Freestanding transportable unit electrical system

Abstract

A free-standing, transportable renewable energy generation unit 10 comprising enclosure 12 housing an electrical system, and solar panel 16 mounted to the enclosure by support structure which compris

Description

The present invention relates to a freestanding and / or transportable electrical power generation unit, particularly to a unit that derives power from solar panels. Background The present invention relates to renewable energy generation units for use in remote locations or worksites where mains power is unavailable. They may be used of other ‘off-grid’ reasons even where mains electricity is available. Units of this type may be provided as dedicated power generation units or else in the form of freestanding cabins, such as welfare cabins, where the cabin is arranged to provide other on-site facilities or amenities for occupants on-site. Conventionally, units are equipped with an integral generator set, i.e. a diesel engine generator, to supply off-grid power to the sockets, any on-board equipment and any electrical appliances connected to the unit. However, there has been a move over recent years in the industry to move towards renewable power generation. The applicant’s published patent application EP 4 339 396 A1 discloses a cabin with a renewable energy generator, such as one or more solar panel, and a control system for efficient power management. However, it remains a problem that on-board power consumption can outstrip the power generated by a small solar panel array that can feasibly be mounted on a unit f this type. Published patent application GB2577142 discloses a solar panel system, in which solar panels can slide out on rails to increase the available surface area for solar generation. However, whilst a larger surface area of solar panels is generally desirable, the applicant has found a number of problems with such systems. The large area of solar panels is unwieldy and therefore needs to be deployed on a fixed support structure. Therefore the orientation of the solar panels relative to the sun is typically not optimal, meaning that the available surface area of the panels is not used effectively. Furthermore, it has been found that units of this type often need to be deployed in ad-hoc conditions on work sites, meaning that the unit is not installed in an optimal position / orientation. As such, the benefits of the larger surface area of the panels may be easily lost due to the ineffective location of the fixed-rail system. A large surface area of the panels causes greater wind loading on the unit. This can become a hazard during windy conditions which can cause damage to the panels, or can even risk toppling of a unit. Since the unit is intended to be portable, it is generally undesirable to add further weight to the unit to counteract any wind loading. This means that it is generally desirable to deploy the panels at a low level, e.g. near the ground. However this may be impractical on some sites and may limit the available surface area of panels or the height at which they can be safely deployed. It is an aim of the invention to provide a freestanding renewable energy generation unit that mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a free-standing, transportable renewable energy generation unit comprising an enclosure housing an electrical system and a solar panel mounted to the enclosure by a support structure, the support structure comprising an angular adjustment mechanism for the solar panel, wherein the unit comprises a controller for the angular adjustment mechanism arranged to automatically adjust the angular orientation of the solar panel, e.g. relative to the unit. The invention allows the unit to be installed in varying locations and varying orientations in an ad-hoc manner whilst ensuring that the solar panels can be correctly deployed and / or adjusted without needing human intervention. This can avoid the need for an installer to correctly align the unit or manually adjust the solar panels to an initial configuration ready for first use at that location. The unit may comprise an orientation sensor for determining a bearing of the unit. The unit may comprise an orientation sensor for the angular adjustment mechanism or solar panel. The controller may automatically adjust the angle / orientation of the solar panel relative to the unit based on the orientation sensor output. The angular adjustment mechanism may comprise a solar tracking mechanism. The controller may operate the angular adjustment mechanism to track the sun, e.g. during the course of a day or longer. The angular adjustment mechanism typically comprises an actuator, e.g. an electric actuator, for actuating / driving the mechanism. The angular adjustment mechanism may be powered. The angular adjustment mechanism may permit angular adjustment of the solar panel about a plurality of axes. The axes maybe offset by at least 45°, 60° or 75°. The axes may be perpendicular. The angular adjustment mechanism may comprise a swivel and / or tilt mechanism. The unit may comprise an elevation mechanism for the solar panel. The elevation mechanism may be comprised with the angular adjustment mechanism, e.g. a common elevation and tilt mechanism. The solar panel may comprise a solar panel array. A plurality of solar panels of the array may be mounted to a common support structure and / or angular adjustment mechanism. The support structure may comprise a deployment mechanism for the solar panel. The solar panel may be actuatable from a retracted or at-rest condition relative to the enclosure and a deployed condition. The at-rest condition may comprise a laid-flat condition or condition in which the solar panel is substantially parallel with a wall / roof of the enclosure, or substantially horizontal. In the deployed condition, the solar panel may be obliquely angled away from the at-rest condition, e.g. away from horizontal and / or away from the wall / roof of the enclosure. The deployment mechanism and angular adjustment mechanism may comprise a common or co-operating mechanism. Any feature define herein for the angular adjustment mechanism may also apply to the deployment mechanism, and vice-versa. The support structure, angular adjustment mechanism and / or deployment mechanism may comprise a slew ring. An actuator may drive rotation of the slew ring. A gear / pinion of the actuator may drive rotation of a pinion or other corresponding formation of the slew ring. The slew ring may be mounted against a roof of the enclosure. The support structure, angular adjustment mechanism and / or deployment mechanism may comprise one or more linear actuator, e.g. a linear electric actuator. The linear actuator may be pivotably connected to the solar panel or support structure to drive angular adjustment thereof. A plurality of linear actuators may be used. An offset between each linear actuator may cause angular adjustment of the solar panel. The support structure, angular adjustment mechanism and / or deployment mechanism may comprise a scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism may adjust both height and angle of the solar panel. An actuator may act on a rung of the scissor mechanism. The angular adjustment mechanism may be mounted on the roof of the enclosure and / or on the slew ring. The controller may be arranged to adjust the angular orientation about a vertical axis, e.g. a swivel angle, based at least in part on the orientation sensor output. The controller may be arranged to adjust the angular orientation about a horizontal or inclined angle, e.g. a tilt angle, based at least in part on the orientation sensor output. The unit may comprise a first orientation sensor or unit orientation sensor. The unit may comprise a second orientation sensor or solar panel orientation sensor. The solar panel orientation sensor may be comprised within the angular adjustment mechanism. The controller may compare the orientation of the unit to the orientation of the solar panel. The controller may adjust the solar panel orientation based on a difference between the first (unit) and second (solar panel) orientation sensor outputs. The unit may comprise one or more further sensor for affecting angular adjustment by the controller. The controller may adjust angular orientation based on the orientation sensor and the one or more further sensor. The unit may comprise a location, e.g. GPS, sensor. The location sensor may output latitude and / or longitude location data for the unit. The unit may comprise a light sensor, e.g. a light intensity and / or light direction sensor, or solar power generation sensor, power generation sensor. The light sensor may sense the orientation of incident light rays. The controller may adjust the angle of the solar panel responsive thereto. The unit may comprise a clock. The controller may access time and / or date data. The controller may determine start and / or end orientations of a cyclic angular adjustment scheme for the solar panel. The cyclic angular adjustment scheme may be a daily scheme. The controller may automatically determine a start orientation and / or start time of a cyclic angular adjustment scheme. The controller may automatically determine an end orientation and / or end time of a cyclic angular adjustment scheme. The controller may automatically program the start and end of the angular adjustment scheme. The controller may automatically determine an initial deployment orientation for the solar panel, e.g. without human intervention, and may automatically deploy the solar panel at the determined initial deployment orientation from the at rest condition. The orientation or location sensor, e.g. and one or more further sensor, may be used by the controller to determine a reference point, e.g. a reference frame or datum, for use during deployment and / or adjustment of the orientation of the solar panel. The angular adjustment mechanism may offer a first range of angular movement, e.g. 360°. The controller may limit the available range of angular adjustment to a second range of angular movement, i.e. smaller than the first range, based on the orientation sensor and / or one or more further sensor. The unit may comprise a wind speed sensor or a solar panel loading sensor, e.g. sensing an applied load to the solar panel or adjustment mechanism. The controller may automatically adjust the angular orientation of the solar panel in response to one or more adverse environmental condition, e.g. excessive loading or wind speed. The controller may automatically lower the solar panel towards, or to, the at-rest condition in response to sensing of one or more adverse environmental condition. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for the unit of the first aspect. According to a third aspect of the invention there is a data carrier or data storage medium comprising machine-readable instructions for operation of an angular adjustment mechanism for a freestanding, transportable unit of the first aspect. Any of the optional features defined in relation to the first aspect may be applied to the second of third aspect of the invention, wherever practicable. Detailed description Workable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a unit according to an example of the invention. Figure 2 shows a plan view of an example angular adjustment mechanism;; Figure 3 shows an example plan view of the unit; Figure 4 shows an example plan view of the layout of an electrical system of the unit; and Figure 5 shows a schematic of the control system; and Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a unit according to a further example of the invention. Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a mobile solar tracking system, provided in the form of a free-standing transportable power generation unit 10. The unit 10 can be provided in any suitable location, for example, in locations without connection to mains electricity. The unit can be provided in any suitable location, for example, in locations without connection to mains electricity. The unit 10 comprises an enclosure 12, e.g. in the form of a housing or container (i.e. the system / unit 10 is self-contained). The enclosure 12 may comprise a steel shell, for example, the unit may comprise a structure similar to an ISO container, albeit potentially smaller. The enclosure 12 may be mounted to a movable chassis or the like. The unit / system 10 therefore may be towable by a vehicle. The chassis may comprise a plurality of wheels (not shown). The chassis may comprise a tow connector 14 to provide a connection to a towing vehicle. The tow connector 110 may comprise a jockey wheel to support one end of the unit when not towed. However, it can be appreciated that such an arrangement is merely exemplary and the system may comprise any suitable arrangement to allow towing or transportation thereof. In some embodiments, the enclosure 12 comprises one or more connection member to allow suspension of the system from a crane, boom arm or the like. For example, the connection member may comprise one or more of: an eyelet; an aperture; a recess; a hook; a latch; a clamp; or a ratchet. In some embodiments, the enclosure 12 comprises means to allow lifting using a forklift. For example, the unit may comprise forklift pockets (not shown), e.g. provided proximal a lower edge of the enclosure 12. Where the unit 10 is configured for lifting via a crane / for lift, it can be appreciated the towable chassis may not be provided. Portability of the system is therefore provided by lifting and transportation of the system via a vehicle (commonly referred to as a “static” unit). In some embodiments, the towable chassis and the lifting system may both be provided to provide flexibility for the user. Thus it will be appreciated that the unit 102 is portable and can be conveyed in a variety of ways but will typically be left, in use, on a site such that the unit 102 is free standing and self-supporting. The unit 10 comprises a renewable generator 16 on the exterior of the enclosure 12, e.g. mounted on the roof of the enclosure 12 in this example. The renewable generator is configured to generate electrical power from a renewable source. The renewable energy generator 16 comprises one or more solar panel. The solar panel 16 is mounted to a support in the form of a frame 18. The frame 18 allows a plurality of solar panels to be commonly mounted, i.e. supported by a common frame as a solar panel array. The solar panels may be provided side-by-side on the frame 18. An array or two, four or more solar manels may be provided in this format. The frame 18 may allow selected movement of one solar panel 16 relative to another solar panel. In this way, the footprint of the solar panels can be reduced for storage and the solar panels can be presented as a larger surface area when deployed. The solar panels may be stacked in the storage condition, e.g. one-atop another. The frame system may comprise rails or runners, e.g. such that one or more solar panel can slide out from beneath another solar panel when being deployed. The solar panel(s) may be bi-facial solar panels, i.e. having first and second opposing major faces, each having solar collectors thereon such that the surface area of each opposing face can contribute to the power output of the panel. The roof of the unit 10 may serve as a reflector to reflect any incident light that does not impact the outer surface of the solar panel 16. The roof may be white or otherwise treated to promote light reflection. Additionally or alternatively, a member of the frame 18 behind the panel may act as a reflector. The solar panel 16, e.g. via frame 18, is mounted to the roof via an angular adjustment mechanism 20. The angular adjustment mechanism 20 comprises a tilt or inclination adjustment mechanism 22 and a swivel adjustment mechanism 24. Those mechanisms are each powered (e.g. individually as will be described below) and controlled by a controller such that the orientation of the solar panel 16 can be adjusted without human intervention if required. The adjustment mechanism can therefore be described as a dual-axis adjustment mechanism, i.e. allowing adjustment of the solar panel orientation about two different axes. The axes may be perpendicular. Alternatively, in some embodiments the axes may be angularly offset at an angle that is less than 90°, i.e. an oblique angle. The swivel adjustment mechanism 24 comprises a slew ring as shown in plan in Figure 2. The slew ring 24 comprises an inner ring 26 and an outer ring 28 mounted so as to allow relative rotation therebetween. A bearing arrangement may be provided at the interface between the inner 26 and outer 28 ring. A drive 30 (shown in Figure 1) may be inbuilt to the slew ring and may drive one ring relative to the other. A worm drive or other geared drive may be used and may be driven by an electric motor. One of the inner 26 and outer 28 rings may comprise a toothed profile to this end. In another example, at least one of the rings could be mounted to a support plate via an annular bearing arrangement (e.g. akin and a thrust bearing) and rotating drive member could drive rotation of the single ring. The electric motor allows accurate electronic control of the rotation of the swivel adjustment mechanism 24. The swivel adjustment mechanism can take a low profile and can bear the weight of the panel 16 against the roof of the unit enclosure 12. As such, the inclination adjustment mechanism 22 can beneficially be mounted atop the swivel adjustment mechanism 24 in this example. The inclination adjustment mechanism 22 comprises a scissor mechanism and an actuator 32 for driving movement of the scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism comprises a plurality of rungs / links of a pivot jointed framework as shown. This is beneficial in that the scissor mechanism 22 can be actuated from a low-profile or stowed / lowered condition to an elevated, raised or extended condition in which the solar panel is lifted up from the roof of the enclosure 12. The inclination adjustment mechanism is mounted on the swivel adjustment mechanism 24 and has a different actuator 32, such that each mechanism can be actuated either independently or collectively / simultaneously by a controller as required. The actuator 32 of the inclination mechanism 22 is typically a linear actuator, such as a ram / piston which could be hydraulically or electrically driven, e.g. under the control of a controller (to be described below). A plurality of such actuators could be provided, e.g. in parallel. An electric linear actuator may be preferred for accurate inclination control. The actuator 32 drives against a rung of the scissor linkage and can urge it away from the roof of the enclosure 12 so as to force apart the scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism then extends as a multiple of the extension of the actuator according to the number of linkages in the scissor mechanism. The frame 18 supporting the solar panel 16 is applied as a top linkage of the scissor mechanism. Here it is important to note that the frame is attached as an oblique linkage of the scissor mechanism when the scissor is extended. That is to say, the frame 18 is connected between a central pivot point of the linkage and an edge pivot point of the linkage. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the extending of the scissor mechanism 22 will simultaneously cause tilting of the solar panel 16. Thus, the mechanism 22 may be described as an elevation-and-tilting mechanism. The elevation aspect of the mechanism has bene found to be beneficial in raising the central region of the solar panel 16 as it is inclined. Thus the lower edge of the solar panel 16 can be maintained above head height, or the edge of the roof, even if the footprint of the solar panel is greater than that of the enclosure 12. However, in other examples, a simpler tilting mechanism could be used, albeit potentially without all the same benefits. Figure 2 shows an initial array of two solar panels 16 in a side-by- side arrangement atop the unit. Further panels are stowed beneath the panels 16 and can slide out to increase the surface area of the solar panel array. They panel array, once deployed, can thus be greater than the area or footprint of the enclosure. The tilting mechanism 22 and swivel mechanism 24 are shown beneath the solar panel array. The inclination mechanism 22 may allow tilting of the solar panel 16 though an angular range of less than 90°. The range may be greater than 50°. The range may be approximately or precisely 75°. The range of tilting adjustment may be between a substantially horizontal position, or flat / parallel relative to the enclosure 12 roof, and an inclined position. The swivel adjustment mechanism 24 allows rotational adjustment of the solar panel / array 26, e.g. including the tilt mechanism 22, through 360° about a vertical axis or else an axis that is perpendicular to the roof of the enclosure. However, the controller of the adjustment system constrains the available range of swivelling adjustment based on the necessary range of movement to track the sun, e.g. through a range of 180° or less. Together, the swivel and inclination adjustment mechanisms provide dual-axis movement, ensuring optimal positioning of the solar panels to capture maximum sunlight. Turning now to Figure 4, there is shown an example of the electrical system inside the enclosure 12, which includes: one or more fuel-based electrical generators 40; one or more inverter 42, which may be referred to as inverters or chargers; an electrical energy store 43 in the form of one or more battery, typically a plurality of batteries as a common battery bank; a plurality of outlet sockets 44 fuel tank 45 controller or control system 47 comprising a power point tracking controller 7a (e.g. a maximum power point tracking MPPT controller) and isolator(s) or disconnect switch(es) 47b battery management system 48 (which may be part of control system 47) actuator system 49, e.g. a power pack and / or actuator drive system for the swivel and / or incline adjustment mechanisms. The power point tracking controller 47a monitors the variable power supply from the inputs (e.g. the one or more renewable energy source) and maximises energy extraction for storage by the battery 43. The battery management system 48 may help ensure the operating condition of the battery 43, e.g. avoiding deep discharge of the battery, monitoring battery temperature and / or controlling charge / discharge, etc. Using the above electrical system, it will be appreciated that electrical power derived from the solar panel / array 16 can be stored on-board, used immediately on-board or used to supply power to devices connected to outlets 44. The diesel generator set 40 is optional and may be provided as a backup generator to supplement the solar power generated, i.e. to meet instantaneous demands and / or charge the battery 43. Turning to Figure 5, the unit controller 47 is equipped with software, that allows the system to autonomously track the sun's position relative to the solar panels in use and / or to deploy the solar panels from a storage condition to a deployed / in-use condition whereby the solar panels automatically face the sun. Whilst certain functionality is described as being integrated with the on-board controller 47, it will be appreciated that it is possible to control the cabin remotely, e.g. by way of a remote controller or control system provided there is adequate communication permitted between any such controller and the on-board systems. The unit has an orientation sensor 50 in the form of a gyroscope, compass or similar. The orientation sensor can determine the orientation of the unit 10 as a whole, i.e. the enclosure 12, relative to a suitable datum, such as a global datum, e.g. magnetic north or similar. As such the controller can determine the orientation of the unit 10 when it is deployed on any site. The unit 10 has a location sensor 52, such as a location sensing system or GPS. The controller 47 thus has access to the location, e.g. in terms of latitude and longitude, of the unit 10 on a global reference frame or other, suitable large reference frame on the earth’s surface. In another example, the operator can manually set the location of the unit when it is deployed on a site. The controller has access to a calendar 54 or other database comprising data indicative of the location of the sun relative to the earth and / or horizon in the vicinity of the unit 10. The controller thus has access to the season within the annual cycle for the location in which the unit is positioned. References to a ‘calendar’ herein may also be considered to comprise references to a lookup table or database for the sun’s position. The controller may have access to a clock or an internal clock in order to determine a time of day, e.g. and date. The inclination adjustment mechanism has an incline sensor 22a. The swivel adjustment mechanism has a swivel sensor 24a. The controller has access to either or both of the sensors 22a or 24a in order to determine an orientation of the solar panel 16 relative to the orientation of the unit 10 (i.e. enclosure 12). The sensors 22a and / or 24a may be integral with the mechanism / actuator described above (i.e. which can infer the orientation of the solar panel 16) or else may be a separate sensor attached to the solar panel or mechanism that is in communication with the controller 47. The controller is thus able to determine not only the orientation of the unit 10 but also the angular (i.e. inclination and / or swivel) offset between the solar panel and the enclosure 12. The controller and / or associated software integrates real-time geolocation data and directional sensors to ensure optimal orientation of the solar panels for energy generation. Using the output of the location sensing system 52 and the calendar 54, the controller can determine the intended location of sunrise and sunset for the day on which the unit is operational. The controller can thus determine a swivel angular range between the sunset and sunrise locations. Using the orientation sensor 50 for the unit 10, the controller can determine the relative orientation of the unit to due north, or another suitable reference frame. Therefore the controller can determine the orientation of sunrise and sunset for that day, relative to the orientation of the unit. Using this information, the controller can set the swivel angle range for the day, i.e. to point to the sun, relative to the orientation of the unit. Upon accessing a clock, the controller can set the current swivel orientation required to face the sun at that time of day. Similarly for the inclination angle, the controller can access the inclination of the unit relative to horizontal, or else can assume the unit is horizontal, e.g. if the unit has a levelling mechanism. Upon accessing the calendar 54, the controller can determine the path of the sun in the sky that day in terms of the arc or height the sun will follow relative to the horizon. Thus the controller can set the inclination angle range for the day. Upon accessing a clock, the controller can set the current inclination angle required to face the sun at that time of day. Therefore upon fist startup of the electrical system on a new site, the controller can automatically deploy the solar panel 16 to face the sun by controlling the adjustment mechanism 22 and / or 24. The controller can monitor the current orientation of the solar panel and track the sun throughout the day such that the solar panel is substantially perpendicular to incident rays from the sun throughout the day. The path of solar panel orientation for a given day can be predetermined by the controller from sun rise to sunset by following the predicted path of the sun for the determined location of the unit. Thus the tracking mechanism can be matched accurately to the unit location even when the unit is moved from site to site, without the need for user installation or setup on a new site. The path followed / determined by the controller for a given day can be defined in terms of an elevation / incline relative to the swivel angle of the panel, or vice-versa. Alternatively the path can be set according to angular orientations based on the time if day. The controller may therefore actuate the solar panel 16 track the sun in two orthogonal directions (e.g. an azimuth-altitude arrangement). For any adjustment to the solar panel orientation that is needed, the controller can determine a difference between a known or assumed orientation of the panel 16 and outputs a signal to a motor controller (e.g. a servomechanism or the like). The motor controller controls an electric motor / actuator operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism to align the panel 16 into a facing direction with the known or assumed position of the sun accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, tracking is provided by a sensor based system. The sensor system may comprises one or more sensor configured to detect the position of the sun. For example, the sensor system comprises a directional light sensor configured to determine the position of the sun and / or direction of incident sunlight relative to the solar panel 16. The controller may determine a perpendicular orientation relative to the incident rays and a difference between said perpendicular orientation and the panel orientation according to the light sensor reading. The controller can then adjust the panel orientation accordingly into a currently optimal orientation. This may be referred to as a continuously or incrementally monitoring system. Typically, only one of the calendar-based or sensor-based tracking system is provided, however, it can be appreciated that both of the systems may be provided to allow more accurate tracking and / or to provide redundancy in the tracking system. The calendar-based system may be used for macro adjustment or deployment of the solar panel, e.g. with the sensor-based system being used for smaller / optimizing adjustments. In some embodiments, the tracking system rotates the panel 16 about a horizontal and / or vertical axis a predetermined angle over a predetermined length of time, i.e. as a preset path. For example, the user may set the panel 36 to rotate about 180 degrees over 12 hours. Such an arrangement does not provide complete accuracy in tracking the sun, however, reduces the need for a complex timing or sensor or arrangement. The tracking system may be configured to operate intermittently. The panel 36 may therefore move incrementally. The tracking system may operate at predetermined intervals, for example, every 15, 30 or 60 minutes. Such an arrangement reduces power consumption and the wear on the motors etc. The predetermined intervals may vary throughout the day. For example, the predetermined internal may be reduced when greater solar power is available (and vice versa to conserve energy). The tracking system may be configured to return the solar panel 16 back to a starting position (i.e. facing the rising sun) once the day cycle is finished. Alongside, the sensors and control system described above, the system may include an environmental sensor 56, for example a wind sensor. The sensor 56 may sense an adverse environmental condition, which may affect the safety / stability of the unit. The controller may retract the solar panels from the deployed condition to the storage condition in response to sensing of an adverse condition, e.g. a wind speed above a predetermined threshold. Wind speed and / or direction may be sensed. In other examples, the adverse condition sensor could comprise a load stress sensor in the actuation mechanism, e.g. sensing wind loading on the solar panels indirectly though the loading on the support structure or a stability sensing system for the unit as a whole. A stability system could for example sense the weight distribution of the unit in addition to, or instead of the wind speed sensor. The ability to thus deploy or re-deploy the solar panel 16 automatically is therefore an important consideration. The present invention thus encompasses an automated tracking system, as well as a solar panel deployment system that ensures optimal solar generation for its location. In any of the examples described above, an operator or user could manually select information to be used by the control, or could manually deploy or adjust solar panels as necessary. However, such manual intervention is not required and the system can operate entirely autonomously or automatically under the controller authority. Turning to Figure 6, a further example of a unit / cabin 10a is shown having an alternative inclination adjustment mechanism. All other features of the unit and its control system may be as described above and like features will not be repeated for conciseness. However, the scissor mechanism 22 described in relation to Figure 1 has been replaced with a modified inclination adjustment mechanism in which the linear actuator 32 now acts on a pivot point 36 on the panel array 16, e.g. on the support frame 18 for the solar panel(s). The linear actuator 32 is mounted atop the unit 10a, e.g. carried on the swivel adjustment mechanism 24. The linear actuator 32 is obliquely angled relative to the unit 10a, e.g. relative to the roof, and may be pivotably mounted or mounted at a fixed oblique elevation angle. The angle of the linear actuator is shallow, e.g. less than 20“, such that the solar panel 16 can lay flat when the actuator is retracted. Although one actuator 32 is shown, two or more actuators will typically be used, e.g. in parallel to act on the solar panel array. The actuators 32 may act on a common frame member of the support structure for the solar panels. The solar panel(s) 16 are hingedly mounted to the unit 10a in this example. A hinge 34 is provided between support structure / frame 18 and a further support member 38 mounted atop the swivel mechanism 24. This provides a simple and robust inclination adjustment mechanism, particularly where the footprint of the solar panel array is not larger than the footprint of the unit 10a. In another example, the hinge 34 could be replaced with a further linear actuator, or plurality of such actuators, spaced apart from the actuator 32 shown, e.g. to the left or right thereof as shown in Figure 6. In such a configuration, the different actuators may be extended by different amounts to modify both the height and inclination of the solar panel 16. Any actuation of the actuators may be under the authority / control of a control system as hereinbefore described. The entire solar generation assemblies described above are mounted on a mobile unit. The system's mobility allows it to be utilised in a wide range of environments, from construction sites to remote off-grid locations, offering reliable and efficient solar power generation. Whilst the unit 10 described herein is a dedicated power generation unit, i.e. that can be connected up to onsite equipment to provide power thereto, in other examples, the unit could itself comprise a cabin, such as a welfare cabin. Such a cabin could house amenities, such as washing, toilet, drying, cooking, canteen, office and / or other living facilities, including an on-board electrical system that is powered by the solar panel / array 16. Accordingly, the invention is applicable to freestanding, transportable units, such as power generation units or welfare cabins that are to be deployed on site and may be transported to further sites during the course of their operational life.

Claims

1. A free-standing, transportable renewable energy generation unit comprising:an enclosure housing an electrical system;a solar panel mounted to the enclosure by a support structure, the support structure comprising an angular adjustment mechanism for the solar panel; anda location sensor for determining a current location of the unit,wherein a controller of the angular adjustment mechanism automatically adjusts the angular orientation of the solar panel relative to the unit so as to face the sun based on the current location of the unit.

2. The unit of claim 1, comprising a deployment mechanism for actuating the solar panel from a retracted condition relative to the enclosure and a deployed condition in which the solar panel is obliquely angled away from the enclosure.

3. The unit of claim 2, wherein the deployment mechanism is comprised in angular adjustment mechanism.

4. The unit of claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller automatically actuates the solar panel from a retracted condition to the deployed condition to face the sun.

5. The unit of any preceding claim, further comprising an orientation sensor for determining a bearing of the unit, wherein the controller automatically adjusts the angular orientation of the solar panel relative to the unit based on the orientation sensor output.

6. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises a solar tracking mechanism and the controller automatically adjusts the orientation of the solar panel during daytime to track the position of the sun.

7. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises an electric actuator, under the control of the controller.

8. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism permits angular adjustment of the solar panel about a plurality of offset or perpendicular axes.

9. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises both a swivel adjustment mechanism and an inclination / tilt adjustment mechanism.

10. The unit of claim 9, wherein the swivel adjustment mechanism is mounted atop the enclosure and the inclination adjustment mechanism is mounted on the swivel mechanism such that the swivel mechanism bears the weight of the inclination adjustment mechanism and the solar panel.

11. The unit of claim 9 or 10, wherein the swivel adjustment mechanism and inclination adjustment mechanism have different actuators.

12. The unit of any of claims 9-11, wherein the swivel adjustment mechanism comprises a rotary actuator and / or the inclination adjustment mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

13. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises a linear actuator acting on a point spaced from a hinge of the support structure.

14. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises a slew ring.

15. The unit of any preceding claim, comprising a first orientation sensor for the enclosure and a second orientation sensor, the controller being arranged to sense a difference between the orientation of the solar panel and the enclosure based on the difference between the first and second orientation sensor, the controller controlling the orientation of the solar panel based on said difference.

16. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the location sensor outputs latitude and longitude location data for the unit.

17. The unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a light direction sensor or solar power generation sensor, the controller being further arranged to control orientation of the solar panel in dependence upon said light direction sensor or power generation sensor.

18. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the controller accesses a clock and calendar or lookup table to determine a path of the sun for that day relative to the location of the unit, the controller determining start and / or end orientations of an angular adjustment scheme for the solar panel for said day.

19. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the controller determines an initial deployment orientation for the solar panel without human intervention at startup and automatically deploys the solar panel at the determined initial deployment orientation from an at-rest condition.

20. The unit of any preceding claim, comprising a wind sensor, the controller being arranged to automatically adjust the angular orientation of the solar panel in response to the wind speed sensor.

21. The unit of claim 20, wherein the controller retracts or lowers the solar panel upon sensing a wind speed above a predetermined threshold.

22. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical system comprises an energy store in the enclosure, a charge controller for the energy store arranged to control charging of the energy store by the solar panel, and an inverter.

23. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical system comprises a combustion engine generator in the enclosure.

24. A controller for a free-standing, transportable renewable energy generation unit having: an enclosure housing an electrical system; a solar panel mounted to the enclosure by a support structure, the support structure comprising an angular adjustment mechanism for the solar panel; an orientation sensor for determining a bearing of the unit and / or a location sensor for determining a current location of the unit;wherein the controller automatically adjusts the angular orientation mechanism to alter the orientation of the solar panel relative to the enclosure so as to face the sun based on the orientation sensor output and / or the current location of the unit.

25. A data carrier or data storage medium comprising machine-readable instructions for operation of the controller in accordance with claim 24.

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