Floating solar collector electromagnetic couplers
US11565778B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E70/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic coupling modules employed along the outer periphery of floating solar collector pods that can be introduced onto the surface of a body of water that operate to automatically connect to one another so that proximate pods form a reversible self-assembled physically and electrically coupled array that operate to harvest incident solar radiation and also operate to reduce the degree of evaporative water loss from that body of water. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed featuring normally open electrical connection elements that permit electronic coupling under magnetic attraction for improved electrical safety. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed that are gimbaled to provide for increase flexibility and interconnectivity under angular displacement, such as when a floating solar pod array is subject to strong current, wind and wave forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.