Collapsible solar panel system

Abstract

There is herein provided a collapsible solar panel system. The collapsible solar panel comprises a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel. The hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel. The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane and a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

Description

[0001] COLLAPSIBLE SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a collapsible solar panel system, and uses thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Solar panels (also known as “photovoltaic panels”) are devices that convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power electrical loads. Multiple panels typically connected together as panel assemblies, which are typically arranged in arrays and mounted on structural racking systems on the roofs of buildings, on the ground or other fixed structures.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is described collapsible solar panel system, comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel. The hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel. The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane and a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hinge may comprise a first rigid wing connected to the first panel and a second rigid wing connected to the second panel. The flexible element may be positioned between the first rigid wing and the second rigid wing. In some embodiments, the first and second panels may comprise at least one of carbon fibre or aramid fibre.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first rigid wing and second rigid wing may comprise carbon fibre or aramid fibre.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first panel and second panel each may comprise a battery for storing energy obtained by the solar panel.

[0012] In some embodiment, the hinge may have 360° joint rotation.

[0013] In some embodiments, each panel may have or comprise a single corresponding solar panel.

[0014] In some embodiments, each panel may have or comprise a plurality of corresponding solar panels.

[0015] According to a second aspect, there is described a housing or other structure comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel. The hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel. The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane and a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing or other structure may comprise a second collapsible solar panel system comprising a third panel and a fourth panel, each of the third and fourth panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a second hinge positioned between a first side of the third panel and a first side of the fourth panel. The second hinge may comprise a second flexible element configured to bend along a second fold line to allow relative movement between the third panel and the fourth panel, the second fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the third panel and the first side of the fourth panel. The second collapsible solar panel system may be movable between a second flat configuration wherein the third panel and fourth panel lie in substantially the same plane and a second folded configuration wherein the third panel lies in a different plane to the fourth panel. The housing structure may comprise a connector configured to connect a first panel of the first collapsible solar panel system to a third panel of the second collapsible solar panel system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connector may comprise a first connection configured to receive the first panel of the collapsible solar panel structure and a second connection configured to receive the third panel of the second collapsible solar panel structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector may further comprise a third connection configured to receive a first structural component or a panel of a third collapsible solar panel system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connector may further comprise a fourth connection configured to receive a second structural component or a panel of a fourth collapsible solar panel system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first and second structural element may comprise at least one of: a wall structure, a pole or support structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing or other structure may have a rain harvesting gutter and water storage unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing or other structure may further comprise a hinge stabiliser, the hinge stabiliser placed over the hinge of at least one of the first, second, third or fourth collapsible solar panel system and configured to secure the hinge in the flat configuration.

[0023] In some embodiments, the housing or other structure may be temporary and comprise at least one of: a disaster relief building, an electric vehicle charging station, a military structure, a factory or industrial storage facility, an agricultural building, a construction site building, an event tent or gazebo.

[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided a naval mast, comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel. The hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel. The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane and a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

[0025] According to a third aspect, there is provided a wearable device, comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel and a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel. The hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel. The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane and a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the wearable device may further comprise an antenna.

[0027] In some embodiments, the wearable device may further comprise bullet resistant body armour.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bullet resistant body armour may comprise a vest, comprising a vest body suitable for conforming to a human torso, wherein the vest body comprises the collapsible solar panel system.

[0029] In some embodiments, in the folded configuration, the collapsible solar panel system may be suitable for conforming to a human torso.

[0030] Embodiments described in this specification provide for a collapsible solar panel system which is easily transportable and which can be flexibly used.

[0031] For example, the panels of the system can be arranged in a number of ways to create a range of accommodation modules or other structures. In some examples, a connector such as an X-shaped connector may be used to connect a plurality of collapsible solar panel systems together, thereby allowing for easy assembly of an extended structure without compromising its ability to collapse in an efficient manner. Particular embodiments described in this specification provide a solution for hard cover emergency or rapidly deployed shelters with electrical power generation (and in some cases storage capability). This specification also describes smaller collapsible solar panel systems which may be deployed for personal use or worn by a user.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a plan view of a collapsible solar panel system with two panels;

[0035] FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, a plan view of a collapsible solar panel system with five panels;

[0036] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, a plan view of a hinge for a collapsible solar panel system;

[0037] FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a side view of a collapsible solar panel system in a flat configuration;

[0038] FIGS. 5A-C show, by way of example, a side view of a series of collapsible solar panel systems in a folded configuration;

[0039] FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, a side view of a collapsible solar panel system in a folded configuration;

[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B show, by way of example, a front-on and perspective view of a hexagonal housing structure using a collapsible solar panel system;

[0041] FIGS. 8A and 8B show, by way of example, a perspective view of the hexagonal housing structure of FIG.7;

[0042] FIGS. 9A and 9B show, by way of example, a perspective view of connectors for a collapsible solar panel system. FIG. 9C shows, by way of example, a side view of housing structures using a collapsible solar panel system;

[0043] FIG. 10 shows, by way of example, a naval ship mast using a collapsible solar panel system;

[0044] FIGS. 11A and 11 B show, by way of example, a naval ship using a collapsible solar panel system;

[0045] FIG. 12 shows, by way of example, a wearable device using a collapsible solar panel system according to a first embodiment; and FIG. 13 shows, by way of example, a wearable device using a collapsible solar panel system according to a second embodiment.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Fig. 1 shows, by way of an example, a collapsible solar panel system 100. The collapsible solar panel system 100 has a first panel 102 and a second panel 104. The first panel 102 may comprise a structural panel having a corresponding first solar panel 106 which may be mounted or embedded into / onto the first panel 102. Similarly, the second panel 104 may comprise a structural panel having a corresponding second solar panel 108 which may be mounted or embedded into / onto the second panel 104. In some examples the structural panels 102, 104 may include one or more energy storage devices such as battery(s) / capacitor(s) for storing electrical energy generated by the solar panels 106, 108. The first panel 102 and / or the second panel 104 may each comprise an integral battery for storing energy generated by a corresponding solar panel. The integral battery may be made up of fibre-reinforced composite material, to allow the battery itself to serve as an integral structural component. For example, such a battery is disclosed in International Patent Application PCT / GB2011 / 050218 which discloses a rechargeable battery having electrode and separator structures which are made up of fibre-reinforced composite material, thereby allowing the battery itself to serve as an integral structural component.

[0048] In some examples, the first solar panel 106 may be mounted via an adhesive or otherwise structurally secured to the first panel 102. Alternatively, the first panel 102 itself may be integrally formed as a first solar panel 106. The second solar panel 108 may be mounted via an adhesive or otherwise structurally secured to the second panel 104. Alternatively, the second panel 104 itself may be integrally formed or embedded as a second solar panel 108. While in some examples, each panel 102, 104 may have or comprise a single corresponding solar panel, in other examples each panel 102, 104 may have or comprise a plurality of corresponding solar panels.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first and second solar panels 106, 108 may not be connected to the electrical grid, known as an ‘off-grid’ operation. In off-grid solar operation a battery bank, charge controller, and / or an inverter (not shown) may also be present. The solar panel, formed of a solar panel array, sends direct current (DC) electricity through the charge controller to the battery bank. The power is then drawn from the battery bank to the inverter, which converts the DC current into alternating current (AC) that can be used for non-DC appliances. Assisted by an inverter, solar panel arrays can be sized to meet the most demanding electrical load requirements. The AC current can be used to power loads in shelters or commercial buildings, recreational vehicles and boats, remote cabins, remote traffic controls, telecommunications equipment and other systems. The collapsible solar panel system 100 may optionally also include interconnection wiring, circuit breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, voltage meters, and / or a solar tracking mechanism.

[0050] The collapsible solar panel system 100 has a hinge 110 positioned between the first panel 102 and the second panel 104. The hinge may be a solid- state hinge. The hinge may be attached to both the first panel 102 and the second panel 104, either directly or in some examples via an intermediary fixture (such as a clip). The first panel 102 has a first side 112 and a second side 114 and the second panel 104 also has a first side 116 and a second side 118. The hinge 110 is positioned between the first side 112 of the first panel 102 and the first side 116 of the second panel 104. The hinge 110 may be secured to the first side 112 of the first panel 102 and the first side 116 of the second panel 104 by an adhesive or by other structural means such as a screw or clip. The hinge 110 comprises a flexible element 120 configured to bend along a fold line 122 to allow the hinge to move. The flexible element may comprise aramid fibre such as Kevlar®, which may be impregnated with flexible urethane. In some examples the hinge 110 may further comprise rigid regions 115, which may for example be provided on either side of the flexible element 120. The rigid regions may comprise carbon fibre.

[0051] As shown, the fold line 122 is substantially parallel to the first side 112 of the first panel 102 and the first side 116 of the second panel 104. For example, the fold line 122 may deviate by no more than a few degrees from a line parallel to the first side 112 of the first panel 102 and the first side 116 of the second panel 104. The flexible element 120 is capable of bending easily and repeatedly without breaking or degrading in durability. The flexible element 120 may be repeatedly bent along the fold line 122 without breaking or causing a degradation in the durability of the flexible element 120 along the fold line 122. In particular, the fold line 122 itself is made from the material of the flexible element 120. The flexible element 120 allows the first panel 102 and second panel 104 of the collapsible solar panel system 100 to be repeatedly moved relative to one another, by bending the hinge along the fold line 122, such that different configurations and structures may be formed as described in more detail below.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2. a collapsible solar panel structure 200 may further comprise additional panels. In this example, a five-panel collapsible solar panel structure 200 is shown. However, feasibly, there is no limit on the number of possible panels that may be used in the collapsible solar panel structure 200. A minimum of two panels is required in the collapsible solar panel structure 200 (i.e. FIG.1 shows the fewest number of panels possible in the solar panel structure 200). FIG. 2 shows a third panel 202 and a fourth panel 204, the third panel 202 having or comprising a corresponding third solar panel 206 and the fourth panel 204 having or comprising a fourth solar panel 208. The third and the fourth panel 202, 204 may be formed in the same way as the first and second panels 102, 104 shown in FIG. 1. The collapsible solar panel system 200 may have additional hinges 210, 230 to form an array of panels 102, 104, 202, 204 each with a corresponding solar panel 106,108, 206, 208 that each has a hinge 110, 210, 225, 230 in between the adjacent panels 102, 104, 202, 204. For example, a second hinge 210 may be positioned between a first side of the third panel 202 and a first side of the fourth panel 204. The second hinge 210 may also have a second flexible element 220 configured to bend along a second fold line 222 to allow the second hinge 110 to move. The second fold line 222 may also be substantially parallel to the first side of the third panel 202 and the first side of the fourth panel 204. Indeed, the second fold line 222 may also be substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel 102 and the first side of the second panel 104, such that the two sides of each panel 102, 104, 202, 204 and the fold lines 122, 222, 226, 228 of each hinge are all substantially parallel. In this way, an array of joined panels 102, 104, 202, 204 may be achieved, each having a hinge 110, 210, 225, 230 with flexible element between the panels to allow flexibility in the joint movement along a fold line 122, 222, 226, 228.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first and second panels 102, 104 (and any other subsequent panels) may be formed of carbon fibre or a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer. Carbon fibres are typically fibres of about 5 to 10 micrometres in diameter and a carbon fibre material composed of a majority of carbon atoms compared to any other present atoms. Carbon fibre panels have several advantages such as high stiffness, high tensile strength, high strength to weight ratio, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance, and low thermal expansion. These properties make the panels suitable for providing structural integrity to a collapsible solar panel system (such as for use in making a housing structure or bullet-resistant body armour). To produce a carbon fibre, the carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are substantially aligned parallel to the fibre’s long axis as the crystal alignment gives the fibre a high strength-to-volume ratio. Several thousand carbon fibres are bundled together to form a tow, which may be used by itself in a flat panel structure or woven into a fabric for use in a wearable device. The carbon fibre may be combined with other materials to form a composite for use in the structure of the panel. For example, when permeated with a plastic resin and baked, it forms carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer which has a very high strength-to-weight ratio and is extremely rigid. Carbon fibres are also composited with other materials, such as graphite, to form reinforced carboncarbon composite.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first and second panels 102, 104 (and any other subsequent panels) may be formed of aramid fibres (i.e. aromatic polyamide). Aramid fibres as herein discussed refer to aramids, para-aramids or metaaramids. Aromatic fibres refer to the presence of aromatic rings of six carbon atoms. In aramids these rings are connected via amide linkages each comprising a CO group attached to an NH group. In order to meet the definition of an aramid, at least 85% of these linkages must be attached to two aromatic rings. Aramids are divided into two main types according to where the linkages attach to the rings. Numbering the carbon atoms sequentially around a ring, para-aramids have the linkages attached at positions 1 and 4, while meta-aramids have them at positions 1 and 3. That is, the attachment points are diametrically opposite each other in para-aramids, and two atoms apart in meta-aramids. Examples of aramid fibres include but are not limited to Kevlar®, Technora®, Twaron®, Heracron®, Nomex® and Teijinconex®. Aramid fibres offer many benefits. They may be heat and flame resistant as they typically do not melt or ignite in a normal level of oxygen. In some instances the melting point of aramid fibres may be greater than 500 °C. Aramid fibres also offer resistance against risks like flashover and chemical splash because the fibres are 100% synthetic. Additionally, aramid fibres are typically very strong. This means that fabrics consisting of aramid fibres can be very light and still offer a high level of protection, such as the bullet resistant properties of Kevlar®.

[0055] A view of the hinge 110 is shown in FIG.3. In some embodiments, the hinge may comprise a first rigid wing 302 which is suitable for connection to the first panel 102 and a second rigid wing 304 which is suitable for connection to the second panel 104. The first and second rigid wings 302, 304 may be rigid to provide structural integrity to the hinge 110. Additionally the first and second rigid wings 302, 304 may take up a large percentage (e.g. more than 90%) of the surface area of the hinge 110 so that the flexible element 120 may only takes up a small proportion (e.g. less than 10%) of the surface area of the hinge 110. The first rigid wing 302 and the second rigid wing 304 may also comprise carbon fibre or aramid fibre and may be formed of the same material as the first and second panels 102, 104. The first rigid wing 302 and the second rigid wing 304 may be secured to first and second panels 102, 104 by adhesive or any other form of structural attachment. The flexible element 120 may be positioned between the first rigid wing 302 and the second rigid wing 304. The flexible element 120 may be secured to the first and second rigid wings 302, 304 by adhesive or any other form of structural attachment. The flexible element 120 is capable of bending easily without breaking and may also be malleable or mouldable. The flexible element 120 provides a supple joint in between the rigid wings 302, 304 to allow the wings, and thereby the panels, to move relative to each other.

[0056] According to one example, the flexible element 120 may be formed of a urethane-impregnated Kevlar®. The flexible element 120 may alternatively be formed of the same material as the first and second panels 102, 104 and / or the first and second rigid wings 302, 304.

[0057] The collapsible solar panel system is movable between a flat configuration and a folded configuration. FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a side view of the collapsible solar panel system 100 in a flat configuration. In the flat configuration the first panel 102 and second panel 104 lie in or on substantially the same plane. In other words, the first panel 102 and second panel 104 are co-planar. Being substantially in the same plane may, for example, refer to no more than a degree or two variation in the plane of the first panel 102 compared to the plane of the second panel 104. When the first and second panels 102, 104 are in the flat configuration, the angle between a face of the first panel 102 and a face of the second panel 104 may be substantially 180c. If more than two panels are present (not shown) in the collapsible solar panel system, in a flat configuration all of the panels may lie in substantially the same plane and / or the angle between faces of all adjacent panels may be substantially 180°. In some embodiments, the hinge 110 may have 360° joint rotation, such that the flat configuration includes when a first face of the first panel 102 is in contact with a first face of a second panel 104 (not shown), or at another other extreme a second face of the first panel 102 is in contact with a second face of the second panel 104 (not shown). In this way, the panels may be stacked on top of each other in the flat configuration. In the flat configuration, the collapsible solar panel system is in a configuration suitable for transportation. Many collapsible solar panel structures can be placed on top of each other and transported together. In this way the collapsible solar panel structure provides an efficient way to transport solar panels. In one example, collapsible solar panel solution may involve the packaging of 6,0002m x 1 m solar panels into a 40ft ISO shipping container. The maximum possible number of solar panels may be transported in this way since an efficient configuration is provided, such as in large scale commercial or military use of the design. Alternatively, in a smaller configuration the collapsible solar panel system may be packed into a backpack, bag or car, such as for personal recreation use or for military personnel.

[0058] FIGS. 5A-5C show examples of the collapsible solar panel system 100 in a folded configuration. In a folded configuration the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel. The first panel 102 or the second panel 104 may be rotated about the hinge 110 along the fold line 122 to position the first and second panel 102, 104 in various positions. FIG. 5A shows an acute angle between the plane of the first panel 102 and the plane of the second panel 104. FIG. 5B shows an obtuse angle between the plane of the first panel 102 and the plane of the second panel 104. FIG. 5C shows a reflex angle between the plane of the first panel 102 and the plane of the second panel 104. The folded configuration may include any position where the first panel 102 is not substantially parallel to the second panel 104. FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, a series of six panels in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the collapsible solar panel system 100 is configured to allow, firstly, for its primary use of obtaining energy from incumbent solar rays and, secondly, also for any secondary use that the collapsible solar panel is being used for. In the folded configuration, the collapsible solar panel system may be folded to ensure maximum solar light is incumbent upon the solar panels. Alternatively, the collapsible solar panel system 100 may be set up for a second purpose, e.g. as a temporary structure, wearable device or use on a naval mast.

[0059] The collapsible solar panel system 100 may be set up in a first folded configuration, then returned to a flat configuration, moved to a new configuration, and then re-set up in a second folded configuration. The first folded configuration may be the same as the second folded configuration (e.g. where the same setup is desired in a new location, or in the case of a wearable device when the device is worn by the same user at different times). Alternatively, the first folded configuration may be different to the second folded configuration (e.g. where a different set-up is desired in a new location, or in the case of a wearable device when the device is worn by a different user at different times). By virtue of the flexibility of the collapsible solar panel system, various different configurations and uses may be achieved to provide a versatile solar panel structure.

[0060] In some embodiments, the collapsible solar panel structure may be used as a housing structure. The housing structure could be temporary such that it may be used in one location and then moved and reused in a new location (i.e. it is portable). The housing structure may be any one of the following: disaster relief building; an electric vehicle charging station; a military structure; a factory or industrial storage facility; an agricultural building; a construction site building; or an event tent or gazebo, although the housing structure is not limited to such structures. The housing structure may be transported in a flat configuration such that many collapsible solar panel structures can be placed on top of each other and transported together. In this way the collapsible solar panel structure provides an efficient way to transport solar panels that may be used in a modular way to build housing structures. The collapsible solar panel housing structure provides an easily reconfigurable structure with structural integrity and flexibility due to the hinge mechanism. In one example, there may be provided a packaging of 6,000 2m x 1 m solar panels according to the disclosure here into a 40ft ISO shipping container, which can be used to create temporary housing structures and various different locations, e.g. a festival one day or a construction site another day.

[0061] In the simplest form, the housing structure may be provided according to FIG.6 where a tent-like structure may be formed.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the housing structure 700 may further comprise a connector 702,. At least one connector 702 may be provided to join a first collapsible solar panel system 704 to a second collapsible solar panel system 706. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a first collapsible solar panel system 704 is positioned above a second collapsible solar panel system 706 and a series of connectors 702 are provided in between the first collapsible solar panel system 704 to the second collapsible solar panel system 706 and are used to join the two systems 704, 706 together to form the housing structure. As shown in FIG. 7B the connectors 702 join the first collapsible solar panel system 704 to the second collapsible solar panel 706 together. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a perspective view of the resultant housing structure 700. As shown in FIG. 8B, the housing structure may be used to house beds 802 such as for use in disaster relief or a military environment. In this example, a hexagonal structure may be formed, although any other shape structure may be made depending on the proportions of the panels and the positioning of any connectors used. The housing structure has a modular structure such that different shape structures may be formed depending on the environment they are to be used in and the requirements of the housing structure.

[0063] FIGS. 9A-9B show example connectors and FIG. 9C shows how a connector may be used alongside the collapsible solar panel structure to create a housing structure.

[0064] In an example (not shown), the connector may have a first connection configured to receive the first panel of a first collapsible solar panel structure 704 and a second connection configured to receive the first panel of a second collapsible solar panel structure. This is known as a two-pronged connector.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9A the connector 900 may be an X-shaped connector. The X-shaped connector may have a first connection 901 and a second connection 902 configured to receive a first collapsible solar panel structure 704, a third connector 903 and a fourth connector 904 configured to receive a second collapsible solar panel structure 706. Alternatively, each of the first, second, third and fourth connectors 901 , 902, 903, 904 may each receive a panel from a different collapsible solar panel structure.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9B the connector 910 may be a Y-shaped connector. The Y-shaped connector may have a first connection 910 and a second connection 912 configured to receive the first collapsible solar panel structure 704, a third connector 913 configured to receive the second collapsible solar panel structure 706. Alternatively, each of the first, second and third connectors 911 , 912, 913 may each receive a panel from a different collapsible solar panel structure.

[0067] The connector may be formed according to various other form factors such that allow modular housing to be formed.

[0068] In some embodiments, any of the connections (first, second, third or fourth as described above) of any of the connectors described herein may be suitable for receiving subsequent collapsible solar panel structures. In this way a number of collapsible solar panel structures may be joined together to create a housing structure. The collapsible solar panel structures may comprise any number of panels and the housing structure may be made from any number of collapsible solar panel structures and additional structural components to ensure structural integrity of the housing structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, any of the connections (first, second, third or fourth as described above) of any of the connectors described herein may be suitable for receiving another structural component of the housing structure 700. For example, structural components may include walls, poles or other support structure (which may or may not be embedded with solar panels). By incorporating other structural components greater versatility of design may be acquired. For example to produce a housing structure where walls are not made from the collapsible solar panel structure but the roof is (see the last example of FIG. 9C).

[0070] In some embodiments, any of the connectors described herein may also comprise or be formed as a gutter to harvest rain incumbent upon the housing structure. For example, FIG. 9A shows an example rain harvester 905. In this way, the housing structure can also be used to collect water. In such a scenario a water storage unit may also be provided as a part of the housing structure or separate therefrom.

[0071] In some embodiments, the housing structure may further include a hingelocking member or hinge stabiliser (not shown). The hinge-locking member or hinge stabiliser may be placed over the hinge of a collapsible solar panel system and configured to secure the hinge in the flat configuration. This means that the hinge cannot bend into the folded configuration along the fold line as is it usually able to do. This is beneficial in a scenario where a straight line of solar panels is desired, for example, in on a roof section of a housing structure. The hingelocking mechanism may also be configured to secure the hinge at any other desired angle.

[0072] In an alternative configuration, the collapsible solar panel structure may be used as or adhered onto a naval mast 1001 of a ship or aircraft carrier 1000, as shown in FIG. 10. Similar principles as described above may apply.

[0073] In an alternative configuration, the collapsible solar panel structure may be used on a naval ship or aircraft carrier 1050 as shown in FIG.11. The collapsible solar panels 1051 may be deployed for solar power generation and energy storage for ships in port or during fuel scarcity scenarios.

[0074] In some embodiments, the collapsible solar panel structure may a wearable device. With the increasing power consumption of smart devices such as mobile phones and accessories, mobile power is useful. Additionally, portable power charging is useful when mains power is not available such as during camping, at festivals or events or in a military environment. Therefore, a wearable solar panel structure may be provided which can be stored or transported in a flat configuration, and mounted in a folded configuration when it is worn. For example, in a military environment, a collapsible solar panel may be transported in a backpack in the flat configuration and then worn by personnel in the folded configuration. The structure of the collapsible solar panel is such that enough flexibility is provided by the hinges of the collapsible solar panel structure, such that it can bend to allow it to conform to the human body, or in particular, in the case of a vest to the human torso.

[0075] The wearable device may be an item of clothing such as a vest or coat or other wearable item such as watches, bracelets, wristbands, shoes, helmets, headbands or backpacks. Ideally, the item of clothing would be a piece of outerwear such that sunlight can reach the collapsible solar panel structure, although, the item of clothing could be a t-shirt, shirt or jumper, if worn as the outer layer, further comprising bullet resistant body armour.

[0076] In some embodiments, the wearable device may be bullet resistant (or bullet proof) body armour vest 1100. As shown in FIG. 12, the vest 1100 may have strap 1102 to secure the vest to the user’s body. The vest 1100 may comprise a vest body 1104 suitable for conforming to a human torso. The vest body 1104 has the collapsible solar panel system mounted on it or integrally formed to the vest body. The vest body may optionally comprise an antenna for telecommunications which is powered by the electricity generated by the solar panels. The bullet resistant body armour vest 1100 may be formed from, for example, Kevlar®, of any other known bullet resistant materials, to provide protection from impact.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 a bullet resistant body armour vest 1200 may be entirely made of the collapsible solar panel structure. Each of the squares shown in FIG. 13 represents one panel 1202 of the collapsible solar panel structure. In such an example, the panels and hinges (including the rigid wings and flexible element) may be formed of an aramid fibre such as Kevlar® or any other known bullet resistant material.

[0078] The wearable device may be made from carbon fibre or aramid fibre woven into a fabric for use in the wearable device. In this way the panels of the collapsible solar panel structure 100 may be made from a carbon fiber or aramid fibre women into the fabric.

[0079] While the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications and variations thereto, and such modifications or variations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A collapsible solar panel system, comprising a first panel and a second panel, each panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel; a hinge positioned between a first side of the first panel and a first side of the second panel, wherein the hinge comprises a flexible element configured to bend along a fold line to allow relative movement between the first panel and the second panel, the fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the first panel and the first side of the second panel; the collapsible solar panel system movable between: a flat configuration wherein the first panel and second panel lie in substantially the same plane; a folded configuration wherein the first panel lies in a different plane to the second panel.

2. The collapsible solar panel system of claim 1 , wherein the hinge comprises a first rigid wing connected to the first panel and a second rigid wing connected to the second panel, and wherein the flexible element is positioned between the first rigid wing and the second rigid wing.

3. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second panels comprise at least one of carbon fibre or aramid fibre.

4. The collapsible solar panel system of claim 2, wherein the first rigid wing and second rigid wing comprises carbon fibre or aramid fibre.

5. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible element comprises an aramid fiber.

6. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein one or each of the first panel and the second panel comprises a battery for storing energy obtained by the corresponding solar panel.

7. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the hinge has 360° joint rotation.

8. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein each panel has or comprises a single corresponding solar panel.

9. The collapsible solar panel system of any preceding claim, wherein each panel has or comprises a plurality of corresponding solar panels.

10. A housing structure comprising a collapsible solar panel system according to any of claims 1 to 9.11 . The housing structure of claim 10, further comprising: a second collapsible solar panel system comprising: a third panel and a fourth panel, each of the third and fourth panel having or comprising a corresponding solar panel; a second hinge positioned between a first side of the third panel and a first side of the fourth panel, wherein the second hinge comprises a second flexible element configured to bend along a second fold line to allow relative movement between the third panel and the fourth panel, the second fold line being substantially parallel to the first side of the third panel and the first side of the fourth panel; the second collapsible solar panel system movable between: a second flat configuration wherein the third panel and fourth panel lie in substantially the same plane; a second folded configuration wherein the third panel lies in a different plane to the fourth panel; and a connector configured to connect a first panel of the first collapsible solar panel system to a third panel of the second collapsible solar panel system.

12. The housing structure of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the connector comprises: a first connection configured to receive the first panel of the collapsible solar panel structure;a second connection configured to receive the third panel of the second collapsible solar panel structure.

13. The housing structure of claim 12, wherein the connector further comprises a third connection configured to receive a first structural component or a panel of a third collapsible solar panel system according to any of claims 1 to 9.

14. The housing structure of claim 13, wherein the connector further comprises a fourth connection configured to receive a second structural component or a panel of a fourth collapsible solar panel system according to any of claims 1 to 9.

15. The housing structure of claims 13 or 14, wherein the first and second structural element may comprise at least one of: a wall structure, a pole or support structure.

16. The housing structure of any of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a rain harvesting gutter and water storage unit.

17. The housing structure of any of claims 10 to 16, further comprising a hinge stabiliser, the hinge stabiliser placed over the hinge of at least one of the first, second, third or fourth collapsible solar panel system and configured to secure the hinge in the flat configuration.

18. The housing structure of any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the housing structure is temporary and comprises at least one of: a disaster relief building, an electric vehicle charging station, a military structure, a factory or industrial storage facility, an agricultural building, a construction site building, an event tent or gazebo.

19. A naval mast comprising the collapsible solar panel system of any of claims 1 to 9.

20. A wearable device comprising the collapsible solar panel system of any of claims 1 to 9.21 . The wearable device of claim 20, further comprising an antenna.

22. The wearable device of any of claims 20 to 21 , further comprising bullet resistant body armour.

23. The wearable device of claims 20 or 21 , wherein the bullet resistant body armour comprises a vest, comprising a vest body suitable for conforming to a human torso, wherein the vest body comprises the collapsible solar panel system.

24. The wearable device of any of claims 20 to 23, wherein, in the folded configuration, the collapsible solar panel system is suitable for conforming to a human torso.

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