SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC VEHICLE OPERATION
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A golf car power system comprising:
- a golf car made available for use at a golf course;
a photovoltaic cell mounted on the golf car;
a controller system comprising a power management device electrically coupled to the cell and a processor coupled to a non-transitory memory and having stored therein information about power required for the golf car to operate for a duration of a round of golf at the golf course; and
a motor to drive the golf car.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides an electrical vehicle power system that compares power use to anticipated need and regulates power use so that the anticipated need is satisfied by available power, thus ensuring ample power for a user to complete an activity such as playing a round of golf. The system uses a controller coupled to a photovoltaic cell on a golf car in a lightweight and durable solar roof apparatus that can retrofit to existing cars.
20 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A golf car power system comprising:
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a golf car made available for use at a golf course; a photovoltaic cell mounted on the golf car; a controller system comprising a power management device electrically coupled to the cell and a processor coupled to a non-transitory memory and having stored therein information about power required for the golf car to operate for a duration of a round of golf at the golf course; and a motor to drive the golf car. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A power management method for a golf car, the method comprising:
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obtaining power for a golf car during a round of golf at a predetermined golf course through the use of a photovoltaic power system on the golf car; tracking a distance driven by the golf car during the round of golf; comparing the tracked distance to an average total distance associated with the predetermined golf course using the power system on the golf car; and regulating power consumption of the golf car, using the power system, so that the golf car will not run out of power until it has driven the average total distance. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A power management system for a golf course, the system comprising:
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a local electrical grid system installed at a golf course and comprising at least one connection to an external municipal power system, at least one battery system, and at least one charging station; a plurality of golf cars, each comprising a photovoltaic cell and a jack connectable to the charging station; a system management server computer comprising a processor coupled to a non-transitory memory device containing instructions executable by the processer to cause the server computer to monitor power consumption in the plurality of golf cars, wherein each of the plurality of golf cars captures power via its photovoltaic cell, provides surplus power to the at least one battery system at a time when it is connected to the charging station and fully charged, and draws power from the at least battery system at a time when it is connected to the charging station and not fully charged. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A solar apparatus for a golf car, the apparatus comprising:
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a roof member with support legs for connection to a golf car; a photovoltaic cell on a top surface of the roof member; and a connection jack to electrically connect the photovoltaic cell to an electrical system of the golf car. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification