Outdoor living structure for supporting power charging and storing components

Abstract

An outdoor living structure includes a deck structure and at least one battery pack. The deck structure includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned horizontally above and fixed with respect to the ground. The deck structure includes decking supported by the frame assembly. The at least one battery pack includes at least one rechargeable battery. The battery pack is located within the deck structure beneath the decking. The at least one battery pack is electrically connectable with a power source for charging the at least one rechargeable battery and a remote power load for selectively providing power from the at least one battery pack to the remote power load.

Description

Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01OUTDOOR LIVING STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING POWER CHARGING AND STORING COMPONENTSBACKGROUND

[0001] The United States uses about 4,000 Terawatt-hours (four trillion kilowatt-hours) of power each year. About 60% of the power is generated using fossil fuels, 21 % generated by renewable sources, and about 19% from nuclear power generation. Approximately one third of this generated power is consumed through residential use.

[0002] Renewable power sources include generating power using wind turbines, through geothermal-heated steam and through the use of photovoltaic cells (solar cells). Recent advancements in these technologies have formed the inspiration to replace entirely the current fossil-fuel power generation of electricity to the much cleaner power generation from such renewable sources - most particularly, solar power. Unfortunately, there are a few major hurdles to overcome before this replacement can be realized and fully appreciated.

[0003] Using solar-generation as an example, it has been estimated that 22,000 square miles of solar panels, at 14% efficiency, would be required to fully supply the power needs of the United States. Unfortunately, creating such a huge array of solar panels, at one or several locations, is not without problems, including those relating to installation, maintenance, cleaning, power transmission and overall cost.

[0004] As an alternative to the above-described enormous effort, many individual homeowners have installed a smaller array of solar panels on the roof of their houses. The small solar array would provide supplemental power to the residence to help reduce the amount of power drawn from the national power grid in supplying their respective power demand each day and night. In some cases, and during certain times of the day, the array could meet all the homeowner’s power requirements, with any unused power generated by a single residential location being sent to the power grid to help others with their power needs. Any power generated by alternative clean sources, regardless of the location of theAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 generation, would offset the need to generate power using so-called dirty methods, burning oil, gas, and coal.

[0005] Unfortunately, installing solar panels on the roof of a house structure is not always possible, and even if it is, the process is not without issues and concerns. Generally, most house structures in the United States are unique, as are their respective roofs, in area, shape, angle of steepness, load capacity, how they are covered, orientation with respect to the sun, and their age. All these factors are considered when deciding whether solar panels can effectively and safely be installed on a particular roof. First off, if the roof of a house is too small, or includes many obstructions, such as skylights, dormers, gutters, chimneys and vents, there may not be sufficient area to install enough solar panels to make the effort cost-effective. Also, if the roof is covered with asphalt shingles, and the shingles are older than 12 years, then often solar panels would not be recommended. If the roof is constructed poorly or is just not designed to handle the weight of the solar panels, then additional work will have to be done before the panels can be installed. Even if a particular roof meets all the structural, age, and area requirements and a solar array is installed, when the roof shingles of the roof have to be replaced, the panels will have to be removed and then reinstalled. Finally, if a house ever catches fire, installed solar panels can easily prevent the fire-fighters from effectively fighting the fire. Some fire departments insist that the panels first be electrically disconnected before they start spraying water on them. Such actions cause delays and delays are never good when fighting a house fire.

[0006] Instead of installing solar panels on the roof of a house, a solar panel array can be installed on the ground within the property, e.g., the backyard. The problem in doing this is that the panels, which would be mounted to a large support structure, take up a lot of space, are relatively delicate and could become damaged and the sunlight reaching them can be more easily and perhaps inadvertently blocked.

[0007] Regardless of where solar panels are installed on a particular residential property, batteries, such as lead-acid or lithium-ion, can be used to store power generated during daylight so that the power can be used during the evening, at times when high-power demand appliances are often used. A common problem with using such batteries is controlling the temperature in whichAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 they operate. Most rechargeable batteries have a working temperature range of between 0°C and 30°C. To ensure the batteries last a long time and work efficiently, then thermal management is essential. Most batteries on the market today manage the temperature of their batteries by throttling performance. If the battery, for example, becomes too hot, as measured by onboard sensors, a controlling circuit will slow down the charging and discharging rate, thereby cooling the cells. On cold days, many batteries will just stop working. Some smarter storage batteries, such as the “Powerwall,” manufactured by Tesla, Inc. of Austin, TX, employ an integral heating and cooling system to ensure the battery cells operate at optimal temperatures. Of course, the batteries can be installed inside the main house, such as in a garage, but heat management issues will persist if the garage is not heated. Many homes do not have a suitable area within the living portions to house several battery packs. Also, should there ever be a malfunction with any of the batteries, there is a risk that smoke or harmful chemicals may be released. Or worse yet, a fire may start and risk damaging to the main house structure.

[0008] Additionally, power companies that supply power to homeowners may use time-variable pricing programs. Power prices may fluctuate daily due to varying demand, with higher prices during peak hours (typically late afternoon to early evening) and lower prices during off-peak hours (overnight and early morning). Power companies can use Time of Use (TOU) rates to reflect these changes, which can be optional or mandatory depending on the location and plan. Such a model can encourage customers to shift usage to off-peak times to lower their bills and help balance the grid. An appropriately located battery pack that can be charged during these off-peak times may be desirable, even without being connected to a solar array.SUMMARY

[0009] In view of the foregoing, an outdoor living structure includes a deck structure and at least one battery pack. The deck structure includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned horizontally above and fixed with respect to the ground. The deck structure includes decking supported by the frame assembly. The at least one battery pack includes at least one rechargeableAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 battery. The battery pack is located within the deck structure beneath the decking. The at least one battery pack is electrically connectable with a power source for charging the at least one rechargeable battery and a remote power load for selectively providing power from the at least one battery pack to the remote power load.

[0010] The controlling circuitry of the battery pack includes a DC to AC inverter and other power regulators, thereby providing both AC and DC voltage outputs to be electrically connected to various electrical devices and appliances used either locally, within the outdoor living structure and within the nearby yard, and / or remotely, such as powering the nearby house, electric vehicle, and even connected to supply otherwise unused power to the power grid.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pergola, having a canopy structure, supporting columns and a deck structure and including solar panels and an integrally mounted battery pack.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a side view of the pergola of Fig. 1 .

[0013] Fig. 3 is a front view of the pergola of Fig. 1 .

[0014] Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the pergola of Fig. 1 .

[0015] Fig. 5 is a lower perspective assembly view of a battery container.

[0016] Fig. 6 is an upper perspective assembly view of the battery container.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective partial assembly view of the battery container ofFig. 6.

[0018] Fig. 8a is a partial perspective sectional view of the battery container, showing the cooling vents in a closed position.

[0019] Fig. 8b is a partial perspective sectional view of the battery container, showing the cooling vents in an open position.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a plan view of the deck, showing details of the battery container, batteries, and a circuitry pack.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a power flow schematic between the electrical components of the pergola, a house, and a power grid.Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, the figures schematically depict a pergola structure, according to the present disclosure.

[0023] By way of introduction, the present disclosure provides a residential property (house and yard) with renewable energy and / or a backup power supply, by incorporating storage batteries and optional solar panels into a useable outdoor sheltered living structure (e.g., a pergola) which is physically isolated from the house. As an example, the outdoor sheltered living structure includes a deck structure, into which the batteries are located and mounted, conveniently away from the main house for safety and in a space that is not wasted. People can use the deck space created directly above the storage batteries. The batteries are connected in such a way as to provide direct current (DC) power to various DC loads located within any of the outdoor sheltered living structure, a nearby house, a garage and a carport, and / or provide inverted power to provide alternating current (AC) power to loads located within any of the outdoor sheltered living structure, the nearby house, the garage, and the carport, or provide inverted AC power to supply the power grid.

[0024] Referring now to Fig. 1 , an exemplary outdoor sheltered living structure is shown, as a pergola 10. The pergola 10 includes a rectangular deck structure 12, four vertically disposed columns 14, and a canopy 16. The canopy 16 is supported at a predetermined height above the deck structure 12, by the four columns 14. In this example, the columns 14 are located one at each corner 18 of the rectangular deck structure 12. Although the deck structure 12 is shown rectangular in Fig. 1, it can be any size and shape without departing from the present invention. The deck structure 12 should reside a predetermined distance above the ground, or a concrete slab, or other surface 32, and have a predetermined thickness. In the example shown in the figures and described herein, the deck structure 12 is about 7 inches (18 cm) thick and resides about 12 inches (30.5 cm) above the ground 32. The various components of the deck structure 12, columns 14 and canopy 16 are secured together to form a sturdyAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 and stable structure using any appropriate mechanical fasteners and / or adhesives (not all shown), as understood by those skilled in the art. The components that make up the deck structure 12, the columns 14 and the canopy 16 are preferably made from a strong metal, such as steel or extruded aluminum, not only for the inherent strength of these metals, but also for their excellent thermal conduction properties. One purpose of the metal frame is to function as a large heat sink to help draw excess heat away from the batteries, as described below.

[0025] The deck structure 12 includes a frame assembly 20 and upper decking 21 (only partially shown, in Fig. 1). The decking 21 can be made from deck boards similar to a traditional deck. With reference to Fig. 4, the frame assembly 20 preferably includes perimeter beams 22, which form the outside shape of the frame assembly 20, central crossbeams 24, which extend between two opposing perimeter beams 22. Several supporting members 26 can be secured between the central crossbeams 24 and any of the four perimeter beams 22. These different beams, 22, 24, and 26 are all secured to each other using mechanical fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, and / or welding and together, define a planar upper surface 28 onto which the upper decking 21 can be secured and supported. Appropriate legs 30 can be used to elevate the deck structure 12 above the ground surface or a concrete slab surface 32. The legs 30 can be secured to the underside of the frame assembly 20 and can be independently raised and lowered to adjust the relative height of each corner 18 so that the frame assembly 20 becomes level with respect to the ground (or slab) 32.

[0026] With reference back to Fig. 1 , the pergola 10 can support at least one side solar panel array 40 and a canopy solar panel array 50. The side solar panel array 40 is effectively opaque, generally vertically disposed, and can be positioned between two adjacent columns 14, as shown in Fig. 1. The side panel array 40 can be made up of several separate photovoltaic (PV) panels 42, which are each firmly secured to a support panel 44. The support panel 44 can be firmly attached to the columns 14 using an appropriate mechanical fastener (not shown). According to another feature, the support panel 44, and the secured separate PV panels 42 can be slidingly attached to two adjacent columns 14 using an appropriate glide fastener (not shown in detail), similar to a drawer glideAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 so that the entire support panel 44 can slide up and down, along the columns 14, as desired. A spring bias can be employed so that the weight of the side panel array 40, including the support panel 44 is effectively neutral. This arrangement allows a person to easily raise and lower the support panel 44, up and down, to a desired height. The side panel array 40 will then remain at that desired height, even when the person releases their grip. The person can move the side panel array 40 up and down to either help capture as much sunlight as possible, as the sun moves across the sky each day, or to control the amount of sunlight and air flow that enters the deck area of the pergola during use. Since the side panel array 40 can be opaque or translucent, it can function as a sun shade, or light diffuser, as well as a panel to generate power.

[0027] The side panel array 40 can be of any size, including a size that extends vertically between the canopy 16 and the deck structure 12 and also reaching across to each of two adjacent columns 14. Alternatively, a narrower side panel array 40 can be used where only a portion of the space between two adjacent columns 14 is utilized. Also, individual PV panels 42 can be fixedly or slidingly mounted between two adjacent columns 14. The PV panels 42 can also be oriented horizontally or vertically. The PV panels can be of any size and shape, and any number can be used, depending on the shape and size of the pergola 10.

[0028] The PV panels 42 used with the pergola 10 can be standard residential size panels of about 39 inches (100 cm) by about 65 inches (165 cm) by about 1 .5 - 2.0 inches (4 - 5 cm) thick, or the commercial-size panels of about 39 (100 cm) inches by about 77 inches (195 cm) by about 1.5 inches (4 cm) thick, or any custom size, as needed. The photovoltaic cells used in each panel can be the mono-crystalline silicon type, the polycrystalline silicon type, or the thin film type, or any other type currently available or yet to be developed. It is desirable to use PV panels that produce the greatest amount of power for a given area, while taking cost, durability, maintenance requirements and expected operating life into account.

[0029] Similar to the side panel array, 40, the canopy solar panel array 50 is made up of individual panels 52. Both arrays, 40, 50 can be mounted so that they remain fixed in a plane that is parallel to either respective surface to which they are mounted, or tiltable to any desired angle so that they are able to receiveAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 the most amount of incident sunlight as possible, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. The panels can include known automatic tracking systems to automatically tilt the panels to best align them with the sun, as the sun moves across the sky from sunrise to sunset. Solar trackers are well known to skilled artisans in this field and the specific details are beyond the scope of this invention, however, such solar trackers use different drivers, software and physics to track the sun’s location in the sky. So-called active trackers use drivers and motors linked to sensors reacting to light from the sun to properly position the panels. Alternatively, the trackers can use known sun positions based on time of day, date, and GPS coordinates of the PV panel position. Some tracker models have separate, smaller PV panels specifically to power the driving system.

[0030] The purpose of the solar panel arrays, 40, 50, regardless of the type of PV cells used, and whether or not they tilt during use, is to generate direct current (DC) electricity from sunlight using the photovoltaic effect of semiconductor material. The generated DC electricity can be used to power local DC loads located within the pergola 10, or nearby areas, e.g., the backyard area. Of course, the DC electricity generated from the solar panel arrays 40, 50 can be converted to a desired voltage, depending on the DC load requirements, using appropriate power conversion circuitry, as is well known by those skilled in the art. The generated DC electricity from the solar panel arrays 40, 50 can also be converted to alternating current (AC) electricity, using an appropriate inverter circuit and power transformer, as is also well known by those skilled in the art. The converted AC electricity can then be used to power local AC loads located within the pergola 10, or nearby areas, e.g., the backyard area, a car port, a nearby home or garage. The pergola 10 can include appropriate wiring (not shown) to connect the source of electricity to various individual loads located within and around the pergola, to the house and other nearby structures, as well as to connect to the power grid, itself. The management of power is described in greater detail below.

[0031] As is well known, the DC electricity generated by the solar panel arrays 40, 50 can be used to charge storage batteries, so that the power generated can be stored for use at a later time. At least one battery pack 60 is mounted to and within the frame assembly 20, under the upper decking 21 , as shown in theAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 figures. It should be noted that five battery packs 60 are shown in the figures, just by way of example. One or more battery pack 60 can be used, depending on the power requirements of the system. Regardless of the number of battery packs 60, they all are preferably located under the upper decking 21 and mounted to the frame assembly 20. Since such battery packs can be very heavy (50-1 OOlbs, 23 - 46kgs), the frame assembly 20 must be suitable strong to safely support the weight of all installed battery packs.

[0032] Each battery pack 60 includes a plurality of individual battery cells. The battery cells can be any appropriate type of rechargeable battery, such as Lead Acid, nickel cadmium, Lithium-Ion, etc. The type of battery that provides the most efficient storage and discharge of electricity, can operate in the widest range of temperatures, and can handle the highest number of charging cycles is preferred. Current commercially available batteries suitable for this application would most likely be made from Lithium-Ion, such as lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), or lithium-nickel manganese cobalt, but the composition of the battery cells may change as the technology in this field advances. The battery packs 60 are preferably designed to be able to operate horizontally, and yet be handled in any orientation, without causing damage to the battery or endangering the user. An example of a suitable lithium battery pack is called the “Battery Pack 2000 Plus,” which is commercially available from a company called Jackery, Inc., located in Fremont, CA 94538.

[0033] Regardless of the specific type of battery cells being used, a common problem in using batteries for certain applications and environments is that the cells must operate within a specific temperature range, if they are to operate efficiently and not become permanently damaged. If batteries are exposed to very low temperatures, especially lithium-type batteries, the electrolyte within the battery can become viscous and may even experience the formation of internal crystals - a condition that will likely lead to a decrease in the battery's ability to deliver power effectively. At extremely low temperatures (below -20°C), lithium- ion batteries can experience irreversible damage through the formation of lithium plating on the anode, which can reduce battery capacity and potentially lead to safety issues. Additionally, the expansion of materials within the battery due to freezing can cause structural damage, potentially leading to leakage or even rupture in extreme cases. These factors underscore the importance ofAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 safeguarding lithium-type batteries from freezing temperatures to maintain their efficient functionality and safety. To help overcome the adverse effects of extremely cold environments, some battery manufactures include built-in heating systems that will help ensure that the batteries operate within an acceptable temperature range.

[0034] At the other end of the temperature scale, if batteries experience extreme heat, the charging and discharging efficiencies will also decline and the chance for structural damage to the battery cells increase. In order to protect the battery cells from extremely high temperatures, most batteries use integrated monitoring and controlling circuitry to automatically disconnect battery cells, or reduce the rate of charging and discharging, should the operating temperature exceed the maximum designed temperature limit. In such instance, the entire battery pack will just stop working and, during this time, it cannot be charged or discharged at efficient rates. To help overcome the adverse effects of extremely hot environments, some battery manufactures include built-in cooling systems that will help ensure that the batteries operate within an acceptable temperature range.

[0035] The battery cells of each battery pack 60 are connected together, either in series or parallel, or a combination of both depending on the design of the battery pack and the current, voltage and power requirements. Lithium-ion batteries are typically connected in parallel. The connected battery cells of each battery pack 60 can be contained within a protective housing 62, which defines the battery pack 60. Each housing 62 can utilize a local cooling system including cooling fans, internal heat sinks and / or heat pipes (not shown) to draw heat away from the battery cells located within the particular housing 62. Each battery pack 60 can also include its own local controlling circuitry, inverter circuitry, rectifier circuitry, and power transformers, each of which produces heat. In such instance, the internal local cooling system of each battery pack 60 can also be used to remove this heat from each respective housing 62, during operation. It is preferred, however, that each battery pack 60 used in the present system be connected to and utilize a common main controlling and converting circuit pack (referred hereinafter as “circuit pack 64”), as described in greater detail below. The cooling system of each battery pack 60 may be based on the transfer of heat energy using conduction, convection and / or radiation (e.g., air-cooled, liquid-Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 cooled, use of reflective materials, insulation, or a combination of these). Any excess heat generated by the cells and circuitry of each battery pack can be removed from the housing 62 by the internal heat sinks, heat pipes, cooling fans, etc.

[0036] Also included within each battery pack 60 can be local controlling circuitry to monitor the health and charging and discharging of each cell or each group of cells to ensure that the battery pack 60 is operating efficiently, effectively and safely. If it is determined, via local controlling and monitoring circuitry and suitable sensors that any particular battery pack 60 is not operating within acceptable parameters, that battery pack 60 can be identified and subsequently disconnected from the other battery packs 60, removed from the system, and replaced with a new one, as necessary. The local controlling and monitoring circuitry of each battery pack 60 can be connected to a main controlling and monitoring circuitry located in the circuit pack 64. With this arrangement, all battery packs communicate with the circuit pack 64 and transmit information regarding the health and operation of the cells in each respective battery pack 60. As described in greater detail below, the circuit pack 64 preferably includes a display 66 and various alarms (not shown) to help convey various information.

[0037] Referring to Figs. 5- 7, it is preferred to utilize several smaller battery packs 60 (e.g., 2kW - 7kW), all contained within a large battery pack container 70. The battery pack container 70 is shown as two connectable body sections, an upper body section 70a and a lower body section 70b. The upper body section 70a includes a large upper opening 72, while the lower body section 70b includes a large lower opening 74. The upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b, are sized and shaped to fit together and define an internal cavity 76. The cavity 76 is sized and shaped to comfortably receive and hold a desired number of battery packs 60 and also the circuit pack 64. The container 70 further includes an upper cover plate 78, which is positioned above the upper opening 72 and is sized and shaped to closely seal the upper opening 72, when the upper cover plate 78 is positioned adjacent thereto, as described below. The container 70 also includes a lower cover plate 80, which is positioned below the lower opening 74 and is sized and shaped to closely seal the lower opening 74, when the lower cover plate 80 is positioned adjacent thereto, as described below.Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01

[0038] The lower cover plate 80 is designed to support and stabilize the battery packs 60 and the circuit pack 64, and is secured to the frame assembly 20 (at least one of the perimeter beams, central crossbeams 24 or support members 26), by at least one U-shaped bracket 82, as shown in Figs. 5, 6, 8a, and 8b. U-shaped brackets 82 can be secured to the frame assembly 20 using any appropriate mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts). As shown in the figures, plastic or metal spacers 84 are used between lower plate 80 and U-shaped brackets 82 to help separate the lower plate 80 from the U-shaped brackets 82. This separation distance is important, as will become evident in the discussion below. Each battery pack 60 and also main controlling and converting circuit pack 64 preferably includes appropriate feet to help support each respective housing 62 a predetermined distance above the supporting lower plate 80. By raising each housing 62 above the supporting lower plate 80, uniform air circulation will be encouraged and more heat can therefore be transferred through convection from each battery pack 60, during operation, when needed.

[0039] Similar to the lower plate 80, the upper plate 78 is also secured to the frame assembly 20 and remains stationary to both the frame assembly and the lower plate 80. The upper and lower plates also remain parallel to each other. The upper plate 78 is secured to the frame assembly 20 (at least one of the perimeter beams, central crossbeams 24 or support members 26) by at least one bracket 86, which connects to the upper plate 78 and to the frame assembly, using an appropriate mechanical fastener (e.g., bolts). The lower cover plate 80 is preferably made from a strong rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, or a suitable plastic and can include insulation to help mitigate the transfer of heat energy from within the cavity, through conduction. The upper cover plate 78 can be made from a strong, lightweight material, such as plastic, aluminum and steel. If the material used is opaque, an opening 88 is preferably provided to allow a user to view the display 66. No opening 88 is required, if the material used is transparent, such as acrylic or glass. The upper decking 21 will lay over the upper cover plate 78, and display 66, so the upper decking 21 can include a removable door that can provide viewing access to a user, when so desired.

[0040] Each battery pack 60 located in the container 70 is electrically connected to each other so that all battery packs 60 effectively operate as a single large battery. As mentioned above, the container 70 is sized and shapedAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 to accommodate the desired number of battery packs 60 and the circuit pack 64, but also sized and shaped to be mounted to the frame assembly 20, below the upper decking 21 , and above the ground 32, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

[0041] The battery packs 60 are all supported by the lower plate 80, which, in turn, is attached to the frame assembly 20, via brackets 82. The structure ensures that the battery packs 60, the lower plate 80, the brackets 82, the upper plate 78 and the upper brackets 86 all remain stationary with respect to the deck structure 12. The upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b, however are vertically displaceable between an upper position, shown in Fig. 8a, and a lower position, shown in Fig. 8b.

[0042] Referring now to Figs. 8a, and 8b, a sectional view of the container 70 and a battery pack 60 is shown. In Fig. 8a, the body sections of the container 70 are located in their upper position. In this position, upper cover plate 78 closely seals the upper opening 72 so that air cannot pass therethrough. Similarly, with the body sections of the container 70 located in their upper position, lower cover plate 78 closely seals the lower opening 74 so that air cannot pass therethrough. The lower cover plate 80 is sized slightly larger than the lower opening 74 and the lower cover plate 80 is located and remains within the cavity 76 during vertical displacement of the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b between their upper and lower positions. The upper cover plate 78 is sized slightly larger than the upper opening 72 and the upper cover plate 78 is located and remains outside the cavity 76 and upper body section 70a during vertical displacement of the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b between their upper and lower positions.

[0043] When the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b of the container 70 are in their upper position, the cavity 76 is effectively sealed from the outside environment and no air can pass either into the cavity 76, or out of it. This means that heat energy located within the cavity 76 cannot easily dissipate out of the cavity through convection. Furthermore, since insulation can be used in the upper cover plate, the lower cover plate, and the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b of the container 70, then the same heat energy located within the cavity 76 cannot easily dissipate out of the cavity by conduction. When the container is sealed, as shown in Fig. 8a, the battery packs 60 can remain warm during cold weather (e.g., winter) and continue to operate within their acceptable temperatureAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 range. Heat energy is normally generated by any AC to DC or DC to AC conversion, as well as by other controlling circuitry, located within the circuit pack 64. Since the circuit pack 64 is located within cavity 76, the heat its circuitry generates during normal use will help keep the battery packs 60, also located within the same cavity warm.

[0044] Referring now to Fig. 8b, when the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b of the container 70 are in their lower position, the upper cover plate 78 separates away from the upper opening 72. This upper separation allows fluid (air) communication between the upper cover plate 78 and the upper body section 70a. Air can flow efficiently between within the cavity 76 and the outside environment. Similarly, at the same time, the lower cover plate 80 separates away from the lower opening 74. This lower separation allows fluid (air) communication between the lower cover plate 80 and the lower body section 70b. By lowering the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b, the cavity 76 effectively becomes ventilated to the outside air. In this open position, any excess heat generated or residing within the cavity 76 can quickly and efficiently dissipate through the openings formed at the upper and lower cover plates, by convection.

[0045] The upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b of the container 70 can be vertically displaced between the upper position, shown in Fig. 8a, and the lower position, shown in Fig. 8b, using an appropriate linear-drive mechanism, such as a screw-driven linear actuator powered by hand or by an electric motor. Other mechanical arrangements can be used, including a linear drive actuator. These mechanism are well known and their application to raising and lowering the upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b would be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0046] As mentioned above, the purpose of the container 70 is to secure the battery packs 60 and the circuit pack 64 to the frame assembly 20 of the deck structure 12 and provide heat management to within the cavity 76 in which they reside and operate. Depending on the type and power of the system, and the climate it may be possible to maintain an acceptable operating temperature range by opening and closing the upper and lower body sections of the container, as needed. Excess heat energy can be released by opening the vents and opening the cavity 76 during hot days, and the heat generated by the system within the cavity 76 can keep the components warm during cold days by simply closing theAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 cavity 76, as described above. However, a separate heater (not shown) can be positioned within the cavity and used to help heat the cavity and the components located therein, if necessary. In such instance, the heater can be powered by the battery packs, or by a separate power supply (not shown). Also, the heater can be controlled by a thermostat, as understood by those skilled in the art. Similarly, a cooling fan (not shown) can be positioned within the cavity 76 to help dissipate heat energy from within the cavity to the outside environment using convention. Various heat sinks, heat pipes, and liquid-cooling systems can also be employed to help control the heat located within the cavity 76.

[0047] A moisture sensor, not shown, can also be positioned within the cavity to help monitor moisture. If excess moisture is detected, a heater can be turned on to help push the moisture from the cavity, with the container 70 open. Since the upper cover plate 78 is sized larger than the upper opening 72, any rain or snow falling onto the cover plate will be diverted from entering the cavity 76, even when the container is open. If any water does enter the cavity 76, the water will simply pass though the lower opening 74. If the container is in the closed position, no rain or snow can enter the cavity 76. To help seal the container, a rubber seal can be used between the upper and lower cover plates 78, 80, and their respective upper and lower body sections 70a, 70b. The rubber seal (not shown) will help seal the interface between the cover plates and the moving parts, but only when the container is in the closed position, as shown in Fig. 8a.

[0048] It should be noted that even though the container 70 is designed to manage heat energy within the cavity using convention, Applicants contemplate providing a sealed battery container that is intimately secured to members of the frame assembly so that the frame structure functions as an effective heat sink to draw excess heat from the container and to the outside environment through the frame beams. Applicants contemplate other battery containers secured to within a metal deck structure that manages heat within the cavity employing both principles of convention and conduction.

[0049] The circuit pack 64 can include an inverter circuit 92 (either a Grid Following Inverter (GFL) or a Grid Forming Inverter (GFM)) and all supporting circuitry required to convert the DC voltage stored in the battery packs 60 into useful AC voltage, e.g., 120VAC, 240 VAC, and appropriate DC to DC converter circuitry to further convert the DC voltage output of the battery packs 60 to usefulAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01DC voltages, e.g., 5VDC, 12VDC, 24VDC, etc. The circuit pack 64 can further include a rectifier 100 circuit and all supporting circuitry to convert AC voltage back to DC voltage so that AC power from the power grid can effectively be used to charge the battery packs 60, if necessary.

[0050] The circuit pack 64 can further include a battery monitoring circuitry, including a microprocessor and memory to read various sensor outputs located in each battery pack 60 and also in the cavity 76, so that various parameters of each battery pack 60 can be measured, evaluated and compared to known values to determine the current voltage level, the discharge rate, the discharge cycle number, the charging rate, the temperature of each battery pack 60 and the temperature and moisture level of the cavity 76, and the overall health of each battery pack 60. The circuit pack 64 can further control which battery pack 60 remains operational, the charging and discharge rates of each battery pack 60, independently, and can actively disconnect a particular battery pack, if it is determined to be faulty, damaged, unsafe, or otherwise in a state in need of repair. Depending on the system, the circuit pack 64 can also include an automatic transfer switch (ATS) or “gateway” to help manage the connection between the solar generating and storing system and the power grid 96.

[0051] The display 66, and / or another monitor (not shown) can be provided either remotely or mounted somewhere on pergola 10 to display, in real time, the various battery information that is being inputted into and being processed by the circuitry pack 64. Furthermore, all received and processed information can be stored in the memory of the circuit pack 64. The data collected for each battery pack 60, and for each solar panel can be retrieved at a later time and displayed over time to show various trends so that the user can be better informed regarding power generation and power usage.

[0052] In operation, referring to Fig. 10, as sunlight hits the solar panel arrays 40, 50 located on the pergola 10, DC electricity is generated. This electricity is sent to the battery packs 60, through the circuit pack 64. The circuit pack determines if the battery packs require charging and adjust the voltage levels accordingly. If the battery packs 60 do require charging and are in good health, the circuit pack 64 will pass the electricity to the battery packs, and they will be charged.Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01

[0053] Any time there is a charge in the battery packs, the stored DC electricity can be used to power various DC loads located in the pergola, such as lighting 90. Again, the stored DC electricity in the battery packs 60 first passes through the circuit pack 64 so that the appropriate voltage level can be adjusted (using a DC to DC converter, not shown), depending on the load requirements.

[0054] The DC electricity stored in the battery packs 60 can be used to power AC loads, but it first must be converted to AC using an inverter circuit 92, located in the circuit pack 64. The AC output from the circuit pack 64 can be further adjusted to match the desired voltage, such as 120VAC. The AC output can now be used to power AC loads, either located in a nearby house 94, within the pergola 10, at a nearby carport (not shown), or sent to the power grid 96, through the house service connection 98 and any necessary gateway controller (not shown).

[0055] During times where the battery packs 60 have no or low charge, AC power from the power grid 96 through the house service connection 98 (see Figure 10) can be used to power the batteries by first using the appropriate rectifier 100 circuit, located in the circuit pack 64 to convert the voltage from AC to DC and then further adjusting the voltage level to allow the battery packs to be safely charged. Fig. 9 shows the battery pack 60 located within the deck structure 21 , below deck boards that make up the decking 21. Fig. 9 also shows the circuit pack located within the deck structure 21 , below deck boards that make up the decking 21 , and electrically connectable to AC Out, AC In, DC Out and DC In . As mentioned above, the circuit pack 64 can include an inverter circuit 92 (Fig. 10) and the rectifier 100 (Fig. 10); however, not all of these components need to be positioned within the deck structure 21 , below deck boards that make up the decking 21 .

[0056] An outdoor living structure for storing electrical power that may or may not be connected to solar power has also been described above. Modifications and alternations will occur to those upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. The invention, however, is not limited to only the embodiment described above. Instead, the invention is broadly defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

Atty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01CLAIMS:1 . An outdoor living structure comprising: a deck structure including a frame assembly configured to be positioned horizontally above and fixed with respect to the ground, and decking supported by the frame assembly; and at least one battery pack including at least one rechargeable battery, the at least one battery pack located within the deck structure beneath the decking and electrically connectable with a power source for charging the at least one rechargeable battery and a remote power load for selectively providing power from the at least one battery pack to the remote power load.

2. The outdoor living structure of claim 1 , wherein the deck structure includes metal frame members that make up at least a portion of the frame assembly to operate as a heat sink drawing heat away from the at least one battery pack.

3. The outdoor living structure of claim 2, wherein the deck structure includes beams that are secured to each other and support the decking, and the at least one battery pack is positioned between adjacent beams among the beams that are secured to each other and beneath the decking.

4. The outdoor living structure of claim 3, wherein the deck structure includes U-shaped brackets secured to the frame assembly, wherein the at least one battery pack is secured to the frame assembly beneath the decking by the U- shaped brackets.

5. The outdoor living structure of claim 4, wherein the deck structure includes legs secured to the frame assembly, the legs being of sufficient height such that the at least one battery pack is positioned offset from and proximate to the ground to facilitate heat dissipation to the ground.

6. The outdoor living structure of claim 5, wherein the at least one battery pack is contained within a battery pack container defining an internal cavity andAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 including an upper plate sized to divert rain and snow from entering the internal cavity.

7. The outdoor living structure of claim 6, wherein the battery pack container is configured to selectively occupy an open position and a closed position, and when in the open position enabling enhanced heat dissipation through convection as compared to when in the closed position.

8. The outdoor living structure of claim 1 , further comprising a circuit pack in electrical communication with the at least one battery pack, wherein the circuit pack includes or is in electrical communication with an inverter circuit to convert DC voltage stored in the at least one battery pack to AC voltage, and the remote power load is an AC power load located in a house nearby the deck structure that is electrically connectable with the at least one battery pack through the circuit pack in electrical communication with the inverter circuit .

9. The outdoor living structure of claim 8, wherein the circuit pack includes or is in electrical communication with a DC to DC converter to convert DC voltage output from the at least one battery pack, and the at least one battery pack is electrically connectable with a DC power load located on the outdoor living structure through the circuit pack in electrical communication with the DC to DC converter .

10. The outdoor living structure of claim 8, wherein the power source is a house service connection connected with a power grid, and the circuit pack includes or is in electrical communication with a rectifier circuit to convert AC voltage received from the house service connection to DC voltage and then further adjusting the DC voltage to allow the at least one rechargeable battery in the at least one battery pack to be charged .11 . The outdoor living structure of claim 9, wherein the power source includes a house service connection connected with a power grid, and the circuit pack includes or is in electrical communication with a rectifier circuit to convert AC voltage received from the house service connection to DC voltage and thenAtty. Dkt. OTI-56858.01 further adjusting the DC voltage to allow the at least one rechargeable battery in the at least one battery pack to be charged.

12. The outdoor living structure of claim 1 , further comprising vertical columns associated with the deck structure, wherein the power source includes a solar panel array at least partially supported by at least one of the vertical columns.

13. The outdoor living structure of claim 12, wherein the solar panel array is a side solar panel array attached to at least one vertical column among the vertical columns.

14. The outdoor living structure of claim 13, wherein the side solar panel array is positioned between two adjacent vertical columns among the vertical columns.

15. The outdoor living structure of claim 14, wherein the side solar panel array is slidingly attached to the two adjacent vertical columns.

16. The outdoor living structure of claim 13, wherein the side solar panel array is tiltable to a desired angle with respect to the at least one vertical column.

17. The outdoor living structure of any of claims 16, further comprising a canopy structure supported by the vertical columns, wherein the solar panel array includes a canopy solar panel array mounted to the canopy structure.

18. The outdoor living structure of claim 1 , further comprising vertical columns associated with the deck structure and a canopy structure supported by the vertical columns, wherein the power source includes a canopy solar panel array mounted to the canopy structure.

19. The outdoor living structure of any of claim 18, wherein the canopy solar panel array is tiltable to a desired angle with respect to the canopy structure.

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