Title: Apparatuses to support photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses to support photovoltaic ("PV") modules are described. 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. A grounding washer has a first portion to couple to a support; and a second portion coupled to the first portion to provide a ground path to a PV module. A PV system has a saddle bracket; a PV module over the saddle bracket; and a grounding washer coupled to the saddle bracket and the PV module. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets.

Inventors:

Ciasulli, John; Jones, Jason

Issue Date:

Tue Aug 22 00:00:00 EDT 2017

Research Org.:

SunPower Corporation, San Jose, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1375925

Patent Number(s):

9743501

Application Number:

14/272,794

Assignee:

SunPower Corporation

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

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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

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DOE Contract Number:  

FC36-07GO17043

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2014 May 08

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING; 14 SOLAR ENERGY