HYBRIDIZED CANOPY
20190207552 ยท 2019-07-04
Inventors
Cpc classification
E04D13/04
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04H15/18
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04D13/0481
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
H02S99/00
ELECTRICITY
F24S25/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
H02S20/30
ELECTRICITY
International classification
H02S20/30
ELECTRICITY
E04D13/04
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
An example canopy includes a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence. The second sequence is disposed between the first and third sequences and forms a rainwater collection channel The panels of the second sequence are angled with respect to the panels of the first and third sequences to optimize solar radiation and rainwater collection efficiency. Photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels. A hybrid canopy, a method of making a hybrid canopy, and a method of using and learning from a hybrid canopy, are shown and described.
Claims
1. A canopy comprising: a plurality of panels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of sequences, including a first sequence, second sequence, and a third sequence, the second sequence disposed between the first and third sequences and providing a rainwater collection channel; wherein the first and third sequences are angled with respect to the second sequence to direct rainwater towards the rainwater collection channel; and wherein photovoltaic cells are provided on a flexible top surface of some or all of the panels.
2. The canopy of claim 1, wherein: the canopy has opposing first and second edges that are sloped, each row extending from the first edge to the second edge; and the first edge lies within a first plane, the second edge lies within a second plane, and the first and second planes are approximately parallel to each other.
3. The canopy of claim 2, wherein a majority of one of the first and second edges has a greater height than a majority of the other of the first and second edges.
4. The canopy of claim 2, wherein: the canopy has opposing first and second ends, at least one of which is sloped, each row extending from the first end to the second end; the first end lies within a third plane and the second end lies within a fourth plane; and the third and fourth planes approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the first and second planes.
5. The canopy of claim 4, wherein a majority of one of the first and second ends has a greater height than a majority of the other of the first and second ends.
6. The canopy of claim 4, wherein: the first sequence meets the second sequence at a first interface that is sloped and disposed within a fifth plane; the third sequence meets the second sequence at a second interface that is sloped and disposed within a sixth plane; and the first, second, fifth, and sixth planes are approximately parallel to each other.
7. The canopy of claim 6, wherein the plurality of rows meet each other at row interfaces that are sloped, the plurality of row interfaces disposed within respective planes that are approximately parallel to each other and the third and fourth planes.
8. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the second sequence has opposing first and second ends, the panels of the second sequence sloping downward from the first end to the second end.
9. The canopy of claim 8, wherein the rainwater collection channel is in fluid communication with a cistern.
10. The canopy of claim 9, comprising a gutter disposed along a portion of the second end of the second sequence, the gutter fluidly connecting the rainwater collection channel to the cistern.
11. The canopy of claim 9, wherein the cistern comprises a bladder, and the rainwater collection channel is in fluid communication with the bladder.
12. The canopy of claim 11, wherein the bladder is provided within a support post that supports the canopy.
13. The canopy of claim 1, comprising: a canopy support frame; a plurality of struts having opposing first and second ends, the first ends secured to respective support plates, forming a yoke, and the second ends secured to respective panel support frames of the panels; and a plurality of support posts that elevate the canopy support frame.
14. The canopy of claim 13, wherein: the support posts have respective opposing first and second ends, the second ends secured to the canopy support frame; and the support posts taper from the first end to the second end.
15. The canopy of claim 13, wherein at least one of the canopy support frames and the plurality of support posts are hollow.
16. The canopy of claim 13, wherein each panel support frame is four-sided.
17. The canopy of claim 16, wherein the panel support frames are hollow.
18. The canopy of claim 1, wherein panels comprise a substrate fabric, and the photovoltaic cells are provided on a photovoltaic film secured to the substrate fabric.
19. The canopy of claim 18, wherein the photovoltaic film comprises a plurality of strips of photovoltaic film arranged in rows that are generally parallel to each other.
20. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rows and sequences of panels form a canopy unit, and a plurality of the canopy units are arranged adjacent to each other end-to-end, side-by-side, or both, to provide an extended canopy.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040]
[0041] Sequence 22B is disposed between sequences 22A and 22C, and forms a rainwater collection channel schematically shown as C in
[0042] The canopy 20 includes a canopy support frame 40, and a plurality of support posts 42 that support and elevate the canopy support frame 40. A plurality of struts S interconnect the canopy support frame 40 to the individual panels P. The canopy support frame 40, support posts 42, and struts S collectively form a support structure for the plurality of panels P. In one example, the canopy support frame 40, support posts 42, or both, are hollow.
[0043]
[0044]
[0045] The canopy 20 also includes opposing ends 28A and 28B that are sloped with respect to the canopy support frame 40, and each sequence 22A-C extends from end 28A to end 28B. In the example of
[0046] Sequence 22A meets the sequence 22B at a sequence interface I1 that is sloped with respect to the canopy support frame 40 and disposed within a plane PL5. Sequence 22C meets sequence 22B at a sequence interface I2 that is sloped and disposed within a plane PL6. Planes PL1, PL2, PL5, and PL6 are approximately parallel to one another.
[0047] The plurality of rows 24A-E meet each other at respective row interfaces I3-I8 which are sloped with respect to the canopy support frame 40 and disposed within planes PL7-PL11. The plurality of row interfaces I3-I8 are disposed within respective planes PL7-PL11 that are approximately parallel to one another and to planes PL3 and PL4.
[0048] In one example, the canopy is provided as a kit that includes the plurality of rows 24A-F of panels, and purchasers can assemble the rows 24 to form the canopy 20, with the assembly including optionally providing of a seal between the rows 24.
[0049]
[0050] In another example, the canopy is provided as a kit that includes the plurality of sequences 22A-C of panels, and purchasers can assemble the sequences 22 to form the canopy 20, with the assembly including optionally providing a seal between the sequences 22 (e.g., through direct contact, a seal, or both direct contact and a seal).
[0051] The use of either of the kit examples discussed above provides for easy assembly of the canopy 20, and also convenient disassembly, decommissioning, and winterizing of the canopy 20 to avoid impacts from freeze thaw in certain climates. The kit embodiments also allow for ease of repair and replacement if damage occurs.
[0052] As shown in
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Node Elevation N1 627.09 N2 624.13 N3 623.15 N4 624.55 N5 626.11 N6 625.61 N7 623.48 N8 628.73 N9 625.43 N10 623.15 N11 621.77 N12 621.18 N13 621.08 N14 620.98 N15 628.40 N16 624.19 N17 621.84 N18 621.28 N19 621.18 N20 621.08 N21 620.98 N22 627.42 N23 627.74 N24 628.07 N25 628.44 N26 628.73 N27 628.82 N28 628.73
[0053] The values of Table 1 demonstrate an example in which each of the edges 26A-B and the interfaces I1, I2 are sloped, in which a majority of the edge 26B has a greater height than a majority of the edge 26A, and a majority of the end 28A has a greater height than a majority of end 28B.
[0054] In one example, a height of the canopy support frame 40 is at least six feet above finished grade to accommodate the average height of most users.
[0055] Within each row 24A-F, the interfaces I1, I2 may provide for direct contact between adjacent panels. In another example, an additional element is disposed between adjacent panels in a row 24 to provide the interface I1 and/or I2, such as a contact seal. In one example, even where direct contact is provided between adjacent panels, a seal may still be provided between the adjacent panels to prevent rainwater from leaking between one or more of the sequence interfaces I1-I2.
[0056] Similarly, within each sequence 22A-C, the interfaces I3, I4 may provide for direct contact between adjacent panels. In another example, an additional element is disposed between adjacent panels in a sequence 22 to provide the interface I3 and/or I4, such as a contact seal. In one example, even where direct contact is provided between adjacent panels, a seal may still be provided between the adjacent panels to prevent rainwater from leaking between one or more of the row interfaces I3-I7.
[0057]
[0058] Each panel P1-P3 is supported by a respective panel support frame 38A-C to which the substrate 32 is attached (e.g., through ultrasonic welding). In one example, one or more of the support panel support frames 38A-C of a given row 24 can be mounted to each other, integrally formed with each other (e.g., through a casting process), or connected with an intermediate component such as a seal. Similarly, in one example, one or more of the panel support frames 38 of a given sequence 22 can be mounted to each other, integrally formed, or connected with an intermediate component such as a seal. In one example, some or all of the panel support frames 38 are hollow.
[0059] In one example, the substrate 32 of each panel P is a fabric substrate. In one example the fabric substrate includes a sailcloth that is fire retardant, includes a water repellant coating, and is UV stable when exposed to UV rays (e.g., WeatherMAX FR). In one example, the photovoltaic strips are formed of the FLEX SERIES-03N film from MiaSole. In one example (such as either of the kit examples discussed above), the fabric used as the substrate 32 for adjacent panels in a sequence 22 or row 24 may be a single piece of fabric (e.g., a single piece of fabric for an entire sequence 22 or a single piece of fabric for an entire row 24). In a further example, a single piece of fabric is used as the substrate 32 for the entire canopy 20.
[0060] In another example, instead of using photovoltaic film, some other flexible photovoltaic device is utilized for one or more of the panels P (e.g., one that utilizes a perovskite solar cell).
[0061]
[0062] As shown in
[0063] Referring now to
[0064] In one example, apertures are provided in the canopy 20 facilitate sunlight passing through the canopy 20.
[0065]
[0066]
[0067] A first support plate 56 is disposed between the end 43B of support post 42 and the canopy support frame 40. A second support plate 58 is disposed between the canopy support frame 40 and the plurality of struts S1-S4. The struts are secured to the second plate 58 (e.g., by welding or fastening). The struts S1-S4 and the first support plate 58 collectively create a yoke assembly which supports the panel P. A helical pile 60 is used to provide a foundation for the support post 42. In one example, one or more of the canopy support frames 40, struts S, support plates 56/58 , and panel support frames 38 are composed of steel.
[0068] Each strut S1-S4 includes a first end 62A that is secured to the canopy support frame 40 via the plate 58, and an opposing second end 62B that is secured to the panel support frame 38. As shown in
[0069]
[0070]
[0071] In this disclosure, like reference numerals designate like elements where appropriate and reference numerals with the addition of one-hundred or multiples thereof designate modified elements that are understood to incorporate the same features and benefits of the corresponding elements.
[0072]
[0073] In one example, the cistern 172 is a bladder which may be composed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber (e.g., Cuben Fiber). The cistern 172 may include a faucet and/or tap, schematically shown as 178 in
[0074] The use of a cistern which is non-fixed and non-buried but rather is lightweight and portable in a rainwater management system for irrigation and other non-potable uses has advantages for ease of use and maintenance.
[0075] Referring now to
[0076] The cistern 172 may include a faucet and/or tap, schematically shown as 178 in
[0077]
[0078]
[0079] Here too, the cistern 372 may be a container which may be a plastic tote or composed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber (e.g., Cuben Fiber). Also, the cistern 372 may include a faucet and/or tap, schematically shown as 378 in
[0080] If the gutter 170/270/370 is provided along end 28B of the canopy, gaps may be provided between adjacent ones of the solar canopies that abut are adjacent along end 28B in the extended arrangements of
[0081] As discussed above, the canopy support frame 40, panel support frames 38, and/or support posts 42 can be hollow. The use of hollow components reduces weight and material costs. The use of a fabric for the substrate 32 of each panel P further reduces weight. The reduced weight can reduce shipping costs and provide for easier assembly (e.g., in the kit embodiments described above).
[0082] The canopy 20 discussed above provides for a lightweight, hybridized collection surface, or solar sail, which allows elevation high above the ground plane (above head height). Utilizing photovoltaic film (non-ridged panels) to a flexible and unconventional substrate (e.g., a UV stable and fire-retardant fabric) provides for a roof less canopy application.
[0083] The use of lightweight materials to create the collection surface, or solar sail, allows in turn the minimization of steel structure (only 5 sections, namely, in one example, the plates 56/58, canopy support frame 40, struts S, panel support frames 38, and support posts 42) and the simplification of mechanical connections for ease of fabrication which provides for convenient assembly, field installation, replacement, and maintenance of the canopy 20.
[0084] The canopy 20 also provides for savings and user value because the photovoltaic cells provide for a reduction in the cost per kilowatt hour over traditional electrical power from a utility company, and the collected rainwater can reduce irrigation and gray water costs.
[0085] The integrated water management system provided by the canopy 20 uses the canopy support frame 40, struts S, and support posts 42 to carry the conveyance and storage components. Also, unconventional lightweight and durable materials can be used, such as an UHMWPE cistern bag or bladder.
[0086] As discussed above, the canopies can be ganged together back-to-back or side-by-side to address diverse site conditions and satisfy power requirements.
[0087] The particular example depicted in Figs. lA-B is parametrically optimized to provide an irregular, tessellated canopy surface for maximizing the collection of solar energy and rainwater, including the collection, conveyance, and distribution of rainwater, and facilitating of drainage from the canopy :20 to a cistern.
[0088] As discussed above, the substrate 32 can be a solar sail which can be ultrasonically welded to the panel support frame 38A-C, which can be hollow and/or tubular.
[0089] As discussed above, the canopy system may be grid-tied but is also compatible with on-site battery storage solutions.
[0090] The water management system is easily decommissioned and winterized to avoid impacts from freeze thaw in site contexts which experience temperatures below 32 degrees F/0 degrees C.
[0091] Ground plane uses below the canopy are more diverse than parking lots. By elevating the collection surface, an open, flexible and unimpeded public realm is created which supports agricultural/gardening, educational, training, civic, community, and celebratory uses. Thus, the lightness of the solar sail and structure allows for opening up the ground plane and provide for many more diverse uses (beyond parking).
[0092] The kit embodiments discussed above, such as the tri-module embodiment (one example tri-module is shown in
[0093] In the particular kit embodiment described above in which tri-module assemblies are used, six unique assemblies (one for each row 24) can be provided for onsite assembly, and the various canopy components can be sized to be easily and affordably shipped to site for installation.
[0094] The design described above minimizes necessary site work in footings and uprights/sequences because of the reduction in weight of the solar sail collection surface.
[0095] The lightness and affordability of the canopy system allows shipment, installation, and use in diverse, resource constrained site contexts.
[0096] Although example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.