Apparatus for Conditioning Space Under Solar Collectors and Arrays Thereof
An apparatus for conditioning a space under an array of solar collectors has a conditioner for conditioning the space under the array, a condensation surface for condensing water vapor in the space, a drip surface for collecting the condensed water vapor, a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the array from a heat radiating from above the radiant barrier, a wall member for enclosing the space under the array, and a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array. The apparatus can be adapted for use with a single solar collector or an array of solar collectors.
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTNot applicable.
REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISCNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to solar collectors and arrays thereof. Particularly, the invention relates to the space under solar collectors and arrays thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to conditioning of the space under solar collectors and arrays thereof
2. Description of Related Art
Solar power is electricity produced from the energy in sunlight, and can be from either a direct conversion using photovoltaic cells, or by concentrating solar radiation to provide a heat source for conventional electrical generation. Photovoltaic cells transform solar radiation into electric currents via the photoelectric effect, and are employed in two types of solar collectors: flat solar panels and concentrators. Flat solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that are exposed to direct sunlight. Solar concentrators utilize optical elements such as reflectors and lenses to concentrate solar radiation onto specific areas of photovoltaic devices.
Photovoltaic-based solar panels and concentrators can be installed as free-standing single units, or arranged into an array. For example, a single solar panel can be mounted to the roof of a building to heat water or provide electricity for the building. Referring to
Multiple solar reflectors can be arranged so as to concentrate sunlight to produce extremely high temperatures, as is needed to boil water into steam for standard turbine-driven conventional electricity generation. Referring to
Solar collectors are typically contained within structural support assemblies that can also be designed for secondary purposes. Previous adaptations to the support infrastructure of solar collector arrays allow for positioning and repositioning of the panels or concentrators in order to track the position of the sun for optimal exposure. Further modifications include structural support systems that yield minimal ground disturbance in environmentally sensitive areas, and ease of installation in regions of non-ideal terrain. The support systems can also provide for a dual use of the surface area under the solar collectors, through shelter and integration of ancillary equipment such as electrical cables, lighting, and water lines.
Conditioning systems can utilize solar collectors in either a thermal or source power capacity, for a range of space sizes and air-conditioning applications, such as cooling or drying. Within solar collectors or the modules used to assemble solar collector arrays, applications exist for the conditioning of air with the intent of removing moisture that may either disrupt the function of key optical elements, or prove harmful to electrical components and electronic devices. Removal methods include air circulation systems and condensers for moisture capture and redirection internal of a solar collector. Conversely, solar collectors can be used to power devices for the capture and collection of atmospheric moisture in the external environment.
In many locations throughout the world, solar energy produced by solar collectors is utilized as an efficient, reliable, and sustainable source of renewable power. The locations of solar collectors and arrays thereof are often typified by hot, arid, and remote environments where the capture of solar energy can be maximized from predictable amounts of direct sunlight.
Establishing and maintaining a suitable habitat for humans and animals is a problem in these hot, arid environments because of the scarcity of water and vegetation. Prior art solar collectors provide sources of energy and shelter; however, the scarcity of water and vegetation can make survival in such environments extremely challenging, if not impossible. Such environments are often low in humidity, and when water sources are available in such environments, water evaporates quickly and the water sources have a shorter lifespan than corresponding water sources in cooler, humid environments. Correspondingly, without adequate supplies of water, vegetation cannot survive. Thus, there is a need to reduce the scarcity of water and vegetation in such hot, arid environments having ample supplies of solar energy so that the environments are more conducive to the survival of humans and animals.
Another problem is, even when water sources are available in the hot, arid locations of solar collectors and arrays thereof, many farming techniques are challenging and even unsustainable. Traditional farming is generally not sustainable in hot, arid locations because water sources are generally too scarce. Irrigation is more sustainable than traditional farming, yet farmers fight a constant battle with supplying enough water for crops or livestock because available water evaporates extremely quickly in hot, arid environments. Aquaculture is a farming practice that encompasses the cultivation of saltwater and freshwater organisms under controlled conditions. The levels and saltwater and freshwater are difficult to control and make aquaculture generally unsustainable in hot, arid environments. Hydroponics is an aquaculture method of growing terrestrial plants in either a nutrient-rich mineral aqueous solution, or an inert medium such as sand, gravel or various kinds of clay and rock pellets submerged in water. This farming technique is an efficient means of growing plants while conserving water because hydroponic crop yields use only a fraction of the needed water for comparable amounts of traditionally grown terrestrial plants; however, even hydroponic techniques are challenging in hot, arid environments. Prior art includes environmental conditioning systems for both the removal and harvesting of atmospheric moisture for component protection inside a solar collector assembly and simple water collection using the energy provided by a solar collector; however, there is a need to create micro-environments external of a solar collector and arrays thereof in hot, arid locations so that farming of plants and animals is less challenging and more sustainable.
It is an object to condition the space under a solar collector, or array of solar collectors, for the purpose of conserving water.
It is another object to condition the space under a solar collector, or array of solar collectors, for the purpose of cooling the space.
It is another object to condition the space under a solar collector, or array of solar collectors, for the purpose of providing convection of moist, humid air, and water vapor in the moist, humid air.
It is another object to create a micro-environment under a solar collector, or array of solar collectors.
It is another object to reduce the loss of water and water vapor from a micro-environment under a solar collector, or array of solar collectors.
It is another object to use farming techniques such as traditional farming, irrigation aquaculture, and hydroponics in hot, arid environments having supplies of solar energy.
It is another object to provide habitation and shelter for humans and animals in hot, arid environments having supplies of solar energy.
It is another object to maintain humidity for a micro-environment in hot, arid environments having supplies of solar energy.
It is another object to maintain a temperature for a micro-environment in hot, arid environments having supplies of solar energy.
It is another object to condition space under an array of solar collectors while accommodating for changes in inclination of the terrain.
It is another object to combine the interiors of enclosed spaces under multiple solar collectors arranged in an array, for the purpose of providing spaces of varying sizes.
It is another object to partition combined interiors of enclosed spaces under multiple solar collectors arranged in an array, for the purpose of providing multiple spaces.
It is another object to connect multiple solar collectors, for the purpose of expanding the enclosed space thereunder.
The objects and advantages of the invention are not limited to those disclosed above. These and other objects and advantages are made apparent by the specification and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe disclosed invention is an apparatus comprising an array of solar collectors, a conditioner for conditioning a space under the array, a condensation surface for condensing water vapor in the space, a drip surface for collecting the condensed water vapor, a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the array from a heat radiating from above the radiant barrier, at least one wall member for enclosing the water vapor in the space under the array, and a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array. The radiant barrier is positioned between the conditioner and the solar collector, and the wall member extends downward from the solar collector.
The conditioner moves the water vapor toward the condensation surface in the space under at least one solar collector of the array. The conditioner cools the condensation surface. The conditioner conditions the space enclosed by the wall member. The conditioner is positioned adjacent at least one solar collector of the array. The conditioner comprises a duct positioned under at least one solar collector of the array, an air-conditioner connected to the duct, and a vent positioned in an opening of the duct. The vent is oriented toward the space under the array.
The condensation surface condenses a water vapor thereon when cooled by the conditioner. The condensation surface is positioned under at least one solar collector of the array. The condensation surface has at least one sloped portion in fluid communication with the drip surface, and the sloped portion of the condensation surface amasses the condensed water vapor toward the drip surface.
The conditioner, condensation surface, drip surface, radiant barrier, cover member, and wall member can be configured for use with a single solar collector or with an array of solar collectors.
The disclosed invention has a single solar collector or an array of solar collectors. Whether solar collectors are used as a single unit or in arrays, solar panels that contain photovoltaic cells, concentrator reflectors, or optics are referred to herein collectively as solar collectors. Sunlight is referred to herein interchangeably with solar radiation. This disclosure makes no limitation as to the type, size, and shape of a solar collector, to the number of solar collectors in an array, or to the configuration of the array. Several embodiments are discussed below, and all disclosed embodiments are preferred.
Referring to
The conditioner 20 has a duct 22 positioned under the solar collector 12, an air-conditioner 26 connected to the duct 22, and a vent 28 positioned in an opening 24 of the duct 22. The vent 28 is oriented toward the space 14 under the solar collector 12. The conditioner 20 can be attached to the solar panel 12 or to the support structure 16. The air-conditioner 26 of the conditioner 20 is positioned adjacent the solar collector 12 in
In
Solar radiation 86 emitted from the sun strikes the solar collector 12. As a result, the solar collector 12 can become warm and radiate heat. Thus, the apparatus 10 can have a radiant barrier 50 to insulate the space 14 from a heat radiating from the solar collector 12. The radiant barrier 50 also insulates the conditioner 20, condensation surface 30, and drip surface 40 from the heat of the solar collector 12. The condensation surface 30 is cooled to promote the condensation of the water vapor in the space 14; thus, by creating a barrier to heat of the solar collector 12, the radiant barrier 50 has the advantage of helping the conditioner 20 cool the condensation surface 30. Because the radiant barrier 50 blocks heat, the conditioner 20 consumes less energy in order to cool the condensation surface 30.
The air-conditioner 26 blows conditioned air 82, shown by solid arrows in
In
In the front elevational view of
Another vent 29 is placed in another opening 25 of the duct 22. The size of the openings 24 and 25 and the number of vents 28 and 29 can vary according to the amount of space 14 to be conditioned by the conditioner 20 and other variables, such as temperature and humidity. Vent 28 orients the conditioned air 82 toward the wall member 62. Vent 29 orients the conditioned air 82 toward the wall member 61. Thus, the conditioned air 82 travels along wall members 61 and 63 downward to the ground 70 and then moves across the water source 88 so as to move water vapor 84 upward toward the condensation surface 30, where the water vapor 84 condenses.
The vent 28 of
In
In
Referring to
The solar collectors 101 in the array 102 are placed adjacent to one another, and cover members 150 are placed in the gaps between adjacent solar collectors 101. The cover members 150 cover the gaps and expand the enclosed space under the solar collectors 101. Similar to the wall members discussed in
Referring to
The solar collectors 201 in the array 202 are placed adjacent to one another, and cover members 250 are placed in the gaps between adjacent solar collectors 201. The cover members 250 cover the gaps and enclose the space under the solar collectors 201. Similar to the cover members 150 discussed in
Referring to
The solar collectors 301 in the array 302 are placed adjacent to one another, and cover members 350 are placed in the gaps between adjacent solar collectors 301. The cover members 350 cover the gaps and enclose the space under the solar collectors 301. Similar to the cover members 150 and 250 discussed in
Referring to
Solar collector 402 is oriented by pivoting mechanism 413 on the supporting structure 412. The conditioner 403 has an air-conditioner 405, a duct 407, and a vent 406. The condensation surface 404 is formed on the duct 407 and has sloped portions 408 and 409, with a drip surface 410 between the low ends of the sloped portions 408 and 409. Because space 470 is enclosed by wall members 411 and 431 and by cover member 484, the conditioner 403 can condition the space 470 to a different environmental condition than the spaces 472 and 474, if desired.
Solar collector 422 is oriented by pivoting mechanism 434 on the supporting structure 432. The conditioner 423 has an air-conditioner 425, a duct 427, and a vent 426. The condensation surface 424 is formed on the duct 427 and has sloped portions 428 and 429, with a drip surface 430 between the low ends of the sloped portions 428 and 429. Because space 472 is enclosed by wall members 431 and 451 and by cover members 484 and 486, the conditioner 423 can condition the space 472 to a different environmental condition than the spaces 470 and 474, if desired.
Solar collector 442 is oriented by pivoting mechanism 454 on the supporting structure 452. The conditioner 443 has an air-conditioner 445, a duct 447, and a vent 446. The condensation surface 444 is formed on the duct 447 and has sloped portions 448 and 449, with a drip surface 450 between the low ends of the sloped portions 448 and 449. Because space 474 is enclosed by wall members 451 and 471 and by cover member 486, the conditioner 443 can condition the space 474 to a different environmental condition than the spaces 470 and 472, if desired.
Referring to
The array 601 has conditioner 603 for the space 670. The conditioner 603 has an air-conditioner 605, duct 623, and vents 606, 626, and 646. The duct 623 is suspended from the bottom of the solar collectors 602, 622, and 642 by suspension mechanisms 690. The duct 623 has body portions 607, 627, and 647, and connector portions 680 and 682. Connector portion 680 connects body portions 607 and 627 of the duct 623, and connector portion 682 connects body portions 627 and 647 of the duct 623. The connector portions 680 and 682 are preferably flexible duct that can account for the change of positions of the body portions 607, 627, and 647 in response to a change in position of the solar collectors 602, 622, and 642. The vent 606 is placed in the opening of the body portion 607 of the duct 623, vent 626 is placed in the opening of the body portion 627 of the duct 623, and vent 646 is placed in the opening of the body portion 647 of the duct 623. Each of the vents 606, 626, and 646 is oriented to direct conditioned air to the space 670 enclosed by wall members 611 and 631 and by cover members 684 and 686.
The condensation surface 604 is formed on the body portion 607 of the duct 623 and has sloped portions 608 and 609, with a drip surface 610 between the low ends of the sloped portions 608 and 609. The condensation surface 624 is formed on the body portion 627 of the duct 623 and has sloped portions 628 and 629, with a drip surface 630 between the low ends of the sloped portions 628 and 629. The condensation surface 644 is formed on the body portion 647 of the duct 623 and has sloped portions 648 and 649, with a drip surface 650 between the low ends of the sloped portions 648 and 649. The entire space 670 under the array 601 is conditioned by the conditioner 603. The disclosed invention contemplates that any number of solar collectors can be used in the array 601; thus, the space 670 can be any size needed for a particular application, such as aquaculture or hydroponic farming. Large amounts crops can be grown in the conditioned space 670, and water is conserved by collecting condensate from the drip surfaces 610, 630, and 650.
The cover members shown in
The solar collector(s), conditioner, wall members, and cover members create a micro-environment under the solar collector(s). The micro-environment can be used for many purposes including habitation and farming. The conditioner can maintain the temperature and humidity in this micro-environment despite hot, arid conditions external to the micro-environment created by the solar collector(s), wall members, and cover members. The conditioner additionally provides convection of water vapor in moist, humid air toward the condensation surface. The condensation surface and drip surface conserve water by condensing water vapor on the condensation surface, amassing the condensate, and collecting the condensate at the drip surface in the space under the solar collector(s). When water vapor condenses, the loss of moisture/water vapor to the hot, arid environment is reduced. The condensate can be used for many purposes including drinking water for humans or animals and water for farming techniques such as traditional farming, irrigation, hydroponics and aquaculture.
The cover members of the disclosed invention can be connected to the solar collector(s) in any way that covers the gap between adjacent solar collectors of an array. The cover members expand and retract between an expanded position and a retracted position in response to the movement of the solar collectors. The cover members can also be used on non-pivoting solar collectors and have an expanded position and a retracted position as the material of the solar collectors expands and contracts due to thermal expansion.
The wall members of the disclosed invention can be connected to the solar collector(s) in any way that encloses the space under the solar collector(s). The wall members can also be connected to the ground, or made rigid, so as to resist lateral forces. If made rigid, the wall members accommodate for changes in height of the end of the solar collector to which it is attached during changes in the position of the solar collector during the day, as discussed above. Additionally, the wall members can create partitions of space under an array of solar collectors, thus providing ability to vary the size and number of spaces and micro-environments under the array.
The embodiments of the invention disclosed above are merely examples, and other embodiments can include changes contemplated by the specification and claims that are consistent with the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing description is illustrative and explanatory of the disclosed embodiments, and the invention should be limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an array of solar collectors;
- a conditioner for conditioning a space under the array; and
- a condensation surface positioned under the array, the conditioner for cooling the condensation surface, the conditioner for moving a water vapor in the space toward the condensation surface, the condensation surface for condensing the water vapor thereon when cooled by the conditioner.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, the conditioner comprising:
- a duct positioned under the array, the duct having at least one opening formed therein;
- an air-conditioner connected to the duct and positioned adjacent the array; and
- a vent positioned in the opening of the duct, the vent being oriented toward the space under the array.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, the condensation surface having at least one sloped portion, the sloped portion of the condensation surface for amassing the condensed water vapor.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:
- a drip surface, the sloped portion of the condensation surface for amassing the condensed water vapor toward the drip surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one wall member for enclosing the water vapor in the space under the array; and
- a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
- a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the array from a heat radiating from the array.
7. An apparatus comprising:
- a solar collector;
- a conditioner positioned adjacent the solar collector for conditioning a space under the solar collector; and
- a condensation surface for condensing a water vapor in the space under the solar collector, the conditioner for cooling the condensation surface, the conditioner for moving the water vapor in the space toward the condensation surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
- at least one wall member for enclosing the water vapor in the space under the solar collector; and
- a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the solar collector from a heat radiating from the solar collector.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, the solar collector comprising:
- an array of solar collectors, the conditioner for moving the water vapor toward the condensation surface under at least one solar collector of the array.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
- a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
- a drip surface for collecting condensed water vapor from the condensation surface.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, the condensation surface having at least one sloped portion, the sloped portion of the condensation surface for amassing the condensed water vapor toward the drip surface.
13. The apparatus of claim 7, the solar collector for powering the conditioner.
14. An apparatus comprising:
- a solar collector;
- a conditioner positioned adjacent the solar collector;
- a condensation surface positioned under the solar collector; and
- a drip surface in fluid communication with the condensation surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, the conditioner comprising:
- a duct positioned under the solar collector, the duct having at least one opening formed therein;
- an air-conditioner connected to the duct; and
- a vent positioned in the opening of the duct, the vent being oriented toward a space under the solar collector.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, the condensation surface having at least one sloped portion, the sloped portion of the condensation surface being in fluid communication with the drip surface.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, the sloped portion of the condensation surface for amassing the condensed water vapor toward the drip surface.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, the solar collector comprising:
- an array of solar collectors, the duct extending under at least one solar collector of the array.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
- at least one wall member extending downward from a solar collector of the array; and
- a cover member positioned between adjacent solar collectors of the array.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:
- a radiant barrier positioned between the conditioner and the solar collector.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 16, 2010
Publication Date: Oct 20, 2011
Inventor: Kerry Gordon Daly (Conroe, TX)
Application Number: 12/761,449
International Classification: F24J 2/00 (20060101); F25D 21/14 (20060101);