AU2011101081A4

AU2011101081A4 - Solar Array Sign

Info

Publication number: AU2011101081A4
Application number: AU2011101081A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Adrian Critchlow; Stuart Gordon
Original assignee: GIGASOLAR Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Australian Solar Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-23
Filing date: 2011-08-23
Publication date: 2011-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-23

Abstract

Abstract The solar array sign utilises the size and matrix properties of a solar array to enable the creation of an image, text or pattern. This is achieved by the visual disruption of the pattern. This disruption can be created in many ways but not limited to methods such as adjusting the spacing of the panels or by inserting dummy panels that have a different appearance to the standard photovoltaic panel, or by application of a coating or film to change the visual appearance of the panel. The atypical solar array has spacings between the rows and this distance is calculated so as to ensure that the panels do not shade each other, this in turn means that the image created by this process is also effected by this spacing and images, patterns or text that is created within the matrix of the solar array needs to be designed to compensate for this spacing and the location of the observer. ----------------1 rmuur_____ --- EFEEUEIIIUE-"-Z- - - inUEXEU~UIXUUNUUJUNoUUUSO ~uUUUUEEEUEUE~EZIZEE~EUUUN3~3ZEtEINUEU... . .......UUflU3UUU3E~UEU~ ~umum mumuuu~.u~u- ---- --uu~u u u u ZNUUUUUE~U5U.RUUUUU a U zEUU NEU UuUU"UuU ~~uumu ~ ~muummualmuuuuu m"uuu mgz Im MUua xNOMxEMRnuAWuuuuuu. FIm u u u u u u u u u TEUUUUU~EEUNUEUU ---------UIUUUUZRUUUUUUU.UUUUU Figure 1. Elevated View of Array u srn -m ....355 EDWEI I -9 Figure 2. Lower Elevation View of Array

Description

1 Description This patent relates to large scale solar arrays and in particular the matrix like effect that they create on the landscape. The invention sets out to modify the spacing of the panels within the solar array so as to represent an image, text or pattern. This spacing can be both in the span of array and the subsequent spacing of each span. The invention can be applied to any type of solar array with the number of panels, array density and scale defining the resolution of the image, text or pattern. The pattern within the array can be created either through inserting dummy panels, or application of wavelength specific film, which could alter the colour of the panel but not reduce the power output, or by leaving gaps in the array or by any related method which breaks up the uniformity of the array and by doing so creates a distinct visual effect such as an image, text or pattern. The method selected would in turn create either positive or negative space in relation to the panels. The selection of panels within the array would be specific to the array and the intended viewing point. Current system technology within solar arrays is based on either active tracking of the sun, on one or two axisaETM, or static arrays were the position of the panels is fixed at an angle equal to the latitude of the site and facing due south in the northern hemisphere and due north in the southern hemisphere. The positioning of the latter system averages out the seasonal changes in the suns path to balance power output through the year. The invention can also be further enhanced by utilising a lighting system to illuminate the dummy panels at night or through the use of luminescent material applied to the panel surface. In the case of this being externally illuminated, this would preferably be done with low energy LED light systems to reduce the power consumption of the system. Further adaptations could also be integrated into the system such as using Red Green Blue LED light systems attached to the base of each panel, photovoltaic and dummy panel, and by using the internal refraction of the glass or diffused surface coating, thereby illuminate each panel to any colour within the gamut of the LED system. This could also be done more simply by using standard LED lights without the colour control.

Claims

1. The specific spacing of panels so as to create a visual effect with the positive or negative space created, this effect can be an image, text, pattern or combination thereof.

2. The use of an applied film or similar laminar coating to the solar panel so as to create a distinct visual contrast to the uncoated panels, thereby allowing the creation of a pattern within the solar array.

3. The space between the active solar panels can be filled with dummy panels or can be left open to create a distinct visual contrast to the uniform panel spacing within the solar array.

4. Dummy panels can subsequently enhanced by colour or material, and when dark can be illuminated either through the use of luminescent material or by an outside source, such as LED or other lighting systems.

5. Solar panels within the array can also be edge-lit to illuminate the panels and allow the pattern to be visible at night.

6. The creation of the pattern or image within the array is such that it can be viewed correctly by the observer, allowing for panel angles, row spacing and the viewing position of the intended observer as shown on the accompanying drawings.