US 2026/0192907 A1Published application

Solar panel arrangement for a sailing vessel

OwnerCameron Michael Burdgickinventor

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Abstract

This invention relates to the method of configuring a solar panel array vertically distributed on a sailing vessel for the purpose of improved solar energy capture and arrangement thereof. The primary objective is to substantially increase energy absorption area compared to existing designs for more efficient and expeditious recharging of batteries. The solar panel array uses an existing toplift halyard on a sailing vessel to raise the solar panel array while using self-centering connection points above the top solar panel. Base, therefore array, adjustment is achievable by adjustable base lines to the deck fixed points or a pulley system. The array's frame system ensures robustness to wind and configurability for various types of solar panels. Solar array system uses existing features without the need for permanent hardware or configuration changes to typical sailing vessels. Nesting and mounting embodiments are included in alternate design methods.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A solar panel system and device for providing photovoltaic power comprising:

A plurality of photovoltaic solar panels arranged generally horizontally and substantially equally spaced in the vertical upward direction;
wherein the solar panel array is placed generally between the mast and sailing vessel forestay;
wherein the solar panel array is expandable and retractable in the vertical direction;
wherein flexible or rigid photovoltaic solar panels are attached, permanently or semi-permanently, to a lightweight rigid frame constructed of aluminum box tubing, composite construction or similar;
the solar panels and frame assembly being substantial size to achieve significantly improved energy capture area;
a primary vertical lift using existing top lift line, halyard, from the top of the mast;
the primary lift line connected to a single rope lift eye pulley for self-centering;
a secondary lift line connecting a forward and aft lift line used to support the distributed solar panels;
wherein the secondary lift line is attached to forward and aft solar panel lines by way of a fixed point or use of a single rope lift eye pulley on each end of the line;
a plurality of solar panels attached at forward corners by a continuous forward line to the base panel;
an aft lift line attached to the aft corners of the solar panels connecting to each panel and down to the base solar panel frame;
wherein the panel lift lines are connected to each panel by several means to generally equally space the panels;
wherein the four corners of the base element, bottom solar panel, and frame thereof, are connected by lines or rigid members between the base frame and the sailing vessel topdeck;
wherein the connection points of the base line are affixed to a mounting location or device on the topdeck;
wherein the four base lines may be adjustable for panel adjustability of attitude, tilt angle, along the panels longitudinal axis;
wherein the entire solar panel structure is generally mutually in line with the longitudinal axis of the sailing vessel;
wherein an electrical connection wire, that is attached to each solar panel, extends downward through a corner of the solar array and finally terminates at a fixed power connection to the topdeck or continues to a solar charge controller and power battery bank using an extension wire.

14 more elements

A solar panel system and device for providing photovoltaic power comprising:

A plurality of photovoltaic solar panels arranged generally horizontally and substantially equally spaced in the vertical upward direction;
wherein the solar panel array is placed generally between the mast and sailing vessel forestay;
wherein the solar panel array is expandable and retractable in the vertical direction;
wherein flexible or rigid photovoltaic solar panels are attached, permanently or semi-permanently, to a lightweight rigid frame constructed of aluminum box tubing, composite construction or similar;
the solar panels and frame assembly being substantial size to achieve significantly improved energy capture area;
a primary vertical lift using existing top lift line, halyard, from the top of the mast;
the primary lift line connected to a single rope lift eye pulley for self-centering;
a secondary lift line connecting solar panel elements to distribute solar panels;
wherein the secondary lift line is attached to forward and aft end of each solar element by way of a fixed point along the solar element transverse, shorter end, centerline;
wherein the continuous secondary, forward to aft, lift line is attached to base solar panel frame;
wherein the forward to aft panel lift line are connected to each panel by several means to generally equally space the panels in the vertical direction;
wherein the four corners of the base element, bottom solar panel, and frame thereof, are connected by lines or rigid members between the base frame and the sailing vessel topdeck;
wherein the connection points of the base line are affixed to a mounting location or device on the topdeck;
wherein the base frame uses a pulley system for quick adjustment of attitude of the above solar array elements;
wherein a plurality of pulleys are affixed generally midway along the longitudinal length of the base solar panel frame;
wherein a central continuous tilting line is place under the base side pulleys;
wherein the continuous tilting line is connected to each solar element above the base element;
wherein one, or all, pulleys use a locking pin, key or similar to fix the pulley for fixing panel angular position;
wherein an electrical connection wire, that is attached to each solar panel, extends downward through a corner of the solar array and finally terminates at a fixed power connection to the topdeck or continues to a solar charge controller and power battery bank using an extension wire.

16 more elements

A solar panel system and device for providing photovoltaic power comprising:

A plurality of photovoltaic solar panels arranged generally horizontally and substantially equally spaced in the vertical upward direction;
wherein the solar panel array is placed generally between the mast and sailing vessel forestay;
wherein the solar panel array is expandable and retractable in the vertical direction;
wherein flexible or rigid photovoltaic solar panels are attached, permanently or semi-permanently, to a lightweight rigid frame constructed of aluminum box tubing, composite construction or similar;
the solar panels and frame assembly being substantial size to achieve significantly improved energy capture area;
a primary vertical lift using existing top lift line, halyard, from the top of the mast;
the primary lift line connected to a single rope lift eye pulley for self-centering;
a secondary lift line connecting solar panel elements to distribute solar panels;
wherein the secondary lift line is attached to forward and aft end of each solar element above the base element by way of a fixed point along the solar element transverse, shorter end, centerline;
wherein the base frame uses a pulley system for quick adjustment of attitude of the above solar array elements;
wherein a plurality of pulleys are affixed generally midway along the transverse, short, length of the base solar panel frame;
wherein the continuous secondary, forward to aft, lift line is placed under the forward and aft pulleys;
wherein the forward to aft panel lift line is connected to each panel by several means to generally equally space the panels in the vertical direction;
wherein the four corners of the base element, bottom solar panel, and frame thereof, are connected by lines or rigid members between the base frame and the sailing vessel topdeck;
wherein the connection points of the base line are affixed to a mounting location or device on the topdeck;
wherein a plurality of pulleys are affixed generally midway along the longitudinal length of the base solar panel frame;
wherein a central continuous tilting line is place under the base side pulleys;
wherein the side continuous tilting line is connected to each solar element above the base element;
wherein one, or all, pulleys use a locking pin, key or similar to fix the pulley for fixing panel angular position;
wherein an electrical connection wire, that is attached to each solar panel, extends downward through a corner of the solar array and finally terminates at a fixed power connection to the topdeck or continues to a solar charge controller and power battery bank using an extension wire.

17 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.