Solar battery unit and solar battery apparatus

• US 6,346,669 B1
• Filed: 07/28/2000
• Issued: 02/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Misawa Homes Company Limited (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Misawa Homes Company Limited (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Inventors: Itoh, Katsuhiro
• Primary Examiner(s): DIAMOND, ALAN D
• Application Number:
  US09/582,641
• Time in Patent Office: 564 Days
• Field of Search: 136/244, 136/251, 136/252, 136/256, 136/291
• US Class Current: 136/244
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2025/018 Means for preventing movements, e.g. stops
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/15 using bent plates; using assemblies of plates
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/16 Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/02008 for solar cells or solar cell modules
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/22 specially adapted for buildings
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/24 specially adapted for flat roofs
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/20 Solar thermal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/291 Applications

Abstract

Solar battery units 2 and 3 are formed in the shape of a void column, wherein at least, one part of the circumferential surfaces is prescribed as a light receiving surface 10. Simple installation is made possible either by direct securing to, or by simple placement on the place of installation. A pleasant outer appearance can be procured by concealing the wiring cables therein. Further, due to its capability of being positioned vertically or horizontally, methods of installation can be selected according to the conditions of the place of installation, permitting furthermore the installation irrespective of the inclination or the height of the place of installation by securing it directly to the place of installation. Composition of the solar battery apparatus 1 by connecting the solar battery units 2 and 3 in the longitudinal direction facilitates installation even in a small or narrow space.

Claims

1. A solar battery unit comprising:

a void column, wherein at least a part of the circumferential surfaces of said void column is formed as a light-receiving surface provided with a solar battery that is attached to a frame to close an opening from inside said void column.

2. A solar battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the solar battery unit is formed in a shape of a void polygonal column, and at least one surface of said frame is provided with the solar battery.

3. A solar battery unit according to claim 2, wherein said solar battery unit is formed in the shape of a void triangular column.

4. A solar battery apparatus, wherein solar battery units according to claim 1 are connected in a longitudinal direction and adjoining solar batteries are connected via joint members.

5. A solar battery apparatus according to claim 4, wherein end parts of said solar battery units are inserted inside said joint members.

6. A solar battery apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a packing material is provided on inner surfaces of said joint members.

7. A solar battery apparatus according to claim 4, wherein both longitudinal ends of said solar battery units are provided with both plus terminals and minus terminals which have been pulled out from bodies of the adjoining solar batteries.

8. A solar battery apparatus, wherein solar battery units according to claim 2 are connected in a longitudinal direction and adjoining solar batteries are connected via joint members.

9. A solar battery apparatus, wherein solar battery units according to claim 3 are connected in a longitudinal direction and adjoining solar batteries are connected via joint members.

10. A solar battery apparatus according to claim 5, wherein both longitudinal ends of said solar battery units are provided with both plus terminals and minus terminals which have been pulled out from bodies of the adjoining solar batteries.

11. A solar battery apparatus according to claim 6, wherein both longitudinal ends of said solar battery units are provided with both plus terminals and minus terminals which have been pulled out from bodies of the adjoining solar batteries.