Configurable Articulated Photovoltaic Assembly

• US 20090178703A1
• Filed: 01/12/2009
• Published: 07/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Gumm
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Gumm
• Inventors: Gumm, Michael L.
• Application Number:
  US12/352,605
• Publication Number:
  US 20090178703A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 136/244
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 20/50 Rollable or foldable solar heat collector modules
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2030/16 Hinged elements; Pin connections
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/23 specially adapted for roof structures
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 30/20 Collapsible or foldable PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules hingedly connected to each other to allow the assembly to fold flat for storage and transportation. In one embodiment, a plurality of base attachment plates are also joined with a riser to provide an assembly that can be articulated and placed at a selected angle to optimize their efficiency. This embodiment forms a triangular assembly in use. In another embodiment, two risers are used to provide a selectable channel that can also be folded flat when not in use. Hinges are bidirectional and include metal, fabric and sliding extension types. Each module is wired and connected to a junction box attached therein.

Claims

1. A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly comprises:

at least two photovoltaic module; and

a hinging means disposed between said at least two photovoltaic modules for allowing said at least two photovoltaic modules to fold flat.

2. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 wherein said hinging means comprises at least one bidirectional hinge.

3. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 wherein said hinging means comprises a fabric hinge.

4. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 wherein said hinging means comprises a sliding extending hinge.

5. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a junction box electrically connected to each of said at least two photovoltaic modules.

6. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a support substrate wherein said photovoltaic module is mounted therein.

7. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 1 wherein said support substrate is thermally insulative.

8. A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly comprises:

a plurality of photovoltaic modules;

a hinging means disposed between each one of said plurality of photovoltaic modules for folding said plurality of photovoltaic modules; and

said hinging means being configured to allow each of said photovoltaic module to fold flat.

9. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 8 wherein said hinging means being configured to position said plurality of photovoltaic modules at a selected orientation.

10. A configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly comprises:

at least one photovoltaic module;

an attachment plate attached to one end of said at least one photovoltaic module; and

a riser attached to an other end of said at least one photovoltaic module wherein said at least one photovoltaic module may be folded flat for storage and raised for use to orient said at least one photovoltaic module to a selected position.

11. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 10 wherein said selected position forms a triangle.

12. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 10 further comprising at least one ventilation opening disposed within said riser.

14. The configurable articulated photovoltaic assembly according to claim 10 wherein said selected position forms a channel between said at least two modules.

13. (canceled)