Folding deployment system for solar panels

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9559232-B1
Application number	US-201313932635-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Jul 1, 2013
Priority date	Jul 1, 2013
Publication date	Jan 31, 2017
Grant date	Jan 31, 2017

Abstract

A folding deployment system for solar panels provides a portable solar collecting power station that can be easily packaged and deployed for use in diverse environments. A solar array frame extends and contracts in accordion fashion. Solar panels mounted on the solar array frame are pivotally moveable from an upright position in a stowed position inside a container to a substantially horizontal position outside the container in a deployed position.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A deployment system for solar panels, comprising:
a container having two sides, two ends, and a top;
a solar array frame comprising a plurality of pivotally connected struts, said solar array frame movable between a stowed position with said plurality of struts compressed against each other within said container and a deployed position with said plurality of struts being extended with respect to each other whereby said solar array frame extends outside of said container;
a plurality of solar panels attached to said solar array frame such that said plurality of solar panels are held substantially upright with respect to the ground within said container when said solar array frame is in said stowed position, said plurality of solar panels being pivotally movable to a more horizontal position with respect to the ground when said solar array frame is in said deployed position;
at least one elongate hollow frame tube mounted adjacent to said top and oriented substantially parallel to said sides;
at least one extensible tube housed within said hollow frame tube when said solar array frame is in said stowed position, said extensible tube extending from said hollow frame tube when said solar array frame is in said deployed position; and
a support cable that extends through said extensible tube and means for retracting and deploying said cable disposed within said container, whereby said cable has a first end connected to said solar array frame and a second end connected to said means for retracting and deploying.

2. The deployment system of claim 1 , wherein at least a majority of said plurality of struts comprise a pivotal connection at each end and a centrally located pivotal connection.

3. The deployment system of claim 1 , wherein said extensible tube comprises a plurality of telescoping beams.

4. The deployment system of claim 3 , further comprising a connector for connecting said extensible tube to said solar array frame, whereby said extensible tube forms a counter spring to provide a lifting force to said solar array frame when said solar array frame is in said deployed position.

5. The deployment system of claim 1 , further comprising a solar array frame support base mounted to said container, said solar array frame support base carrying said solar array frame.

6. The deployment system of claim 5 , wherein said solar array frame support base comprises a floor of said container.

7. The deployment system of claim 6 , further comprising at least two support beams mounted on said solar frame support base and having first ends adjacent to one of said ends of said container and second ends in the interior of said container, a slide bearing movably mounted on each of said support beams, a first stop mounted to each said support beam adjacent to said first end thereof, and a second stop mounted to each said support beam adjacent to said second end thereof; wherein said solar array frame is mounted to said slide bearings.

8. The deployment system of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of solar panels are extendable out of at least one of said ends.

9. The deployment system of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of solar panels are extendable out of both of said ends of said container.

10. The deployment system of claim 1 , wherein said solar array frame further comprises at least one end support adjacent an end of said solar array frame to support said solar array frame with respect to a surface around said container.

11. The deployment system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wheels mountable to an end of said solar array frame.

Assignees

• Naud Steven F
• Woodall Jr Robert C
• Wilbanks David H
• Satterlee Amy N
• Us Navy

Inventors

• Naud Steven F
• Woodall Jr Robert C
• Wilbanks David H
• Satterlee Amy N

Classifications

• H02S30/20 Primary

  Collapsible or foldable PV modules · CPC title

• Y02E10/52

  PV systems with concentrators · CPC title

• H02S20/32

  specially adapted for solar tracking · CPC title

• H02S20/30

  Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment · CPC title

• H02S10/40

  Mobile PV generator systems · CPC title