System in which several rows of photovoltaic modules are installed side by side at a distance and parallel to each other on an agriculturally used area.

Abstract

A system in which several rows of photovoltaic modules are installed side by side at a distance and parallel to each other on an agricultural area, and in each row of photovoltaic modules there are photovoltaic modules in a column and row arrangement with at least two rows arranged one above the other, and the photovoltaic modules, which are arranged in a lower row, are rotatably mounted and can be pivoted by means of at least one drive at an angle of at least 90° in two directions starting from a vertical position and a central control and regulation system is connected to the system, to which at least one drive for pivoting lower photovoltaic modules is connected and The system has at least one sensor and / or receiver designed to detect a processing machine that is driving on or working on one of the agricultural areas arranged between the rows of photovoltaic modules and to forward this information to the central control system, whereby the central control and regulation system is designed to perform pivoting operations of lower photovoltaic modules taking into account the specific information of the respective processing machine; wherein The central control and regulation system is designed to assign the received and / or detected machine-specific information stored to the respective processing sequence programs assigned to the machine, in order to carry out the pivoting movements of lower photovoltaic modules depending on the respective processing parameters.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system in which several rows of photovoltaic modules are installed side by side at a distance and parallel to each other on an agriculturally used area.

[0002] To combat climate change, the provision of renewable energies is essential. Besides wind power, photovoltaics is one of the most important sources. However, sufficient use of photovoltaics also requires the construction of PV systems across a wide area, which takes valuable arable land away from food production. Agri-photovoltaic systems offer a solution to this dilemma. These systems combine agriculture and electricity generation from solar energy on the same land. Various types of agri-PV systems exist. One type is based on vertically mounted photovoltaic modules, arranged in parallel rows, typically oriented north-south. These photovoltaic modules are so-called bifacial modules, meaning they generate electricity from both their front and back surfaces. Such a system is described in EP 3 742 602 A1.It is characterized by a small area requirement for the photovoltaic module rows and a relatively low material requirement.

[0003] However, this system also has disadvantages. The orientation of the photovoltaic modules leads to a significant decrease in the electrical current generated through energy conversion, particularly around midday. Furthermore, there is a high risk of damage to the photovoltaic modules from stones or other solid or liquid components that are thrown up or distributed by agricultural machinery. Photovoltaic modules can also be damaged by the machinery itself, potentially leading to their total failure. Distribution processes, such as spreading organic and mineral fertilizers, are also affected. The efficiency of the photovoltaic modules can also be reduced by dust deposits from tillage and harvesting, as well as by the reduced cleaning effect of precipitation.

[0004] In particular, these latter aspects are not yet adequately considered in the current state of the art.

[0005] Similar photovoltaic systems used in agriculture are also described in US 2022 / 0 151 163 A1.

[0006] S. Ullrich describes possibilities for the use of photovoltaics in combination with agriculture in “Optimal use of land areas”; photovoltaics; 06 / 23, 43, 44.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system with which the operation of a photovoltaic system on agriculturally used land is possible and which protects the individual photovoltaic modules as completely as possible from damage and soiling that may occur due to agricultural cultivation of the land next to and between the photovoltaic modules.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be realized with features specified in dependent claims.

[0009] The invention presented here offers a solution to the aforementioned problems. It is based on a system type with vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules, typically arranged in rows from north to south. A key feature is that the photovoltaic modules in the lower row are pivotable. These modules are mounted on a rotatable shaft. This shaft can rotate a single module or a continuous shaft connecting multiple modules. Rotation can be achieved using an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic system. The modules can be connected to the shaft, for example, via terminal blocks or a module frame, ensuring that the active area of ​​the modules is not obstructed. The pivot range should extend from at least -90° to +90° from the vertical.However, it is better if it extends at most from -160° to +160°.

[0010] The swivel angle of the photovoltaic modules can be adjusted via an electronic control system. The following information can be incorporated into this system: weather data, weather forecast data, radiation data, data on the generated electrical current, and the positions of agricultural vehicles and machinery located within the area of ​​the photovoltaic modules.

[0011] In basic mode, the system initially aims to achieve maximum energy yield based solely on the current position of the sun ("tracking mode"). To achieve this, the lower photovoltaic module continuously adjusts its swivel angle to the angle of the sun above the horizon, ensuring maximum energy production at all times. In practice, this means that the photovoltaic modules are slightly tilted eastward in the morning and gradually reach an angle of +90° as the sun rises (at which point the sun is at its highest point of the day, i.e., midday; it is then perpendicular to the row of photovoltaic modules running from north to south). Once the sun reaches its highest point, the photovoltaic modules swivel from +90° to -90° (westward), so that the direct sunlight is now captured by the other side of the module. The precise timing of this change also depends on whether the front of the module is oriented east or west at 0°.Since the rear side only achieves about 80% to 90% of the front side's power output, this should be taken into account when determining the optimal rotation time for the module to face west. Furthermore, the instantaneous radiative power (global radiation and albedo) or the current output can be used to determine the optimal rotation from east (= +90°) to west (= -90°).

[0012] In the system according to the invention, several rows of photovoltaic modules are installed side by side at a distance and parallel to each other on an agricultural area. Each row of photovoltaic modules contains modules arranged in a column and row configuration with at least two rows stacked on top of each other. The photovoltaic modules in the lower row are rotatably mounted and can be pivoted by means of at least one drive in two directions from a vertical position by an angle of at least 90°, preferably at least 120°.

[0013] The system is connected to a central control and regulation system, to which at least one drive for pivoting lower photovoltaic modules is connected.

[0014] The system includes at least one sensor and / or receiver designed to detect a processing machine that is driving on or working on one of the agricultural areas arranged between the rows of photovoltaic modules and to forward this information to the central control system, the central control system being designed to carry out pivoting operations of lower photovoltaic modules taking into account the information specific to the respective processing machine.

[0015] Each processing machine can send at least one representative identification signal, which the central control system receives and then uses to inform the system and adjust the swiveling movement of the lower photovoltaic modules based on the identified machine. This can be achieved by carrying a suitable transponder on the processing machine or by having the operator actively send the corresponding signals. The processing machine thus registers with the system.

[0016] The identification of each processing machine is also carried out through detection, for example, using image or other forms of pattern recognition, and this information is then made available to the central control system. This can also be described as registration. Once the respective processing machine is identified, the manipulation of the swiveling movement can be carried out in a controlled manner in the simplest form. For this purpose, sequence programs can be stored in the central control system, taking into account the specific processing operations performed by the respective processing machine, and the swiveling of the lower photovoltaic modules can be carried out based on these sequence programs.

[0017] However, at least some of the data used for control can also be transmitted directly from the processing machine to the receiver in addition to identification signals and then taken into account when influencing the pivoting movements.

[0018] The central control and regulation system can, for example, be informed, or this can be included or taken into account in the operating programs, that harrowing, plowing, mowing, fertilizing or the application of pesticides is taking place.

[0019] The control of the swivel movements can also be further regulated by using additional sensors or detectors to record further values ​​that cause an influence and then use these values ​​to control the swivel movements.

[0020] Additionally, the current position of a processing machine can be determined using suitable sensors, fed into the central control and regulation system, and taken into account during the pivoting movement of lower photovoltaic modules.

[0021] Each processing machine may be equipped with a transmitter for the wireless transmission of identification signals of the respective processing machine and / or processing-specific information, and the system may include a receiver connected to the central control and regulation system, which is available to receive the transmitted information.

[0022] The system may include at least one detector designed to recognize a specific processing machine, which is connected to the central control and regulation system.

[0023] As already mentioned, the central control and regulation system can be designed to assign the received and / or detected machine-specific information to the stored sequence programs assigned to the respective machining operation by the machine, in order to carry out the pivoting movements of lower photovoltaic modules depending on the respective machining parameters.

[0024] The central control and regulation system can also be designed to process additional information acquired by at least one sensor, relating to the current position of the respective processing machine and / or parameters, in particular the wind speed, the wind direction and / or the dust content of the air between rows of photovoltaic modules, and to take this into account when pivoting lower photovoltaic modules.

[0025] The axis of rotation around which the lower photovoltaic modules can be pivoted should be arranged at a distance from the ground of the agriculturally used area of ​​at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, most preferably at least 500 mm.

[0026] Photovoltaic module arrays generally present a challenge to agricultural operations. At the same time, these operations can impact electricity generation. The invention offers a solution to this problem. As mentioned previously, the use of agricultural machinery always carries the risk of stones or clods of earth being thrown up, which can damage the photovoltaic modules, or of contact with the machinery itself. To significantly reduce this risk, the invention allows the lower photovoltaic modules to be pivoted from the vertical by at least 90°, preferably at least 120°. This pivoting is preferably in the direction away from the vehicle or the agricultural machinery. At the start of an operation, all lower photovoltaic modules can be pivoted out of the risk area. This can lead to significant reductions in electricity yield, especially in larger systems.

[0027] It is better if the swiveling of a lower row of photovoltaic modules is triggered by a remote control (e.g., via GSM) carried by the vehicle driver. However, it is more economical if the swiveling of the two rows of photovoltaic modules to the left and right of the vehicle is automatic, and the current position of a processing machine is detected and taken into account when controlling the swiveling.

[0028] The processing machine can be equipped with a tracking system (e.g., GPS) that determines the vehicle's position. This position is transmitted to the central control unit of the system (agri-PV system). Based on the transmitted position, the electronics then use the drive(s) to swivel the photovoltaic modules out of the risk area and back again after passing. For this type of control, it is advantageous that the row layout of the photovoltaic modules (geographic coordinates) is stored in the control system.

[0029] Soil cultivation almost always generates dust. The system helps in this regard in the same way as described above for the risk of stone chips. Furthermore, a lower photovoltaic module can protect the one positioned above it from the heaviest dust accumulation. The dust that then settles on the raised lower photovoltaic module can later be easily removed by a cleaning function (see below).

[0030] When applying pesticides with a field sprayer, there is a risk of drift and subsequent pesticide deposition on the photovoltaic modules. This problem can be addressed similarly to dust generation during soil cultivation. Additionally, wind direction and, if applicable, wind speed can be taken into account. On the windward side, the photovoltaic modules remain lowered to act as a windbreak, while on the opposite row of modules, they are tilted upwards to protect against pesticide deposits. However, this requires determining the wind direction, for example, via a weather station connected to the agrivoltaic system, and feeding this data into the system's central control and regulation system.

[0031] When applying organic and mineral fertilizers, an overlap of the spreading areas is necessary. This means that the throw distance is significantly greater than the working width. Only in this way can an even amount of fertilizer be applied across the entire area to be fertilized. Especially with mineral fertilizers, the working widths, and therefore the throw distances, are considerably greater than the usual spacing between adjacent rows of photovoltaic modules. Here, tilting the lower row of photovoltaic modules upwards (e.g., by 90° on the side facing away from the respective agricultural machine) helps to allow spreading underneath the rows. To prevent significant limitations on fertilizer distribution caused by shadows cast behind the support posts of the photovoltaic module rows, the support posts can be equipped with guide plates.Folding up the photovoltaic modules also facilitates the distribution of chopped straw that comes out of the combine harvester during threshing.

[0032] To ensure the central control system knows how to position the photovoltaic modules, the operator of each machine should provide certain information (e.g., via an app) at the start of each operation. This includes the type of work being done, the machine being used, the working width, the driving speed, and—if no dust sensors are installed on the system—the amount of dust generated. Based on this information, weather data, the sun's position, radiation data (global radiation and albedo!), and power generation data, the central control system then calculates the optimal angle for swiveling the photovoltaic modules in each row.

[0033] For vertically oriented photovoltaic modules, cleaning by precipitation on the rain shadow side is often insufficient. Since Germany lies within the westerly wind zone, sufficient rain typically reaches the west-facing sides of photovoltaic modules. To achieve adequate cleaning by rainwater on the east side of the lower modules, which are more heavily affected by dust, the modules can be tilted to approximately +120° so that sufficient rain falls on each tilted module. While the area closest to the wave of a tilted module lies somewhat in the rain shadow of the respective upper module, the runoff from the upper area of ​​the tilted module still provides cleaning in this area.To ensure adequate cleaning of the photovoltaic module array on both sides during shorter periods of rainfall, the timing for swiveling from 0° to 120° can be determined based on rainfall data and forecast data. A rain sensor can also be used, the measurement signals of which can be taken into account when controlling the swivel movements.

[0034] In addition to considering weather data for cleaning photovoltaic modules, wind information can also be used for system protection. During storms, the photovoltaic modules can be positioned horizontally or allowed to rotate freely, thus significantly reducing the wind load on the modules and the system as a whole. By swiveling the lower photovoltaic modules, shading of taller crops, such as rapeseed or rye, can be prevented.

[0035] In addition to the version with the swiveling photovoltaic modules in the lower row, another version could also make the upper rows swiveling. This would result in a higher electrical power yield, and the side of the modules on the rain shadow side of the upper row would benefit from better cleaning. However, the protective effect is no longer as important or essential at this height.

Claims

[1] System in which several rows of photovoltaic modules are installed side by side at a distance and parallel to each other on an agricultural area and in which each row of photovoltaic modules contains photovoltaic modules in a column and row arrangement with at least two rows arranged one above the other, and the photovoltaic modules, which are arranged in a lower row, are rotatably mounted and can be pivoted by means of at least one drive at an angle of at least 90° in two directions starting from a vertical position and a central control and regulation system is connected to the system, to which at least one drive for pivoting lower photovoltaic modules is connected and The system has at least one sensor and / or receiver designed to detect a processing machine that is driving on or working on one of the agricultural areas arranged between the rows of photovoltaic modules and to forward this information to the central control system, whereby the central control and regulation system is designed to perform pivoting operations of lower photovoltaic modules taking into account the specific information of the respective processing machine; wherein The central control and regulation system is designed to assign the received and / or detected machine-specific information stored to the respective processing sequence programs assigned to the machine, in order to carry out the pivoting movements of lower photovoltaic modules depending on the respective processing parameters. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that each processing machine is equipped with a transmitter for the wireless transmission of identification signals of the respective processing machine and / or processing-specific information, and that the system has a receiver connected to the central control and regulation system, which is available to receive the transmitted information. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system has at least one detector designed to recognize a particular processing machine and is connected to the central control and regulation system. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the central control and regulation system is designed to additionally process information acquired by at least one sensor, which relates to the respective current position of the respective processing machine and / or parameters, in particular the wind speed, the wind direction and / or the dust content of the air between photovoltaic module rows, and to take this into account when pivoting lower photovoltaic modules. [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axis of rotation around which the lower photovoltaic modules can be pivoted is arranged at a distance of at least 100 mm from the ground of the agriculturally used area.