Product Overview

Photovoltaic Power Tower is a PV electric generating unit which can either be applied as a stand alone or as a grid connected photovoltaic system.

The Photovoltaic Power Tower is a photovoltaic powered generator which produces enough electricity to provide commercial industrial power for a large selection of electrical needs. It is an assembly of leading edge technology and design focused on producing the maximum electricity from the smallest footprint. The Tower incorporates vertical based module application complete with optimal interior temperature control. The end result is a high output single phase or three phase AC PV Power Tower that maximizes the full reflective glare of the surrounding landscape and building structures and can operate in any climate in the world. All of this is available in a pre-manufactured unit ready for shipment and installation.
Example: - a 55' H, 5'x 5' Tower can produce 10 KW of electric energy.

The Photovoltaic Power Tower is capable of: ·

• Extended battery efficiency (battery cycling/battery temperature control).
• Sunrise to sunset solar absorption (using the height and vertically mounted modules for early pick up).
• Heating batteries in extreme cold and cooling batteries in extreme heat.
• Assisting optimum module temperature operation.
• Utilizing the reflected sunlight (horizontal and vertical) as part of design function.
• Delivering a constant power output (at a variety of voltages, both AC and DC, single and three phase).
• Reduces the dust and debris problem of present technology.
• Providing clean and reliable electricity in virtually any geographic location in the world.
• Maintaining maximum performance due to minimal snow, dirt and debris build-up as a result of Tower design.

Introduction

The PV Power Tower is a solar powered column which generates enough electricity to provide sufficient power for various residential, commercial and industrial uses. Electricity will be generated from a combination of photovoltaic modules and the use of a turbine or similar device which exploits the expected funnel cooling effect. Performance improvements can be achieved under adverse environmental conditions such as dust and snow by using an upright vertical column to mount the PV modules.

The PV Power Tower has a number of operating functions. The preliminary research resolves not only the individual technological issues but how they can be effectively combined. The combined technologies, collectively create an efficient, environmentally benign, high energy PV Power Tower, that is cost effective to manufacture. Test completed on th 1/12 scale model confirm the Towers viability in both cold and hot climates.

Control and Monitoring of Electrical Output

Computer controls developed as part of this project provide control of variable voltage and current flow, providing reverse current flow electrical protection, data acquisition, monitoring sensors, short circuit protection and controls over battery charge and discharge cycles.

The PV Power Tower is capable of being monitored remotely (by radio or cellular link). This interface would initially provide maintenance data to a central location. This computer interface is within present control technology and addresses and overcomes a serious short fall in present systems.

Storage of Power

Lead acid batteries will be used and will include their effective use (cycling), also cooling will create the optimal performance. Emerging power storage technology is being monitored for future performance enhancements.

Capabilities of the Leading Edge Design

The development team believes that the PV Power Tower has completely changed the perceived arrangement and commercial industrial electrical power delivery through solar cells.

The Tower is capable of eliminating many of the design and technical difficulties currently experienced by traditional flat plate solar power delivery systems.

The PV Power Tower is capable of:

• High electrical power output - on a small foot print.
• Controlling battery and module temperature in hot or cold climates.
• Extended battery efficiency (battery cycling/battery temperature control).
• Sunrise to sunset solar absorption (using the height for early pick up),
• Utilizing diffuse and direct sunlight.
• Utilizing reflected sunlight from horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• Delivering a constant power output - at a variety of voltages both AC and DC.
• Melt ice as it forms by maintaining optimum temperature control. Ice/snow sill be melted as a natural Tower function.
• Eliminating the dust and debris problem of present technology.
• Providing clean and reliable electricity in virtually any geographic location.
• The Tower's internal capability of producing a hot-air chimney will allow the Tower to be placed in remote areas.
• Independent and safe for remote and isolated operations.
• Sectionalized pre-manufacturing for shipping and assembly.
• Serious consideration and study of the electrical connections will eliminate/decrease present current loss in this area.
• Electrical collections delivered to batteries with the least amount of resistance. · Easy panel replacement design.
• Acting as a natural source for elevated mounting of lighting and communications devices.

Conclusion

The PV Power Tower is a unique, self cooling, self heating and self monitoring electric generator. The Tower also utilizes the sun for charging earlier in the day and later in the day than current technology.

The Tower will be the only system that will be able to be positioned directly beside a building and will receive a considerable boost in charging rates by utilizing the reflective properties of the ground and building walls. Our research shows that the reflective glare can provide up to a 25% increase in electrical output on a module already producing its `rated' maximum. This new technology will have a minimum wind load restriction. The Tower will also be packaged in shippable sections to be assembled in the field by semi-skilled labour.

The PV Power Tower can be used for all kinds of applications:

• Residential power requirements in all climates (off grid),
• Future self contained remote fueling for electric vehicles,
• Power supply for domestic off grid irrigation pumping systems,
• Power supply for remote radar and military installations,
• Power supply for remote arctic stations,
• Power supply for lighting in remote rural areas, city parks, national parks, trails, waterways, coastal regions, island communities,
• Power supply for all forestry fires spotting stations,
• Power supply for light house lighting and signaling,
• Power supply for highway intersections and street lights,
• Power supply for ski resorts, and
• Anywhere where current solar systems are limited by high winds, snow, excessive heat/cold, unworkable terrain or limited space.

The vertical Tower study combined with air flow is extremely important. The square configuration of the PV Power Tower simulates the four sides of a building and allows an accurate study in production value for direct and indirect PV output for future installations.

References