and the support post before assembly; Figures 11 and 12 show two alternative lamp standards; and Figures 13 to 21 show various alternative applications of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a first application of the invention in an illuminated train timetable stand. The stand comprises a cylindrical metal support post 2 having a PV collector apparatus 4 attached to the upper end of the support post 2 and forming a continuation thereof. The PV collector apparatus 4, which is described in more detail below, comprises a upright post having a plurality of PV panels in the form of narrow vertical strips that cover at least part of its surface.

The lower support post 2 acts as a support for the PV collector apparatus 4 as well as for an illuminated sign 6, a roof 8 and a set of timetable display boards 10. The roof 8 may incorporate one or more lamps (not shown) to illuminate the timetable panels 10.

The apparatus also includes an electrical storage device, for example a battery, and control electronics for the PV panels, the illuminated sign 6 and, if provided, any lamps carried in the roof 8. These components are not shown in the drawing and will not be described in detail, as they are all entirely conventional.

In-use, solar energy is collected by the PV panels during the day and the electrical energy *. *.* generated by the panels is stored for use when required, for example at night. Operation of the * . PV panels and the lights is controlled by the control electronics, possibly in combination with * signals received from one or more photodetectors or movement sensors. ***.* * *

* 20 The PV collector apparatus 4 provides a number of advantages over conventional flat PV * panels. First, because it projects upwards from the support post 2, the PV collector apparatus 4 is less likely to fall into shadow from low level obstructions. It is also reasonably well protected from accidental damage and vandalism. The vertical PV panels are at their most efficient when the sun is low in the sky and they are therefore ideally positioned to capture the maximum amount of energy during winter, when the demand for energy is highest. Also, because the panels extend around the sides of the post, they are able to collect solar energy both in the morning and the evening when conventional flat panels are normally very inefficient, as well as in the middle of the day. The vertical PV panels are also largely self-cleaning during rainy weather and the apparatus is unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show three different streetlights, each of which incorporates a PV collector apparatus according to the invention. Each Street lamp includes a lower support post 2, the PV collector apparatus 4 and one or more lighting units 12. Operation is similar to that of the timetable stand shown in Figure 1. The lighting unit 12 may alternatively be mounted at the junction between the support post 2 and the PV collector apparatus 4. Preferably, the lighting unit 12 is a low energy unit for example incorporating light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The PV collector apparatus is shown in more detail in Figures 5 to 10. In this embodiment, the PV collector apparatus 4 includes a rigid sleeve 14 formed for example as an aluminium extrusion. The sleeve 14 is elongate and includes three flat faces 16 that extend around a first side of the sleeve and a curved face 18 that forms a second side of the sleeve. Each of these faces is connected by a number of webs 20 to a central cylindrical tube 22. In this embodiment, the three flat faces 16 each subtend an angle of approximately 68° with respect is to the axis of the sleeve 14 and the first side of the sleeve therefore extends through an angle of approximately 204° around the circumference of the sleeve. The second side 18 extends * : :* around an angle of approximately 156°. S...

The tube 22 defines a central passageway 24 that extends along the axis of the sleeve 14. This * passageway 24 has a sliding fit over a locating pin 26 secured to the upper end of the support * * 20 post 2. This allows the sleeve 14 to be rotated relative to the support post 2 about the vertical axis of the pin 26. The sleeve 14 may be locked in a chosen position by means of clamping : *: screws 28 that extend radially through a reinforced portion 30 of the tube 22, to engage the outer surface of the locating pin 26.

A PV panel 32 is attached to each of the flat faces 16, for example with double-sided adhesive tape (not shown). Only one PV panel 32 is shown in Figure 9, for clarity. The width of each panel 32 is less that the width of the sleeve 14, so that the panels do not extend outwards beyond the sleeve. The vertical edges of the panels 32 are located between support elements 34 on either side of each face 16, the face 16 being recessed slightly below the support element 34. Each face 16 also includes a central channel 36 for accommodating the electrical connection wires 38 of the respective PV panel 32.

The sleeve 14 and the panels 32 are covered by a transparent or translucent cylindrical cover 40 that extends over the entire length of the sleeve 14. The cover 40 may for example be made of acrylic, glass or any other suitable material. A cap 42 is secured to the end of the PV collector apparatus 4 by means of two screws 44, to provide a weather-proof seal. The cylindrical cover is coaxial with the support post 2 and in this embodiment is approximately 1.2 times its diameter, allowing it to accommodate reasonably large PV panels. A tapered collar 46 is bridges the gap between the post 2 and the cover 40.

To assemble the apparatus for use, the sleeve 14 with the attached PV panels 32 is located over the support pin 26 and it is then rotated so that the middle one of the three PV panels 32 faces either due south (in the northern hemisphere) or due north (in the southern hemisphere). That panel is therefore positioned to collect the maximum amount of sunlight in the middle of the day. The other two PV panels 32 are thus arranged to collect solar energy in the morning and the evening. Control electronics may be provided to control the collection of energy by each of the three panels, according to the output of the panels.

* .* Once the sleeve 14 has been rotated to the correct position, it is locked in position by tightening the locking screws 28. The cover 40 is then placed over the sleeve and the cap 42 * * 20 is attached to provide a weather-proof seal. The apparatus is then ready for use.

* Various modifications of the design described herein are of course possible. For example, the PV panels may be of different widths, the two side panels being wider than the cental panel in order to capture more solar energy early and late in the day. The apparatus may also include more or fewer than three PV panels, and it may also include one or more additional panels that are not substantially vertical. For example, it could include a small horizontal PV panel on the top of the post andlor on the upper surface of a roof that extends outwards from the post. One of the PV panels may also be slightly inclined: for example, the panel that faces the sun at midday may be inclined slightly upwards to capture more energy from the sun when it is at its highest point.

Various alternative applications of the PV collector apparatus are shown in figures 11 to 21.

Figures 11 and 12 show alternative lamp standards in which the luminaire or lighting unit 12 is mounted at mid-height, approximately at thejunction between the support post 2 and the PV array 4, so as to increase the intensity of light at ground level. Figure 13 shows an interactive illuminated display 48 and seat 50 that are supported by two posts 2, one of which carries the PV array 4. Figures 14 to 21 show various other applications, comprising a closed circuit television camera system 52 (figure 14), a help point with activation controls 54 and a warning beacon 56 (figure 15), wireless data access points with BluetoothTM transmitters/receivers 58 and optionally a seat 60 (figures 16 and 17), public address systems with a loudspeaker 62 and optionally an illuminated sign 64 (figures 18 and 19), a scrolling information sign 66 (figure 20) and a clock 68 with a seat 70. Each of these applications also includes a support post 2 and a vertical PV array 4. * *S * * * * ** S... * . * *

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Claims

Claims 1. A PV collector apparatus comprising a post that in use is located in a substantially upright position, and a plurality of PV panels that are attached to the post and cover at least part of its surface, each said PV panel being mounted such that in use it lies in a substantially vertical plane.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the post has a first side that is substantially covered with PV panels and a second side that is not so covered.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 in which the first side extends around the circumference of the post through an angle in the range 1200 to 270°, preferably in the range 180° to 220°.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the post includes *:* : :* a plurality of flat faces for receiving the PV panels.

* *.*.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, in which the post has three flat faces. ***.*
6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or claimS, in which the post has a curved second face. *. a. * . S
7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the post includes an upper part that carries the PV panels, which is mounted on a lower support part.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 in which the upper part is rotatable relative to the lower part.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 including means for locking the upper part relative to the lower part.
10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a transparent or translucent cover for the PV panels.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the cover is substantially cylindrical.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the diameter of the cover is between one and three times the diameter of the post.
13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a storage cell for storing electrical energy generated by the PV panels and a control device for controlling the flow of electrical energy to andlor from the storage cell.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, including at least one electrically operated device that is arranged to be powered by electrical energy stored in the storage cell.
15. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by *:* : any one of the accompanying drawings. *... * S S...*..... * SS 5.SSS S. S. * S SS