FORM 2

The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

Title of the Invention

“PLUG AND PLAY MECHANICAL HARNESS FOR SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING ASSEMBLIES”

APPLICANT:

Name : TU TECHNOLOGY UNCORKED LLP

Nationality : INDIAN

Address : B-252, Sushant Lok3, Sector 57, Gurgaon, Haryana-122001

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to support structures and particularly to a support structure for solar energy collecting elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Solar energy conversion systems are the most environmentally friendly way of consuming energy for our day-to-day requirements. Solar energy conversion systems may refer to solar electric systems for electricity generation, solar thermal systems for electricity generation, solar thermal system for heat generation. To provide such solar energy conversion systems, typically there is a solar energy collection element, which comprises a plurality of elements, which are coupled together.

[0003] However, despite the distinct advantages of solar power, solar technology has still not gained wide-spread popularity largely due to the fact that the conventional method of installation of solar energy conversion systems are fraught with complexities. Traditionally, roof spaces of building establishments such as houses and offices, empty open spaces and barren deserts have been used for installing solar energy conversion systems.

[0004] The conventional process of installing solar energy collection elements involves installation of solar energy collecting elements with the help of mounting brackets. Conventional solar energy collection systems are either stationary or use expensive heliostat tracking system. The conventional heliostat tracking systems require advance electronic equipment for monitor and control. The convention heliostat tracking system are difficult to transport because they have delicate and expensive equipment.

[0005] Installation of solar energy conversion systems can be prohibitively expensive owing to the fact that skilled labour is required for mounting the solar energy collection elements. Also, conventional systems use separate housing for energy conversion and storage appliances. These additional systems may take additional space and may make the system more expensive.

[0006] The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages associated with support structures for solar energy collection elements by providing an economical and more convenient alternative. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the support structure according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of supporting solar energy collection elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of support structures now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved support structure for solar energy collection elements, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved support structure for solar energy collection elements which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a support structure which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a support structure is provided. The support structure includes at least a top portion capable of supporting an element, a bottom portion, a tilt mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The bottom portion of the support structure may further include a base parallel to a ground surface, a first vertical portion, and a second vertical portion. The first vertical portion may have a height greater than the height of the second vertical portion. The support structure may also include a tilt mechanism disposed on top of the second vertical portion. The support structure may also include a rotation mechanism including at least one thrust bearing disposed on top of the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion and a positioning mechanism. The base portion of the bottom portion may also include a provision for disposing at least one energy appliance and an electronic control unit.

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment a method is the provided. The method includes providing a support structure including, a top portion capable of supporting at least one element, a tilt sensor, a microcontroller, a bottom portion including a base parallel to a ground surface, a first vertical portion, and a second vertical portion. The support structure further includes a tilt mechanism disposed on top of the second vertical portion, a rotation mechanism including at least a first thrust bearing disposed on top of the first vertical portion and at least a second thrust bearing disposed on top of the second vertical portion, and a positioning mechanism. The method further includes sensing an angular displacement of the top portion using the tilt sensor, communicating the angular displacement of the top portion to the microcontroller, comparing the angular displacement of the top portion with a required angular displacement, calculating an angular displacement for the top portion such that there is minimal difference between the angular displacement of the top portion and the required angular displacement, and positioning the top portion to the calculated angular displacement.

[0010] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG 3 is a front view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a top view of the top portion of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a front view of the top portion of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the base portion of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view of the tilt mechanism of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic control unit of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig.1 provides a perspective view of the support structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 provides a side view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 3 provides a front view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.1, FIG.2, and FIG.3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention the support structure 100 includes a top portion 105, a bottom portion 110, a tilt mechanism 115, tilt sensor 165 and a rotation mechanism 160. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention bottom portion 110 includes a first vertical portion 112, a second vertical portion 113 and a base portion 114. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the rotation mechanism may include a first thrust bearing 120, a second thrust bearing 125, a positioning mechanism 145. In certain embodiments of the invention the rotation mechanism 160 may also include a positioning wire 147, wire tensioning mechanism 150, and motor 155. In certain embodiments of the invention the support structure 100 may also include a provision for electronic control unit (ECU) 135, a provision for energy appliance 140, and a tilt sensor 165.
[0023] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the support structure 100 includes a provision for energy appliance 140. The provision for energy appliance 140 may hold energy conversion appliances, energy storage appliances and/or producing appliances. The energy appliance may include one or more of a battery, a direct current to alternate current convertor, a steam turbine, a heat exchanger, alternate current generator, synchronizing transformer, oil pump, distillatory, and hypersonic nozzle.
[0024] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the support structure 100 may be capable of supporting at least one element 130. The element 130 may be placed on top of the top portion 105. The element 130 may be capable of collecting solar energy. The element 130 may be one or more of a solar photovoltaic panel, solar thermal mirror, and solar thermal black body element. The top portion 105 may support more than one element 130. The element 130 may have an area smaller than the area of the top portion 105. The element 130 may be a single piece whose area is equal to or more than the area of the top portion 105.
[0025] Fig.4A provides a top view of the top portion 105 of the support structure 100. The top view of the top portion 105 of the support structure 100 includes support beams 405, element-securing means 410, and support beam securing means 415 and tilt sensor 165. The support beam 405 may include the element securing means 410. The element securing means 410 may be nut and bolt, pins, clamps, provision for welding the element 130. The element securing means 410 may support and secure the element 130 on the top portion 105. The support beam securing means 415 may secure the support beam to the periphery of the top portion 105 such that the beam does not get displaced. The support beam securing means 415 may be placed on the top portion 105 by welding, nut and bolt, pins, clamps. The element 130 may be placed on the top portion 105 such that the element 130 extends beyond the peripheral area of top portion 420.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the tilt sensor 165 may be disposed on the periphery of the top portion 105. In certain embodiments the tilt sensor 165 may include an accelerometer, a pendulum, a pendulum with proximity sensor, and a gyroscope. The tilt sensor 165 may be capable of sensing an angular displacement of the support structure 100. The tilt sensor 165 may be capable of sensing angular displacement due to rotation and/or tilting of the support structure 100. The tilt sensor 165 may be capable of forming a feedback loop with an electronic control unit 700 (explained below). The tilt sensor 165 may control the angular displacement of the support structure 100 based on stored algorithms. The tilt sensor 165 may have a provision to initiate the angular displacement of the support structure 100 based on the position of the sun in the sky. The tilt sensor 165 may have a provision to initiate the angular displacement of the support structure 100 such that top portion 105 is at a position to receive maximum energy from the sun.
[0027] Fig.4B provides a front view of the top portion 105 of the support structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The top portion 105 includes a frame axis 425 and support struts 430. The frame axis 425 may be the pivot of the top portion 105. In certain embodiments of the current invention, the pivot of the top portion 105 may be above the frame axis 425. The frame axis 425 may support the load of the top portion 105. The support struts 430 may provide support against longitudinal compression forces due to the total weight of the element 130 acting on the top portion 105.
[0028] Fig.5 provides a top view of the base portion 114. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the base portion 114 includes a peripheral area of base portion 505, support beams 510, securing means 515, and support beam securing means 520. The support beam 510 may include the securing means 515. The securing means 515 may include nut and bolt, pins, clamps, and provision for welding. In accordance certain embodiments of the invention the securing means 515 may support and secure the provision for electronic control unit 135 (refer FIG. 2) and/or provision for energy appliance 140 (refer FIG. 2) on the base portion 114. The support beam securing means 520 may secure the support beam 150 to the periphery of the base portion 114 such that the beam does not get displaced. The support beam securing means 520 may be placed on the top portion 105 by welding, nut and bolt, pins or clamps.
[0029] In certain embodiments of the invention, base portion 114 may be constructed by using 1-inch square mild steel pipes. The base portion 114 may be designed such that the peripheral area of the base portion 505 is less than the peripheral area of the top portion 420 (refer FIG. 4A). Forces acting on the larger peripheral area of the top portion 420 may be transferred to a smaller peripheral area of the base portion 114.
[0030] FIG. 6 provides a front view tilt mechanism 115 of the support structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the tilt mechanism 115 includes an operating means 605, a bottom platform 610, and a top platform 615. In certain embodiments of the invention the bottom platform 610 may rest on the bottom portion 110 of the support structure 100. The top platform 615 may support other parts of the support structure 100. The top platform may support thrust bearing 120 of the support structure 100 (refer FIG.1). In certain embodiments of the invention the tilt mechanism may be disposed on the second vertical portion 113 of the bottom portion 110 (refer FIG. 3). The tilt mechanism 115 may allow the top portion 105 of the support structure 100 to adjust to the seasonal variations of the position of the sun in the sky. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the tilt mechanism 115 may include a screw jack or a hydraulic jack.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic control unit 700 of the support structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention electronic control unit 700 may include a clock 705, a motor driver 710, a microcontroller 715, and a tilt feedback element 720. In certain embodiments of the invention electronic control unit 700 may be disposed in the provision for electronic control unit 135 (refer FIG. 2).
[0032] In certain embodiments the clock 705 may be a digital clock. In certain embodiments the clock 705 may calculate the local time. The clock 705 may calculate the local time based on manual input of the location of the support structure 100. In certain embodiments, the clock 705 may communicate with a monitoring station to fetch and display the current time.
[0033] In certain embodiments of the invention the motor driver 710 is configured to control the speed at which a motor rotates. The motor driver 710 may be controlled by the microcontroller 715. In certain embodiments the microcontroller 715 may include one or more of a 8-bit microcontroller, a 16-bit microcontroller, a 32-bit microcontroller, a 64-bit microcontroller, combinations thereof.
[0034] In certain embodiments the tilt feedback element 720 may be configured to collect tilt and rotation data from a tilt sensor. The tilt feedback element 720 may be configured to relay data to microcontroller 715. The tilt feedback element may relay angular displacement data to the microcontroller 715. The microcontroller 715 may collect and compute the total angle of displacement by comparing data received from a tilt sensor at different intervals.
[0035] In one embodiment of the invention the clock 705 may keep track of the local time and relay the current time to the microcontroller 705. At predetermined time intervals everyday as informed by the clock 705, the microcontroller my request the tilt feedback element 720 for the angular displacement of the top portion 105 (refer FIG 1). The tilt feedback element 720 may communicate the angular displacement of the top portion 105 to the microcontroller 715. The microcontroller may calculate the difference between the angular displacement of the top portion and a required angular displacement. The required angular displacement may be the angular displacement required to position the top portion 105 such that it is facing the sun at an optimum angle. The required angular displacement may be calculated using algorithms available on the microcontroller. The algorithm may enable the microcontroller 715 to calculate the position of the sun in the sky on a given day and time as given by the clock 705. The position of the sun may be used by the microcontroller 715 to calculate the required angular displacement of the top portion 105. If there is a difference between the required angular displacement and the current angular displacement of the top portion, then the microcontroller may command the motor driver 710 to start a motor. The motor may in be in communication with the positioning mechanism (refer FIG 1,2 and 3) and may displace the top portion by displacing the positioning mechanism. The microcontroller 715 may command the motor driver to stop the motor when the difference between required angular displacement and the current angular displacement of the top portion 105 is minimal.
[0036] The microcontroller 715 may determine the frequency of correcting the angular displacement of the top portion 105 based on the factors including the time as relayed by the clock 705, month of the year, position of the sun as calculated using the algorithm, and the total predetermined time of operating the motor. The microcontroller 715 may correct the angular displacement of the top portion 105 based on a predetermined frequency input manually, automatically , or remotely.
[0037] The embodiments described herein are examples of compositions, structures, systems and methods having elements corresponding to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. This written description may enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The scope of the invention thus includes compositions, structures, systems and methods that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, and further includes other structures, systems and methods with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes may occur to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. The appended claims cover all such modifications and changes.
We claim:

1. A support structure comprising:
a top portion capable of supporting at least one element;
a bottom portion comprising:
a) a base parallel to a ground surface;
b) a first vertical portion; and
c) a second vertical portion;
wherein the first vertical portion has a height greater than the height of the second vertical portion;
a tilt mechanism disposed on top of the second vertical portion;
a rotation mechanism comprising:
a) at least a first thrust bearing disposed on top of the first vertical portion and at least a second thrust bearing disposed on top of the second vertical portion; and
b) a positioning mechanism;
the base portion having a provision for disposing:
a) at least one energy appliance; and
b) at least an electronic control unit.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the element is capable of collecting solar energy.
3. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the element is one of solar photovoltaic panel, solar thermal mirror, and solar thermal black body element
4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the peripheral area of the top portion to the peripheral area of the base is greater than one.
5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism is a mechanical jack.
6. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism is a wire and pulley system.
7. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the energy appliance comprises one or more of a battery, a direct current to alternate current convertor, a steam turbine, a heat exchanger, an alternate current generator, a synchronizing transformer, an oil pump, a distillation unit, and a hypersonic nozzle
8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises at least one microcontroller.
9. The support structure of claim 1, further comprises at least one tilt sensor.
10. A method comprising:
providing a support structure comprising:
a top portion capable of supporting at least one element;
a tilt sensor;
a microcontroller;
a bottom portion comprising:
a) a base parallel to a ground surface;
b) a first vertical portion;
c) a second vertical portion;
a tilt mechanism disposed on top of the second vertical portion;
a rotation mechanism comprising:
a) at least a first thrust bearing disposed on top of the first vertical portion and at least a second thrust bearing disposed on top of the second vertical portion; and
b) a positioning mechanism;
sensing an angular displacement of the top portion using the tilt sensor;
communicating the angular displacement of the top portion to the microcontroller;
comparing the angular displacement of the top portion with a required angular displacement;;
calculating an angular displacement for the top portion such that there is minimal difference between the angular displacement of the top portion and the required angular displacement; and
positioning the top portion to the calculated angular displacement.
ABSTRACT
The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages associated with support structures for solar energy collection elements by providing an economical and more convenient alternative. A support structure, which is easy to install and manufacture, is disclosed. The support structure of the present invention includes at least a top portion capable of supporting an element, a bottom portion, a tilt mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The support structure may also include a provision for disposing at least one energy appliance and an electronic control unit.