Bracket for photovoltaic modules

Ciasulli, John; Jones, Jason

Advanced Search OptionsAdvanced Search queries use a traditional Term Search. For more info, see our FAQ.

All Fields:

Patent Title:

Abstract:

Assignee:

Inventor(s):

Patent Number:

Patent Classification (CPC):

All Classifications
A - human necessities
A01 - agriculture
A21 - baking
A22 - butchering
A23 - foods or foodstuffs
A24 - tobacco
A41 - wearing apparel
A42 - headwear
A43 - footwear
A44 - haberdashery
A45 - hand or travelling articles
A46 - brushware
A47 - furniture
A61 - medical or veterinary science
A62 - life-saving
A63 - sports
A99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
B - performing operations
B01 - physical or chemical processes or apparatus in general
B02 - crushing, pulverising, or disintegrating
B03 - separation of solid materials using liquids or using pneumatic tables or jigs
B04 - centrifugal apparatus or machines for carrying-out physical or chemical processes
B05 - spraying or atomising in general
B06 - generating or transmitting mechanical vibrations in general
B07 - separating solids from solids
B08 - cleaning
B09 - disposal of solid waste
B21 - mechanical metal-working without essentially removing material
B22 - casting
B23 - machine tools
B24 - grinding
B25 - hand tools
B26 - hand cutting tools
B27 - working or preserving wood or similar material
B28 - working cement, clay, or stone
B29 - working of plastics
B30 - presses
B31 - making articles of paper, cardboard or material worked in a manner analogous to paper
B32 - layered products
B33 - additive manufacturing technology
B41 - printing
B42 - bookbinding
B43 - writing or drawing implements
B44 - decorative arts
B60 - vehicles in general
B61 - railways
B62 - land vehicles for travelling otherwise than on rails
B63 - ships or other waterborne vessels
B64 - aircraft
B65 - conveying
B66 - hoisting
B67 - opening, closing {or cleaning} bottles, jars or similar containers
B68 - saddlery
B81 - microstructural technology
B82 - nanotechnology
B99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
C - chemistry
C01 - inorganic chemistry
C02 - treatment of water, waste water, sewage, or sludge
C03 - glass
C04 - cements
C05 - fertilisers
C06 - explosives
C07 - organic chemistry
C08 - organic macromolecular compounds
C09 - dyes
C10 - petroleum, gas or coke industries
C11 - animal or vegetable oils, fats, fatty substances or waxes
C12 - biochemistry
C13 - sugar industry
C14 - skins
C21 - metallurgy of iron
C22 - metallurgy
C23 - coating metallic material
C25 - electrolytic or electrophoretic processes
C30 - crystal growth
C40 - combinatorial technology
C99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
D - textiles
D01 - natural or man-made threads or fibres
D02 - yarns
D03 - weaving
D04 - braiding
D05 - sewing
D06 - treatment of textiles or the like
D07 - ropes
D10 - indexing scheme associated with sublasses of section d, relating to textiles
D21 - paper-making
D99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
E - fixed constructions
E01 - construction of roads, railways, or bridges
E02 - hydraulic engineering
E03 - water supply
E04 - building
E05 - locks
E06 - doors, windows, shutters, or roller blinds in general
E21 - earth drilling
E99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
F - mechanical engineering
F01 - machines or engines in general
F02 - combustion engines
F03 - machines or engines for liquids
F04 - positive - displacement machines for liquids
F05 - indexing schemes relating to engines or pumps in various subclasses of classes f01-f04
F15 - fluid-pressure actuators
F16 - engineering elements and units
F17 - storing or distributing gases or liquids
F21 - lighting
F22 - steam generation
F23 - combustion apparatus
F24 - heating
F25 - refrigeration or cooling
F26 - drying
F27 - furnaces
F28 - heat exchange in general
F41 - weapons
F42 - ammunition
F99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
G - physics
G01 - measuring
G02 - optics
G03 - photography
G04 - horology
G05 - controlling
G06 - computing
G07 - checking-devices
G08 - signalling
G09 - education
G10 - musical instruments
G11 - information storage
G12 - instrument details
G16 - information and communication technology [ict] specially adapted for specific application fields
G21 - nuclear physics
G99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
H - electricity
H01 - basic electric elements
H02 - generation
H03 - basic electronic circuitry
H04 - electric communication technique
H05 - electric techniques not otherwise provided for
H99 - subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
Y - new / cross sectional technologies
Y02 - technologies or applications for mitigation or adaptation against climate change
Y04 - information or communication technologies having an impact on other technology areas
Y10 - technical subjects covered by former uspc

More Options ...

Title: Bracket for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Brackets for photovoltaic ("PV") modules are described. In one embodiment, a saddle bracket has a mounting surface to support one or more PV modules over a tube, a gusset coupled to the mounting surface, and a mounting feature coupled to the gusset to couple to the tube. The gusset can have a first leg and a second leg extending at an angle relative to the mounting surface. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets. The mounting feature can be coupled to the first gusset and configured to stand the one or more PV modules off the tube.

Inventors:: Ciasulli, John; Jones, Jason

Issue Date:: 2014-06-24

Research Org.:: SunPower Corporation, San Jose, CA (USA).

Sponsoring Org.:: USDOE

OSTI Identifier:: 1136395

Patent Number(s):: 8757567

Application Number:: 12/772,756

Assignee:: SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):: F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F16 - ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS F16M - FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES OR APPARATUS NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE

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

Show more

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F16 - ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS F16M - FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES OR APPARATUS NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
F16M13/02 - for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24S - SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS
F24S2025/6006 - {by using threaded elements, e.g. stud bolts}
F24S25/617 - Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-piles
F24S25/63 - for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
F24S25/632 - Side connectors
F24S25/634 - Clamps
F24S25/65 - for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together

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
H02S20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
H02S30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
H02S40/34 - comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes

H - ELECTRICITY H05 - ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR H05F - STATIC ELECTRICITY
H05F3/00 - Carrying-off electrostatic charges

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

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
Y10T29/49002 - Electrical device making

Show less

DOE Contract Number:: FC36-07GO17043

Resource Type:: Patent

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

Subject:: 42 ENGINEERING

Citation Formats


                    Ciasulli, John, and Jones, Jason. Bracket for photovoltaic modules.  United States: N. p., 2014. 
        Web.

Copy to clipboard


                    Ciasulli, John, & Jones, Jason. Bracket for photovoltaic modules.  United States.

Copy to clipboard


                    Ciasulli, John, and Jones, Jason. Tue .  
        "Bracket for photovoltaic modules".  United States.  https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1136395.

Copy to clipboard


                    
@article{osti_1136395,

  title        = {Bracket for photovoltaic modules},

  author       = {Ciasulli, John and Jones, Jason},

  abstractNote = {Brackets for photovoltaic ("PV") modules are described. In one embodiment, a saddle bracket has a mounting surface to support one or more PV modules over a tube, a gusset coupled to the mounting surface, and a mounting feature coupled to the gusset to couple to the tube. The gusset can have a first leg and a second leg extending at an angle relative to the mounting surface. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets. The mounting feature can be coupled to the first gusset and configured to stand the one or more PV modules off the tube.},

  doi          = {},

  journal      = {},
number       = ,

  volume       = ,

  place        = {United States},

  year         = {2014},

  month        = {6}

}

Copy to clipboard

Patent:

Save / Share:

Export Metadata

Save to My Library

Works referenced in this record:

Bathtub Supporting Bracket
patent, December 1933

Erickson, C. J.
US Patent Document 1,938,818
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/1938818

Flare Pot Holder
patent, December 1958

McCartney, B. L.
US Patent Document 2,865,588
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/2865588

Support Bracket
patent, February 1968

Larson, C. O.
US Patent Document 3,370,675
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/3370675

Mounting for offset signs
patent, July 1982

Heard, Robert A. H.
US Patent Document 4,341,029
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4341029

Collapsible sawhorse bracket
patent, July 1984

Connell, Edwin A.
US Patent Document 4,461,370
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4461370

Sawhorse and bracket therefor
patent, April 1985

Freewalt, Wayne L.; Ziegler, Joseph
US Patent Document 4,508,194
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4508194

Universal kit for spar-mounted mount for radar antenna
patent, April 1987

Armstrong, Douglas
US Patent Document 4,659,044
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4659044

Bearing connection
patent, May 1992

Colonias, Karen W.; Bugbee, Michael W.
US Patent Document 5,109,646
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/5109646

Play gym construction
patent, November 1994

Cunard, Joel C.; Boudreau, Robert J.; Ziegler, Jr., William H.
US Patent Document 5,364,312
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/5364312

Thermally regulated photovoltaic roofing assembly
patent, April 1996

Dinwoodie, Thomas L.
US Patent Document 5,505,788
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/5505788

Vented cavity radiant barrier assembly and method
patent, May 2000

Dinwoodie, Thomas L.; Jackaway, Adam D.
US Patent Document 6,061,978
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/6061978

Stud, top plate, and rafter tie down
patent, October 2001

Thompson, Thomas C.
US Patent Document 6,295,781
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/6295781

Lightweight, self-ballasting photovoltaic roofing assembly
patent, February 2006

Dinwoodie, Thomas L.
US Patent Document RE38,988
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/RE38988

Photovoltaic module mounting clip with integral grounding
patent, October 2008

Lenox, Carl J. S.
US Patent Document 7,435,134
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/7435134

Method and apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules
patent, September 2009

West, John R.
US Patent Document 7,592,537
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/7592537

System for supporting energy conversion modules
patent, January 2010

Hayden, Herbert T.
US Patent Document 7,647,924
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/7647924

No drill equipment support bracket
patent, March 2010

Palmer, David W.
US Patent Document 7,677,514
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/7677514

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent, June 2010

Wooten, Donald W.
US Patent Document 7,744,052
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/7744052

Saddle bracket for wiper adapter
patent, May 2012

Huang, Shih-Hsien
US Patent Document 8,176,595
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/8176595

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent-application, January 2008

Wooten, Donald W.
US Patent Document 11/827337; 20080017772
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20080017772

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent-application, September 2008

Wooten, Donald W.
US Patent Document 12/152985; 20080217496
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20080217496

Vibration Isolation Assembly
patent-application, August 2009

Horgas, Jon
US Patent Document 12/389518; 20090211829
URL: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/20090211829

Similar Records in DOE Patents and OSTI.GOV collections:

Photovoltaic module and interlocked stack of photovoltaic modules

Patent Wares, Brian S.

One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.
Full Text Available
Photovoltaic module and interlocked stack of photovoltaic modules

Patent Wares, Brian S.

One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame having at least a top member and a bottom member. A plurality of alignment features are included on the top member of each frame, and a plurality of alignment features are included on the bottom member of each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by the alignment features on the top member of a lower module fitting together with the alignment features on the bottom member of an upper module. Other embodiments, features andmore » aspects are also disclosed. « less
Full Text Available
System and method for design and optimization of grid connected photovoltaic power plant with multiple photovoltaic module technologies

Patent Thomas, Bex George; Elasser, Ahmed; Bollapragada, Srinivas; ...

A system and method of using one or more DC-DC/DC-AC converters and/or alternative devices allows strings of multiple module technologies to coexist within the same PV power plant. A computing (optimization) framework estimates the percentage allocation of PV power plant capacity to selected PV module technologies. The framework and its supporting components considers irradiation, temperature, spectral profiles, cost and other practical constraints to achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity, maximum output and minimum system cost. The system and method can function using any device enabling distributed maximum power point tracking at the module, string or combiner level.
Full Text Available
Ballasted photovoltaic module and module arrays

Patent Botkin, Jonathan [El Cerrito, CA]; Graves, Simon [Berkeley, CA]; Danning, Matt [Oakland, CA]

A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module and a ballast tray. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes an arm. The ballast tray is adapted for containing ballast and is removably associated with the PV module in a ballasting state where the tray is vertically under the PV laminate and vertically over the arm to impede overt displacement of the PV module. The PV module assembly can be installed to a flat commercial rooftop, with the PV module and the ballast tray bothmore » « less
Full Text Available
Photovoltaic module and module arrays

Patent Botkin, Jonathan; Graves, Simon; Lenox, Carl J. S.; ...

A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at anmore » « less
Full Text Available

Similar Records

Title: Bracket for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Citation Formats

Bathtub Supporting Bracket patent, December 1933

Flare Pot Holder patent, December 1958

Support Bracket patent, February 1968

Mounting for offset signs patent, July 1982

Collapsible sawhorse bracket patent, July 1984

Sawhorse and bracket therefor patent, April 1985

Universal kit for spar-mounted mount for radar antenna patent, April 1987

Bearing connection patent, May 1992

Play gym construction patent, November 1994

Thermally regulated photovoltaic roofing assembly patent, April 1996

Vented cavity radiant barrier assembly and method patent, May 2000

Stud, top plate, and rafter tie down patent, October 2001

Lightweight, self-ballasting photovoltaic roofing assembly patent, February 2006

Photovoltaic module mounting clip with integral grounding patent, October 2008

Method and apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules patent, September 2009

System for supporting energy conversion modules patent, January 2010

No drill equipment support bracket patent, March 2010

Shelf bracket and method of making same patent, June 2010

Saddle bracket for wiper adapter patent, May 2012

Shelf bracket and method of making same patent-application, January 2008

Shelf bracket and method of making same patent-application, September 2008

Vibration Isolation Assembly patent-application, August 2009

Bathtub Supporting Bracket
patent, December 1933

Flare Pot Holder
patent, December 1958

Support Bracket
patent, February 1968

Mounting for offset signs
patent, July 1982

Collapsible sawhorse bracket
patent, July 1984

Sawhorse and bracket therefor
patent, April 1985

Universal kit for spar-mounted mount for radar antenna
patent, April 1987

Bearing connection
patent, May 1992

Play gym construction
patent, November 1994

Thermally regulated photovoltaic roofing assembly
patent, April 1996

Vented cavity radiant barrier assembly and method
patent, May 2000

Stud, top plate, and rafter tie down
patent, October 2001

Lightweight, self-ballasting photovoltaic roofing assembly
patent, February 2006

Photovoltaic module mounting clip with integral grounding
patent, October 2008

Method and apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules
patent, September 2009

System for supporting energy conversion modules
patent, January 2010

No drill equipment support bracket
patent, March 2010

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent, June 2010

Saddle bracket for wiper adapter
patent, May 2012

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent-application, January 2008

Shelf bracket and method of making same
patent-application, September 2008

Vibration Isolation Assembly
patent-application, August 2009