A photovoltaic power generation system

Abstract

A boat 10 comprises a portable deck 12 removably mounted on a hull 16. A photovoltaic power generation system 20 is included in or coupled to deck 12. Photovoltaic panels 14 may be incorporated into t

Description

The present invention relates to solar power generation systems. The invention relates particularly to solar power generation systems that are suitable for use in transport. Background to the Invention It is common for a person’s power requirements to be met using multiple power sources. For example the person’s home may be supplied by an electricity supply grid, fixed solar panels or an electrical generator, while for transport an internal combustion engine or batteries may be used. It would be desirable to provide a versatile and environmentally friendly system for meeting at least some of a person’s power and transport requirements. Summary of the Invention From a first aspect the invention provides a boat comprising: a portable deck structure; a hull structure for supporting the deck structure; and a photovoltaic power system comprising at least one photovoltaic panel, wherein the deck structure is removably mountable on said hull structure, and wherein said at least one photovoltaic panel is included in or coupled to said deck structure. From a second aspect the invention provides a buoyant power generation and storage apparatus comprising: a portable deck structure; a hull structure for supporting the deck structure; and a photovoltaic power system comprising at least one photovoltaic panel, wherein the deck structure is removably mountable on said hull structure, and wherein said at least one photovoltaic panel is included in or coupled to said deck structure. From a third aspect the invention provides a photovoltaic power system comprising at least one primary photovoltaic panel included in deck structure or other panel-like portable structure such that an obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel is exposed at an obverse face of said structure, wherein said photovoltaic system includes at least one photovoltaic panel module comprising at least one secondary photovoltaic panel, said at least one module being directly or indirectly coupled to, preferably removably, said deck, and wherein, preferably, said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is operable between a deployed state and a stowed state. From a further aspect the invention provides a transport and power generation system comprising a boat of the first aspect, or an apparatus or the second aspect, or a photovoltaic power system of the third aspect, and a trailer, wherein said trailer is configured to carry said hull structure and said portable panel structure or deck structure in a disassembled state. In preferred embodiments, at least one primary photovoltaic panel is included in said deck structure such that an obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel is exposed at an obverse face of said deck structure. Said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, in particular said obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, preferably provides at least part of an obverse face of said deck structure, optionally being covered by one or more transparent layer. Said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, in particular, said obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, may provide or extend across the entire, or substantially the entire, obverse face of said deck structure. Typically, means for releasably coupling said deck structure to said hull structure and / or means for releasably fastening said deck structure to said hull structure are provided. Said hull structure may comprise one or more hulls. Said hull structure preferably comprises at least two hulls, said deck structure being mountable directly or indirectly on each of said at least two hulls, said deck structure interconnecting said at least two hulls when mounted thereon, said at least two hulls being separable, or not interconnected, when said deck structure is not mounted thereon. Said hull structure may include at least one support structure interconnecting, optionally releasably interconnecting, said at least two hulls, and wherein said deck structure is removably mountable, directly or indirectly, on said at least two hulls and / or on said at least one support structure. Said deck structure typically comprises a support structure said at least one primary photovoltaic panel being supported by said support structure, and wherein said support structure may comprise a base and / or a frame. Said deck structure is typically planar, or substantially planar. Optionally, said photovoltaic system includes at least one photovoltaic panel module comprising at least one secondary photovoltaic panel, said at least one module being coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said deck structure, said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel preferably being provided on a support structure, the support structure being coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said deck structure or said hull structure. Said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is preferably operable between a deployed state and a stowed state. Said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is preferably movable, for example foldable and / or pivotable, with respect to the deck structure to move between the deployed state and the stowed state. Preferably, in said deployed state, the obverse face of said at least one secondary panel faces upwardly and may be disposed obliquely to, or parallel with, the obverse face of the deck structure. Preferably, in said stowed state, said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the obverse face of the deck structure, or otherwise at a steeper angle than it adopts in said deployed state. Optionally, said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module comprises a plurality of secondary photovoltaic panels, and wherein the panels are foldable, pivotable or otherwise movable with respect to each other, preferably between a stowed state and a deployed state.. Optionally, at least one photovoltaic panel module is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, a side or an end of said deck structure and / or of said hull structure. Typically, means for releasably coupling said at least one photovoltaic panel module to said deck structure and / or said hull structure, and / or means for releasably fastening said at least one photovoltaic panel module to said deck structure and / or said hull structure are provided. Typically, said photovoltaic system comprises at least one battery for charging by said at least one photovoltaic panel, and wherein at least one charge controller is preferably provided for controlling charging of said at least one battery by said photovoltaic panels. Said at least one battery may be carried by the deck structure or incorporated into the deck structure, and wherein, optionally, at least one battery is removably mountable on said deck structure. Said at least one battery may located in a compartment or enclosure provided in or on said deck structure, said compartment or enclosure optionally being removable from said deck structure. Optionally, a seat structure is provided on said deck structure, the seat structure being configured to provide a seat for one or more person. Said seat structure may be configured to provide said compartment or enclosure. Preferably, said photovoltaic power system includes at least one electrical power outlet, and wherein, optionally, a respective electrical power converter is provided for each power outlet. One or more electrical outlets, and optionally associated power converters, may be provided in one or more output module, and wherein the or each output module may be removable. In preferred embodiments, an outboard motor is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said deck structure and / or to said hull structure, and wherein the outboard motor is advantageously electrically powered in use by said photovoltaic power system. Preferred embodiments meet the need for a renewable energy system that generates, stores and supplies electricity in a useable form for off grid or grid support applications. Preferred embodiments are versatile and address the needs of both land borne and water borne power supply applications. In some embodiments, the system is configurable to provide: a. a floating, self-powered and manoeuvrable PV generating and storage apparatus, preferably in the form of a boat b. a trailer mountable PV generating and storage apparatus c. a stand alone frame and battery storage system Preferred embodiments may include any one or more of the following features: 1. PV panel(s) incorporated into the deck of a boat 2. a modular PV panel system that facilitates adding or removing PV panels either in pairs or individually 3. a modular battery module comprising a plurality of inter-connectable batteries 4. a self-powered renewable energy power generating and storage system, advantageously being portable and / or suitable for use as a means for transport. Preferred embodiments comprise or are configurable to provide any one or more of the following: a. A portable PV structure, typically comprising one or more PV panels carried by a frame or other support structure, and preferably being panel-like in shape. Advantageously, the structure may be a standalone structure, or may be fixed to, optionally releasably fixed to, any other suitable carrying platform. For example, the portable PV structure may be provided in a land or water-based PV generating and electricity storage apparatus. The apparatus may for example be capable of generating approximately 2.5 kW of electrical power, but may be configured to generate lower or higher power levels as required. Preferably, a plurality of batteries or battery packs are provided for storage of the generated energy, and which may be used to provide an off grid electrical power supply. Optionally, the PV panels are provided in modules, each module comprising one or more PV panel, typically carried by a frame or other support structure. In some embodiments, each module has two (or more) PV panels. Each PV panel module is preferably removably mountable on the portable structure, and may be deployable between use and stowed states, advantageously without need of tools. When the portable PV structure is mounted on a hull structure to form a boat, each PV module may be coupled to the bow, stern, starboard or port side as is convenient. b. A boat, or other floating structure, comprising the PV panel structure removably mounted on a hull structure, wherein optionally: I. The boat only becomes a boat when the PV structure is mounted on the hull structure. The PV panel structure provides the deck of the boat. A battery module is provided. An outboard motor is mountable on the PV panel structure or on the hull structure. The boat may be used for a variety of applications, e.g. for river transport or for recreation such as fishing. The PV structure charges the battery module which powers the motor. An excess power may be stored in the battery module for other applications. ii. The boat (or more generally floating structure) only becomes a boat when the PV structure is mounted to the hull structure. The floating structure is not necessarily configured to receive and power an outboard motor, but instead serves as a floating power generation system (although it is preferably free to be towed or propelled manually e.g. using a paddle). A battery module is provided for storing power generated by the PV panel structure, and at least 5 one power outlet is provided. The floating structure can for example be moored alongside a houseboat, or near to the shore to provide renewable energy power generation and storage. In addition it will be possible to provide power to regions with river only access. c. A trailer configured to receive and carry the PV panel structure and preferably also the hull structure and other system components such as the battery module. Advantageously, the trailer can provide transport for the boat with or without the frame attached. The trailer may have the frame attached without the boat. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide at least some of the following advantages. When the invention is embodied as a boat, it facilitates travel by river, canal, lake, waterway or calm stretch of water free of cost when powered by solar energy. It may be used as a vehicle for leisure travel, commuting, shopping, fishing or water sport. Embodiments of the invention may provide independence in domestic power and personal transportation. Embodiments of the invention may be used to provide electric power to other boats, houseboats, road vehicles, houses, and / or other land based requirements; either in its water based configuration, or its disassembled land based configuration. In its disassembled configuration it can be towed behind any vehicle to provide power to any location. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can provide electrical power to previously unreachable or hard-to-reach locations in developing countries by being able to power itself the entire length of any stretch of water without any need to refuel. It can therefore provide light, power and / or transport to deprived communities by the water, and because of the easy disassembly and transportability of the power generating apparatus, it can be carried to communities far from the water, and bring light and power to the remotest location, enabling health and education to be brought to many previously neglected areas. Other advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a boat embodying one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the boat of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the boat of Figure 1 including secondary photovoltaic panels shown in a stowed state; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the boat of Figure 3 in which the deck structure with secondary photovoltaic panels is disassembled from the deck structure; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the boat of Figure 1 including secondary photovoltaic panels shown in a deployed state; Figure 6A is a side view of first and second secondary photovoltaic panels shown in a stowed state; Figure 6B is a side view of the first and second secondary photovoltaic panels of Figure 6A shown between the stowed state and a deployed state; Figure 6C is a side view of the first and second secondary photovoltaic panels shown in the stowed state; Figure 7 is a side view of the rear of the boat of Figure 1 showing an outboard motor mounted on the boat; and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a photovoltaic power generation system embodying another aspect of the invention and suitable for use with the boat of the first aspect of the invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring now in particular to Figures 1 to 5 and 7 there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a boat embodying one aspect of the invention. The boat 10 comprises a deck structure 12 and a hull structure 16, the deck structure 12 being removably mounted on, or otherwise supported by, the hull structure 16 to provide a deck having an obverse, or upwardly facing, face 13. The deck structure 12 may be releasably coupled to the hull structure 16 by any suitable releasable coupling means. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the deck structure 12 and hull structure 16 are provided with releasably inter-connectable connectors 19A, 19B, e.g. corresponding male and female connectors. Any suitable conventional connectors may be used as connectors 19A, 19B. Any other suitable conventional coupling may alternatively be used, e.g. one or more mounting bracket. Fastening means (not illustrated), e.g. bolts, pins, clips, screws or other locking devices, may be provided to releasbly fasten the deck structure 12 to the hull structure 16. The deck structure 12 is portable such that, when it is not coupled to the hull structure 16, it is amenable to being transported, e.g. being carried by one or more persons, or carried by a trailer or other vehicle (not shown). In preferred embodiments, the deck structure 12 is planar or panel-like in shape. In preferred embodiments, when the boat 10 is in its assembled state (as shown for example in Figures 1 to 3 and 5), the deck structure 12 is located on top of the hull structure 16. The connectors 19B may be provided on the top of the hull structure 16 to facilitate coupling of the deck structure 12 to the hull structure 16. Optionally, when the boat 10 is in its assembled state, one or more support structures 17 extend between the hull structure 16 and the deck structure 12, preferably the underside of the deck structure 12 in order to provide support to the deck structure 12 from below. The boat 10 includes a photovoltaic power system 20 (shown schematically in Figure 8) comprising at least one primary photovoltaic (PV) panel 14 that is included in the deck structure 12. Each PV panel 14 (which may also be referred to as a solar cell panel, solar electric panel, photovoltaic (PV) module or just solar panel) comprises photovoltaic (PV) cells (not shown) provided on a support structure and may be of any conventional design. In use, the PV cells, and therefore each PV panel 14, generates electrical power (usually DC power) in response to being exposed to sunlight, as is well known. In the illustrated embodiment, the deck structure 12 includes two PV panels 14A, 14B but more generally may include a single PV panel 14 an array of two or more PV panels 14. Each PV panel 14 has an obverse face 21, being the face at which the PV cells are exposed to sunlight in order to generate electrical power. In preferred embodiments, each primary PV panel 14 is included in the deck structure 12 such that the obverse face 21 of the PV panel 14 is exposed (at least partly exposed but preferably fully exposed) at the obverse face 13 of the deck structure 12, i.e. faces upwardly and is exposed to sunlight in use. This may be achieved by including the PV panel(s) 14 in the deck structure 12 such that the obverse face 21 of the PV panel(s) 14 provides at least part of, and optionally all of, the obverse face 13 of the deck structure 12. Optionally, the deck structure 12 may include one or more transparent layer (e.g. of plastics or toughed glass) on top of the obverse face 21 of the PV panel(s) 14, e.g. to protect the PV panel(s) and / or to improve the structural integrity of the deck structure 12. Each PV panel 14 is preferably flat or panel-like in shape, or at least has a flat obverse face 21. The deck structure 12 typically includes a support structure 22 for supporting the PV panel(s) 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 22 comprises a base 24 on which the PV panel(s) 14 are mounted, the base 24 being carried by a frame 26. The frame 26 may be adapted for releasable coupling with the hull structure 16 and may therefore include the connectors 19A. The hull structure 16 may comprise one or more hulls. In preferred embodiments the hull structure 16 two or more hulls such that, for example, the boat 10 may take the form of a catamaran or trimaran. In the illustrated embodiment, the hull structure 16 comprises first and second hulls 16A, 16B. In preferred embodiments, the deck structure 12 is mountable directly or indirectly on each of the hulls 16A, 16B and, when so mounted, interconnects the hulls 16A, 16B. Preferably, the hulls 16A, 16B are separable, or not interconnected, when the deck structure 12 is not mounted thereon. This is advantageous in that it makes the component parts of the boat 10 easier to carry or transport when the boat 10 is disassembled. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated) the hull structure includes at least one support structure interconnecting, optionally releasably interconnecting, each hull, the deck structure being removably mountable, directly or indirectly, on the hulls and / or on the support structure(s). In preferred embodiments, when the boat 10 is in its assembled state, the deck structure 12 is located on top of each hull 16A, 16B. The connectors 19B may be provided on the top of each hull 16A, 16B to facilitate coupling of the deck structure 12 to the hulls 16A, 16B. Conveniently, the corresponding connectors 19A may be provided at each side of the deck structure 12. One or more of the optional support structure(s) 17 may extend respectively between each hull 16A, 16B and the deck structure 12 when the boat 10 is assembled. When the boat 10 is disassembled (as shown for example in Figure 4), the support structure(s) 17 may remain connected to one or other of the hulls 16A, 16B or the deck structure 12, or may be removable from both. Any suitable conventional coupling means, e.g. co-operable connector(s) or bracket(s), may be used to couple the support structure(s) 17 to the deck structure 12 or hull structure 16. Each hull 16A, 16B may take any conventional form. In preferred embodiments, each hull 16A, 16B comprises an inflatable structure, which facilitates transport and storage. Alternatively, the or each hull may be non-inflatable, e.g. comprising a rigid (hollow or solid) structure formed from any suitable material (e.g. plastics, rubber, metal or wood), and / or may comprise any other buoyant structure. The hulls 16A, 16B are typically elongate in shape and, when the boat 10 is assembled, are arranged such that the respective longitudinal axis is disposed in the fore-aft direction of the boat 10. Referring in particular to Figures 3 to 5, in preferred embodiments, the photovoltaic power system 20 includes at least one photovoltaic (PV) panel module 30 comprising one or more secondary photovoltaic (PV) panel 114. Each PV panel module 30 is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, the deck structure 12. Each PV panel module 30 may comprise a support structure 32 on which the or each secondary PV panel 114 is mounted. The support structure 32 may be coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, the deck structure 12 and / or the hull structure 16. This may be achieved by any suitable coupling means, preferably releasable coupling means, for example releasably inter-connectable connectors, e.g. corresponding male and female connector(s), and / or mounting bracket(s). In the illustrated embodiment, each module 30 is releasably connected to the deck structure 12 by mounts 31 that can be secured by screws, bolts or other fixings. In preferred embodiments, the coupling means provide not only a mechanical connection but also facilitate an electrical connection between the module 30 and the deck structure 12 to allow the module 30 to be electrically connected to the PV power system 20. Any suitable conventional couplings may be used to connect or couple the modules 30 to the deck structure 12 or hull structure 16, as applicable. Fastening means (not illustrated), e.g. bolts, pins, clips, screws or other fixing devices, may be provided to releasbly fasten the PV panel module 30 to the deck structure 12 or hull structure 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the PV panel modules 30 are removably coupled to the frame 26. Optionally, one or more lifting device, such as a winch 35, may be provided on the deck structure 12 for lifting the PV panel modules 30 onto or off of the deck structure 12. Preferably, each PV panel module 30 is operable between a stowed state (Figures 3 and 4) and deployed state (Figure 5). Each PV panel module 30 is preferably movable, e.g. foldable and / or 9 pivotable, with respect to the deck structure 12 to facilitate movement between the deployed state and the stowed state. This may be achieved by any conventional means, for example by connecting the module 30 to the deck structure 12 or hull structure 16 using a pivotable coupling, and / or providing one or more hinge in the support structure 32. The preferred arrangement is such that the PV panel module 30 and / or the PV panel(s) 114 are able to pivot or tilt at least about a horizontal axis, i.e. in or parallel with the plane of the deck structure 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 32 includes one or more pivot joint 39 below the respective panel(s) 114 to allow the respective PV module 30 to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis. Preferably, in the deployed state, the obverse face 21 of each secondary PV panel 114 faces upwardly and may be disposed obliquely to, or parallel with, the obverse face 13 of the deck structure 12. In this disposition, the obverse face 21 of each panel 114 is well suited for exposure to sunlight. In the stowed state, each panel module 30 may be disposed perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the obverse face 13 of the deck structure 12, or otherwise at a steeper angle than it adopts in the deployed state. This disposition may reduce the intensity of light incident on the obverse face 21 of each panel 114 in comparison with the deployed state, but it reduces the overall width and or length of the boat 10, which makes manoeuvring the boat 10 more manageable. Preferably, even when the panels 114 are in the stowed state, the obverse face 13 of at least one panel 114 is at least partly exposed to allow it to generate electrical power. Each PV module 30 preferably has two or more secondary PV panels 114. Preferably, the PV panels 114 of the module 30 are movable between a deployed state (shown in Figure 5) and a stowed state (shown in Figure 3). In the deployed state, the respective obverse face 21 of each PV panel 114 is exposed, and preferably facing in the same, or generally the same, direction. In the stowed state, the PV panels 114 are folded or overlapping in order to reduce the overall size of the module 30. The PV panels 114 may be coupled to each other by one or more joint (e.g. a hinge or pivot) and / or linkage to allow them to fold, pivot or otherwise move with respect to each other to effect movement between the deployed and stowed states... For example with reference in particular to Figures 3 to 6, the panels 114A, 114B may be coupled together by a linkage 34 that allows panel 114B to extend and retract with respect to panel 114A. Linkage 34 is preferably a parallelogram linkage. Figure 6A shows the panels 114A, 114B in the stowed state, Figure 6B shows the panels 114A, 114B between the stowed and deployed states, and Figure 6 shows the panels 114A, 114B in the deployed state, wherein the movement of panel 114B with respect to panel 114B between the stowed and deployed states is guided by the linkage 34. The parallelogram linkage 34 supports movement of panel 114B with respect to panel 114A in a space-efficient manner, i.e. such that panel 114B does not significantly impinge on the deck area when moving between the deployed and stowed states. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the first PV panel 114A is pivotably connected to a second PV panel 114B, the panels 114A, 114B being pivotable with respect to each other between a stowed state in which they are folded with respect to each other, and a deployed state in which they are unfolded to expose each of the obverse faces 21. Optionally, one or more actuator 33 may be coupled to one or more of the panels 114A, 114B to effect or assist movement between the deployed 10 and stowed states. The actuator 33 is preferably a powered actuator, e.g. electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically powered, and / or may be spring-biased In preferred embodiments, each PV panel module 30 is located peripherally of the deck structure 12. For example, a respective PV panel module 30 may be located at the, or each, side of the deck structure 12, and / or at the or each end of the deck structure 12. In preferred embodiments, a seat structure 36 is provided on the deck structure 12, conveniently on the obverse face 13. The seat structure 36 may be fixed to the deck structure by any conventional fixing means, or may be removably mounted on the deck structure 12 by any conventional releasable fixing means. The seat structure 36 is configured to provide a seat 37 for one or more person, and may take any form, for example a bench structure in the illustrated embodiment. The photovoltaic system 20 comprises a battery module 40 comprising one or more batteries 42, in particular rechargeable batteries. Referring in particular to Figure 8, the battery module 40 typically includes a battery management system (BMS) 41 for managing use of the batteries 42, which may be of any conventional type. A conventional state of charge (SOC) unit 43 may also be provided. An interface unit 45, e.g. comprising a visual display and / or a user input device, may be including for providing status information and / or supporting user input. Preferably, the battery module 40 is carried by the deck structure 12, for example being located on the obverse face 13. The battery module 40 is preferably removable from the deck structure 12, although optionally one or more of the batteries 42 may be fixed to the deck structure 12 or incorporated into the deck structure 12. In preferred embodiments, the battery module 40 is located in a compartment 44 which is advantageously provided in the seat structure 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 44 is provided as a recess beneath the bench seat 37. Alternatively, the seat structure 36 may include an enclosure defining the compartment 44. Alternatively still, the compartment 44 may be provided in an enclosure or other structure separate to the seat structure 36. The compartment 44 serves to retain the battery module 40 on the deck structure. Alternative retaining means may be provided instead of or as well as the compartment 44. In some embodiments an outboard motor 48 is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, the deck structure 12 and / or the hull structure 16. The outboard motor 48 may be coupled to the boat 10 by any conventional coupling means, preferably releasable coupling means for example comprising a clamp and / or mounting bracket (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the deck structure 12 includes a mount 49 to which the outboard motor 48 may be coupled. As is conventional, the outboard motor 48 is located at the stern of the boat and so the mount 49 is located at the stern end of the deck structure 12. As is described in more detail hereinafter, the outboard motor 48 is electrically powered and is powered in use by the battery module 14 which is charged by the PV panels 14, 114. The outboard motor 48 may be used to propel and steer the boat 10 in conventional manner. In other embodiments, the outboard motor 48 may be omitted. In such embodiments the boat 10 may be propelled manually, e.g. with oars or paddles, and may be described as a raft. Alternatively still, the assembly of the hull structure 16 and deck structure 12 may not be intended for use as a boat in which case it may be said to be a floating, or buoyant, PV power generation and storage apparatus. The PV panels 14, 114 are connected to the batteries 42 in order to charger the batteries 42. The photovoltaic system 20 typically comprises a charge controller 50 (sometimes referred to as a charge regulator or battery regulator) for controlling charging of the batteries 42 by the PV panels 14, 114. The charge controller 50 is typically a stand-alone device but may alternatively be provided as control circuitry integrated with the battery module 40. The charger controller 50 may be of any conventional type, especially types commonly referred to as solar charge controllers, such as a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) charge controller or a pulse wave modulation (PWM) charger controller. The photovoltaic system 20 includes at least one electrical power outlet 52, 54 by which electrical power can be supplied from the, or each, battery 42 to one or more electrical loads. Typically, a respective electrical power converter 56, 58 is provided for each power outlet 52, 54. Each power converter 56, 58 may be configured to convert electrical power from the, or each, battery 42 as required for the respective outlet 52, 54, e.g. to change the voltage level and / or to convert from DC to AC as required. By way of example, the power system 20 may be configured to provide 24V or 12V at DC outlet(s), and 110V or 220-240V at AC outlet(s). In some embodiments, the outlet 52 is used to supply power to the outboard motor 48. Assuming that the outboard motor 48 is DC powered, then converter 56 is a DC-DC converter that adjusts the power provided by the or each battery 42 to the level required by the outboard motor 48. Converter 56 may be omitted, for example if the DC power provided by the or each battery 42 matches the power requirement of the load. For example, the or each battery 42 may provide 24V DC, and the outboard motor 48 may require 24V DC in which case the converter 56 is not required. In the illustrated example it is assumed that outlet 54 is used to supply AC electrical loads, for example a household power supply or household electrical equipment, and as such the converter 58 is an DC-AC converter configured to provide AC power at the required voltage and frequency. The outlets 52, 54 and converters 56, 58 may be provided in an output module 60, or may be distributed in the system as is convenient. The output module 60 may be carried by the deck structure 12, and may be fixed or removable as desired. Optionally, one or more removable output module (not illustrated) may be provided, each of which may comprise a respective power outlet and power converter. Such output modules may be connected to the PV power system as required, e.g. depending on the mode of use. For example, when the boat 10 is being used for transport, typically only the outlet 52 is used (to power the outboard motor 48) and so other outlets and converters may be removed from the boat 10. However, when the boat 10 is moored or disassembled the PV power system 20 may be used to power other loads and so other output module(s) may be connected to the system 20. By way of example, one or more output modules may be provided for any one or more of the following loads: a. Homes / buildings where the power supply can be off grid or can be grid tied (subject to local connection requirements). b. Electric vehicles such as cars, bicycles and so on. c. Power tools or other electrical equipment, including cable-powered devices, or for charging the batteries of cordless power tools or other equipment. d. Lighting and emergency lighting and power provision, e.g. in disaster areas or in areas where the power grid is unavailable Optionally, a charging input 62 is provided to allow the batteries 42 to be charged by an external power supply (not shown), e.g. a mains supply or a generator. In some embodiments, one of the batteries 42 (which may be the only battery 42) is designated as the primary battery 42. The battery module 42 is configured to prioritize charging of the primary battery 42 over the charging of other batteries when present. The primary battery 42 may be used to supply a primary load such as the outboard motor 48. Hence, in embodiments where the outboard motor 48 is included, providing electrical power for it may be prioritized. Any other batteries 42 may be used to store excess power for supplying other loads as required, e.g. via outlet(s) 54 in the illustrated example. In other embodiments, any one or more of the batteries 42 may be used to power the primary load. More generally, the battery module may be configured such each of the power outlets 52, 54 is supplied with power by a respective one or more of the batteries 42, or that any one or more of the batteries 42 may provide power to any one or more of the power outlets 52, 54. The components of the PV power system 20 may be interconnected in any convenient manner. At least some of the electrical cables for interconnecting the components (e.g. cables for interconnecting the PV panels 14, 114 to the charge controller 50, and / or cable(s) for connecting the battery module 40 to the outboard motor 48) may be incorporated into the deck structure 12. One or more enclosures (not illustrated) may be provided for housing components of the PV power system 20, e.g. for housing any one or more of the charge controller 50, the power outlets 52, 54, the converters 56, 58, and / or cable connectors. Any such enclosures may be carried by the deck structure 12, for example being located on the obverse face 13. The enclosure(s) are preferably removable from the deck structure 12, although optionally may be fixed to the deck structure 12 or incorporated into the deck structure 12. Optionally, any such enclosures may be provided in compartment 44, which may be provided the seat structure 36, or may be incorporated into the seat structure 36. Optionally, a wiring connector (not shown) is provided on or in the deck structure 12, 13 e.g. on or embedded in frame 26, for electrically connecting the PV panels 114 to the PV power system 20. In use, solar energy is collected by the PV panels 14, 114 and stored in batteries 42, typically at a nominal 24V DC, which may for example be converted to 12V DC for output. The BMS 41 may be configured to prioritize the primary battery 42 so that there is always energy available to power the outboard motor 48. It will be apparent from the foregoing that preferred embodiments of the invention comprise renewable energy collection and storage system, i.e. the PV power system. The PV power system 20 is advantageously incorporated into a portable deck structure (or other planar structure) that is suitable for removably mounting on a hull structure to provide a floating, or buoyant, PV power generation and storage apparatus. Moreover, the floating PV power generation and storage apparatus may be used for transport, especially as a boat that is self-powered. When the PV power system is not coupled to the hull structure, it may be used as a stand-alone power generation and storage apparatus for many on-land applications, which is facilitated by the portability of the structure. The portability, or mobility, of the PV power system, in particular the deck structure, makes it amenable to being transported, e.g. in or on a trailer. The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. 11 08 25

Claims

1. A boat comprising:a portable deck structure;a hull structure for supporting the deck structure; anda photovoltaic power system incorporated into the portable deck structure, the photovoltaic power system comprising at least one photovoltaic panel, wherein the deck structure is removably mountable on said hull structure, and wherein said photovoltaic system includes at least one photovoltaic panel module comprising at least one secondary photovoltaic panel provided on a support structure, the support structure being coupled to said deck structure, and wherein said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is operable between a deployed state and a stowed state.

2. The boat of claim 1, including at least one primary photovoltaic panel included in said deck structure such that an obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel is exposed at an obverse face of said deck structure.

3. The boat of claim 2, wherein said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, in particular said obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, provides at least part of an obverse face of said deck structure, optionally being covered by one or more transparent layer.

4. The boat of claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, in particular, said obverse face of said at least one primary photovoltaic panel, provides or extends across the entire, or substantially the entire, obverse face of said deck structure.

5. The boat of any preceding claim, further comprising means for releasably coupling said deck structure to said hull structure and / or means for releasably fastening said deck structure to said hull structure.

6. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein said hull structure comprises at least two hulls, said deck structure being mountable directly or indirectly on each of said at least two hulls, said deck structure interconnecting said at least two hulls when mounted thereon, said at least two hulls being separable, or not interconnected, when said deck structure is not mounted thereon, and wherein, optionally, said hull structure includes at least one support structure interconnecting, optionally releasably interconnecting, said at least two hulls, and wherein said deck structure is removably mountable, directly or indirectly, on said at least two hulls and / or on said at least one support structure.

7. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein said deck structure comprises a support structure, said at least one primary photovoltaic panel being supported by said support structure, and wherein said support structure may comprise a base and / or a frame.

8. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein said deck structure is planar, or substantially planar.11 08 259. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is removably coupled to said deck structure or said hull structure.

10. The boat of claim 9, wherein said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is movable, for example foldable and / or pivotable, with respect to the deck structure to move between the deployed state and the stowed state.

11. The boat of any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein, in said deployed state, the obverse face of said at least one secondary panel faces upwardly and may be disposed obliquely to, or parallel with, the obverse face of the deck structure.

12. The boat of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, in said stowed state, said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the obverse face of the deck structure, or otherwise at a steeper angle than it adopts in said deployed state.

13. The boat of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein said at least one secondary photovoltaic panel module comprises a plurality of secondary photovoltaic panels, and wherein the panels are foldable, pivotable or otherwise movable with respect to each other, preferably between a stowed state and a deployed state.

14. The boat of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein at least one photovoltaic panel module is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, a side or an end of said deck structure and / or of said hull structure.

15. The boat of claim any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising means for releasably coupling said at least one photovoltaic panel module to said deck structure and / or said hull structure, and / or means for releasably fastening said at least one photovoltaic panel module to said deck structure and / or said hull structure.

16. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein said photovoltaic system comprises at least one battery for charging by said at least one photovoltaic panel, and wherein at least one charge controller is preferably provided for controlling charging of said at least one battery by said photovoltaic panels, and wherein, typically, said at least one battery is carried by the deck structure or incorporated into the deck structure, and wherein, optionally, at least one battery is removably mountable on said deck structure.

17. The boat of claim 16, wherein said at least one battery is located in a compartment or enclosure provided in or on said deck structure, said compartment or enclosure optionally being removable from said deck structure.

18. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein a seat structure is provided on said deck structure, the seat structure being configured to provide a seat for one or more person.

19. The boat of claim 18 when dependent on claim 17, wherein said seat structure is configured to provide said compartment or enclosure.

20. The boat of any preceding claim wherein said photovoltaic power system includes at least one electrical power outlet, and wherein, optionally, a respective electrical power converter is provided for each power outlet, and wherein, optionally, one or more electrical outlets, and optionally associated power converters, are provided in one or more output module, and wherein the or each output module may be removable.

21. The boat of any preceding claim, wherein an outboard motor is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said deck structure and / or to said hull structure, and wherein the outboard motor is advantageously electrically powered in use by said photovoltaic power system.

22. A transport and power generation system comprising a boat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, and a trailer, wherein said trailer is configured to carry said hull structure and said portable panel structure or deck structure in a disassembled state.11 08 25

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