Solar Heat Collector Patents (Class 126/569)
  • Patent number: 11612668
    Abstract: A system includes a containment vessel configured to receive and hold one or more pieces of personal protection equipment to be heated and decontaminated during a decontamination process. The system also includes a solar collection device configured to heat the containment vessel based on received solar energy. The solar collection device includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a solar aperture configured to receive the solar energy. The second portion is configured to receive the containment vessel within the body of the solar collection device. The solar collection device also includes louvered slats across the solar aperture. The louvered slats are configured to be rotated in order to control an amount of solar energy passing through the solar aperture into the body of the solar collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David D. Crouch, David R. Sar, Alf L. Carroll, III, John Carcone
  • Patent number: 10917037
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solar tracker assembly, particularly for solar collectors, with a table structure for supporting the solar collectors, particularly solar collector panels and/or solar collector assemblies, and with an assembly for carrying the table structure, wherein the table structure is rotatable relative to the assembly base at least about one axis of rotation. For allowing the table for supporting respective solar panels to have sufficiently large dimensions in order to accommodate an increased number of solar collectors in an easy way and, at the same time, to enable the table to be positioned at a precise angle with reduced effort, it is suggested that at least a portion of the table structure and/or a portion of the assembly base is formed as a truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Remy, Patrick Herembert
  • Patent number: 10871309
    Abstract: Azimuthal and elevation rotation mechanism for solar trackers, which provides an azimuthal rotation around a vertical pedestal to an azimuthal rotating support on which a support structure of solar panels is in turn mounted with elevation rotation capacity around a horizontal shaft linked to the azimuthal rotating support. The azimuthal rotation is obtained by means of a single azimuthal linear actuator and the elevation rotation is obtained by means of a single elevation linear actuator, such that only two linear actuators are needed to obtain all the positions of the solar panels required for a complete solar tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SENER, INGENIERIA Y SISTEMAS, S.A.
    Inventors: Jorge Pena Sagastuy, Koldo Muguruza Arribas, Anton Kaifer Martinez, Miguel De La Torre Sierra
  • Patent number: 10838126
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with one or more light-sensing components such as a camera and a color ambient light sensor. Optical structures such as camera lenses or a light pipe may be used to convey light from a window in an electronic device to a light-sensing component. One or more infrared-light-blocking-and-visible-light transmitting light filters may be interposed between a light-receiving window in an electronic device and a light-sensing component. The light filters may include infrared-light-blocking glass substrates, silver or other infrared-light-blocking thin films, and/or thin-film interference filters formed from stacks of dielectric layers that serve as infrared light-blocking layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ligang Wang, Zhang Jia, Serhan O. Isikman
  • Patent number: 10773265
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coating plant components and an assembly of such components for a rotary atomizer. The components may be a bell cup and/or an atomizer ring. The component includes a metal main part and a non-metal material at least partially covering or coating the main part. The coating or insert of non-metal material is positioned to provide a barrier to inhibit metal-on-metal contact between, e.g., a bell cup and an atomizer ring. The present disclosure further provides a method for applying non-metal material to a coating plant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Seiz, Michael Baumann, Hans-Jürgen Nolte
  • Patent number: 10756669
    Abstract: Photovoltaic solar panels are a know means of generate electricity from ultra-violet and solar power. Known problems associated with photovoltaic solar panels include poor efficiency and a short apparatus lifespan; alongside an inability to be easily integrated into architectural surroundings. Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic solar panel, designed to be attached to the front face of a roof tile, which generates electricity with an improved efficiency, has increased longevity and can be incorporated into a variety of architectural surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Solarmass Energy Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Julian Cropper, David Allan Stirling
  • Patent number: 10658970
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a solar power system includes operating a solar power system that comprises a plurality of solar power cells mounted on a spherical frame; rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a volume of a hemispherical reservoir that is mounted to the spherical frame; rotating the spherical frame to move the plurality of solar power cells into a solar cell cleaning solution fluid enclosed within the volume of the hemispherical reservoir defined between an interior surface of the reservoir and the spherical frame; and removing, with the solar cell cleaning solution, a plurality of particulates attached to the plurality of solar power cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: James Clyde Hassell, Jr., Luiz Gustavo Do Val
  • Patent number: 10598408
    Abstract: A solar thermal absorber element (100) includes a cover glass (110) and a highly selective vacuum coated roll-bond absorber (120) including heat transport tubes (126). The element further including a thermoplastic sealing (130) configured to attach the cover glass and the roll-bond absorber to each other so that there is a distance (h) between the cover glass and the roll-bond absorber, and a sealed space (134), which is formed by the cover glass, the roll-bond absorber, and the thermoplastic sealing and which is filled up with a low thermal conductive gas (136).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: SAVO-SOLAR OY
    Inventor: Kaj A. Pischow
  • Patent number: 10581020
    Abstract: A light extraction substrate includes a glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A first light extraction region can be defined on and/or adjacent the first surface. The first light extraction region includes nanoparticles. A second light extraction region can be defined on at least a part of the second surface. The second light extraction region has a surface roughness of at least 10 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Vitro Flat Glass LLC
    Inventor: Songwei Lu
  • Patent number: 10519277
    Abstract: Adhesive compositions are described that significantly improve the adhesion of polymer overmold compositions to metal substrates in polymer-metal junctions. The adhesive compositions include one or more poly(aryl ether) polymers, where each of the poly(aryl ether) polymers is, independently, a poly(aryl ether sulfone) polymer or a poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer. The overmold composition includes at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer. Polymer-Metal junctions can be formed by, for example, dip-coating, spin-coating, extruding, or injection molding the adhesive composition and/or the overmold composition onto the metal substrate. Desirable applications settings for the polymer-metal junctions described include, but are not limited to electrical wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Jamal El-Hibri, Chantal Louis, Ryan Hammonds
  • Patent number: 10438975
    Abstract: A display device is disclosed, which includes: a substrate, including a first via, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first via has a first sidewall having a first roughness; a connecting element disposed in the first via; a bonding element disposed on the first surface, wherein the bonding element includes a third surface in contact with the connecting element, and the third surface has a second roughness; and a circuit element disposed on the second surface, wherein the circuit element electrically connects to the bonding element through the connecting element, wherein the first roughness of the first sidewall is greater than the second roughness of the third surface. In addition, a method for preparing the aforesaid display device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Jui-Jen Yueh, Kuan-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 10381975
    Abstract: A portable multiple configuration solar photovoltaic assembly is disclosed. The assembly contains a plurality of photovoltaic modules that collect solar energy and convert the solar energy into electricity. The present invention provides a junction box that allows for the assembly to be used in either an In-Series or In-Parallel wiring configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: New Age Solar
    Inventor: Jerry Sorgento
  • Patent number: 10365670
    Abstract: Electrical and electromechanical devices often require maintaining a specific temperature, or a narrow range or temperatures, during operation. An assembly regulates the temperature of a device by providing a variable thermal resistance between the device and a heatsink. The device can be mounted to a base having a high thermal resistance, the base thermally isolating the device from the heatsink. At low environmental temperatures, the base enables the device to rise to its operating temperature as a result of the device's waste heat, and with no or minimal use of a heater. As the environmental temperature increases, a working fluid, having a low thermal resistance, undergoes thermal expansion to fill a portion of a volume in the base between the device and the heat sink, lowering the thermal resistance between the device and the heatsink to maintain the device at the required operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Reuel B. Swint, Gregory D. Allen, Todd A. Thorsen, Boris G. Kharas, Donna-Ruth Webb Yost
  • Patent number: 10327393
    Abstract: A modular system includes a hub and a set of modules removably coupled to the hub. The modules are physically coupled to the frame relative to each other so that each module can operate with respect to a different row of a field. An individual module includes a sensor for capturing field measurement data of individual plants along a row as the modular system moves through the geographic region. An individual module further includes a treatment mechanism for applying a treatment to the individual plants of the row based on the field measurement data before the modular system passes by the individual plants. An individual module further includes a computing device that determines the treatment based on the field measurement data and communicates data to the hub. The hub is communicatively coupled to the modules, so that it may exchange data between the modules and with a remote computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: BLUE RIVER TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Lee Kamp Redden, James Patrick Ostrowski, Kent Anderson, Edward William Jeffcott Pell
  • Patent number: 10250068
    Abstract: A solar powered device comprising a solar radiation collection portion, wherein the solar radiation collection portion includes: a solar panel to collect solar radiation, a concentrator surrounding the solar panel to concentrate the solar radiation, and a charge controller coupled to the solar panel, a base portion, a plurality of legs, and a connection portion operably connecting the solar radiation collection portion to the base portion, the connection portion including a connection member having a first end and a second end is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Gary William Oakley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10224865
    Abstract: An integral, monolithic mounting bracket supports a corner of a photovoltaic module. The bracket includes a ballast tray for holding one or more ballast blocks, and includes a plurality of monolithic support legs that are disposed at acute angles from a plane of the ballast tray and that are integral with the ballast tray. The bracket can be manufactured by stamping at least two identical sections of metal from the sheet and then bending-up each section on its remaining uncut fourth side into a near-vertical position, so that each bent-up section forms a monolithic support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Unirac Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Bauer, Bill Vaught, Kim Weaver, Caitlin Purigraski, Stacy Harris, Charles Stubbs, David Saenz Alvarez
  • Patent number: 10183432
    Abstract: Provided is an inner liner for a pneumatic tire including no less than 8 resin-layers, the resin-layer having a layer A constituted with a resin composition containing a resin having gas barrier properties, and a layer B that is adjacent to the layer A and is constituted with a resin composition containing an elastomer, an extensional viscosity ?A of the resin composition of the layer A, and an extensional viscosity ?B of the resin composition of the layer B as determined at a predetermined temperature both being no less than 1,000 Pa·s, and an extensional viscosity ratio ?A/?B being no less than 0.2 and no greater than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nahoto Hayashi, Masao Hikasa, Yusuke Tanaka, Hideki Kitano, Takatsugu Tanaka, Tetsuo Amamoto
  • Patent number: 10171025
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module generates electrical power when installed on a roof. A photovoltaic module preferably has an upper transparent protective layer, and a photovoltaic layer positioned beneath the upper transparent protective layer, the photovoltaic layer comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells disposed in an array. A rigid substrate layer is preferably positioned beneath the photovoltaic layer. A plurality of inserts is configured to be fixedly attached to (i) a bottom surface of the rigid substrate and (ii) a surface of a roof. The plurality of inserts is preferably disposed in an array, each foam insert having a substantially triangular-shaped cross section when viewed from a side orthogonal to a line of a roof downward slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: LUMETA, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Flaherty, Erwang Mao, Joseph P. Kaveney
  • Patent number: 10155547
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for heat management using vascular channels. Vascular channels are incorporated in a network within a component. The component is a part of a manufactured product and defines an exterior panel. A fluid circuit is connected with the vascular channels and circulates a fluid through the component to collect heat from the product and to dissipate heat through the exterior panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony M. Coppola, Michelle H. Wiebenga, Fang Dai, Derek F. Lahr, Rashmi Prasad, Ryan Gergely
  • Patent number: 10084340
    Abstract: A solar powered device comprising a solar radiation collection portion, wherein the solar radiation collection portion includes: a solar panel to collect solar radiation, a concentrator surrounding the solar panel to concentrate the solar radiation, and a charge controller coupled to the solar panel, a base portion, a plurality of legs, and a connection portion operably connecting the solar radiation collection portion to the base portion, the connection portion including a connection member having a first end and a second end is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Gary William Oakley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10051980
    Abstract: A mounting system for securely mounting a component, comprising: a mounting platform having a support surface with plurality of mounting holes extending therethrough; a mounting device for securing the component to the mounting platform, the mounting device comprising: a mounting plate with a planar surface facing in a first direction and a stud extending in a second direction away from the first direction, the stud being configured to be inserted through the mounting holes; an adhesive secured to the planar surface and having an engagement surface for adhering to a surface of the component; a fastening device for releasably engaging a portion of the stud inserted through one of the mounting holes to releasably secure the mounting device to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: COMPUCAGE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Steve N. Galant
  • Patent number: 10018378
    Abstract: A solar thermal lamp used for heating water inside a tank. The thermal lamp includes a transparent glass bulb with a threaded male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in the tank. The lamp also includes a heat tube with an enlarged water heating condenser. The condenser is received inside the tank. The heat tube can include a copper coil, copper fins, a glass coil, a copper lamp, a glass lamp, and the like for receiving solar energy and conducting the heat to the heating condenser for heating the water inside the tank. Also, the invention can be in the form of a solar thermal globe. The solar globe is self-contained and includes a water tank. Another embodiment of the globe tracks with the daily movement of the sun and change with seasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Ali A. Fakih
  • Patent number: 9982917
    Abstract: A solar rack for supporting a solar panel, said solar rack including a pair of support frames, each support frame including a front member, a bottom member, and a rear member, wherein the front member, the bottom member, and the rear member cooperate to form a triangularly shaped structure; and a trough including two ends and a base, each end of the trough is configured to be attached to a portion of each of the support frames to form a support upon which the solar panel is disposed, the support having bottom surfaces, wherein the base of the trough is configured to be offset with respect to the bottom surfaces of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Solar Mounting Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Angel M. Rivera
  • Patent number: 9954483
    Abstract: A solar cell module according to the embodiment includes a support substrate having a single hole at a peripheral region of the support substrate; solar cells at an upper portion of the support substrate; a bus bar electrically connected to the solar cells; and a junction box connected to the bus bar, wherein the junction box includes an insertion part partially inserted in the single hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chi Hong Park
  • Patent number: 9914644
    Abstract: A method including increasing modifying a volume of seawater that holds an amount of dissolved inorganic carbon; acidifying the amount of seawater; and collecting an amount of carbon dioxide from the acidified seawater. A system including an electrodialysis unit including an acidified solution compartment, a basified solution compartment, a membrane and an acidified solution output compartment; a vessel coupled to an inlet of the acidified solution compartment and operable to contain a modified volume of seawater therein; and a desorption unit coupled to the acidified compartment output, the desorption unit operable to receive carbon dioxide gas from a solution from the acidified output compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Eisaman
  • Patent number: 9890972
    Abstract: A method for providing a thermal absorber, which can be used in solar thermal collectors. The method includes a step of depositing on a substrate a first layer having a composition that comprises titanium, aluminium, nitrogen, and one of following elements: silicon, yttrium, cerium, and chromium. The method further optionally includes a step of depositing a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a composition including titanium, aluminium, nitrogen, oxygen and one of the elements of silicon, yttrium, cerium, and chromium, and a step of depositing a third layer having a composition including titanium, aluminium, silicon, nitrogen, and oxygen, the third layer being a top layer of the thermal absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Savo-Solar Oy
    Inventors: Martin Andritschky, Luis Manuel Fernandes Rebouta, Kaj A. Pischow
  • Patent number: 9882527
    Abstract: A solar thermal collector is disclosed. The solar thermal collector has side surfaces and a bottom supported by a support frame shaped into a square shifter and installed tilted on a rooftop of a building by means of a plurality of angle connections. The solar thermal collector includes a reverse bias circuit. The top of a lower surface of the support frame is level with a tilted surface of the solar thermal collector or the support frame includes a tilted surface tiled downward, which is formed along a horizontal direction, lower than the surface of the solar thermal collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SOLASIDO KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang-Bok Youn
  • Patent number: 9882162
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an encapsulation structure, an encapsulating method and a display device. The encapsulation structure includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a sealing structure provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. Wherein the sealing structure is provided with one or more voids, and a filler is provided within the one or more voids and includes a gas-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rui Hong
  • Patent number: 9868551
    Abstract: A passive thermal system for use in a satellite and other aerospace applications includes a container having a heat-pipe working fluid disposed in a first chamber and a Phase Change Material (PCM) disposed in a second chamber that substantially surrounds the first chamber. The first chamber contains a wick for transporting the heat-pipe working fluid. The exterior of the first chamber has fins, etc., that extend into the PCM for heat spreading and increased interface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: WorldVu Satellites Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Smith, Daniel W. Field, Armen Askijian, James Grossman
  • Patent number: 9853593
    Abstract: A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Spice Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Cinnamon, David Baker
  • Patent number: 9820540
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an umbrella, comprising: an umbrella frame, an umbrella cloth, solar chips, a storage battery, and an electrical driving mechanism. The umbrella cloth covers the umbrella frame, the solar chips are disposed on an upper surface of the umbrella cloth, the solar chips are electrically connected with the storage battery, and the storage battery provides electrical energy to the electrical driving mechanism disposed on the umbrella frame so that the umbrella frame, driven by the electrical driving mechanism, achieves opening and closing motion. The present invention solves problems with the umbrellas in the prior art such as single functionality and difficult opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiangbo Pan, Weijie Wei
  • Patent number: 9739435
    Abstract: A device for positioning the intake of a member, for transmitting solar energy relative to a convergent optical concentrator, including a mounting provided with at least one reserve suitable for receiving and supporting the optical concentrator in a predetermined direction and allowing light to pass through said mounting, a receiver suitable for receiving and supporting the intake of the transmitting member, and at least one spacer element in order to keep said receiver spaced apart from the mounting in a stationary position relative to said reserve, said stationary position being defined in accordance with the features of the transmitting member and optical concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ECHY
    Inventors: Quentin Martin-Laval, Paul Fourment
  • Patent number: 9677786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a field of open-flow solar collectors, and specifically to flat solar collectors with wetting the underneath sides of their solar radiation absorbing plates with liquid heat transfer medium. More specifically, the invention proposes the flat solar collector, which operates with relatively low flow rate of the heat transfer medium on the underneath side of the solar radiation absorbing plate, with flow in form of some rivulets. The invention describes some technical solutions, which restrict meandering rivulets' flow. The proposed flat solar collector can be applied for heating water or other liquids and for evaporation and concentration of aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander Levin
  • Patent number: 9623680
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid discharging apparatus which includes a discharge portion which can discharge liquid, a medium support portion which has a support surface which can support a medium onto which the liquid is discharged, and a heating portion which can heat the medium supported by the medium support portion, in which at least a part of the medium support portion is constituted of a low thermal conductivity member having a thermal conductivity of 0.4 W/mK or less and the radiation rate of the support surface is set to a value equal to or greater than 0.7 and less than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneyuki Sasaki, Shuichiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 9559633
    Abstract: Disclosed are a folding module, a photovoltaic mounting structure, and mounting method thereof. The folding module includes a panel having front and back sides, two support blocks disposed on the back side of the panel adjacent to the two sides, two support members each hingedly connected with one of the support blocks such that the support members foldable and rotatable about the respective hinges. The photovoltaic mounting structure includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each module having front and back sides, each side attached with a securing block connector and a hook connector, both connectors further attached to a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly of the front side of the structure is rotatable about the securing block connector and the hook connector of the front side, and the bracket assembly on the back side is rotatable about the securing block connector and the hook connector of the back side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunhua Shu, Ahua Jiang, Chuanguo Fu
  • Patent number: 9557078
    Abstract: This invention refers to an improved solar fluid heater with respect to the one submitted in patent application MX/a/2010/005129, which main improvement consist of a protective elastic membrane in the solar collector, allowing for the heating of any kind of liquid besides water, in which the solar collector design allows for the reception of solar radiation in its surface both, vertical and horizontal, wherein the horizontal surface heat is conveyed to the fluid through a central tubular axle with ribs, in which the air in the gap between the solar collector and the transparent cover has been replaced by argon, wherein the check valves have been designed with an anti-clogging system, that the cold and hot water supply system have been optimized and wherein the overpressure system is now powered by a photovoltaic panel built-in the solar heater object this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FRICAECO AMERICA SAPI DE C.V.
    Inventor: Andres Munoz Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9543888
    Abstract: In an example, a clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module for a tracker is included. The assembly has a lower clamp structure characterized by a top-hat shaped rail structure having a length extending from a first end to a second end. In an example, the assembly has an upper clamp structure configured to sandwich a pair of edges of a pair of solar modules with a portion of the lower clamp structure. In an example, the assembly has a locking spacer configured to the pair of edges of the pair of solar modules. In an example, the pair of edges comprises substantially glass material. In an example, the assembly has a pair of key structures configured with the locking spacer. Each of the key structures is affixed to each of the solar modules to physically lock each of the solar modules to the upper clamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER INC.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 9488968
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an autonomous energy distribution network including a plurality of solar tracker devices configured to receive solar energy and transform the solar energy into electrical energy, where each of the solar tracker devices is directly connected to a node in a power distribution grid. The network also includes a node manager configured to receive status information from the solar trackers, where the status information includes information regarding the state of the node to which each of the solar tracker device are directly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: WOVN, INC.
    Inventors: Herbert Alan Tilley, Gregory William Robinson, Edwin Eugene McKenzie, III
  • Patent number: 9397608
    Abstract: A racking system for holding solar panels and other similar panels in a fixed position and that can easily adjust to terrains which are not level and adapt to variations in solar panel size without different hardware and without significant manual effort is disclosed. Adjustable channels hold the panels in place and the entire assembly process can be completed without the need for bolts, screws, washers, and nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Anar Solar, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Mandry, Mark Pelletier, Raymond Matthew Bourque
  • Patent number: 9337373
    Abstract: A photovoltaic light guide solar concentration apparatus has a deflecting layer, a light-guide layer optically coupled to the deflecting layer, a secondary optic and a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic concentration apparatus has a central optical axis that, in operation, is parallel to incident sunlight. A deflecting layer includes a plurality of focusing elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the central optical axis. The light-guide layer is optically coupled to the plurality of focusing elements of the deflecting layer. The light-guide layer has a reflective surface and a plurality of opposite facets symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis and focused sunlight from the deflection layer enters the light-guide layer and is directed and trapped by the reflective surface and the opposite facets and guided inside the light-guide layer towards an exit aperture through total internal reflections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: MORGAN SOLAR INC.
    Inventors: John Paul Morgan, Philip M. Chang, Stefan Myrskog, Nigel Morris
  • Patent number: 9276519
    Abstract: A securing structure for a solar cell module installed on a roof of a building, having an external thread portion extending upward from a placement member, at least one flat plate-like shim member having a slit through which the external thread portion passes and a through-hole and stacked on the placement member, a flat plate-like connecting member placed on the shim member having an insertion hole through which the external thread portion passes, a droop portion drooping in the groove of the placement member through the through-hole, and a plurality of upward projecting portions projecting upward and sticking in the solar cell module and being made of an electrically conductive material, and a first securing member and a second securing member pressing downward on the solar cell module and the solar cell module placed on the connecting member with the external thread portion screwed into an internal thread portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: YANEGIJUTSUKENKYUJO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9203257
    Abstract: The portable wind and solar power generator is a portable system for charging rechargeable batteries and providing power for external devices from wind and solar energy. The portable wind and solar power generator includes a housing for receiving at least one turbine and at least one electrical generator. At least one solar panel is mounted on the housing. The housing is rotatably mounted on an upper surface of a hollow base which houses at least one rechargeable battery. The at least one rechargeable battery is in electrical communication with the at least one electrical generator and the at least one solar panel for charging thereof. A wind vane mounted on a rear end of the housing causes ambient wind to rotate the housing, with respect to the hollow base, such that the ambient wind impinges upon the at least one turbine to drive the at least one electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Mahmoud Mohammed Zaman
  • Patent number: 9188296
    Abstract: A device redirects and concentrates direct sunlight into buildings. The device includes: at least one transparent element having a substantially planar top surface in an x-y-plane and a substantially planar bottom surface, wherein the top and bottom surfaces are arranged at an angle with respect to each other around the x-axis; and a light reflector for each transparent element. The light reflector has a reflective surface arranged substantially parallel and adjacent the bottom surface of the transparent element. The reflective surface is spaced apart from the transparent element by a transparent medium having a lower refractive index than the transparent element. Light incident to the device is refracted by each material transition interface and reflected by the reflecting element. By arranging the device substantially perpendicular to direct sunlight at noon, with one of its edges adjacent a building wall or window, the device can redirect and concentrate sunlight into buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Hubertus Petrus Gommans
  • Patent number: 9188366
    Abstract: An erection system for the attachment of solar panels arranged areally adjacent one another and inclined toward the sun. The solar panels are held in rows by a multiplicity of holding members that are fastened to posts anchored in the ground by base members arranged substantially orthogonally with respect to the holding members and which have downwardly open U-profiles. The base members can be connected to the posts via mounting units. Each mounting unit has two clamping shells with semicircular recesses for abutment against the posts and substantially planar abutment surfaces for abutment against the side surfaces of the U-profile. Bores are arranged in the abutment surfaces of the clamping shells and corresponding bores are arranged in the side surfaces of the base member such that the base members can be fixed in a frictionally locking and/or positively locking manner to the posts by screw connections extending through the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 9022019
    Abstract: The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in FIG. 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90°; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Amilcar Luis Jeronimo Lopes
  • Patent number: 9010315
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the periphery of the top surface of the substrate. The transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are joined end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Liang Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8960180
    Abstract: A solar cell cleaning device of an energy storage system, and a method of cleaning solar cells. Solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case only when sunlight is present. The surface of the solar cells is automatically cleaned when the solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case, or when the solar cells are stored in the protective case. The solar cell cleaning device includes a protective case, a rotatable drum coupled to the protective case, and a brush installed on the protective case and closely contacting the drum. A plurality of solar cells are installed on a surface of the drum, and are cleaned by the brush when the drum is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungchun Cho, Suyong Chae, Jongki Choi
  • Patent number: 8950721
    Abstract: Provided is a securing member which can secure a plate-like module reliably and has high versatility. A securing member includes an upper piece that extends in a right-left direction, a shaft portion that extends downward from the upper piece, a lower piece that extends to both sides from a lower end of the shaft portion so as to be larger than the upper piece and has a curved bottom surface, and a mounting hole that penetrates through the lower piece at one side. The lower piece is mounted on a mounting target through the mounting hole in a state where a side surface of a plate-like module is made to substantially abut against the shaft portion so that the upper piece is lowered to abut against the upper surface of the plate-like module and the lower piece abuts against the lower surface of the plate-like module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8944146
    Abstract: A modular thermal panel comprising a paver having a top and bottom surface, and a heat exchanger having connected top and bottom panels with channels formed there between for receiving a heat exchange fluid. The top panel of the heat exchanger is coupled to the bottom surface of the thermal mass unit, an insulator panel is coupled to the bottom panel of the heat exchanger, and inlet and outlet tubes are coupled to the heat exchanger for feeding heat exchange fluid to and from the heat exchanger. The size of the heat exchanger is substantially equal to the size of the paver and the edges of the heat exchanger are substantially aligned with the edges of the paver. The heat exchanger is made of thermally transmissive material including polymers, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and the thermal mass unit is made of a material which includes modular or pre-formed or formed in place concrete, cement, gypsum concrete, or stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Therma-Hexx Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Barmore
  • Patent number: 8939143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a main body extending between a left side and a right side to define a channel, the channel configured to at least partially receive a vertical column of a solar array support structure such that the main body surrounds the vertical column. The main body further includes a left flange extending radially outwardly from the left side of the channel and right flange extending radially outwardly from the right side of the channel. Further, the main body includes an left upper flap extending from a top edge of the left flange, and a right upper flap extending from a top edge of the right flange, the right upper flap and left upper flap being co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis