A portable solar panel, e.g. for use on a hatch or a deck of a vessel

Abstract

A hatch (30) is provided thereon with a portable solar panel comprising a main panel body (2) having a sandwich structure (9) with an upper skin (10), a lower skin (11), and a core (12), for example a foam core or a honeycomb core. The panel further comprises four fitting members (5) arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container. Each fitting member is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling (20). The panel further comprises photovoltaic cells (6), electric cabling (7), power converters (8), and an electrical connector (14) which is connectable to an electrical grid and / or a remote consumer of the outputted electricity, e.g. via 380 V three-phase output electricity.

Description

[0001] A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL, E.G. FOR USE ON A HATCH OR A DECK OF A VESSEL

[0002] WO2022253745 discloses a hatch for an inland waterway cargo vessel provided with photovoltaic cells. The surface area of the hatch comprises photo-voltaic cells which are not removable from the hatch.

[0003] Several different types of solar panels are known which are easily attachable and removeable and can be arranged on several different constructions. For example, US9157418 discloses a power supply unit to be mounted on top of an ISO container. The unit comprises photo-voltaic cells that produce electric power, a mainframe forming the sides of the unit, ISO corner castings attached to each corner of the mainframe, the height of said mainframe being less than three feet. The ISO container corner castings allow for mounting and attachment on top of an ISO container and for stacking of two or more units during transportation and storage.

[0004] The known portable solar panels are not entirely satisfactory, e g. in view of their use and handling onboard of a vessel, e.g. on a sea-going vessel. Also known portable solar panels suffer drawbacks in view of their production, maintenance, e.g. in view of logistics.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide measures that allow for a portable solar panel which can be handled with ease, e.g. onboard of a vessel, and is attractive in view of production.

[0006] The first aspect of the invention provides a portable solar panel according to claim 1.

[0007] The solar panel comprises a main panel body having a sandwich structure with an upper skin, a lower skin, and a core, e.g. a foam core or a honeycomb core, wherein the main panel body has a length, a width, and a peripheral edge, wherein the solar panel further comprises four fitting members attached to the peripheral edge and arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, wherein the panel further comprises:

[0008] • photo-voltaic cells which are secured to the upper skin of the main panel body,

[0009] • power converters connected to the photo-voltaic cells via electric cabling and configured to convert the electrical energy entering the power converters into another form of output electricity, e.g. 380 V three-phase output electricity, • an electrical connector attached to the main panel body and connected to the power converters via electric cabling, which electrical connector is connectable to an electrical grid and / or a remote consumer of the outputted electricity, e.g. 380 V three- phase output electricity.

[0010] In an embodiment, each fitting member is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling. For example, this allows for coupling to a mounting member which is provided on a hatch, e.g. a hatch of a vessel, e.g. of a sea-going vessel. ISO twist-lock couplings are widely used in the shipping industry and provide an easy way of releasably fixing two objects.

[0011] The rectangular grid corresponds to the widely used 20 ft. ISO freight container standards. The grid, for example, corresponds to the dimensions of a container in the 22G0 category, for example 20 ft. (6.10m) by 8 ft. (2.44m) by 8 ft. 6 inches (2.59m).

[0012] In an embodiment, for example, each fitting member is configured to cooperate with a coupling embodied as a releasable fastener, e.g. having a bolt opening for a bolt.

[0013] In embodiments, the solar panel is easily attachable and removable from, for example, a hatch or a deck of a vessel.

[0014] In embodiments, each fitting member is individually attached to the sandwich structure main panel body by corresponding attachment means, e.g. via rivets, bolts, screws, and / or adhesive. In this embodiment, contrary to the disclosure of US9157418, there is no frame interconnecting the fitting members to one another. The sandwich structure main panel body provides sufficient strength to attach each individual fitting member directly thereto. The absence of the frame, so the frameless design, allows for significant weight reduction which facilitates handling, including - in embodiments of the inventive solar panel - the stacking of solar panels.

[0015] In embodiments, each fitting member is individually attached to the sandwich structure main panel body by corresponding attachment means, and each fitting member protrudes from the peripheral edge of the sandwich structure main panel body both in direction of the length and of the width of the sandwich structure main panel body, and wherein the length, width, and peripheral edge of the sandwich structure main panel body are such that the sandwich structure main panel body fits within a 19’ 4” (5.898m) by 7’ 9”(2.352m) rectangle. This embodiment allows for optimal logistics, e.g. in the production of the solar panels as the sandwich structure main panel bodies, without the fitting members being present, can be loaded into a 20 ft. ISO freight container in a stack for shipment to an assembly or maintenance location. For example, when a problem arises or when a check-up of multiple solar panels is desired, the fitting members can be detached and then the faulty main panel body can be shipped lying in a 20 ft or 40 ft. container. The same efficiency is present during production, wherein the main panel body, e.g. provided with one or more of the photo-voltaic cells, cabling, power converters, connector(s), and / or ribs as discussed herein, can be shipped (e g. stacked) in a 20 ft. or 40 ft. to an assembly location, where the fitting members are attached to the main panel body. The mentioned dimensions of the imaginary rectangle correspond to the standardized inner dimensions (length and width) of a 20ft. container. Of course, one could also transport the sandwich structure main panel bodies in a 40 ft. container, which will then be able to accommodate two stacks of main panel bodies.

[0016] In embodiments, the fitting members are configured to not extend beyond the height of the sandwich structure main panel body, so not above or below the main panel body, when seen in a side view of the solar panel. This enhances, for example, stacking of solar panels having the fitting members.

[0017] In embodiments, the core is a foam core or honeycomb core which is bonded to both the lower and upper skins.

[0018] In embodiments, the core and the upper and lower skins are made solely from plastic material. This allows for enhanced recycling at the end of the lifetime of the solar panel. Using a plastic sandwich structure allows for use on a vessel and also for a more lightweight and simple structure as compared to a solar panel with a metal frame.

[0019] In embodiments, the core is made of polypropylene, e.g. as a honeycomb.

[0020] In embodiments, the lower skin and upper skin are made of reinforced polypropylene, e.g. glass fibre reinforced polypropylene. Preferably, the core is made of polypropylene, e.g. as a honeycomb.

[0021] The skins and core of the sandwich structure are, for example, secured / bonded to one another by means of an adhesive compound or by means of thermal welding.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the core of the sandwich structure is a honeycomb core, e.g. made of polypropylene. Honeycomb structures are widely used in transportation and construction industries. Honeycomb cores provide excellent rigidity at minimal weight. The size of the honeycomb cells can be altered depending on the strength requirements of the portable solar panel. When cut-outs and / or grooves are made in the sandwich structure, e.g. for mounting therein the converters and / or cabling, it is envisaged that no additional measures are required to prevent ingress of water into the honeycomb core, as the core itself will prevent such ingress. When deemed insufficient, side faces of such cut-outs and / or grooves can be provided with an additional watertight sealing.

[0023] In embodiments, the core of the sandwich structure comprises another core structure such as a rectangular chamber core, or a trapezoidal shaped core, or a triangular shaped core.

[0024] In an embodiment, a resin is used for filling a portion of the core which is hollowed out for the placement of components, for example electrical cabling, a power converter, or an electrical connector. The resin serves as a means of protection for the components inside of the solar panel. Once the resin is poured and sets, it acts as an additional barrier for external sources to interfere with the electrical devices inside of the solar panel.

[0025] In embodiments, the power converters are each mounted in a respective cut-out in at least the core of the sandwich structure main panel body, preferably the cut-outs being spaced apart from one another in order to avoid undue local weakening of the main panel body. Preferably, at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the power converter remains exposed to the environment. This may allow for enhanced cooling of the power converter and / or for access to the power converter, e.g. in view of maintenance. In embodiments, each power converter accommodating cutout extends vertically through the sandwich structure main panel body, so is open from above and below. In embodiments, the photo-voltaic cells are mounted to extend over the upper openings of the power converter accommodating cutouts. In practical embodiments, the power converters are fastened, e.g. via a bracket of the power converter, to the underside of the upper skin or to the lower skin of the main panel body.

[0026] In embodiments, the at least one electrical connector of the solar panel is connected via an outwardly extending cable to the power converters. In another embodiment, the electrical connector(s) of the solar panel is integrated in the sandwich structure main panel body, e.g. at the peripheral edge thereof so as to allow for enhanced external access.

[0027] The photo-voltaic cells are connected, e.g. in a field or group, to a respective power converter by means of the electric cabling. In an embodiment, the power converters are mounted, at least in part, in a cut-out made in at least the core of the sandwich structure. Mounting the power converters at least partly inside of the core allows for a portable solar panel with a minimal total height. Due to the sandwich structure the main panel body has a sufficient rigidity and strength to support the power converters inside of the main panel body. The power converters can be integrated completely inside the core of the main panel body. The power converters can also be integrated inside of the main panel body while being flush with the upper or lower skin, i.e. wherein a cut-out is made in both the core and the upper or lower skin.

[0028] In an embodiment, the power converters are accommodated at least in part in a cut-out in the core of the sandwich structure such that each converter is in contact with open air. Power converters having cooling requirements might not obtain sufficient cooling when completely mounted inside of the core. By integrating these converters so that they remain in contact with open air, they can be sufficiently cooled.

[0029] The power converters are configured to convert the energy obtained through the photo-voltaic cells into a desired output form of electricity, for example into:

[0030] - alternating current (or AC) electricity, preferably three-phase AC electricity, e.g. congruent with the requirements of the consumer and / or the electrical grid that is connected to the output of the power converters. For example, the electrical grid of a cargo vessel, e.g. congruent with the standards of the geographical location in which the power converters are operating e.g. whereas within the EU three phase electricity often has a line to line voltage of 400V and a line to neutral voltage of 230V the US often utilizes a line to line voltage of 208V and a line to neutral voltage of 120V.

[0031] - single-phase AC electricity e.g. congruent with either the requirements of the consumer and / or electrical grid that is connected to the output of the power converters, e.g. congruent with the standards of the geographical location in which the power converters are operating, e.g. a line to neutral voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz according to EU standards, a line to neutral voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz according to US standards, or another required voltage and frequency.

[0032] - direct current (or DC) electricity e.g. stepped up or down according to the requirements of the consumer or the electrical grid, e.g. a DC motor or a battery. Preferably, the DC electricity from the photo-voltaic cells is converted into 380V three-phase electricity. An example of a converter that is capable of doing this is the Enphase IQ8 Microinverter.

[0033] The solar panel can act as an electricity generator in the form of a grid-tied system wherein a user is only required to connect the panel to a consumer, e g. including an external battery, or an electrical grid, e.g. a 380 V grid, e.g. onboard a vessel. An energy consuming device connected to this grid can then consume the energy generated by the solar panel. The solar panel can for example be connected to the electrical grid of a vessel.

[0034] In embodiments, the solar panel comprises two electrical connectors at opposite longitudinal ends of the solar panel.

[0035] In embodiments, the electric cabling is mounted along an underside of the sandwich structure, for example is secured to the lower skin of the sandwich structure. By mounting the cabling this way the cable is protected from environmental factors while also maintaining structural integrity of the main panel body. By providing the electric cabling not through the core of the structure but under the lower skin, undue weakening of the main panel body is avoided. This does not exclude that some local holes or the like are made in the main panel body for the cabling, which does not impair the strength in significant manner, yet avoids the presence of lengthy elongated grooves in the main panel body for cabling. When one or more ribs are present at the underside of the panel, the cabling preferably circumvents the one or more ribs instead of being passed through the rib(s).

[0036] In embodiments, the solar panel is provided beneath the sandwich structure main panel body with one or more ribs having a height. For example, the ribs are elongated. For example, the ribs are made as strips of sandwich structure material having skins and a core, e.g. similar to the main panel body sandwich structure, e.g. of the same plastic material. The ribs can be glued to the lower skin of fastened otherwise. The provision of ribs is beneficial in embodiments wherein the electric cabling for connecting the power converters and the electrical connector(s) extends mainly underneath the lower skin of the sandwich structure of the main panel body. Then the ribs have a height so as to extend below the electric cabling so that the cabling is not damaged by squeezing. For example, the ribs, e.g. the elongated ribs, are configured for stacking solar panels on top of one another. This allows to run the cabling, at least a part / majority thereof, under the structure and not through the structure. This may be beneficial in view of structural strength of the panel as the structure remains more intact than with significant grooves having to be made for the cabling,. This strength may be of relevance when handling the panel, e.g. lifting the panel by means of a crane. Preferably, the ribs are configured for stacking solar panels on top of one another.

[0037] In embodiments, the photo-voltaic cells of the solar panel are arranged in fields which are spaced apart, e.g. three, four or five fields. Preferably, each field extends across the majority of the width of the main panel body, e.g. with a margin from the longitudinal side edge. Preferably, the multiple fields are arranged in series in longitudinal direction of the main panel body, wherein a spacing is present between adjacent fields. For example, a power converter accommodating cut-out is present in the main panel body below each field of photo-voltaic cells and connected to the respective field.

[0038] In embodiments, the ribs of the solar panel are arranged so that in a stack of solar panels the ribs of an upper solar panel stand on the solar panel below outside of the fields of photovoltaic cells thereof. For example, the solar panel has multiple transverse ribs, which each are located to stand on the lower solar panel in the spacing between adjacent fields.

[0039] In embodiments, the solar panel has peripheral ribs under the lower skin, e.g. in additional to one or more transverse ribs, the peripheral ribs extending at the periphery of the main panel body. For example, the electric cabling and possibly the power converters are located within the perimeter of these peripheral ribs.

[0040] In embodiments, a height of the main panel body is between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm.

[0041] In embodiments, the height of the ribs under the main panel body is between 1 .5 cm and 2.5 cm.

[0042] In embodiments, a height of the main panel body is between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm, and the height of the ribs, if present, is between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. Having a low maximum height is beneficial in certain cases. For example, when using the portable solar panel on a vessel, e.g. on a deck of a vessel or a hatch of a cargo vessel, the hatches are often stacked on top of each other when not in use (e.g. during loading / unloading of the vessel, etc.).

[0043] In embodiments, the portable solar panels have a height lower than 8 cm and the hatches are provided with stacking members allowing for their stacking. Often then, these solar panels can remain on a hatch during stacking of hatches. With a sufficiently low height the solar panels will fit in between the space of two consecutive hatches stacked on top of each other. The forces of the stacked hatches will be distributed over the hatches underneath and will not be exerted on the photo-voltaic cells of the solar panel.

[0044] The photo-voltaic cells may be laminated between protective top and backing layers. For example, the laminate including the photo-voltaic cells has a thickness of at most 5 millimeters, e.g. between 0.5 and 3 millimeters, e g. between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters.

[0045] In an embodiment, the photo-voltaic cells are covered by a glass layer, e.g. a thin glass layer, for example a thin glass layer in the order of 1 mm to reduce the weight of the panel. As a result the solar panel can be lighter than conventional solar panels.

[0046] For example, the laminate has a weight between 3 and 7 kg / m2. Compared to ordinary glass surface photo-voltaic panels, which have a weight between 8 and 25 kg / m2, the laminate may be lighter. The laminate also does not require strengthening of the main panel body, and thus increase of its weight.

[0047] In embodiments, the photo-voltaic cells, e.g. the laminate including the cells, are secured to the upper skin by means of tape, e.g. a foam tape. This provides a means to secure the cells to the main panel body without having to increase the total height of the panel. For example, double sided foam tape provides a simple solution of attaching the cells to the sandwich structure.

[0048] In embodiments, the photo-voltaic cells are secured to the upper skin by means of an adhesive compound. For example a seawater resistant silicone adhesive can be used for bonding of the photo-voltaic cells to the sandwich structure.

[0049] In an embodiment, the solar panel comprises multiple, e.g. four lifting eyes, e.g. foldable lifting eyes that can be folded down into a recessed storage position, e.g. the lifting eye being recessed in the main panel body. These lifting eyes are used for lifting of each panel, for example by means of a crane. Preferably, the lifting eyes are distributed along the panel such that the maximum bending moment is minimized.

[0050] The first aspect of the invention also relates to a hatch according to claim 16, e.g. a hatch for covering a cargo hold of a vessel, e.g. of a sea-going vessel. Herein, the solar panel is coupled with the hatch by means of the couplings, e.g. by ISO twist-lock couplings. The hatch may be configured to be placed or is placed in an operative position thereof over a storage space in a removable or displaceable manner, e.g. over a cargo hold of a cargo vessel, the hatch having a width and a length, and the hatch in the operative position covering the storage space directly underneath.

[0051] In embodiments, the hatch comprises multiple groups of four mounting members, the mounting members of each group being arranged in a rectangular grid so as to each receive a solar panel as discussed herein which is coupled with the hatch by means of the couplings, e.g. the ISO twist-lock couplings, wherein the solar panels on the hatch are connected in series and a single electrical connector is used to connect the solar panels, which are connected in series, to an electrical grid or remote consumer, e.g. a 380 V grid or consumer. Each group of four mounting members is arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, e.g. each mounting member being configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling.

[0052] In embodiments, the hatch comprises a central raised portion in between two pairs of mounting members, wherein the solar panel, when coupled by means of the couplings, e.g. the ISO twist-lock couplings, rests with the main panel body on the raised portion of the hatch, e.g. via the ribs of the solar panel.

[0053] In embodiments, the hatch is configured such that in a stack of multiple hatches, the hatches stack directly on top of one another with the solar panel in place and without mechanically loading and / or contacting the solar panels.

[0054] The first aspect of the invention also relates to a vessel, e.g. a sea cargo vessel, provided with at least one portable solar panel as discussed herein. In embodiments, the at least one portable solar panel is provided on a hatch of the vessel, e.g. a hatch covering a cargo hold of the vessel. In embodiments the at least one portable solar panel is provided a deck, e.g. a cargo deck, of the vessel. The vessel has an electrical grid which comprises a consumer, and the at least one portable solar panel is connected or connectable to the electrical grid of the vessel. For example, the solar panel(s) is / are configured to each output 380V three phase electricity.

[0055] In embodiments the vessel has a cargo hold with an open top having a width and a length defined by opposed longitudinal edges, wherein the vessel is provided with multiple hatches for covering the cargo hold, at least one or more of said hatches being provided with at least one portable solar panel as discussed herein. In embodiments, each solar panel comprises two electrical connectors, e.g. at opposed longitudinal ends thereof, wherein multiple solar panels are connected in series such that a single connection on the vessel is required to connect solar panels to the grid of the vessel, e.g. the 380 V grid.

[0056] The first aspect of the invention also relates to a method for generating electricity for supply to a consumer, e.g. onboard of a vessel, wherein use is made of one or more solar panels or hatches as discussed herein.

[0057] The first aspect of the invention also relates to a hatch wherein at least one portable solar panel is provided on the hatch as described in claim 23. For example, the solar panel(s) is further embodied as described in any one or more of claims 2 - 15.

[0058] The first aspect of the invention also relates to a method for production of portable solar panels according to at least claims 3 and 4, wherein sandwich structure main panel bodies are produced at a production location, and wherein these bodies are shipped in 20 ft. or 40 ft. ISO freight container to an assembly location, and wherein at the assembly location each fitting member is individually attached to the sandwich structure main panel body by corresponding attachment means.

[0059] Vessels where the solar panels can be used are for example open sea vessels or inland vessels. These vessels often cannot rely on the energy from solar panels since the mounting and integration is problematic. The hatches on vessels comprising a cargo hold provide a large surface area suitable for the placement of solar panels.

[0060] Hatch covers on vessels, e.g. cargo vessels or container vessels, often comprise a grid of mounting members for twist-lock couplings corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container such that containers can be transported on top of the hatches. For these cases the portable solar panels can provide a solution for power generation in case no additional containers are transported on the hatches. Due to the use of twist-lock couplings the solar panels are easily placeable and removable.

[0061] In embodiments, the hatch comprises a central raised portion in between two pairs of mounting members, wherein the solar panel, when coupled by means of the ISO twist-lock couplings, rest with the main panel body on the raised portion of the hatch. This provides an effective support for the solar panel and provides that the bending moment acting on the panel is reduced. The raised central portion also allows for the twist-lock couplings to be placed at a relatively lower position. The flat portable solar panel placed on top of the central raised portion is configured to engage with the twist-lock couplings of the hatch. This allows for a coupling which does not require an increased height compared to the other parts of the solar panel.

[0062] In an embodiment, the main panel body of each solar panel rests entirely on the central raised portion in between the two pairs of mounting members. This ensures that almost the entire weight of each panel rests on the hatch.

[0063] In an embodiment, the hatch is configured to be stacked in a stack of multiple hatches at a parking position remote from the operative position, e.g. at an end of the storage space. Due to the low height of the solar panels the hatches can be stacked without the solar panels experiencing the weight of the hatches stacked on top of the hatch which it is mounted to.

[0064] Additionally, the solar panels may comprise a recess such that the area of the hatch wherein a cart for the transporting and stacking of the hatches latches onto is free.

[0065] In an embodiment, the hatch is configured such that in a stack of multiple hatches, the hatches stack directly on top of one another with the solar panel in place without mechanically loading and / or contacting the photo-voltaic cells and the power converters. For example, the hatch comprises a rest whereon another hatch stack directly on top of rests.

[0066] A second aspect of the invention relates to a 20 ft. ISO freight container comprising four fitting members arranged in a rectangular grid, each fitting member configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling, wherein the container is provided with a solar panel as described herein, wherein the solar panel is coupled to the container by means of the ISO twist-lock couplings. The top surface of a container provides a flat surface area which can potentially be used for harvesting solar energy. This can for example be beneficial on construction sites or on remote locations where a stable electrical power supply is difficult to obtain. The portable solar panel can be mounted on the twist-lock couplings on top of a container, and is able to provide energy after it is coupled to an energy consuming device.

[0067] The present invention also relates to a method for generating electricity for supply to a consumer, e.g. onboard of a vessel, wherein use is made of the portable solar panel.

[0068] The present invention also relates to the use of the portable solar panel as described herein for another use than onboard of a vessel. According to a third aspect of the invention a portable solar main panel body is provided, e.g. for use in production of a solar panel as described herein. The portable solar main panel body comprises a sandwich structure with an upper skin, a lower skin, and a core, e.g. a foam core or a honeycomb core, wherein the upper skin and lower skin are made of glass fibre reinforced polypropylene, and the core is made of polypropylene.

[0069] In an embodiment, the main panel body has a length, a width, and a peripheral edge, and a height between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm.

[0070] In an embodiment, the panel is configured to attach or has attached four fitting members on the peripheral edge arranged in a rectangular grid, for example a grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, e.g. each fitting member is configured to cooperate with an ISO twistlock coupling of the hatch.

[0071] In an embodiment, the upper skin of the sandwich structure is an essentially flat upper skin configured to secure or having secured photo-voltaic cells thereto arranged in fields or groups, e.g. spaced apart from one another in lengthwise direction of the panel. In embodiments, a number of cut-outs corresponding to the number of fields or groups of photovoltaic cells is present on the main panel body, each cut-out being configured to receive a power converter therein to be connected to a respective field or group of photo-voltaic cells.

[0072] In an embodiment, the main panel body is provided underneath the sandwich structure with one or more ribs having a height, e.g. allowing for electric cabling for connecting the power converters and electrical connector(s) to extend underneath the lower skin of the sandwich structure and the one or more ribs have a height so as to extend below the electric cabling, e.g. wherein the one or more ribs are configured for stacking solar panels on top of one another.

[0073] In an embodiment, the ribs are arranged so that in a stack of solar panels the ribs of an upper solar panel stand on the lower solar panel outside of fields of photo-voltaic cells thereof.

[0074] In an embodiment, ribs extend beneath the sandwich structure and along its perimeter, e.g. allowing for electric cabling and power converters to be located within the perimeter of the ribs.

[0075] In an embodiment, the height of the ribs is between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. It will be appreciated that the portable solar panel body of the third aspect of the invention may have one or more features discussed herein with reference to the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0076] The invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0077] Fig. 1 shows a top-down view of a portable solar panel according to the invention,

[0078] Fig. 2 shows a side-view of the solar panel of figure 1,

[0079] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional top-down view of the solar panel of figure 1,

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the solar panel of figure 1 ,

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the twist-lock coupling of the solar panel of figure 1 ,

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a hatch comprising several solar panels according to the solar panel of figure 1 , Fig. 7 shows a sideview of adjacent hatches comprising solar panels according to the solar panel of figure 1,

[0083] Fig. 8 shows perspective view of two 20 ft. ISO freight containers comprising the solar panel according to figure 1 ,

[0084] Fig. 9 shows a top view of another portable solar panel according to the invention,

[0085] Fig. 10 shows a bottom-up view of the solar panel of figure 9,

[0086] Fig. 11 shows a simplified side-view of a solar panel according to the invention,

[0087] Fig. 12 shows two solar panels according to the invention stacked on top of each other, Fig. 13 shows a hatch comprising a series of portable solar panels according to the invention.

[0088] In figure 1 an example of a portable solar panel 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0089] The solar panel comprises a main panel body 2 having a sandwich structure. The sandwich structure 9 has an upper skin 10, a lower skin 11 , and a core 12. This structure can be one of the well-known structures used in sandwich structures, for example a foam core or a honeycomb core. The skins 10, 11 are bonded to the core 12 at opposite sides thereof.

[0090] The main body has a length L and a width W. The main body panel further has a peripheral edge 3. The panel comprises four fitting members 5 attached to the peripheral edge 3. The fitting members are arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container. Each fitting member is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling 20. The panel further comprises photo-voltaic cells 6 arranged in fields or groups along the length L of the main panel body of the solar panel 1. These cells 6 are secured to the upper skin 10 of the sandwich structure 9 of the main panel body 2. These cells can be secured by means of foam tape and / or an adhesive compound.

[0091] In the shown embodiment, the solar panel 1 comprises five fields or groups of cells 6. The panel further comprises electric cabling 7, power converters 8, and an electrical connector 14.

[0092] Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the solar panel 1. Herein cut-outs 15, 16, e g. made in the lower skin and core, are visible for the embedding of the electric cabling 7 and power converters 8. In another embodiment, the cut-outs 15 are made through the entire thickness of the structure 9, so also through the upper skin.

[0093] The photo-voltaic cells 6 produce direct current (DC) electricity and are connected to the electric cabling via couplings. These couplings are placed in cut-outs 16. The electric cabling 7 leads to the power converters 8, which convert the DC electricity into a different form.

[0094] In this example, the electrical cabling 7 is embedded inside of the core of the solar panel. Internal routing of the electrical cables provides protection from environmental factors and allows for a final product which is easy to install as only an electrical connector 14 is used for connecting the solar panel to a remote consumer.

[0095] In this embodiment, the power converters 8 are completely embedded inside of the main panel body of the solar panel 1. In other embodiments, the power converters 8 protrude partially below the panel body, e.g. with the panel having ribs as explained herein. In other embodiments, the power converters may be integrated around the peripheral edge of the panel body. This allows for easier access to the power converters in case of maintenance. Another advantage of placement of the power converters around the peripheral edge is enhanced cooling due to contact with open air. In

[0096] Around the peripheral edge 3 the fitting members 5 and surfaces 17 for engaging the ISO twist-lock couplings 20 are visible. The fitting members 5 are configured to receive a twistlock portion of the twist-lock coupling 20. The surfaces 17 are configured such that the solar panel fits in the rectangular grid of twist-lock couplings corresponding to the 20 ft. ISO freight container. The solar panels each have a first recessed area 35 at the long side such that a cart for transporting and stacking of the hatches is able to latch onto a side of the hatch and make a stack of said hatches without exerting excessive forces on the solar panels or breaking the solar panels.

[0097] The solar panels have a second recessed area 36 at the short sides. These areas allow for additional space between two adjacent solar panels 1 which is used to provide a means for the connection between solar panels.

[0098] In figure 4 a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the solar panel 1 is shown. In the side view the different components of the sandwich structure 9 are visible. The sandwich structure has a photo-voltaic cell 6 secured on top of the upper skin 10. The figures shows the placement of a power converter 8 inside of the core of the main panel body 2 is shown. In this embodiment the power converter 8 is inserted into the sandwich structure from the lower side of the panel. A cut-out has been made in the lower skin 11 and the core 12. The power converter 8 is placed inside the cut-out. In embodiments the remaining hollowed out portion 25 is filled with a resin.

[0099] In figure 5 a cross-sectional side view of the solar panel around a twist-lock coupling 20 is shown. Here a simplified representation of the sandwich structure 9 is shown.

[0100] The twist lock coupling 20 comprises a body 21 with a rotatable upper cone 22. In the shown embodiment the twist lock coupling is mounted on a hatch of a vessel.

[0101] The hatch comprising a raised central portion 31 and a lower portion 32. The lower portion comprise mounting members 19 in which the body 21 of the twist-lock coupling can be inserted. The upper cone 22 is inserted into the fitting member 5 of the solar panel 1.

[0102] For example, the fitting member 5 is a reinforced member, e.g. made of steel, inserted into or other secured to, the sandwich structure 9 of the solar panel. The upper cone 22 of the twistlock coupling 20 engages with the fitting member 5 which transfers the forces between the solar panel and the twist-lock coupling.

[0103] The fitting member 5, for example, has a rectangular shaped opening similar to the lower part of the upper cone 22. By twisting the handle 23 of the twist-coupling 20, the upper cone 22 will rotate. The internal shape of the fitting member prevents the upper cone 22 to be able to be moved out of said fitting member once in the locked state. Only by twisting the upper cone again to the initial state it is able to be removed from the fitting member. This allows for a simple, quick and rigid means of coupling the solar panel to a surface.

[0104] Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment wherein the portable solar panel is 1 used on a hatch 30 of a vessel.

[0105] Figure 6 shows a top-down view while figure 7 shows a sideview of the hatches. Each hatch in the shown embodiment is configured for positioning four solar panels 1 adjacent to each other. For clarity only solar panels on the central hatch are shown in figure 6. Figure 7 shows a portion of the outer two solar panels. The hatches in the shown embodiment comprise a raised central portion 31 between lower portions 32 where the mounting members 19 are provided. The vertical lines in figure 6 indicate the edges of the raised central portion of the hatches.

[0106] Figure 7 shows a simplified side view of the hatch. The solar panels are mounted onto the hatch by means of twist-lock couplings 20. The couplings 20 engage with the fitting members 5 around the peripheral edge 3 of the main panel body 2.

[0107] The hatches in the shown embodiment comprise a raised central portion 31 . While the solar panels are coupled to the twist-lock couplings 20, which are connected to the mounting members 19 on the lower portions 32 of the hatch, the main panel body 2 rests on the raised central portion 31 of the respective hatch 30. The fitting member 5 used for the twist-lock coupling does not extend beyond the maximal height of the solar panel.

[0108] Due to this low height of the solar panels the hatches can be stacked without having to take of the solar panels. This gives a greater freedom in use of the solar panels. In case the hatches must be used for containers they are easily removable, while in other scenarios they can remain on the hatch. While stacked, the solar panel on top of the top hatch in a stack can be used for the harvesting of solar energy.

[0109] In embodiments not shown in the figures it the portable solar panels are configured to be mounted on a flat hatch having twist-lock couplings arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container. Due to the integrated fitting member 5 it is possible to engaged with a twist-lock coupling on a hatch having a flat surface.

[0110] Figure 8 shows an embodiment wherein the portable solar panels 1 are used on the upper surface of a container 40. Preferably, the container is a 20 ft. ISO freight container. In the figure two containers are shown side by side, both containers have a portable solar panel attached on their top surface. The portable solar panels are mounted on the container by means of twist-lock couplings 20. By connecting the electrical connector 14 of the solar panels to an electrical device the energy of the solar panels can be used.

[0111] Figure 9 shows a top-down view of a portable solar panel 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0112] The solar panel comprises a main panel body 2 having a sandwich structure. The sandwich structure 9 has an upper skin 10, a lower skin 11 , and a core 12. This structure can be one of the well-known structures used in sandwich structures, for example a foam core or a honeycomb core.

[0113] The main body has a length L and a width W. The main body panel further has a peripheral edge 3.

[0114] The panel comprises four fitting members 5 attached to the peripheral edge 3. The fitting members are arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container.

[0115] Each fitting member 5 is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling 20. The fitting members 5 of the shown panel 1 have are fork-shaped and configured to receive a portion of an ISO twist-lock coupling.

[0116] The main panel body is offset to relative to the centre of the grid of fitting members 5 in order to facilitate the installation of the panel 1 on the hatch of a vessel.

[0117] The panel 1 comprises two electrical connectors 14 at opposite ends, which allows for easily connecting the solar panels in series.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a bottom-up view of the solar panel of figure 9. Here cut-outs 15 are visible in the lower skin of the main panel body 2. Power converters 8 are placed inside each cut-out 15.

[0119] Along the lower skin of the main panel body three ribs 26 are placed. When two portable solar panels are stacked, the ribs of an upper panel align with spacing of the fields of photo-voltaic cells of the lower panel as to transfer its respective weight via the ribs Furthermore, the shown solar panel body comprises ribs 27 around the perimeter of the panel. These ribs protect the components in or around the underside of the panel, such as the power converters.

[0120] Figure 11 shows a simplified sideview of a solar panel according to the first aspect of the invention. For the sake of clarity and simplicity the solar panel is only shown with a single photo-voltaic cell on top of the upper skin 10. The sandwich structure 9 comprises a power converter 8, which extends through a cut-out made in the lower skin 11 and core 12. The power converter is connected to an electrical connector 14, which can be connected to an external consumer.

[0121] Figure 12 shows a simplified side view of stacked portable solar panels 1. It is envisaged that in practical embodiments many more panels are stacked in a single stack, e.g. more than 10. For example, a panel weighs about 100 kg and more than 10 panels are stackable in a single stack.

[0122] Each panel 1 has photo-voltaic cells 6 arranged in fields which are spaced apart from one another, see also figures 1 and 9.

[0123] The central ribs 26 and the ribs 27 around the perimeter of the upper panel 1 rest on the upper skin 10 of the lower panel 1 . The ribs 26, 27 are arranged such they do not stand on the photo-voltaic cells 6 of the lower panel 1. The ribs 26 stand in between the fields of photovoltaic cells 6 of a lower panel 1. This way, multiple panels 1 can be stacked on top of one another without the weight of the panel(s) resting on the photo-voltaic cells 6 of lower panels 1.

[0124] Figure 13 shows a hatch 30 comprising a series of portable solar panels according to the first aspect of the invention. In the figure six portable solar panels 1 are shown to be connected in series by the electric cables 7. The series of solar panels is the connected by means of a single connector to an external consumer 29.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A portable solar panel comprising a main panel body (2) having a sandwich structure (9) with an upper skin (10), a lower skin (11), and a core (12), e.g. a foam core or a honeycomb core, wherein the main panel body has a length, a width, and a peripheral edge (3), wherein the solar panel further comprises four fitting members (5) attached to the peripheral edge (3) and arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, each fitting member (5) being configured to cooperate with a coupling, e g. an ISO twist-lock coupling (20), wherein the panel further comprises:• photo-voltaic cells (6) which are secured to the upper skin of the main panel body;• power converters (8) connected to the photo-voltaic cells via electric cabling (7) and configured to convert the electrical energy entering the power converters into another form of output electricity, e.g. 380 V three-phase output electricity,• an electrical connector (14) attached to the main panel body and connected to the power converters via electric cabling (7), which connector is connectable to an electrical grid and / or a remote consumer of the outputted electricity, e.g. 380 V three- phase output electricity.

2. Solar panel according to claim 1 , wherein the power converters and at least one electrical connector are configured to provide 380 three-phase output electricity.

3. Solar panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each fitting member (5) is individually attached to the sandwich structure main panel body by corresponding attachment means.

4. Solar panel according to claim 3, wherein each fitting member protrudes from the peripheral edge of the sandwich structure main panel body both in direction of the length and of the width of the sandwich structure main panel body, and wherein the length, width, and peripheral edge of the sandwich structure main panel body are such that the sandwich structure main panel body fits within a 19’ 4” (5.898m) by 7’ 9”(2.352m) rectangle.

5. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 4, wherein each fitting member (5) is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling (20), e.g. allowing for coupling to a mounting member (19) provided on a hatch, e.g. a hatch of a vessel.

6. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the core (12) is a foam core or honeycomb core.

7. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 6, wherein the core and the upper and lower skins are made solely from plastic material, e.g. wherein the core is made of polypropylene, preferably wherein the lower skin and upper skin are made of reinforced polypropylene, e.g. glass fibre reinforced polypropylene.

8. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 7, wherein the power converters (8) are mounted in a respective cut-out (15) in at least the core of the sandwich structure main panel body, e.g. at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the power converter remaining exposed to the environment, e.g. a cutout extending vertically through the sandwich structure main panel body, for example the power converters (8) being fastened to the underside of the upper skin or to the lower skin of the main panel body.

9. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 8, wherein the electrical connector (14) of the solar panel is connected via an outwardly extending cable or wherein the electrical connector (14) of the solar panel is integrated in the sandwich structure main panel body, e.g. at the peripheral edge thereof so as to allow for enhanced external access.

10. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 9, wherein the solar panel comprises two electrical connectors (14) at opposite longitudinal ends of the solar panel.11 . Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 10, wherein the electric cabling is mounted along an underside of the sandwich structure main panel body, for example is secured to the lower skin (11).

12. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 11 , wherein the solar panel is provided underneath the sandwich structure main panel body with one or more ribs (26, 27), e.g. elongated ribs, having a height, e.g. wherein the electric cabling (7) for connecting the power converters and the electrical connector(s) (14) extends underneath the lower skin of the sandwich structure main panel body and the one or more ribs (26,27) have a height so as to extend below the electric cabling (7), e.g. wherein the one or more ribs (26,27) are configured for stacking solar panels (1) on top of one another.

13. Solar panel according to claim 12, wherein the photo-voltaic cells (6) of each solar panel (1) are arranged in fields which are spaced apart, e.g. each field extending across thewidth of the main panel body and multiple fields being arranged in series in longitudinal direction of the main panel body, and wherein the ribs (26,27) are arranged so that in a stack of solar panels (1) the ribs (26,27) of an upper solar panel (1) stand on the lower solar panel (1) outside of the fields of photo-voltaic cells (6) thereof.

14. Solar panel according to claim 12 or 13, wherein peripheral ribs (27) of the solar panel are arranged at the perimeter of the main panel body, wherein the electric cabling (7), optionally also the power converters (8), is / are located within the perimeter of the peripheral ribs (27).

15. Solar panel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 14, wherein a height of the sandwich structure main panel body is between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm, and wherein the height of the ribs in an embodiment according to any one of claims 10 - 13 is between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm.

16. A hatch (30) configured to be placed in an operative position thereof over a storage space in a removable or displaceable manner, e.g. over a cargo hold of a cargo vessel, the hatch having a width and a length, and the hatch in the operative position covering the storage space directly underneath, wherein the hatch further comprises one or more groups of four mounting members (19) arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, each mounting member being configured to cooperate with a coupling, e.g. an ISO twist-lock coupling (20), wherein at least one portable solar panel (1) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 15 is provided on the hatch (30), wherein each fitting member (5) is configured to cooperate with a coupling, e.g. an ISO twist-lock coupling (20), wherein the solar panel (1) is coupled with the hatch (30) by means of the couplings, e.g. ISO twist-lock couplings.

17. Hatch according to claim 16, wherein the hatch comprises multiple groups of four mounting members (19), the mounting members of each group being arranged in a rectangular grid so as to each receive a solar panel (1) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 15 coupled with the hatch (30) by means of the couplings, e.g. ISO twist-lock couplings, wherein the solar panels on the hatch are connected in series and a single electrical connector is used to connect the solar panels, which are connected in series, to an electrical grid or remote consumer, e.g. a 380 V grid or consumer.

18. Hatch according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the hatch comprises a central raised portion in between two pairs of mounting members (19), wherein the solar panel, when coupled by means of the couplings, rests with the main panel body on the raised portion (31) of the hatch, e.g. via the ribs of the solar panel.

19. A vessel, e.g. a sea cargo vessel, provided with at least one portable solar panel (1) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 15, e.g. the at least one portable solar panel being provided on a hatch of the vessel, e.g. a hatch covering a cargo hold of the vessel, or on a deck, e.g. a cargo deck, of the vessel, wherein the vessel has an electrical grid which comprises a consumer, and wherein the at least one portable solar panel (1) is connected or connectable to the electrical grid of the vessel.

20. Vessel according to claim 19, wherein the vessel has a cargo hold with an open top having a width and a length defined by opposed longitudinal edges, wherein the vessel is provided with multiple hatches for covering the cargo hold, at least one or more of said hatches being provided with at least one portable solar panel (1) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 15 thereon, e.g. the hatch(es) being embodied according to any one or more of claims 16 - 18.21 . Vessel according to claim 19 or 20, wherein each solar panel comprises two electrical connectors (14), e.g. at opposed longitudinal ends thereof, and wherein multiple solar panels are connected in series such that a single connection on the vessel is required to connect solar panels to the grid of the vessel.

22. Method for generating electricity for supply to a consumer, e.g. onboard of a vessel, wherein use is made of one or more solar panels according to any one or more of the preceding claims 1-15 or hatches according to any one or more of claims 16 - 18.

23. A hatch (30) configured to be placed in an operative position thereof over a storage space in a removable or displaceable manner, e.g. over a cargo hold of a cargo vessel, the hatch having a width and a length, and the hatch in the operative position covering the storage space directly underneath, wherein the hatch further comprises one or more groups of four mounting members (19) arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, each mounting member configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling (20), wherein at least one portable solar panel (1) is provided on the hatch (30),wherein the solar panel comprises a main panel body (2) having a sandwich structure (9) with an upper skin (10), a lower skin (11), and a core (12), e.g. a foam core or a honeycomb core (12), wherein the main panel body has a length, a width, and a peripheral edge (3), wherein the panel further comprises four fitting members (5) attached to the peripheral edge (3) and arranged in a rectangular grid corresponding to a 20 ft. ISO freight container, wherein each fitting member (5) is configured to cooperate with an ISO twist-lock coupling (20) which cooperates with a mounting member (19) of the hatch, wherein the solar panel (1) further comprises:• photo-voltaic cells (6) which are secured to the upper skin of the main panel body,• power converters (8) connected to the photo-voltaic cells via electric cabling (7) and configured to convert the electrical energy entering the power converters into another form of output electricity, e.g. 380 V three-phase output electricity,• an electrical connector (14) attached to the main panel body (2) and connected to the power converters (8) via electric cabling (7), which connector is connectable to an electrical grid and / or a remote consumer of the outputted electricity, e.g. 380 V three- phase output electricity, wherein the solar panel (1) is coupled with the hatch (30) by means of the ISO twist-lock couplings.

24. Hatch according to claim 23, wherein the at least one solar panel is further embodied according to any one or more of claims 2 - 15.

25. Method for production of portable solar panels according to at least claims 3 and 4, wherein sandwich structure main panel bodies are produced at a production location, and wherein these bodies are shipped in 20 ft. or 40 ft. ISO freight container to an assembly location, and wherein at the assembly location each fitting member (5) is individually attached to the sandwich structure main panel body by corresponding attachment means.

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