Solar powered electrical generation device and related methods

• US 8,716,889 B2
• Filed: 08/24/2011
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chandramouli Vaidyanathan
• Original Assignee: Chandramouli Vaidyanathan
• Inventors: Vaidyanathan, Chandramouli
• Primary Examiner(s): KAPLAN, HAL IRA
• Application Number:
  US13/216,376
• Publication Number:
  US 20110308574A1
• Time in Patent Office: 986 Days
• Field of Search: 307/43
• US Class Current: 307/43
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0504 specially adapted for series or parallel connection of solar cells in a module
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 10/40 Mobile PV generator systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/00 Supporting structures for PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 30/20 Collapsible or foldable PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/32 comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a solar electrical power generation device, including one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units each unit including an adapter to electrically connect to other units, a moveable and adjustable frame supporting at least one of the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units and an electrical storage device being capable of storing electrical power generated from the one or more power source units. The frame is moveable from between sites and within a site and adjustable to increase or decrease a unit angle in relation to the sun and wherein the device being capable of connecting to a utility grid or serving as a stand-alone electrical power system.

Claims

1. A solar electrical power generation device, comprising:

one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units, each unit including an adapter to electrically connect to other units in series, in parallel, or both; and

a moveable frame comprising a tilting mechanism and supporting at least one of the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units;

wherein the adaptor of at least one unit comprises a quick coupling adaptor, wherein the frame is moveable from between sites and within a site and adjustable to increase or decrease a unit angle in relation to the sun, and wherein the device being capable of connecting to a utility grid or serving as a stand-alone electrical power system.

2. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1, further comprising a snow removal device.

3. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1, further comprising an inverter.

4. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1, further comprising one or more controllers capable of sensing and controlling individual unit power output.

5. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1, wherein the device is capable of generating electrical power along with auxiliary power generation to simulate a grid connection.

6. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1, further comprising an electrical storage device being capable of storing electrical power generated from the one or more power source units.

7. The solar electrical power generation device of claim 1 wherein the frame further comprises wheels, wherein the wheels are lockable and/or removable.

8. A solar power module system, comprising:

two or more solar power modules;

each module including;

a prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source unit;

an electrical adapter capable of electrically connecting to other units in series, in parallel, or both; and

one or more controllers;

wherein each module being capable of independently generating solar electrical energy and distributing the energy to a utility grid or as a stand-alone system, wherein the electrical adaptor of at least one module comprises a quick coupling adaptor.

9. The solar power module system of claim 8, wherein the electrical adapter of at least one module includes an inverter.

10. The solar power module system of claim 9, wherein the inverter outputs an electrical signal that simulates a grid connection.

11. The solar power module system of claim 8, further comprising a frame, supporting at least one unit.

12. The solar power module system of claim 8, further comprising a snow removal device.

13. A method for generating solar electrical power, comprising:

selecting one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units, wherein selecting includes making a selection according to one or more of cost, space, existing electrical support system, position relative to the sun and electrical needs of a facility;

positioning the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units on a moveable and adjustable frame, wherein positioning includes adjusting a tilt angle of a photovoltaic panel on the prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units;

electrically connecting the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units to one or more of a utility grid, residence, commercial business or electrical storage device; and

generating solar electrical energy and distributing the energy to one or more of a utility grid, residence, commercial business or electrical storage device, wherein electrically connecting comprises electrically connecting through a quick coupling adapter that can plug and unplug from a mating adapter.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein positioning includes mounting or attaching the units to a foundation at an installation site.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein positioning comprises adjusting an angle of the units in relation to the sun.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein electrical storage device comprises a capacitor or fuel cell or battery operated storage device.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising transporting the frame with the power source unit mounted thereon to an installation site.