28 August, 2024
Progress Update!!
Dear Partners and Supporters,
It’s been almost 5 weeks since our last update and we did not want you to think we have been slouching and not innovating.
A solar panel or array’s overall efficiency is determined by annual measures called Performance Factor, ( PF in western countries) or Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF in eastern countries). Ostensibly, this measures the overall output of an array compared with their potential maximum. So, a 1MW array should produce 1MW per hour if 1000W/m2 of light energy were available to convert to electricity.
In many countries, the amount of irradiance is as low as 210W and as high as 480w and these changes depending on the season and time of year. Data shows that PF or CUF is usually at anything between 15.6% to 22% maximum in ideal ceases. The majority is at the lower end.
Traditional panel testing under Standard Testing Conditions (STC) measure the output of a panel based on 1000w. This is to simply test if the panel works in an ideal environment (CUF or PF testing is not done). The geniuses at TIPA decided to have a crack at this using single panels and a single TIPA. They created an automated testing rig that effectively mimics the sun moving around an axis of 180o to see performance. This allows for rapid prototyping and design changes design to increase CUF/PF. It’s a world first in testing according to our research but we may be wrong.
Our testing is showing CUF in excess of 30% on TIPA and we are getting independent assessors in to validate the results as well as doing external trials which include putting TIPA on vertical poles. Our strong belief is that we can exceed 35-40% of CUF with future iterations.
All this is ONLY POSSIBLE due to your support and patience. Not only will you receive a world class product, but you will have made a tangible difference to climate change and energy security for everyone whether, they live in developed or developing countries.
So, from the TIPA Team, thank you.
17 July, 2024
Important Update !!
Dear Partners and Supporters,
Please see images of our older prototypes and CUF testing.
You will notice that the device is bifacial. This means that it can absorb light from both sides of the solar cell. At 8am for example, the outside of the TIPA cells will have the optimal angle to absorb sunlight off the horizon. For flat panels, this is not possible or optimal. At 9am as the sun rises, the sunlight is absorbed from the front of TIPA and the inside, as the lens refracts light into the device. The same occurs at 10am. At 10am onwards, flat panels start producing usable amounts of power. TIPA is generating light from the outside surface and inside surfaces from the lens. The lens bends the light to a better angle for absorption, producing more electricity.
This carries on throughout the day, so the device produces more power than a typical flat panel and does not need to worry about being in the right direction or angle.
You will note from the image, that the device can be vertically mounted, saving vast amounts of land. We at TIPA have estimated that if every single lamppost, streetlight or mobile cell tower was retrofitted with TIPA's, we could power the world without needing any more land or roof space.
The image of the prototype is not the final version. The final version has the M12 solar cells inset. Additionally, we have some clever tech inside to ensure that solar cells in the shade do not reduce the overall power produced by the system.
We believe that we can get solar electricity production costs down to lower than $0.03 per kWh. Imagine the social impact of this? Thank you for your support.
Let us have your thoughts?
29 May, 2024
Progress Update!!
Dear Valued Partners,
We sincerely apologize for our recent lack of updates on the delivery timetable. You have hopefully read the myriad of updates we have posted. In case you have missed them, here is a brief summary.
The TIPA design has been improved massively such that we are now utilising a transparent body and using bifacial solar cells. This means that solar energy is collected from both sides of the TIPA 3D solar pipe increasing generation throughout the day.
The current data is showing Capacity Utilisation of over 33% and this is without optimisation.
We are providing 60W TIPA pipes instead of 45W TIPA pipes. A 33% increase free due to our delay. We will be using 12BB M12 monocrystalline cells.
To ensure longevity of the device, we have inset the solar cells by 10mm and are using an Argon gas in fill. The inset reduces any damage from image of the 200micron thick solar cells. The argon in-fill inhibits any organic growth inside the sealed pipe ensuring optimal performance.
The entire construction is from high grade UV resistance Polycarbonate.
We had problems with optimising the lens to ensure maximum refraction and reduced reflection. We have finally designed a patented lens that does exactly this.
TIPA can now be installed vertically on a pole (as shown in the image) which radically changed how solar energy can be generated.
Expected Delivery Timeframe
We apologise for the delay. We wanted to ensure that the product you receive is of the high quality and this is why we have provided an increase in solar generation capacity at no extra cost.
The injection mould for the entire device is currently being prepared.
This will be ready in 6 weeks. We will receive samples from this mould to confirm we are content for production. This and production will take another 4 weeks. Assembly and shipping will take 6 weeks thereafter and shipping will be between 2-4 weeks depending on your delivery destination.
We therefore expect to begin shipping end of October 2024. We sincerely apologise for the delay, but it will be worth the wait.
Your support means that TIPA will eventually replace every single flat panel in the world and reduce generation costs by almost 50% and provide a hedge to inflation whilst mitigating climate change.
24 April, 2024
Development Update
Our team has been tirelessly working to improve the performance of the device. In doing so, we have made substantial changes to the initial design.
The body of the device was originally made of polypropylene, which we now have changed to a much more durable and transparent polycarbonate.
The solar cells have been swapped for M12 instead of M10 cells.
Benefits of the design change:
Aesthetically pleasing to see the components inside the device.
Stronger body just like the dome, the body is made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is used in car headlights, so the lens is very durable. Research has shown the terminal velocity of hailstones is 50Km/Hr. Cars drive faster than this and the particle impacts are higher than 50Km/H, so TIPA is designed with large impact in mind.
The change in solar cell configuration has helped us achieve 61Wp instead of 45Wp.
The good news:
We have the optimized version of the TIPA shipped to all our backers and early adopters at no added cost, as your support means the world to us.
05 April, 2024
TIPAPP - Glimpse of what we have in store for you.
We're thrilled to introduce a dedicated app for TIPA users, enabling real-time solar generation monitoring. Initially, this app will be complimentary for our supporters for six months, followed by a modest fee of £2/month. This innovative tool offers guidance on panel placement, maintenance alerts, and tips to enhance energy production. Our tech team is finalising the app, soon to be available on Apple and Google Play stores. We'll keep you posted once it's launched.
01 April, 2024
Exciting Collaboration: TIPA Tech has been accepted in Innovate UK Scaleup Programme.
We're thrilled to announce that Innovate UK has signed us up on the Scaleup Programme that helps the highest potential businesses realise their ambitions. This exciting programme propels us towards our ambitious goals, supported by a platform dedicated to fostering the growth of businesses with exceptional potential.
To learn more https://www.tipa-tech.io/press-release
19 March, 2024
Enhanced Air Diffuser System for TIPA Rack
Dear Backers,
We wanted to keep you informed about the latest developments from our TIPA team.
Our team has engineered the rack for 20 TIPA's for industrial use to withstand strong winds and dust. The design we have incorporated will have diffusers on the 20 TIPA rack, which will function by diverting the air, increasing its resilience to endure challenging conditions.
This guarantees minimal maintenance and prolonged product lifespan, ensuring a satisfactory return on investment. Rest assured, our team is committed to providing superior solutions that not only meet but surpass your expectations. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration and sincerely value your unwavering support.
Dear Backers,
TIPA can operate from -80oC to +200oC. As the device is hermetically sealed, it is a defacto greenhouse. It does absorb solar radiation and cools accordingly. The TIPA unit contains nitrogen gas at 0.85atms. Nitrogen gas is inert and also inhibit microbial growth inside the TIPA. At 0.85atm, if the outside temperature drops to -80oC for example, the inside pressure will be around 0.5atm. At 200oC, the inside pressure would be 1.6atm. So, it can operate well in a range.
The lens is very durable, and research has shown the terminal velocity of hailstones is 50Km/Hr. Cars drive faster than this and the particle impacts are higher than 50Km/H, so TIPA is designed with large impact in mind.
16 February, 2024
Latest Update!!
Good news! Our engineers have crafted a Jig to make live hinges for the polypropylene sheets we got in our latest update. We've finished perfecting these hinges so we can make a lot of them at once. We'll let you know once we pick a manufacturer to being with the bulk manufacturing.
8 February, 2024
Material's are Here, Cheers! 🎉🌱
We're thrilled to announce the arrival of a fresh batch of Polypropylene sheets!
Currently, we're in the process of testing various details and joints of the TIPA using our CNC machine. We have created the joints of the Tipa body in the form of a live hinge to maintain the strength of the structure. This meticulous testing is crucial for enhancing the agility and design of our patented product. 📦 In addition, we've recently submitted a few more patents to further support our journey forward.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to innovate and revolutionize sustainable solutions!
1 February, 2024
TIPA Charge Controller Update
We've got some exciting news from our engineering team about the charge controller for the TIPA base unit:
The improved charge controller is equipped with USB C port that supports PD (Power Delivery) and USB A ports that support QC (Quick Charge) 2.0 and 3.1.
Our dedicated folks have been putting in the hours to make sure everything's just right, so you can count on smooth sailing with your TIPA setup. We're testing, tweaking, and fine-tuning to ensure this controller is ready to give you the best experience possible. Keep an eye out for more updates as we keep pushing forward to make sure your TIPA devices are powered up and ready to go whenever you need them.
24 January, 2024
Yet another milestone achieved !!
Hertfordshire County Council is currently out to procurement for a Single Supplier Framework for the Provision of Demountable Buildings. TIPA working with local architects to design and build demountable structures for Hertfordshire council. Have a look at some of our images to see how we bring power to light weight structures.
Link to our architectural partners: https://yellowstud.io
12 January, 2024
Weekly Update
Today, we bring you an important update regarding the TIPA prototype that we have been diligently working on.
Regrettably, we must inform you that there will been a slight delay in the development of the TIPA prototype testing. Our team will be further optimising the design of the mirror within TIPA,- our engineers will soon keep us updated with a tentative date.
We understand the anticipation surrounding TIPA, and we share your eagerness to introduce this innovative solution to our community.
06 January, 2024
Unveiling the Initial Packaging Mock-up!
We have an update from for our packaging partners, the initial mock-up of the Tipa packaging is here!!!
03 January, 2024
Progress Update!!
Happy New year for 2024 from us all here at Tipa. We do hope you all have a fantastic year ahead. We are excited about what will undoubtedly be a ground-breaking year for the Tipa team and, as such, have an update with regards to the Tipa prototype.
Over the next few weeks, the engineers will be working on demonstrating the improved performance of the Tipa with rigorous testing. This will include orientation tests, stability testing and other key metrics. We want to ensure that the Tipa unit exceeds all expectations and we believe it will. We will ensure that we share the updates as we go along, including some exclusive footage of the unit in action, so stay tuned for that.
15 December, 2023
Visit to the manufacturing unit.
We conducted meetings with our potential manufacturers, and we're excited to share a glimpse of their manufacturing unit, which has undertaken significant testing with solar panels. With our prototype expected to be ready by the end of December, our manufacturers are well-prepared for extensive testing and subsequent mass production.
11 December, 2023
Manufacturing Marvels
Our custom CNC machine is set for action, crafting TIPA’s prototype and supporting our R&D towards a bright future. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming testing phase!
11 December, 2023
Crafting Innovations
Breaking traditional boardroom boundaries, TIPA extends its 'meeting mission' with our manufacturing pals for another round of brainy pow-wows. We're on track to unwrap a promising prototype that's as cool as the North Pole. Brace yourselves for the end of December 23.
6 December, 2023
Creative Recharge
The TIPA team is currently hard at work at the drawing board, meticulously refining the mounting rack design.
6 December, 2023
Strategic Planning for TIPA's Innovation
We are actively engaged at the drawing board, strategically planning the optimal placement of TIPA's innovative solutions.
6 December, 2023
Tech Enthusiasts Unleash Innovation at TIPA's
Looks like TIPA has something brewing! An international flight just touched down in India, it's a team of tech enthusiasts ready to take the manufacturing of TIPA’s by storm.