Title: Photovoltaic assemblies and methods for transporting

Abstract

A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.

Inventors:

Almy, Charles; Campbell, Matt; Sandler, Reuben; Wares, Brian; Wayman, Elizabeth

Issue Date:

Tue Aug 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014

Research Org.:

SunPower Corporation, San Jose, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1150072

Patent Number(s):

8793942

Application Number:

13/908,336

Assignee:

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

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F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS

F24S20/50 - Rollable or foldable solar heat collector modules
F24S2025/012 - {Foldable support elements}
F24S2025/013 - {Stackable support elements}
F24S2030/16 - {Hinged elements
F24S25/12 - using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S25/13 - Profile arrangements, e.g. trusses

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

H02S20/00 - Supporting structures for PV modules
H02S20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
H02S30/20 - Collapsible or foldable PV modules

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02B - CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS

Y02B10/10 - Photovoltaic [PV]

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

Y02E10/47 - Mountings or tracking
Y02E10/50 - Photovoltaic [PV] energy

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DOE Contract Number:  

FC36-07GO17043

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2013 Jun 03

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING; 14 SOLAR ENERGY