Solar canopy with integral storage compartment to receive high capacity batteries
First Claim
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1. A canopy, comprising:
- a roof;
at least one support having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion wherein the roof is coupled to and supported by the at least one support;
a power conditioner operatively coupled to the canopy, wherein the power conditioner is configured for electrical connection to a power network; and
a cavity coupled to the canopy wherein the cavity defines at least one space, wherein each of the at least one space is sized to receive a high capacity battery, the cavity comprising;
at least one opening operatively sized to allow the high capacity battery to be moved into and out of the cavity;
at least one battery connector comprising at least one set of contacts operative to electrically couple the high capacity battery to the power conditioner; and
at least one heat dissipation system, wherein the at least one heat dissipation system facilitates movement of air through the at least one space.
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Abstract
The technology of the present application provides a solar canopy having a cavity. The cavity defines at least one space that is sized and shaped to receive a high capacity battery, of which electric vehicle batteries are one example. The cavity includes an opening to allow access to the space. Contacts are arranged in the cavity to align with contacts of a battery inserted into the space to electrically couple the battery to the power electronics or power conditioner, which includes a power conversion system, and inverter, and a converter or transformer. The cavity also includes a heat dissipation system.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A canopy, comprising:
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a roof; at least one support having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion wherein the roof is coupled to and supported by the at least one support; a power conditioner operatively coupled to the canopy, wherein the power conditioner is configured for electrical connection to a power network; and a cavity coupled to the canopy wherein the cavity defines at least one space, wherein each of the at least one space is sized to receive a high capacity battery, the cavity comprising; at least one opening operatively sized to allow the high capacity battery to be moved into and out of the cavity; at least one battery connector comprising at least one set of contacts operative to electrically couple the high capacity battery to the power conditioner; and at least one heat dissipation system, wherein the at least one heat dissipation system facilitates movement of air through the at least one space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A solar canopy, comprising:
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a roof having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side; at least one support having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion wherein the roof is coupled to and supported by the at least one support; a plurality of photovoltaic panels coupled to the top side of the roof of the solar canopy; a power conditioner electrically coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic panels, the power conditioner configured to be electrically coupled to a power network; a pair of rails coupled to the bottom side of the roof, wherein each of the pair of rails extend in a downwardly direction forming at least a first wall; and a retrofit compartment removably coupled to the solar canopy wherein a cavity defines at least one space, wherein each of the at least one space is sized to receive a battery, the retrofit compartment comprising; at least one opening operatively sized to allow the battery to be moved into and out of the retrofit compartment; at least one battery connector comprising at least one set of contacts operative to electrically couple the battery to the power conditioner; at least one vent in the retrofit compartment; at least one heat dissipation system, wherein the at least one heat dissipation system facilitates movement of air through the at least one space and out the vent; and a pair of extended flanges protruding from the retrofit compartment operatively sized to engage the pair of rails, wherein the pair of rails and extended flange form a tongue and groove slide fitting. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A solar power canopy connectable with an external load, comprising:
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a solar canopy, a roof, and at least one support holding the roof above a ground space; a plurality of photovoltaic panels coupled to the top side of the roof of the solar canopy; a plurality of canopy mounted inter-connectable elements, wherein the plurality of canopy mounted inter-connectable elements comprise; at least one high capacity battery configured to store a minimum of 10 kilo watt hours, the at least one high capacity battery removably, mechanically coupled to the solar canopy; at least one power conditioner removably, electrically coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic panels, the at least one high capacity battery, and the external load; and a heat dissipation system wherein the heat dissipation system comprises a forced fluid circulation system. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification