Solar cell, module, array, network, and power grid

• US 8,319,091 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2011
• Issued: 11/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert M. Lyden
• Original Assignee: Robert Lyden
• Inventors: Lyden, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Ridley, Basia
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ayad, Tamir
• Application Number:
  US13/027,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20110139215A1
• Time in Patent Office: 652 Days
• Field of Search: 136243-265
• US Class Current: 136/244
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/10 Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground H02S20/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 80/20 using renewable energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49355 Solar energy device making

Abstract

The present invention teaches a solar cell, a solar module, a solar array, a network of solar arrays, and also a solar power grid suitable for providing power for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar cell or solar module including a plurality of solar cells can be made in a structure configured to have the appearance of natural foliage. Accordingly, a solar array including a plurality of solar modules each including at least one solar cell can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage. A network of solar arrays can be made to resemble a row or grove of palm trees, and thus meet the functional and aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. The network of solar arrays can extend for many miles alongside roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting electric power. In particular, a network of solar arrays can be in communication with recharging stations for use by electric and hybrid transportation vehicles. Accordingly, a network of solar arrays can form at least a portion of a solar power grid.

Claims

1. A solar array comprising:

a structure configured to resemble a palm tree comprising;

at least one trunk portion;

a plurality of solar modules;

wherein at least one of said solar modules is configured to resemble a palm frond comprising;

a stem portion and a blade portion, said stem portion extending from said at least one trunk portion, said blade portion including at least one solar cell having a working surface area for capturing sunlight and for providing an electrical energy output;

at least one electrically transmissive element coupled to said plurality of solar modules for conducting said electrical energy output; and

at least one mechanical fastener for securing said solar array in an upright position;

wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises at least one receptacle for receiving and coupling with the stem portions of said solar modules, said at least one receptacle providing at least one point of access to said at least one electrically transmissive element.

2. The solar array according to claim 1, further comprising a battery coupled with said at least one electrically transmissive element.

3. The solar array according to claim 1, further comprising at least one electronic component selected from the group of electronic components consisting of a diode, a capacitor, a sensor, a controller, a chip, and a transistor coupled with said at least one electrically transmissive element.

4. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said solar modules has a green coloration.

5. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises a coupling structure adapted to selectively couple said trunk portion to at least one other trunk portion.

6. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises at least one top trunk portion coupled with said plurality of solar modules.

7. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said solar array further comprises a support pole coupled with said at least one trunk portion.

8. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises an interior compartment adapted to contain at least one electrical device.

9. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises a plurality of top trunk portions, each top trunk portion comprising a plurality of layers having a plurality of said solar modules, a position of said solar modules on a first layer of said layers being staggered relative to the position of the solar modules on at least one adjacent layer of said layers.

10. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said solar array provides an electrical signal output and further comprising an inverter for changing DC current to AC current.

11. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said solar array is adapted to transmit an electrical signal to at least one of a rechargeable electrical energy storage device and an electric appliance coupled with said output.

12. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein the solar array is adapted to transmit an electrical signal to an electrical storage device of a transportation vehicle.

13. The solar array of claim 1, coupled with at least one additional said solar array to form a network of solar arrays.

14. The solar array of claim 13, wherein said network of solar arrays comprises at least a portion of an electric power grid.

15. The solar array of claim 14, wherein said network of solar arrays is coupled with at least one recharging station adapted to provide energy to electric power storage devices of transportation vehicles.

16. The solar array of claim 1, wherein said at least one trunk portion comprises:

a bottom trunk portion;

at least one middle trunk portion; and

at least one top trunk portion, and a cap portion.

17. The solar array of claim 1, wherein the coloration of said solar array is varied in different locations so as to create a natural appearance.

18. The solar array according to claim 1, wherein said solar array provides an electrical current output and further comprising an converter for changing AC current to DC current.

19. The solar array according to claim 1, further comprising at least one electrical device including a visual display.

20. A method of making a custom solar array resembling a palm tree comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of trunk portions having different configurations and lengths;

selecting at least one of said trunk portions for use, said at least one of said trunk portions comprising a plurality of receptacles that provide points of access to wiring;

providing a plurality of solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds, each solar module including at least one solar cell having a working surface area for capturing sunlight and for providing an electrical energy output;

selecting at least five of said plurality of solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds for use;

connecting said selected at least five solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds to said at least one selected trunk portion such that said stem portions extend from said at least one selected trunk portion, said selected at least five solar modules being spaced about the circumference of said at least one selected trunk portion;

receiving and coupling said stem portions of said solar modules configured to resemble palm fronds within said plurality of receptacles such that said electrical energy output is conducted by said wiring; and

, installing said solar array.