Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080230108 | SOLAR PANEL APPARATUS AND METHOD UTILIZING POUNDED VERTICAL SUPPORTS - A solar panel array that comprises at least two vertical supports, a horizontal support, and at least one solar panel positioned thereon. The vertical supports are provided with a gradual twist, preferably following an extrusion process, so as to permit the supports to rotate as they are pounded into the ground. | 09-25-2008 |
20080236571 | SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING UNFRAMED SOLAR PANELS - A solar panel system and method wherein unframed solar panels are positioned on support beams above a support structure in a configuration that leaves two of the edges of the solar panels unframed. This avoids trapping of water and dirt and the like, which occurs with prior art, framed panels. A liner comprised of a compliant material may be interposed between the support beams and the two panel edges so as to protect those two edges, while leaving the remaining two edges in their original, unframed condition. | 10-02-2008 |
20100051086 | REDUNDANT ARRAY OF SINGLE AXIS TRACKING SOLAR PANELS - An array of independent single-axis tracking solar panel assemblies is provided which, compared to prior-art “ganged” tracking assemblies, can reduce production, installation, and operation costs of solar panel arrays, reduce power loss and down-time in the event of single-point failure, and increase annual power production. Each independent single-axis tracking solar panel assembly has one or more solar panels mounted on a rotatable support structure and its own motor, its own motor controller, and its own reduction gear box. Each assembly is supported at two points, one in the north and one in the south, so that the one or more solar panels in an assembly are rotated from east to west to track the angle of the sun. Each independent assembly may be wired directly to a power inverter and all may be wired in parallel. Each is protected with a series diode so that if one shorts, it cannot shunt power from another. If one fails, the power from each of the others continues to the power inverter, unaffected. Each assembly may be oriented so that it has a fixed tilt in the range of 20-40 degrees. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051087 | FRAMELESS THIN-FILM SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AND METHOD - A solar panel utilizes at least one and, in one embodiment, three protective layers to eliminate the need for a metal frame. The protective layers may include one inorganic layer and two polymer layers, which are cured onto an underside of the panel. In one embodiment, the protective layers are cured over lateral edges of certain of the layers of the solar panel, including for example the conductor layers, semiconductor junction, and reflector layer. The protective layers may extend to cover an exposed edge along an underside of panel's superstrate. In one embodiment, the lateral edge of the superstrate is contoured to resist damage from rough handling and/or exposure to the elements. A support platform may be provided, and the solar panel secured thereon by way of interposing an adhesive between an underside of the panel and the support platform. | 03-04-2010 |
20100117671 | Simulated mounting structure for testing electrical devices - A testing apparatus or test jig is configured to accept a electrical device for testing prior to final assembly. In one example, a pair of conductive conveying belts compliantly engage a partially assembled photovoltaic (PV) module by its sides, and electrodes engage orthogonal sides of the module. The test apparatus or jig can be use for a variety of electrical tests, and may, for example be connected to a high potential (HiPot) tester. | 05-13-2010 |
20150180217 | Compact, High Power, High Voltage, Long-Distance Electrical Transmission Line Structure - Embodiments generally relate to long-distance, 3-phase, AC electricity transmission structures. In one embodiment, the structure comprises an array of beams, the array comprising a sub-array of 3N active beams, wherein N is an integer, one passive beam on the right side of the sub-array of active beams; and one passive beam on the left side of the sub-array of active beams. The centers of the cross-section of each of the active and passive beams lie in a single plane. In another embodiment, the structure comprises an array of 3N metal active beams, wherein N is an integer; and a tunnel of rectangular cross-section with either 90 degree or rounded corners. The array of beams is mounted within the tunnel, and the two side walls of the tunnel are lined with a highly conductive metal having a thickness similar to the thickness of metal used in the active beams. | 06-25-2015 |