WO2009073920A2

WO2009073920A2 - Energy collection device and methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2009073920A2
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001821
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Kwok
Original assignee: Etergen Limited
Priority date: 2007-12-10
Filing date: 2008-12-10
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: WO2009073920A3

Abstract

A solar energy collection device (10) is substantially pyramidal in shape. The frame of the solar energy collection device (10) comprises a plurality of frame members (11) upon which a plurality of photovoltaic cells (12) are mounted. The solar energy collection device (10) is further provided with a plurality of feet (13) which allow the solar energy collection device to be mounted in a variety of locations.

Description

Energy Collection Device and Methods of Use

Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to energy collection devices and applications for their use. In particular, the present invention related to solar energy collection devices.

Background Art.

Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells as they are also known, are devices used to convert solar energy into heat and electricity. Solar cells are often placed on the roofs of buildings, bridges and other structures in order to maximize the collection of solar energy.

Flat solar cells placed on the roofs of buildings and other structures suffer from the drawback that, as the sun's overhead position changes during the course of the day, the solar cell will not be in direct sunlight for the entire day. This means that optimal collection of solar energy is not achieved.

Some attempts have been made to improve the efficiency of solar collection by providing solar cells with tracking devices that track the movement of the sun as its overhead position changes. However, these tracking devices are expensive, complex and have higher maintenance requirements due to the number of moving parts.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a solar collection apparatus that could collect solar energy regardless of the overhead position of the sun that did not involve high maintenance costs and unnecessary complexity of construction.

Solar cells may also be used in conjunction with a variety of energy storage systems to create efficient, low pollution energy generation devices.

For instance, a report published in February 1997 by Sandia National Laboratories entitled "Cost Analysis of Energy Storage Systems for Electric Utility Applications" contained a summary of the developments and the potential that energy storage systems of differing types that could potentially be used in conjunction with solar cells have. Excerpts from that report are as follows:

"Energy Storage (ES) systems could potentially have widespread applications within the electric utility industry. Three promising storage technologies — Battery Energy

Storage (BES), Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) and Advanced

Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) - each meet some of the performance requirements of the 13 utility applications identified in the Battery Energy Storage for Utility

Applications: Phase I - Opportunities Analysis study conducted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). "

"Both in terms of performance and cost, BES and SMES are well suited for power quality applications. Fast acting advanced FES also has the potential to serve this application and prototypes have been demonstrated. SMES and FES systems are in the early stages of market entry and are expected to primarily serve the customer-end power quality market."

There are typically three key components of ES systems, namely:

> Storage Subsystems; ^ Power Conversion Subsystems (PCS); and

> Balance of Plant (BOP).

From the above-identified report, it is known that the storage subsystem of a FES consists of a flywheel that stores kinetic energy by spinning at very high velocities (tens of thousands of revolutions per minute). The FES also consists of the radial and thrust magnetic bearings, centre post, containment and other components.

The power conversion subsystem for all three abovementioned subsystems includes a combination of rectifier/inverter, transformer, DC and AC switchgear, disconnects, breakers, switches and programmable high-speed controllers. A high speed motor/generator set is part of the power conversion system in the FES system. High speed solid-state transfer switches are used in power quality applications where high switching speeds are a requirement for the ES system. The control system for ES systems has three main functions. The management and control of storage subsystem monitors the charge level, charge/discharge requirements, and related operations. The controls associated with the PCS subsystems monitors utility power supply and switches the load between the ES system and utility supply according to a predetermined algorithm. The facility control system monitors the temperature, ventilation and lighting in the facility that houses the hardware.

The balance of plant encompasses the facility to house the equipment, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), the interface between the ES system and the customer/utility, the provision of services such as data gathering/trending, project management, transportation permits, training, spares and finance charges.

Prior art FES systems have been used mainly for automotive and space applications and have yet to become accepted due to their complexity, low net power output and fragility in operating conditions. For example, for automotive applications, dynamic isolation problems are present. Though the concept of flywheels is not new, low-loss flywheels that rotate at very high speeds are relatively new and undeveloped.

A typical prior art centrifugal clutch consists of three parts:

• An outer drum that turns freely - this drum includes a sprocket that engages the chain. When the drum turns, the chain turns.

• A centre shaft attached directly to the engine's crankshaft - if the engine is turning, so is the shaft.

• A pair of cylindrical clutch weights attached to the centre shaft, along with a spring that keeps them retracted against the shaft.

The centre shaft and weights spin as one. If they are spinning slowly enough, the weights are held against the shaft by the spring. If the engine spins fast enough, however, the centrifugal force on the weights overcomes the force being applied by the spring, and the weights are slung outward. They come in contact with the inside of the drum and the drum starts to spin. The drum, weights and centre shaft become a single spinning unit because of the friction between the weights and the drum. Once the drum starts turning, so does the chain.

There are several advantages to a centrifugal clutch: • It is automatic. (A centrifugal clutch does not use a clutch pedal for engagement and disengagement.)

• It slips automatically to avoid stalling the engine, (hi a car, the driver must slip the clutch.)

• Once the engine is spinning fast enough, there is no slip in the clutch as the faster the engine is travelling, the greater the force exerted on the engagement.

Centrifugal clutches are typically used in automotive applications. As such, they are generally mounted horizontally. There are a variety of problems present in adapting the conventional centrifugal clutch to use in flywheel energy storage systems as will become apparent from the following discussion.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise.

Object of the Invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy storage device which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and comprising one or more frame members, and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame.

The frame may have any suitable number of sides, hi some embodiments of the invention, the frame has three or four sides in order to ensure that, regardless of the overhead position of the sun, at least one side of the solar energy collection device is in sunlight.

Preferably, each side of the frame is provided with one or more photovoltaic cells. The frame members may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood and the like and may be of any suitable construction (solid, hollow, tubular, square section etc).

hi an alternative embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic cells may be connected together directly in a pyramidal shape without requiring the use of additional frame members to create a frame, hi this embodiment, the photovoltaic cells themselves would function as the frame members.

The solar energy collection device may be provided with one or more concentrating means in order to concentrate the sunlight that strikes the solar energy collection device. Any suitable known device for concentrating sunlight may be used, and the exact nature of the concentrating means (if provided) is not essential to the working of the invention.

The solar energy collection device may further be provided with energy storage means. The energy storage means may be of any suitable form, such as batteries, coalescers and so on. Energy stored in the energy storage means may be retrieved at any time for use in any suitable application. Alternatively, the solar energy collection device may be connected to mains power lines so as to supplement electricity generated by other solar energy collection devices, or by other conventional power generation means, hi some embodiments of the invention, the electricity generated by the solar energy collection device may be transferred directly to an electrical device, such as, but not limited to, a hot water service for example. The solar energy collection device may farther be provided with control means and/or an inverter system. In some embodiments of the invention an array of solar energy collection devices may be provided comprising a plurality of solar energy devices as described above connected together.

The solar energy collection device may also be adapted to concentrate heat in order to heat one or more substances (such as a liquid or gas). The heated substance (e.g. water) may then be transferred to another application, such as a heat exchange medium in a heat exchanger. In this embodiment of the invention, the solar energy collection device may further comprise one or more vessels (such as trays, crucibles, basins or the like, or any combination thereof) in which the one or more substances may be held and heated within the solar energy collection device.

Preferably, the angle of the one or more sides of the solar energy collection device is adjustable. In this way, the angle of the photovoltaic cells may be adjusted according to the angle of the sun at any given latitude. The angle of the sides of the device may be chosen or set according to the location (for instance, the geographic location) in which the device is used in order to maximize the collection area presented to the sun at all times of the day. In other words, the longer solar hours achieved due to the angle of the sides of the solar energy collection device corresponds to the best solar tile angle of any location.

The solar energy collection device of the present invention has a significant benefit over prior art devices in that solar energy collection device of the present invention may have two or more times the solar energy collection surface area of a standard cell with the same footprint.

hi some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of solar energy collection devices may be placed in proximity to one another. In this embodiment of the invention, each of the solar energy collection devices will collect solar energy both directly and indirectly (i.e. in the form of solar energy reflected from the surfaces of adjacent or nearby solar energy collection devices). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the solar energy collection device may be provided with energy storage means in the form of an Advanced Flywheel Energy Storage system (FES). One such FES system is described in International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2007/001417, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Thus, in another aspect of the invention there is provided a solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and comprising one or more frame members, and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame, and wherein the solar energy collection device is in communication with an energy storage device, the energy storage device comprising: a. at least one shaft member; b. at least a pair of flywheels including a first flywheel and a second flywheel larger than the first flywheel, each flywheel associated with the at least one shaft member; c. a clutch assembly associated with each of the flywheels; d. at least one low power input device; and e. a power take off means associated with the second flywheel; wherein the first flywheel is rotated using a low power input device powered by the solar energy collection device and is accelerated to a predetermined rotational velocity whereupon the clutch assembly engages to connect the first and second flywheels allowing inertial and kinetic energy to transfer between the flywheels to accelerate the second flywheel.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and comprising one or more frame members, and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame, and wherein the solar energy collection device is in communication with an energy storage device, the energy storage device comprising: a. at least one shaft member; b. a first flywheel; c. at least one low power input device for rotating the first flywheel to a predetermined rotational velocity; d. a second flywheel of greater dimension than the first flywheel; e. a clutch assembly associated with the first and second flywheels for separating the flywheels and engaging the first flywheel with the second flywheel upon the first flywheel attaining the predetermined velocity; and f. a power take off means associated with the second flywheel.

hi still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of storing energy collected by a generally pyramidal shaped solar energy collection device until a useable amount of power is stored and releasing when required, the method including the steps of: a. providing a flywheel energy storage system including a first and a second larger flywheel mounted on a shaft and separated but connectable by a clutch assembly; b. accelerating the first flywheel to a predetermined rotational velocity using a low power input device; c. engaging the clutch assembly once the first flywheel has attained the predetermined velocity to connect the first and second flywheels; and d. providing a power take off means associated with the second flywheel to utilise the rotation of the second flywheel to withdraw useable power from the system.

The solar energy collection device of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications. Thus, in a further aspect of the invention there is provided a power generation system comprising one or more solar energy collection devices, wherein the solar energy collected by the one or more solar energy collection devices is used to cause one or more substances to be heated such that the one or more substances undergo a phase transformation, the one or more substances being used in their heated condition to drive one or more power generation means.

Preferably, the one or more solar energy collection devices are of the type described above. The one or more solar energy devices may be provided with one or more energy storage devices of the type described above.

In one embodiment of the invention, the solar energy collected by the solar energy collection device is transferred, preferably in the form of heat, to a first vessel containing a first substance. The first substance may be heated such that it undergoes a phase transformation, whereupon the heated first substance may flow to a first power generation means, hi one embodiment of the invention, the heated first substance exiting the first power generation means may be returned to the first vessel, either directly or via another device, such as a hot water service, radiator and the like. Preferably the first substance passes through transformation means prior to returning to the first vessel. The transformation means may be adapted to ensure that the first substance undergoes a phase transformation back to its original state prior to entering the first vessel. The transformation means may comprise a condenser.

In this embodiment of the invention, the power generation system may further comprise a second vessel containing a second substance. The first and second substances may be the same, or different to one another. Energy, particularly in the form of heat, may be applied to the second substance such that it undergoes a phase transformation, whereupon the heated second substance may flow to a second power generation means. The energy applied to the second substance may be obtained from any suitable source. Preferably, however, the energy is obtained from the one or more solar collection devices, hi one embodiment of the invention, the heated second substance exiting the second power generation means may be returned to the second vessel.

hi an alternative embodiment of the invention, the heated first substance exiting the first power generation means may flow to a second vessel wherein additional energy, in the form of heat, is applied to the first substance. The additional energy may be obtained from any suitable source. Preferably, the additional energy is obtained from the one or more solar energy collection devices. The heated first substance exiting the second vessel may then flow to a second power generation means. After the first substance exits the second power generation means, it may suitably be returned to the first vessel. In some embodiments of the invention, the first substance may pass through transformation means prior to returning to the first vessel. The transformation means may be adapted to ensure that the first substance undergoes a phase transformation back to its original state prior to entering the first vessel. The transformation means may comprise a condenser.

The first and second vessels of the power generation system may comprise any suitable vessels. Preferably, however, the first and second vessel are evaporators. Heat may be applied to the substance or substances in the vessels through an electrical element, heat exchanger, or any other suitable heating means. If a heat exchanger is used, the heated medium flowing through the heat exchanger may be any suitable medium, hi one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange medium may be a substance heated in a solar energy collection device as described previously.

The one or more substances may be any suitable substances, such as, but not limited to, water, ammonia, silicon and the like. Preferably, the one or more substances undergo a phase transformation from liquid to gas when heated, and gas to liquid when passing through the transformation means.

The first and second power generation means may comprise any suitable means for generating power, hi a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second power generation means comprise generators, and in particular turbo-generators.

The power generation system may be used as a stand-alone power generation system for buildings and the like. The power generation system may be used for a distributed power system, emergency power system or a remote power supply system.

hi another embodiment of the invention, the power generation system may be contained within a structure, hi some embodiments of the invention, the structure may be relocatable, allowing the power generation system of the present invention to be transferred between locations as required, by road, rail, air, sea and so on. In one embodiment of the invention, the structure may be adapted for towing by a vehicle, such as a truck. In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generation system comprising one or more solar energy collection devices, wherein the solar energy collected by the one or more solar energy collection devices is applied to a hydrogen source in order to produce gaseous hydrogen from said hydrogen source.

Preferably, the one or more solar energy collection devices are of the type described above. The one or more solar energy devices may be provided with one or more energy storage devices of the type described previously.

Preferably, the hydrogen source is located in a vessel. The vessel may be any suitable vessel such as, but not limited to, a coalescer, digester, autoclave, electrolyser and so on. The fuel source may be of any suitable form or constitution, although in some embodiments of the invention, the fuel source is in the form of a rod constructed from renewable materials, such as dehydrated organic matter (such as vegetable matter), or waste material from desalination plants and the like. The hydrogen source may be replaced as required, as hydrogen is removed from the hydrogen source. The hydrogen source may contain one or more substances such as, but not limited to, bicarbonates, hydrides, ammonia, gallium and the like, and also oily substances for bio-diesel raw materials.

In some embodiments of the invention, the vessel contains a substance such as water. In a preferred embodiment, however, the vessel contains a catalyst to enhance the production of gaseous hydrogen from the hydrogen source. The catalyst may be of any suitable known type. The catalyst may also be in any suitable form. Preferably, however, the catalyst is provided as a solution or compound within the vessel.

Energy, preferably in the form of heat, may be applied to the hydrogen source in the vessel through an electrical element, heat exchanger, or any other suitable heating means. If a heat exchanger is used, the heated medium flowing through the heat exchanger may be any suitable medium. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange medium may be a substance heated in a solar energy collection device as described previously and then returned to the solar energy collection device for reheating. In one embodiment of the invention, gaseous, relatively high-temperature hydrogen produced in the vessel is transferred to a fuel cell. The fuel cell may then be used to produce water by combining the gaseous hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generation system with oxygen provided using any suitable source of oxygen. Alternatively, the hydrogen produced in the vessel may be transferred to an accumulator. Hydrogen in the accumulator may be retrieved as required and fed to a fuel cell.

The hydrogen generation system of the present invention may further comprise an electronic control system and/or a power inverter and converter as required.

The electrical energy produced by the fuel cell may be used for supplying power to buildings and the like, or it may be used for a distributed power system, emergency power system or a remote power supply system, hi another embodiment of the invention, the fuel cell may be connected to a power grid such that the electrical energy produced by the fuel cell may be used to supplement mains power.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen generation system may be contained within a structure. In some embodiments of the invention, the structure may be relocatable, allowing the power generation system of the present invention to be transferred between locations as required, by road, rail, air, sea and so on. hi one embodiment of the invention, the structure may be adapted for towing by a vehicle, such as a truck, hi addition, the structure may be adapted for application as a power source for vehicles, such as cars and the like, or vessels such as boats or ships.

In a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a brine electrolysis system comprising one or more solar energy collection devices, wherein the solar energy collected by the one or more solar energy collection devices is applied to a brine solution in order to produce gaseous hydrogen from said brine solution.

The brine solution may be obtained from any suitable source, hi some embodiments of the invention, the brine solution is obtained as the waste product from a water desalination plant. Preferably, the brine solution is retained within a vessel. The vessel may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, a coalescer, electolyser, autoclave, digester and so on.

Energy, preferably in the form of heat, may be applied to the brine solution in the vessel through an electrical element, heat exchanger, or any other suitable heating means. If a heat exchanger is used, the heated medium flowing through the heat exchanger may be any suitable medium. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange medium may be a substance heated in a solar energy collection device as described previously and then returned to the solar energy collection device for reheating.

In one embodiment of the invention, gaseous, relatively high-temperature hydrogen produced in the vessel is transferred to a fuel cell. The fuel cell may then be used to produce water by combining the gaseous hydrogen produced by the brine electrolysis system with oxygen provided using any suitable source of oxygen. Alternatively, the hydrogen produced in the vessel may be transferred to an accumulator. Hydrogen in the accumulator may be retrieved as required and fed to a fuel cell.

The brine electrolysis system produces a waste product in the form of chlorine. Chlorine produced by the brine electrolysis system may be used to chlorinate water or may be packaged for sale, for instance as pool chlorine.

The brine electrolysis system of the present invention may further comprise an electronic control system and/or a power inverter and converter as required.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the brine electrolysis system may be contained within a structure. In some embodiments of the invention, the structure may be relocatable, allowing the brine electrolysis system of the present invention to be transferred between locations as required, by road, rail, air, sea and so on. In one embodiment of the invention, the structure may be adapted for towing by a vehicle, such as a truck.

hi a further aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of frame members, one or more sheeting members adapted for connection to said plurality of frame members, wherein the structure is provided with production means for automated crop production.

The frame members may be of any suitable configuration and any suitable construction. However, it is preferred that the frame members are triangular in shape. The triangular frame members may be constructed in a single piece or may be constructed from a plurality of separate components joined together. Preferably, the frame members are adapted for fixed or removable engagement with one or more footings. The footings may be of any suitable type, such as concrete blocks or pads, piles to be driven into the ground, or any other known method of constructing a footing for a structure. Preferably, the footings provide the structure with stability against storms, wind and the like. A triangular shape is preferred for the plurality of frame members as the triangular shape provides for efficient collection of condensation within the structure.

The one or more sheeting members may be of any suitable type. Preferably, however, the sheeting members are transparent or semi-transparent to allow the passage of sunlight into the structure. The one or more sheeting members may be plastic, glass or any other suitable material. The one or more sheeting members may be rigid or flexible. The one or more sheeting members may be connected using any suitable known technique to either the interior of the structure or the exterior of the structure. The structure may further be provided with support means. The support means may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support means comprises one or more elongate members. The one or more elongate members are preferably located at or adjacent, and interconnect, the apexes of each of the triangular frame members.

The production means may comprise any suitable means for the automated production of crops. The production means may be of any suitable form, although it is preferred that the production means are adapted to provide automated planting and/or husbandry and/or harvesting of crops. In one embodiment of the invention, the production means comprise one or more conveyors, wherein each of the one or more conveyors is provided with different implements depending on its duty. The one or more conveyors may be interconnected to create a continuous conveyor system within the structure.

The structure may further be provided with processing means. The processing means may include any suitable means for the processing of the harvested crops, such as a canning or packaging plant, cold storage plant, oil extraction plant, dehydration plant, or means for converting the crops into, for instance, a hydrogen source for the hydrogen generation system described previously. Any suitable crops may be produced within the structure. However, in one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that, once processed, the product obtained from the processing of the crops is an oily substance for use in bio-diesel production.

The one or more conveyors and the processing means may be powered using any conventional means, such as mains power, a generator or the like. Alternatively, the one or more conveyors and the processing means may be powered using one or more solar energy collection devices as previously described. The one or more solar energy devices may be provided with one or more energy storage devices of the type described previously.

The structure may be provided with one or more trays in which crops may be grown. The structure may also be provided with a water recirculation system for recirculating water throughout the structure.

hi a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises a glasshouse.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for erecting a structure comprising the steps of: a. attaching base portions of one or more frame members to one or more footings with the one or more frame members oriented in a substantially horizontal orientation; b. attaching an elongate member to the apex of each of the one or more frame members; c. applying a force to the elongate member such that the one or more frame members are drawn into a substantially vertical position; and d. attaching one or more sheeting members to the one or more frame members.

The elongate member may be any suitable member, such as, but not limited to, rope cable, wire and the like. It will typically be maintained under tension, normally at both ends and typically by fixing to the ground, to maintain the structure erect.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a solar energy collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a illustrates a solar energy collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use; Figure 2b illustrates a solar energy collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use; Figure 3 illustrates a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a hydrogen generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a brine electrolysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7a- 7b illustrate steps in the erection of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a desalination system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings.

It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

In Figure 1 there is illustrated a solar energy collection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The solar energy collection device 10 is substantially pyramidal in shape. The frame of the solar energy collection device 10 comprises a plurality of frame members 11 upon which a plurality of photovoltaic cells 12 are mounted. The solar energy collection device 10 is further provided with a plurality of feet 13 which allow the solar energy collection device 10 to be mounted in a variety of locations.

Solar energy 14 striking the solar energy collection device 10 will contact one or more of a plurality of deflectors 15 which deflect the solar energy towards the base of the solar energy collection device 10. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1, the redirected solar energy 16 is directed towards a tray 17 located in the bottom of the solar energy collection device 10. The tray 17 contains a fluid (such as water) which is heated by the redirected solar energy 16. The heated fluid (not shown) may then be used in other application where a heated medium is required.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate applications of the solar energy collection device 10 of the present invention. In Figure 2a cold water is fed into the solar energy collection device 10 where it is heated by solar energy and fed into a hot water service 18, from where it may be used in a building 19 such as a house, office, factory, apartment complex and so on.

hi Figure 2b cold water fed into the solar energy collection device 10 may be heated and then fed to a hot water service 18 as previously described. However, in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2b, the solar energy collection device 10 may also be used to generate electrical energy which may be used to power an existing electrical element 20 in the hot water service.

Turning now to Figure 3, there is shown a power generation system 21 comprising a solar energy collection device 10. A medium (fluid, gas etc) housed within the solar energy collection device 10 is heated by solar energy and then flows through conduits 22 such as pipes into a vessel 23 containing liquid ammonia. The heated medium cause the ammonia to undergo a phase transformation to a gaseous state, the gaseous ammonia flowing out of the vessel 23 and into a first power generation means 24 in the form of a turbo-generator.

Ammonia flowing out of the first power generation means 24 may flow into a second vessel 25. Additional energy is supplied to the second vessel 25 such that the ammonia is reheated. Reheated ammonia exits the second vessel 25 and may either enter a second power generation means 26 in the form of a turbo-generator or may be returned to the first vessel 23. Ammonia returning to the first vessel 23 passes through a condenser 27 to ensure that the gaseous ammonia returns to its liquid state prior to entering the first vessel 23.

hi Figure 4, a relocatable power generation system 28 is shown. The relocatable power generation system 28 is housed within a container 29 adapted for towing by a vehicle (not shown). The relocatable power generation system 28 comprises a pair of solar energy collection devices 10. The relocatable power generation system 28 is adapted for connection to a power line 30 such that electrical energy generated by the relocatable power generation system 28 may be transferred to end users. This is particularly important if the relocatable power generation system 28 is placed in a remote location to take advantage of an abundance of solar energy.

In Figure 5 a hydrogen generation system 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The hydrogen generation system 31 comprises a solar energy collection device 10 in communication with a vessel 32 containing a hydrogen source 33 in the form of a fuel rod. The vessel 32 contains a liquid or compound 34 which may also include a catalyst.

Energy generated by the solar energy collection device 10 may be transferred as electrical energy to the vessel 32, or a heated medium (liquid or gas) may be passed through pipes into the vessel 32 in order to heat the contends of the vessel 32.

The heat generated in the vessel 32 cause gaseous hydrogen to be produced. The gaseous hydrogen is then transferred to a fuel cell 35, where it may be used to produce water. The excess energy produced by the reaction in the fuel cell 35 may also be used to generate additional electrical energy which may be stored or used as required.

In Figure 6 there is shown a brine electrolysis system 36 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Brine from a desalination plant 37 is fed into a vessel 38. A solar energy collection device 10 is used to supply either a heated medium or electrical energy to the vessel 38. The resultant reaction produces gaseous hydrogen which may be fed to a fuel cell 39 in order to generate electrical energy. A by-product of the reaction in the vessel 38 is the production of chlorine 40 which may be sold as pool chlorine or the like.

Turning now to Figures 7a and 7b there are shown steps in the erection of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, hi Figure 7a, a plurality of frame members 41 are connected to footings 42 while in a horizontal position. An elongate member 43 such as a rope or cable is connected to the apex 44 of each of the frame members 41.

Once the elongate member 43 has been connected, a force may be applied to the elongate member 43 using a vehicle 45 such as a car, truck, tractor, forklift and so on. The applied force serves to bring the frame members 41 into a substantially vertical position as they pivot around the footings 42. Additional elongate members 46 may be used to interconnect the footings 42 and the apexes 44 of the frame members 41.

To assist in erecting the structure, a guide 47 may be positioned to ensure that the elongate member 43 is pulled at the correct angle for erecting the structure.

In Figure 8, a cross-sectional view of the structure 48 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The structure 48 is provided with sheeting 49 in the form of clear or semi-opaque plastic sheeting to allow sunlight to enter the structure promoting growth of the crops inside. Internally to the structure 48 there is provided a series of trays 50 in which crops may be propagated. The trays 50 are provided with mechanization for the planting and harvesting of crops when required.

The structure 48 further comprises trays 51 located at the junction of the wall and floor of the structure 48 and adapted to collect condensation which may be recycled through water headers 52 in order to provide the crops in the trays 51 with water.

Turning now to Figure 9 there is shown a desalination system 53 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The desalination system 53 comprises a solar energy collection device 10 comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells 12 mounted to frame members 11.

Saltwater 54 is pumped via suction pump 55 from a saltwater source (river, pond, ocean etc) into an evaporation tank 56 with a blackened base located within the solar energy collection device 10. The flowrate of saltwater into the evaporation tank 56 is determined by the rate of evaporation. The pump 55 may be powered by the solar energy collection device 10. The surface of the evaporation tank 56 is covered by an absorption medium 57. Solar energy collected by the solar energy collection device 10 may be stored in a battery 58.

Solar energy may be directed onto the evaporation tank 56 using a conical reflector 59 causing water to evaporate and condense on the inner surface 60 of the solar energy collection device 10. Condensation runs down the inner surface 60 and into a collection tank 61.

Excess water may be removed from the evaporation tank 56 via a valve 62. Water collected in the collection tank 61 may pass through a valve 63 into a storage tank 64, from where it may be delivered via a pump 65 (the pump being powered by the solar energy collection device 10) to a filter 66, after which it may be used for drinking purposes, for instance. Alternatively, the water from the storage tank 64 may bypass

67 the filter 66 and may be used on gardens and the like. The storage tank 64 may further comprises a drain valve 68.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

Claims.

1. A solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame.

2. A solar energy collection device according to claim 1 wherein each side of the frame is provided with one or more photovoltaic cells.

3. A solar energy collection device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the solar energy collection device is provided with one or more concentrating means adapted to concentrate the sunlight striking the solar energy collection device.

4. A solar energy collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the solar energy collection device further comprises energy storage means.

5. A solar energy collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the solar energy collection device further comprises one or more vessels in which one or more substances may be held and heated by the solar energy collection device.

6. A solar energy collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the angle of one or more of the sides of the solar energy collection device are adjustable.

7. A solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and comprising one or more frame members, and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame, and wherein the solar energy collection device is in communication with an energy storage device, the energy storage device comprising: a. at least one shaft member; b. at least a pair of flywheels including a first flywheel and a second flywheel larger than the first flywheel, each flywheel associated with the at least one shaft member; c. a clutch assembly associated with each of the flywheels; d. at least one low power input device; and e. a power take off means associated with the second flywheel; wherein the first flywheel is rotated using a low power input device powered by the solar energy collection device and is accelerated to a predetermined rotational velocity whereupon the clutch assembly engages to connect the first and second flywheels allowing inertial and kinetic energy to transfer between the flywheels to accelerate the second flywheel.

8. A solar energy collection device, the solar energy collection device comprising a frame having a generally pyramidal shape and comprising one or more frame members, and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are located on one or more sides of the frame, and wherein the solar energy collection device is in communication with an energy storage device, the energy storage device comprising: a. at least one shaft member; b. a first flywheel; c. at least one low power input device for rotating the first flywheel to a predetermined rotational velocity; d. a second flywheel of greater dimension than the first flywheel; e. a clutch assembly associated with the first and second flywheels for separating the flywheels and engaging the first flywheel with the second flywheel upon the first flywheel attaining the predetermined velocity; and f. a power take off means associated with the second flywheel.

9. A method of storing energy collected by a generally pyramidal shaped solar energy collection device until a useable amount of power is stored and releasing when required, the method including the steps of: a. providing a flywheel energy storage system including a first and a second larger flywheel mounted on a shaft and separated but connectable by a clutch assembly; b. accelerating the first flywheel to a predetermined rotational velocity using a low power input device; c. engaging the clutch assembly once the first flywheel has attained the predetermined velocity to connect the first and second flywheels; and d. providing a power take off means associated with the second flywheel to utilise the rotation of the second flywheel to withdraw useable power from the system.

10. A hydrogen generation system comprising one or more solar energy collection devices, wherein the solar energy collected by the one or more solar energy collection devices is applied to a hydrogen source in order to produce gaseous hydrogen from said hydrogen source.

11. A hydrogen generation system according to claim 10 wherein the one or more solar energy collection devices are the solar energy collection devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A brine electrolysis system comprising one or more solar energy collection devices, wherein the solar energy collected by the one or more solar energy collection devices is applied to a brine solution in order to produce gaseous hydrogen from said brine solution.

13. A structure comprising a plurality of frame members, one or more sheeting members adapted for connection to said plurality of frame members, wherein the structure is provided with production means for automated crop production.

14. A method for erecting a structure comprising the steps of: a. attaching base portions of one or more frame members to one or more footings with the one or more frame members oriented in a substantially horizontal orientation; b. attaching an elongate member to the apex of each of the one or more frame members; c. applying a force to the elongate member such that the one or more frame members are drawn into a substantially vertical position; and d. attaching one or more sheeting members to the one or more 5 frame members.