GB2419369A - Window blinds having photovoltaic cells - Google Patents

Abstract

A window blind produces electricity from the light excluded by the blinds. This blind has dual functionality; it is an adjustable light screen and makes use of the undesired light. The construction is based on a Venetian blind where the slats are made with photovoltaic cells. These are interconnected on the slats and on the support cords or ladder braid. The modular construction means that it can be built into blinds of different sizes.

Description

Energy Window Blinds Overview

Background

Solar and Wind Applications Ltd researches and develops renewable energy products with a view to producing commercially. The company and its products have grown from an awareness of global warming. Energy consumption must be reduced or produced from other sources for continued planet equilibrium. The Energy Blind is specifically designed for the mass solar market at a competitive price. Suitable markets exist world wide, and applications are possible in many situations that may otherwise be unable to make use of solar power. The Energy Blind system fulfils both retrofitting and new installations. It not only offers the same function as an existing blinds, but the added value of producing electrical energy for use locally. This free energy can be captured and utilised. The adaptation of other blind types, such as in vertical and even roller are also possible with further research and development Objective Conventional blinds are used the world over to reduce light entering a building.

The Energy Blind converts this captured light into electrical power. The principal is to offer a new function with a normal blind. The blind construction is mechanically identical and exchangeable with any currently manufactured blind.

This means that no special processes or tooling up is required for current blind manufactures to adopt the system into their product range. The photovoltaic solar modules are small and will be fitted to maximise the output from individual slats that form the complete blind. This means than many different sizes of blinds can be catered for. The electrical output can be tailored to match specific supplies or market needs. A small unit will be fitted internally to the unit which will produce a grid-linked supply.

Description

The Energy Blinds look like standard blinds and Will fit in to any window. The difference lies in the fact that each slat is constructed with solar PV cells fixed to the slat's upper surface. The slats face towards the external light collecting and converting it to electricity.

An innovative system of conductors and connectors is used to carry the electricity up to the top of the blind where it can be accessed in the top mounting headrail. The design incorporates output option to match market needs within the profile of the product. Output options are readily available depending on market demands. It is envisaged that the most popular option will be a grid- linked system. This converts the collected DC energy directly into AC mains power which is fed into the house electricity supply. This can be achieved as either a hardwired connection or plug into a standard socket. The voltages within the energy blind are kept small with a peak voltage around 40v, this poses no safety hazards to the user.

The other option is for a standard system which will provide DC voltage for use with a variety of application. This could incorporate a small battery and inverter.

This will also satisfy world markets where mains power is unavailable.

Construction Figure 1 shows the Energy Blinds construction.

The Energy Blinds are of a modular design, and the construction is similar to existing window blinds. This allows current manufacturing lines to adopt Energy Blinds with the minimum of re-skilling, or changes to the process. The solar PV cells are produced in small modular units. These are fitted as required to the slats (2). The slats have conductive track that carry the electrical energy produced to the support cords. A number of the support cords or ladder braid (3) are conductive and create a unique connection system between the slats and the ladder braid allows voltage configuration for the blind. The ladder braid (3) also provides the power bus carrying the power up into the headrail (1). An electrical connection by wires from the ladder braid support is made in the head rail at (4).

The inverter (5) option will normally be fitted into the headrail and connected into the mains via a plug (6)

Summary

The Energy Blinds concept will lead to a dual-function product; functioning both as a regular sunscreen and converting the captured light into useful free electrical power.

The product has been designed to embrace the mechanical profile of existing window blinds. This enables ready application of the product Into the retro and new build market. This therefore means Energy Blinds are a new and value added design over existing products. Grid-linked and stand-alone systems are both available with Energy Blinds.

This product can be installed by any individual, without any specific skills. The installation of this product will contribute to the reduction in Global Warming.

Finally, the Energy Window Blind can be installed into any existing or new building worldwide.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS ENERGY WINDOW BLINDS

1. Energy Window Blinds have the normal functionality of variable sun screens but convert the excluded light into electricity.

2. A window blind as in Claim 1 where electricity is produced.

3. A conservatory roof or sun blind as in Claim 1 or 2.

4. A sun blind as claimed in any preceding claim.

5. A blind where modular construction facilitates different size and energy output.

6. A blind where the energy produced can be directly used, fed into a charging system or converter to mains supplies.

7. A Energy Window blind manufactured from any type of photovoltaic cells

8. A solar blind substantially as herein described as illustrated in the accompanying drawings