A moveable solar panel support apparatus

Abstract

A moveable solar panel support apparatus for a campervan has a support that has a first end 4 which in use is supported on surface and a second end 2 that supports a solar panel. An actuator can rotat

Description

30 12 24 FIELD The invention relates to a moveable solar panel support apparatus, which is particularly aimed at the leisure market. 5 BACKGROUND With climate change now featuring high on people’s minds, making full use and maximising efficiency of the suns power is ever more important. This is particularly the case when camping in order to avoid the use of electric hook-ups, gas bottles and small generators. 10 To enable self-sufficiency for power in a small campervan, a leisure battery is installed which is charged using a range of portable solar panels from e.g., 80W to 150W output. On a reasonable sunny day, the solar panel charges the leisure battery which supplies power to run a variety of auxiliary items, such as a refrigerator and power supplies for USB outlets and lighting. 15 However, as the sun traverses the sky less radiation is incident on the solar panel and therefore its efficiency of capture diminishes. The present invention arose in order to address this problem. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moveable solar 20 panel support apparatus comprising: a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surface and a second end configured to support a solar panel; wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and each arm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the 25 solar panel; and 30 12 24 wherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm member so that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized solar panels; an actuator configured to rotate the second end of the support through a 5 predefined arc such that a solar panel mounted thereon is always displaced towards the sun’s rays; an electronic timer configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through the predefined arc; 10 wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angle of the solar panel. The invention therefore maximises efficiency of the solar panel as it ensures the radiation capturing area is always facing the sun during the day. This results in optimum power being delivered to charge the battery. 15 The moveable solar panel support apparatus provides a versatile, compact, efficient support apparatus which can be used to automatically and efficiently move a solar panel to follow the movement of the sun relative to the apparatus so as to optimise the conversion of solar energy to electricity. The term “moveable solar panel support apparatus” is used herein to refer to a solar 20 panel support apparatus which is rotatable about an axis. The charging cable from the solar panel is connected to a battery. The battery may be a leisure battery, for example a vehicle leisure battery. The battery may be configured to provide power to one or more of: appliances (such as for example a 12 V refrigerator), a 240v inverter, to operate low power devices such as a small blender or coffee grinder, 25 USB outlets and lighting. The apparatus of the present invention may therefore be used to optimise charging of a battery for providing power to electrical devices. 30 12 24 The apparatus may be used to mount any suitable solar panel. The apparatus may be configured to mount solar panels having a weight of up to 15 kg. The second end of the support is preferably rotatable relative to the first end of the support. It is to be understood that the predefined time duration may be any suitable time duration. In one embodiment, the predefined time duration is between 5 minutes and 20 minutes. Preferably the time duration is substantially 14 minutes. The predefined arc may extend at any angle depending on the requirements for the apparatus. In one embodiment, the predefined arc extends at an angle between 1 and 4 degrees. Preferably the predefined arc extends at an angle of substantially 3.5 degrees. The apparatus may further comprise a security tether for securing one or more of: the support and / or a solar panel mounted on the second end of the support to a fixed item. For example, the security tether may extend from the support, for example from adjacent or at the first end of the support to a contact surface. Top end support arms and clasps prevent the solar panel from being removed when unattended. The apparatus may further comprise an orientation device for orienting the second end of the support such that a solar panel mounted thereon is in an optimum direction. The orientation device may be a compass. The actuator is preferably a 12v de low power geared electric motor assembly. The apparatus takes its minimal power from the solar panel / leisure battery system for operating the electric motor and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a switch operable for reversing the direction of the motor. This enables the apparatus to be used in northern and southern hemispheres. The support is adjustable. The support may be adjustable to vary one or more of: an elevation angle of the second free end of the support for mounting a solar panel thereon 3 30 12 24 and / or the height of the second free end of the support relative to the first end of the support. The support may comprise a lock means for locking one or more legs in position at the required height and orientation. The adjustable support may further comprise a ball and 5 socket connector with a lock means. In one embodiment, the support comprises one or more legs (preferably a plurality of legs, for example three legs) adapted to be secured onto a contact surface. The legs may be adapted to be secured onto a contact surface by any suitable means. For example, the, or each, leg may provide an aperture extending therethrough. The 10 aperture(s) may be configured to receive tent pegs extending therethrough to secure the or each leg to a corresponding contact surface. The contact surface may be any suitable contact surface such as for example the ground or the roof of a stationary camper van or motorhome. The support may comprise one or more legs. One or more legs of the support may be 15 adjustable in length. The apparatus may also comprise control buttons and indicator lights to assist in setting up the apparatus. These are typically power on / off, direction of rotation and manual rotation to align initially with the sun. The alignment means operable to rotate the second end of the support (for example a 20 solar panel mounted on the second end of the support) to face the sun at a desired time, usually when setting up camp. The alignment means preferably includes a simple sundial. The alignment means is configured to be used by a user to position the apparatus as required. The presence of an alignment means assists alignment and prevents risk of eye damage. 25 The apparatus may further comprise an ambient light level sensor operable to return the second end of the support to a predetermined start position when the ambient light level sensor detects the light level as being lower than a predetermined minimum. 30 12 24 The predetermined start position may be such that the second end of the support (for example a solar panel mounted on the second end of the support) faces substantially eastwards. In this orientation, the solar panel will be ready to receive sunlight when the sun rises the following day. The apparatus automatically starts its timed arc movement once sunlight is detected again. The second end of the support is configured for releasable engagement to a solar panel. The second end comprises releasable gripping portions configured to receive and support a solar panel mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a detachable connection means adapted to detach a solar panel from the second end of the support when exposed to a force greater than a predetermined maximum value. As such, the apparatus provides a safety mechanism to minimise the risk of the apparatus becoming damaged in the event of windy conditions. If the second end of the support (for example a solar panel mounted on the second end of the support) experiences force greater than a predetermined maximum value, the solar panel will be released from the second end of the support. The apparatus may further comprise a security tether connected to an alarm, in which the alarm is operable to trigger on activation by the tether. This arrangement provides a security alarm to notify the user if an attempt is made to remove the apparatus or the solar panel mounted thereon. In one embodiment the support is a tripod. The support may be collapsible to facilitate stowage. The apparatus may therefore be suitable for transportation and use in situations where space is limited. The apparatus preferably further comprises a warning light operable to automatically illuminate at night to provide warning to other persons of the location of the apparatus in the dark. The apparatus may further comprise a safety mechanism enabling the second end of the support (and solar panel mounted thereon) to rotate should the apparatus be inadvertently knocked over. The safety mechanism preferably comprises a clutch 5 30 12 24 mechanism enabling free rotation of the second end of the support relative to the first end. Such an arrangement prevents damage to the apparatus. A kit for a moveable solar power apparatus as herein described comprising: a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surface and a 5 second end configured to support a solar panel; wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and each arm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the solar panel; and wherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm member 10 so that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized solar panels; an actuator configured to rotate the second end of the support through a predefined arc such that a solar panel mounted thereon is displaced towards the sun’s rays; 15 a timer configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through the predefined arc; and a socket configured to receive a dawn to dusk accessory; wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angle of the 20 solar panel. Optionally a socket receives a light sensor accessory. A method for producing a moveable solar power apparatus as herein described, comprising: obtaining a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surface 25 and a second end configured to support a solar panel; 30 12 24 wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and each arm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the solar panel; and wherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm member so that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized solar panels; obtaining an actuator and placing the actuator in communication with the second end of the support, the actuator being configured to displace the second end of the support, and any solar panel mounted thereon, through a predefined arc towards the sun’s rays; and obtaining a timer and placing the timer in communication with the actuator, the electronic timer being configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through the predefined arc; wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angle of the solar panel. Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the moveable solar panel support apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the moveable solar panel support apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of part of the moveable solar power support apparatus of Figure 1; 30 12 24 Figure 4 is an overall front elevational view of the moveable solar power support apparatus of Figure 1 showing the solar panel supported; Figure 5a is a schematic illustrating the concept of the motor controller; and Figures 5b and 5c are truth tables for the motor board. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the Figures, the moveable solar panel support apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) comprises a support split at point 1 with lower part 3 fixed and upper part 2 able to rotate. A first end 4 to be supported on a contact surface and a second end 2 configured to support a solar panel (shown in Figure 4). The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) further 10 comprises an actuator (inside lower part 3, not shown) configured to rotate the second end 2 such that a solar panel (shown in Figure 4) mounted thereon is displaced through a predefined arc towards the sun’s rays. The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) further comprises a timer circuit (inside lower part 3, not shown) configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end 15 2 through a predefined arc. The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) further comprises a socket or aperture to receive a power cable from the output of the solar panel in order to operate / power the apparatusr The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) comprises a main body portion 3 which comprises the actuator, timer and socket. 20 The second end 2 comprises three spaced apart arm members 6 for supporting a solar panel thereon. It is however to be understood that the second end may comprise any suitable features, and any suitable number of features, to mount a solar panel thereon. The three spaced apart arm members 6 each have a first end located within an aperture in the top section 2 each have a free end 12 holding a movable solar panel support 5. 25 used to release or engage a solar panel (shown in Figure 4). 30 12 24 The three gripping members 5 are slidable along the axis of the corresponding arm member 12 so that the location of each gripping member can be adjustable to engage different sized solar panels. A plane extends between the three gripping members 5 at an angle to the contact surface. The angle of the plane defined between the three gripping members 5 may be varied by altering the location of one or more of the gripping members 5 on the corresponding arm member 12. On the rear arm at point 7, a mechanism is provided to adjust the angle of incidence of a mounted solar panel to take into account the sun’s angle at different times of the year. The first end 3 of the support 4 comprises three spaced apart leg members 8 extending from a lower end 4 of the main body portion 3. The leg members 8 are substantially equally spaced apart from each other. A fourth leg 9 extends out vertically from the support 4 for added stability. It is to be understood that the support 4 may include any suitable number of leg members. Each leg members 8 and 9 have a first end located within and extending from an aperture 10 provided by the lower end 4 of the main body portion 3 and a second free end 11 providing an aperture 13 extending therethrough. The aperture 13 is sized to receive for example a tent peg to secure the support 4 to the contact surface. It is to be noted, that the arm members 12 and the leg members 8 are locked in place by a twist movement and engaged within each aperture 10, provided by the main body portions 2 and 3. It is however to be understood that the arm members and / or the leg members may be easily dis-engaged from the main body portion. The legs and arms are removable for easy stowage of the device when not in use. The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) further comprises an orientation device 14 in the form of a compass (as shown in Figure 3). The orientation device is provided on an upper end 15 of the main body portion 2. In use, the arm members 12 are inserted into the corresponding apertures 10 provided at the upper end 2 of the main body portion. The leg members 8 are inserted into and 9 30 12 24 engage with the corresponding apertures 10 at the lower end of the main body portion 3. The gripping members 5 are positioned in desired locations relative to the arm members 12 to define a plane extending at a predetermined angle for mounting of a solar panel. The solar panel is lifted onto and supported by the arm members 12 and secured in placed by the gripping members 5. The gripping members may further include a locking means to prevent unintended removal of the solar panel from the support 2. The compass 14 aids the user when positioning the support 2 such that the second end (and the panel mounted thereon) of the support 2 faces to the east. The second end of the support 2 (with the solar panel mounted thereon) may be manually moveable such that the panel faces the sun. The actuator (not shown) may be operated to automatically align the second end of the support 2 in a predetermined position such that the mounted panel faces the sun. In operation, the timer enables the actuator to move the second end of the support 2 (with the panel mounted thereon) in a predetermined arc at a rate of approximately 3.5 degrees every 14 minutes such that the panel follows the sun to optimise solar energy conversion. It is to be understood that this rate can be varied as desired. The apparatus (Figures 1 and 2) further comprises a “dawn to dusk” accessory sensor which is operable to detect when the light level falls below a minimum predetermined value and on sensing the loss in light causes the actuator to move the second end of the support 2 to its datum east facing start position ready for operation when the sun rises the following morning. A delay circuit is incorporated into the electronic circuitry before the dawn to dusk sensor triggers the return movement of the actuator. This delay prevents false triggering due to shadows or temporary darkness. The Nagonic Solar Lander MK1 electronics essentially features two timer circuits. The first is a 14 minute astable interval timer which triggers a monostable pulse [currently adjustable until final motor gearing is finalised]. This drive control pulse is approximately 1 second and moves the solar panel rotation 3.5 degrees every 14 minutes. This equates to the sun (or rather the earth) moving 15 degrees every hour relative to the sun. This 10 timer function forms the central element of the Lander control with associated logic circuits to stop the rotation after dusk and to return the panel to face east again ready for the next morning at dawn if the Dawn to Dusk sensor (DDS) accessory is attached. This logic also takes into account direction of rotation, i.e., if operated in Northern or 5 Southern hemisphere, and determines direction accordingly. The additional dawn to dusk sensor (DDS) forms a value added key part of this operation and will be sold as a “plug in” accessory to the MK1 Lander. Without the DDS accessory connected, the Lander will simply revolve the panel at a rate of 3.5 degrees every 14 minutes until the Lander is powered off for the day. 10 The dawn to dusk sensor is a photo transistor coupled to a voltage comparator with set values to trigger on at dawn and off at dusk. The DDS is enclosed in a small waterproof glass tube with a 2 metre cable and terminated with a 4 pin waterproof plug. A separate circuit on the main Lander PCB adds a hysteresis delay of around 2 minutes to prevent the DDS being triggered by other events, e.g., car headlights or shadows etc. This delay 15 can be extended easily if needed following testing. 30 12 24 30 12 24

Claims

1. A moveable solar panel support apparatus comprising:a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surface and a second end configured to support a solar panel;5 wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and eacharm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the solar panel; andwherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm member so that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized10 solar panels;an actuator configured to rotate the first end of the support such that a solar panel mounted thereon is displaced towards the sun’s rays; anda timer configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through a predefined arc;15 wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angleof the solar panel.

2. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predefined time duration is between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, preferably the time duration is approximately 14 minutes.20 3. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein thepredefined arc is between 1.0 and 4 degrees, preferably the predefined arc is substantially 3.5 degrees.

4. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a security tether for securing one or more of: the support and / or a solar25 panel mounted on the second end of the support to a fixed item.30 12 245. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an orientation device for orienting the second end of the support such that a solar panel mounted thereon is in an optimum direction.

6. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the 5 orientation device is a compass.

7. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator is a low power (12v) electric motor.

8. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising control circuitry for operating the electric motor.10 9. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to either of claims 7 or 8,further comprising an electronic switch operable for reversing the direction of the motor.

10. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable support includes a ball and socket connector with a lock means.

11. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, in 15 which the support comprises one or more legs adapted to be secured onto a contact surface, for example with tent pegs through aperture in feet of the legs.

12. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the one or more legs of the support is / are adjustable in length.

13. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, 20 further comprising an indicator light operable to indicate a charging status of a solar panel mounted on the support.

14. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an alignment means which is used to rotate the solar panel to face the sun at a desired time.25 15. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to claim 14 wherein thealignment means includes a sundial.30 12 2416. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an ambient light level sensor which is adapted to return the second end of the support to a start position when the ambient light level sensor detects the light level as being lower than a predetermined minimum.5 17. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, inwhich the second end of the support is configured for releasable engagement to a solar panel.

18. A moveable solar panel support apparatus as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a detachable connection means which is adapted to detach a solar panel from 10 the second end of the support when exposed to a force greater than a predetermined maximum value.

19. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a security tether connected to an alarm, in which the alarm is operable to trigger on activation by the tether.15 20. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, inwhich the support is a tripod.

21. A moveable solar panel support apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the support is collapsible for stowage.

22. A kit for a moveable solar power apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 21 comprising:a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surface and a second end configured to support a solar panel;wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and each arm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the 25 solar panel; and30 12 24wherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm member so that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized solar panels;an actuator configured to rotate the second end of the support through a5 predefined arc such that a solar panel mounted thereon is displaced towards the sun’s rays;a timer configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through the predefined arc; and10 a socket configured to receive a dawn to dusk accessory;wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angle of the solar panel.

23. A method for producing a moveable solar power apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising:15 obtaining a support comprising a first end to be supported on a contact surfaceand a second end configured to support a solar panel;wherein the second end comprises a plurality of arm members; and each arm member comprises a gripping member configured to receive and support the solar panel; and20 wherein each gripping member is slidable along the respective arm memberso that the location of each gripping member is adjustable to engage different sized solar panels;obtaining an actuator and placing the actuator in communication with the second end of the support, the actuator being configured to displace the second end of the 25 support, and any solar panel mounted thereon, through a predefined arc towards the sun’s rays; andobtaining a timer and placing the timer in communication with the actuator, the timer being configured to output a control signal to the actuator after a predefined time duration, in order to displace the second end of the support through the predefined arc;wherein the support is an adjustable support for varying an elevation angle5 of the solar panel.30 12 24

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