System and method for reconfiguring a solar panel for storage and transport
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for stowing a mobile solar array which comprises:
- a support column mounted on a docking pad to support the solar array, wherein the support column has an upper column and a lower column with a hinge connection therebetween;
a hydraulic ram engaged to interconnect the lower column with the docking pad; and
a means for activating the hydraulic ram to rotate the upper column relative to the lower column back and forth on the hinge connection in a rotation plane, to move the solar array between an operational configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein for the operational configuration the support column is extended and the solar array is flat for collecting solar radiation, and wherein for the retracted configuration the support column is collapsed to lower the solar array toward the docking pad and the solar array is folded to provide a compact unit for transport of the mobile solar array and to present the solar array as a less aerodynamic body to minimize adverse wind effects.
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Abstract
A mobile solar array is provided which can be reconfigured between an operational (i.e. flat) configuration, and a retracted (i.e. folded) configuration. This is a two-step process. First, the structure that supports the solar array in its operation configuration on a docking pad is collapsed. This lowers the solar array toward the docking pad. Next, the solar array, which includes three sections of photovoltaic modules is folded lengthwise. Specifically, side sections of the solar array are folded out-of-plane from the center section. This places the solar array in its retracted configuration.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for stowing a mobile solar array which comprises:
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a support column mounted on a docking pad to support the solar array, wherein the support column has an upper column and a lower column with a hinge connection therebetween; a hydraulic ram engaged to interconnect the lower column with the docking pad; and a means for activating the hydraulic ram to rotate the upper column relative to the lower column back and forth on the hinge connection in a rotation plane, to move the solar array between an operational configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein for the operational configuration the support column is extended and the solar array is flat for collecting solar radiation, and wherein for the retracted configuration the support column is collapsed to lower the solar array toward the docking pad and the solar array is folded to provide a compact unit for transport of the mobile solar array and to present the solar array as a less aerodynamic body to minimize adverse wind effects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for stowing a mobile solar array, wherein the solar array includes a support column mounted on a docking pad to support the solar array, the method comprising the steps of:
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engaging a hydraulic ram to interconnect the support column with the docking pad, wherein the support column has an upper column and a lower column with a hinge connection between the upper and lower columns, and wherein the hydraulic ram is connected with the lower column; activating the hydraulic ram to rotate the upper column relative to the lower column back and forth on a hinge connection, to move the solar array between an operational configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein for the operational configuration the support column is extended and the solar Array is flat for collectin solar radiation and wherein for the retracted configuration the support column is collapsed to lower the solar array toward the docking pad; and folding the solar array to provide a compact unit for transport of the mobile solar array and to present the solar array as a less aerodynamic body to minimize adverse wind effects. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification