AU2010230578A1 - Apparatus and Method for Providing Energy - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus (10) for providing energy, the apparatus comprising: an energy converter (12) operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form; and a support (14) for supporting the energy converter; wherein the energy converter is attached to the support such that it is moveable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position. -22- 18b 12 36ae 38 c118 14d Figure 1

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Christopher Sparsi Actual Inventor Christopher Sparsi Address for service is: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Apparatus and Method for Providing Energy The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - 1 - "Apparatus and Method for Providing Energy" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing energy. Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to a portable apparatus operable to convert solar radiation or light energy into electrical energy/electricity to provide electrical power in a remote environment, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in respect of other energy forms and in any environment. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Additionally, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. Background Art Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the -2material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention. A source of electrical energy/electricity for providing electrical power to devices is highly desirable, and in most developed regions is provided via an electricity distribution or power grid system ("grid"). In remote environments, where connection to a grid is not available, or in environments where the grid has been damaged or has failed/malfunctioned, such as following a disaster, for example, a source of electrical energy/electricity is typically not available. A solution to this is for those travelling to a remote environment, on a caravanning or camping expedition, for example, to mount a photovoltaic system operable to convert solar radiation or light into direct current electrical energy to their vehicle or caravan. A problem arising from this solution is that the environment must be accessible by the vehicle or caravan. Portable photovoltaic systems are also available for use in locations inaccessible by vehicles. However, these must be carried by a person, often already burdened by other equipment, placing limitations on system size and weight, and hence energy generation capabilities. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Disclosure of the Invention The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. Advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing energy, the apparatus comprising: -3an energy converter operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form; and a support for supporting the energy converter; wherein the energy converter is attached to the support such that it is moveable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position. Preferably energy in the first form comprises: radiation, including solar radiation or light; wind energy or energy from moving air; marine energy or energy from moving water, including wave, tidal, or current energy; or thermal energy. Preferably, energy in the second form comprises electrical energy/electricity. In such an embodiment, the energy converter may comprise a photovoltaic or solar system operable to convert solar radiation or light into electrical energy/electricity. Alternatively, the energy converter may comprise a wind turbine system operable to convert wind energy into electrical energy/electricity. The energy converter may comprise a hydroelectric or other turbine system operable to convert energy from moving water or other kinetic energy of a body into electrical energy/electricity. Preferably, when the energy converter comprises a photovoltaic or solar system, it further comprises a solar panel. Preferably, the solar panel is hinged to provide a first solar panel section and a second solar panel section, the first solar panel section and the second solar panel section being hingedly moveable relative to one another via the hinge. Preferably, the support comprises a carriage or a hand trolley. Preferably, the support comprises at least one wheel. More preferably, the support comprises a set of wheels. Preferably, the attachment comprises a pivotal connection. Preferably, the pivotal connection provides a pivot point about which the energy converter is moveable between the stowed position and the deployed position. -4- Preferably, when the energy converter is in the stowed position, the apparatus is optimised for movement. Preferably, when the energy converter is in the deployed position, the apparatus is optimised for providing energy. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a retaining means for retaining the energy converter in the stowed position and/or the deployed position. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an energy storage device operable to receive and store energy converted to the second form by the energy converter, and to provide stored energy to a load. In a preferred form, the energy storage device is supported by the support. Preferably, the energy storage device comprises a battery and/or a capacitor. In a preferred form, the battery may be a lead acid battery, lithium ion battery, lithium polymer battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, and/or a sodium or "Zebra" battery. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises packaging. The packaging may comprise a weather proof cover or shield, and/or instructions for using the apparatus. According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing energy, the method comprising: providing an energy converter operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form; providing a support for supporting the energy converter; and attaching the energy converter to the support such that it is moveable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: - 5- Figure 1 depicts a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for providing energy in accordance with an aspect of the present invention having an energy converter in a deployed position; Figure 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 having the energy converter in the deployed position; Figure 3 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 having the energy converter in a stowed position; Figure 4 depicts a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 having the energy converter in the stowed position; Figure 5 depicts a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for providing energy in accordance with an aspect of the present invention having an energy converter in an open, deployed position; Figure 6 depicts of a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the open, deployed position; Figure 7 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the open, deployed position; Figure 8 depicts a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the open, deployed position; Figure 9 depicts a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in an open, stowed position; Figure 10 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the open, stowed position; Figure 11 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the open, stowed position in an alternative orientation; -6- Figure 12 depicts a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in a closed, stowed position; Figure 13 depicts a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the closed, stowed position; Figure 14 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the closed, stowed position; Figure 15 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the closed, stowed position in an alternative orientation; Figure 16 depicts a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in a closed, deployed position; and Figure 17 depicts a side view of the apparatus of Figure 5 having the energy converter in the closed, deployed position. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figures 1 to 4, there is depicted a first embodiment of an apparatus for providing energy ("apparatus") 10 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In the embodiment described, the apparatus 10 has the form of a portable module or unit operable to convert solar radiation or light energy into electrical energy/electricity to provide electrical power. The apparatus 10 thus functions as a portable generator. The apparatus 10 may be used in remote environments, where connection to an electricity distribution or power grid system ("grid") is not available, or in environments where the grid has been damaged or has failed/malfunctioned, such as following a disaster, for example. The apparatus 10 may also be used as an alternative power supply to the grid or other energy sources that may be available. The apparatus 10 comprises an energy converter 12 operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form. A support 14 is provided for supporting the -7energy converter 12. As will be described in further detail below, the energy converter 12 is attached to the support 14 such that it is moveable relative to the support 14 between a first, or stowed, position and a second, or deployed, position. In the embodiment described, the energy converter 12 comprises a photovoltaic ("PV") system 16 comprising a PV or solar panel 18 comprising an array of PV/solar cells or modules 20 operable to convert solar radiation or light into direct current electrical energy. Energy in the first form therefore comprises solar radiation or light, while energy in the second form comprises electrical energy/electricity. The support 14 is in the form of a carriage or hand trolley 22. The trolley 22 is of a generally conventional form in that it comprises a base 24 which comprises a generally planar panel and which is located at a first or lower end of an upstanding support frame 26 having a handle 28 at a second or upper end. The support frame 26 is contoured at its upper end to provide the handle 28. The trolley 22 is supported by a set of main or primary wheels 30 which are supported from an axle 32 located in a region of a junction between the base 24 and the support frame 26. The base 24 is adapted to support at least a portion of a mechanical or physical load, whilst the support frame 26 is adapted to receive and support at least a portion of one side face of the physical load, along with the PV system 16 of the energy converter 12 attached thereto. The physical load may comprise components of the apparatus 10, and/or other items, objects or articles that may be desired to be moved via the apparatus 10. The trolley 20 serves the very valuable purpose of minimising the effort that is required to move the physical load and the photovoltaic system 16. This makes the apparatus 10 portable, and enables the photovoltaic system 16 to be larger and heavier (and hence of greater capability) than would be the case if it had to be carried by a person. In the embodiment described, the solar panel 18 is of a generally rectangular shape having a first or lower end 18a, an opposed second or upper end 18b, and -8sides 18c and 18d. The solar panel 18 further comprises a first or front face 18e and an opposed second or rear face 18f. The array of PV/solar modules 20 is provided on the front face 18e of the solar panel 18. The solar panel 18 is attached to the upper end of the support frame 26 of the trolley 22 by an attachment comprising a pivotal connection 34 extending transversely across the rear face 18f towards the upper end 18b of the solar panel 18. The attachment is such that, via the pivotal connection 34, the solar panel 18 is suspended or hangs above the base 24 (when the trolley 22 is in an upright or vertical position or orientation), and may be moved about a pivot point provided by the pivotal connection 34 between a first, or stowed, position and a second, or deployed, position. In the stowed position, as depicted in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the solar panel 18 is substantially parallel, and in close proximity, to the support frame 26 of the trolley 22. In this position, weight of the solar panel 18 is distributed to facilitate conveyance by the trolley 22. Furthermore, the solar panel 18 does not extend forwardly of the base 24, providing the apparatus 10 with a compact profile. In such a position or configuration the apparatus 10 is advantageously optimised for travel or movement. In the deployed position, the solar panel 18 extends forwardly over the base 24 of the tmlley. In the embodiment described, when in the deployed position, an axis extending along or of the solar panel 18 may be at a deployment or tilt angle 0 of up to 90* or perpendicular to an axis extending along or of the support frame 26 of the trolley. As depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, when the solar panel 18 is in the deployed position from the trolley 22 (when in an upright or vertical position or orientation), at least a portion of the array of PV/solar modules 20 provided on the front face 18e thereof will be oriented skyward to receive incident solar radiation or light. The deployment angle 8 of the solar panel 18 may correspond to an optimum position for receiving incident solar radiation or light. Once deployed, the solar panel 18 is retained in a deployed position via a retaining means or lock. In the first embodiment described, the retaining means -9comprises a pair of arm extensions or members 36a and 36b pivotally attached at first ends on the rear face 18f proximate, respectively, to sides 18c and 18d of the solar panel 18 at a portion proximate the lower end 18a thereof. Second ends of the arm members 36a and 36b, respectively, slidably extend past first and second retaining apertures or slots 38a and 38b provided on first and second sides of the support frame 26 of the trolley 22. A set of arm member apertures or holes 40 is provided along each of the pair of arm members 36a and 36b, positioned so as to align with the first and second retaining apertures 38a and 38b as the arm members 38a and 38b are slid thereby. First and second retaining rods 42a and 42b, removeably receivable through each of the arm member apertures 40 and an aligned retaining aperture 38a or 38b, are provided to lock or retain the pair of arm members 36a and 36b, and hence the solar panel 18, in a desired position. Additionally, each of the pair of arm members 36a and 36b is provided with a hook 43 adaptable to releasably engage with a mounting 44 provided proximate the handle 28 to lock or retain the pair of arm members 36a and 36b, and hence the solar panel 18, in the stowed position. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the stowed and deployed positions of the solar panel 18 may be retained by other means. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, locking means other than corresponding apertures and rods, or hooks and members, may be used. In the embodiment described, the apparatus 10 further comprises an energy storage device 45 operable to receive and store energy converted to the second form (i.e. electrical energy/electricity) by the energy converter 12, and to provide stored energy to a load requiring such energy. In the embodiment described, the load is an electrical load, and may comprise any device powered by electrical energy/electricity, including lighting and electrical/electronic appliances and equipment. The energy storage device 45 comprises a battery 46. In the embodiment described the battery uses lead acid battery technology, and comprises a multi purpose battery provided under the trade mark Dynasty®. In alternative -10embodiments of the invention, battery systems using other battery technology may be used, as may other energy or power storage devices, such as, for example, capacitors. The use, operation and functionality of lead acid battery technology is well known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein except as is relevant to the present invention. The battery 46 is mounted on the panel of the base 24 of the trolley 22 so as to be carried thereby. Mounting the battery 46 in this manner serves to increase the stability of the apparatus 10 when in an upright or vertical position or orientation. The battery 46 is electrically connected to the PV system 16 of the energy converter 12 via a regulator 48 so as to receive and store electrical energy produced thereby. In this manner, the battery 46 may be charged by operation of the PV system 16. The battery 46 is also electrically connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) via an inverter 50. The inverter 50 is operable to convert direct current electrical energy (received from the battery 46) into alternating current for supplying to an electrical load coupled to the electrical outlet (via a plug connector or charging device, for example). The use and operation of photovoltaic systems, inverters and regulators is well known to persons skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention. In the first embodiment, the PV system 16 is specified as an 85 Watt photovoltaic module, the inverter 50 is specified as a 12 Volt 300 Watt inverter, and the battery 46 is specified as a 50 Amp hour battery. With such specifications, the apparatus 10 may be able to supply 300 Watts of power per day for 2 hours or 12 Watts of power for 50 hours. In alternative embodiments of the invention, components having other specifications may be used. The above and other features and advantages of the first embodiment of the invention will now be further described with reference to the apparatus 10 in use in an environment following a natural disaster resulting in failure of an existing electricity distribution or power grid system. - 11 - The apparatus 10 is suitably packaged in the stowed position and delivered to the environment, via parachute from an aircraft, for example. The packaging may comprise a weather proof cover or shield, fabricated from a suitable material such as canvas, for protecting the apparatus 10, along with instructions for using the apparatus 10. Once retrieved by a user or operator, who may be a relief or aid worker, or a local inhabitant, the apparatus 10 is unpacked by the user and retained in the stowed position. Using the handle 28, the user rolls the apparatus 10 via the primary wheels 30 to a location in the environment where electrical energy or electricity is required, such as a field hospital, for example, or lighting, heating/cooking, or water treatment facilities. As a consequence of its compactness and weight distribution when in the stowed position the apparatus 10 may be wheeled and manoeuvred by a single person into position at the location. Once at the desired location, the trolley 22 of the apparatus 10 is placed in an upright or vertical position or orientation, with the base 24 resting on the ground to support it in such a position. The user then manipulates the apparatus to the deployed position by firstly unlocking the hooks 43 provided on each of the arm members 36a and 36b to release them from the handle mounting 45. Once this is done, the solar panel 18 is free to be swung forwardly about the pivotal connection 34 by the user to a deployed position corresponding to a desired or required deployment angle 6 according to the position of the sun and any incident sunlight or solar radiation. The user retains the solar panel 18 in the deployed position by aligning arm member apertures 40 of each of the arm members 36a and 36b with respective first and second retaining apertures 38a and 38b provided on first and second sides of the support frame 26 of the trolley 22, and passing the first and second retaining rods 42a and 42b therethrough. - 12- The user then couples an electrical load at the location, for example, cooking apparatus, to the electrical outlet of the apparatus 10 to receive alternating current electrical energy converted by the inverter 50 from direct current electrical energy received from the battery 46. The battery 46 discharges as electrical energy is provided to the electrical load. In turn, the battery 46 is charged, via the regulator 48, by electrical energy produced by the PV system 16 (through converting solar radiation or light into direct current electrical energy). In embodiments of the invention, rather than or in addition to providing electrical energy to the energy storage device 45, the PV system 16 may be electrically connected so as to provide converted electrical energy or electricity directly to the electrical load. In this regard, the electrical load may be part of existing infrastructure - such as a building, in which case an inverter of the building may be used rather than the inverter 50. As the position of the sun changes, the user may change the deployment angle 0 of the solar panel as described previously, and the direction that the solar panel is facing by manipulating the direction of the trolley 22 of the apparatus 10, to optimise the solar radiation or sunlight incident thereon. The above described steps are performed in the reverse order to return the apparatus 10 to the stowed position following deployment. When the apparatus 10 is needed or desired at a second or other location, the user takes the required action to return the apparatus 10 to the stowed position and rolls it to the other location via the primary wheels 30. The other location may be inside a shelter or under cover so as to protect the apparatus 10 from damage during unfavourable weather conditions, for example. When no longer required, the apparatus 10 can be easily returned to the stowed position and transported for storage. In cases where a plurality of apparatuses 10 are provided, they may be electrically connected together in series or in parallel or in series parallel as necessary to satisfy a specified or required electrical load to, for example, create -13a massive power supply to power an emergency hospital, or power runway lighting (as single units spaced apart by an appropriate distance, such as 1 metre), or to charge an electric vehicle. Where a plurality of apparatuses 10 are electrically connected, if one develops a fault it can be readily removed (for repair) and replaced without any or with only minimal disruption to the power supply. In Figure 5, there is depicted a second embodiment of an apparatus for providing energy ("apparatus") 100 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Similar or the same features of the electrical energy system 100 in the second embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals as the first embodiment. The apparatus 100 of the second embodiment is similar in construction and operation to that of the first embodiment, except that: " at the pivotal connection 34 of the solar panel 18 to the trolley 22 of the apparatus 10, the solar panel 18 is hinged to provide a first, or upper solar panel section 52, and a second, or lower solar panel section 54; " a pair of subsidiary or secondary wheels 56 are provided at the second or upper end of the support frame 26 of the trolley 22, such that when the apparatus 10 is in a laid or horizontal orientation or position it rests on the primary wheels 30 and the secondary wheels 56; and " the retaining means comprises a single arm extension or member 58 pivotally attached at a first end substantially centrally on the rear face 18f of the lower solar panel section 54 of the solar panel 18 at a portion proximate the lower end 1 Ba thereof. A second end of the arm member 58 slidably extends past a retaining bolt 60 provided on a mounting 62 attached to the support frame 26 of the trolley 22. A set of arm member apertures or holes 63 is provided along the arm member 58, positioned so as to align with the retaining bolt 60 -14as the arm member 58 is slid thereby. The arm member 58 (and hence the lower solar panel section 54 may be locked or retained in a desired deployment position by receiving the retaining bolt 60 through an aligned arm member aperture 62 and affixing a wing nut 64 to the free end of the retaining bolt 60. Benefits arise as a consequence of the hinged connection of the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 of the solar panel 18. Via the hinge, the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 are moveable between a first, or closed, position in which the front face 18e of the upper solar panel section 52 is in close proximity to or abuts the front face 1 Be of the lower solar panel section 54, and a second, or open, position, in which the front face 18e of the upper solar panel section 52 is parallel to the front face 18e of the lower solar panel section 54. Figures 5 to 11 of the drawings depict examples of the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 in the open position. Examples of the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 being in the closed position are depicted in Figures 12 to 17. In the closed position, the length (and hence size or profile) of the solar panel 18 is reduced (effectively halved in the embodiment described) - increasing the maneuverability of the apparatus 100. Furthermore, in the closed position, the array of PV/solar modules 20 on the respective front faces 18e of the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 face each other providing protection against damage arising, for example, from weather conditions such as rain or hail. In the open position, all of the PV/solar modules 20 of the upper solar panel section 52 and of the lower solar panel section 54 are exposed so as to provide an increased surface area for receiving incident solar radiation or light. The hinge is such that it allows the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 to be locked or held in the closed position, the open position, and positions therebetween (i.e. partly open/partly closed positions). Partly open/partly closed positions may be desirable to maximise the amount of solar radiation or light incident on the PV/solar modules 20 according to the position of -15the sun, or to provide some shielding or protection to the PV/solar modules 20 whilst still remaining open sufficiently to allow at least some solar radiation or light energy to be received and converted. Providing the hinged pivotal connection attachment at the upper end or top of the support frame 26 of the trolley 22 has an advantage in that it results in the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 being balanced thereabout - leading to more stable weight distribution and making the apparatus 100 less likely to tip from an upright or vertical position or orientation. As in the first embodiment of the invention hereinbefore described, in the second embodiment the solar panel 18 is similarly moveable between a stowed position (in which the lower solar panel section 54 is substantially parallel, and in close proximity, to the support frame 26 of the trolley 22) and a deployed position (in which the lower solar panel section 54 extends forwardly over the base 24 of the trolley 22) having a deployment angle 6. Once deployed, the lower solar panel section 54 is retained in a deployed position by receiving the retaining bolt 60 through an aligned arm member aperture 63 and affixing a wing nut 64 to the free end of the retaining bolt 60 as described above. The extent to which the upper solar panel section 52 and the lower solar panel section 54 are in open or closed positions can be adjusted regardless of whether the solar panel 18 is in the stowed position or the deployed position, according to which of the above described benefits or advantages arising from such positioning are required or desired. As described above, when the apparatus 100 of the second embodiment is in a laid or horizontal orientation or position it rests on the primary wheels 30 and the secondary wheels 56. This advantageously increases the maneuverability of the apparatus 100 when in such a position, which may be desirable because of conditions, such as high wind or other extreme weather conditions, or for towing the apparatus 100 behind a light vehicle such as an All Terrain Vehicle, for example. Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable and easy to operate power supply. It is possible for one person working alone to wheel apparatus - 16according to embodiments of the present invention to a desired location and to manipulate the apparatus to the deployed position to provide power, without assistance or having skilled technical knowledge. It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. For example, the invention as described can include the following modifications and/or additions: " The invention may be used in respect of other energy forms and in any environment. In this regard, energy in the first form may comprise wind energy or energy from moving air, marine energy or energy from moving water, including wave, tidal, or current energy, or thermal energy, for example. In the case where energy in the second form comprises electrical energy/electricity, the energy converter, alternatively or in addition to a photovoltaic or solar system operable to convert solar radiation or light into electrical energy/electricity, may comprise a wind turbine system operable to convert wind energy into electrical energy/electricity, or a hydroelectric or other turbine system operable to convert energy from moving water or other kinetic energy of a body into electrical energy/electricity. * The invention may comprise a controller, operable to control operation of the apparatus. * Embodiments of the invention may be made larger or smaller than described, depending on their intended use. * Embodiments of the invention may be constructed from tough and durable materials and components. " The invention may comprise anchoring means such as pegs for retaining the apparatus in position in an environment. It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, -17can be combined to form yet further embodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention. - 18 -

Claims (21)

1. An apparatus for providing energy, the apparatus comprising: an energy converter operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form; and a support for supporting the energy converter; wherein the energy converter is attached to the support such that it is moveable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein energy in the first form is selected from the group comprising: radiation, including solar radiation or light, wind energy or energy from moving air, marine energy or energy from moving water, including wave, tidal, or current energy, and thermal energy.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein energy in the second form comprises electrical energy/electricity.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the energy converter is selected from the group comprising: a photovoltaic or solar system operable to convert solar radiation or light into electrical energy/electricity, a wind turbine system operable to convert wind energy into electrical energy/electricity, and a hydroelectric or other turbine system operable to convert energy from moving water or other kinetic energy of a body into electrical energy/electricity.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, when the energy converter comprises a photovoltaic or solar system, comprising a solar panel.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the solar panel is hinged to provide a first solar panel section and a second solar panel section, the first solar panel section and the second solar panel section being hingedly moveable relative to one another via the hinge. - 19 -

7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises a carriage or a hand trolley.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises at least one wheel.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support comprises a set of wheels.

10.The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment comprises a pivotal connection.

11 .The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pivotal connection provides a pivot point about which the energy converter is moveable between the stowed position and the deployed position.

12.The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the energy converter is in the stowed position, the apparatus is optimised for movement, and when the energy converter is in the deployed position, the apparatus is optimised for providing energy.

13.The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining means for retaining the energy converter in the stowed position and/or the deployed position.

14.The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an energy storage device operable to receive and store energy converted to the second form by the energy converter, and to provide stored energy to a load.

15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the energy storage device is supported by the support.

16.The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the energy storage device comprises a battery and/or a capacitor.

17.The apparatus of claim 16, when the energy storage device comprises a battery, wherein the battery is selected from the group comprising: a lead acid -20-

18.battery, a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, and a sodium or "Zebra" battery.

19.The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, comprising packaging.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the packaging comprises a weather proof cover or shield, and/or instructions for using the apparatus.

21.A method for providing energy, the method comprising: providing an energy converter operable to convert energy in a first form to a second form; providing a support for supporting the energy converter; and attaching the energy converter to the support such that it is moveable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position. -21 -