Vertical oscillating support structure for photovoltaic panel

Abstract

Vertical oscillating support structure for photovoltaic panels, of the type that support vertically rectangular photovoltaic panels (1), the photovoltaic panels (1) having two first opposite sides (2) arranged horizontally and two second opposite sides (3) perpendicular to the first sides (2), the vertical oscillating support structure comprising. - a driving structure (4) configured to be fixed to an anchoring surface, comprising in turn two vertical driving rods (5), between which the photovoltaic panel (1) is disposed, and - fastening means (6) configured to fasten the photovoltaic panel (1) between both driving rods (5), characterized in that the fastening means (6) comprise - a fixing structure attachable to the top of the photovoltaic panel (1), and - a horizontal through pivot axis (9) passing coaxially through the driving rods (5) and fixed to the fixing structure, from which the photovoltaic panel (1) is suspended and which allows free rotation of said photovoltaic panel (1).

Description

Vertical oscillating support structure for photovoltaic panel Field of invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic energy, and more specifically to support systems and structures for photovoltaic panels. The invention relates specifically to a vertical oscillating support structure for vertically arranged rectangular photovoltaic panels that allows the photovoltaic panel to oscillate freely in response to wind, reducing structural stress. Background of the invention Currently, there are different structural solutions for fixing photovoltaic installations to the ground or different fixing surfaces. First, there are fixed structures driven into the ground, where the photovoltaic panels are placed with an optimal inclination using posts or stakes of different heights and inclinations. There are also solar trackers, or single- or dual-axis trackers, driven into the ground, which rotate the photovoltaic panels to track the sun. In addition, there are structures on concrete blocks, on which the photovoltaic panels are fixed at a specific optimal inclination. In all these systems, and specifically in the vertical mounting of panels, the ground anchoring, the supporting structure, and the panel fastening must be highly robust to withstand various weather phenomena, primarily wind gusts and gales. All these systems rely on securing the photovoltaic panel to the support structure and the ground anchoring as firmly and robustly as possible, which necessitates much more robust structures in various ways and significantly increases the cost of the support structures. This applies to both monofacial and bifacial panels. Figure 1 shows an example of a set of photovoltaic panels fixed to the ground using state-of-the-art support structures that rely on reinforcing the panel's attachment to the structure and the ground anchoring to withstand the loads produced by different weather phenomena.To reinforce this bond, these systems fix the four sides of the panels to the support structure. Therefore, a vertical oscillating support structure for photovoltaic panels is desirable, which fixes them to the ground vertically in a safe and efficient manner, reducing costs and avoiding the drawbacks of existing systems in the state of the art. Description of the invention The present invention solves the problems existing in the state of the art by means of an oscillating vertical support structure for photovoltaic panels, of the type that support rectangular photovoltaic panels vertically, such that the photovoltaic panels have two first opposite sides arranged horizontally and two second opposite sides that are perpendicular to the first sides. The oscillating vertical support structure has a driving structure for fixing it to an anchoring surface, usually horizontal, which could be the ground itself, or a support structure or tracker placed on the ground. The driving structure, in turn, has two stakes, between which the photovoltaic panel is positioned. The oscillating vertical support structure also has clamping means to secure the photovoltaic panel between the two stakes. According to the present invention, the clamping means have a fixing structure attachable to the top of the photovoltaic panel, and a horizontal pivot axis that passes coaxially through the stakes and is fixed to the fixing structure. The photovoltaic panel is suspended from this horizontal pivot axis, allowing it to rotate freely.In other words, this structure acts as both a load-bearing and pivoting element, allowing a hinged movement around the axis of rotation, which enables the photovoltaic panel to oscillate due to the wind's action. Thus, when the wind strikes the panel's surface, its force generates a moment about the axis, causing the panel to passively rotate. This oscillation reduces stress on the anchors and the structure. When the wind ceases, the panel returns to its vertical position by gravity. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting structure has two mounting profiles configured for attachment to the second sides of the photovoltaic panel, such that a protruding section extends above these second sides. In other words, these protruding sections of the mounting profiles extend from the top of the photovoltaic panel. According to this embodiment, the through-pivot axis 9, which passes coaxially through the anchors, also passes through the protruding sections of the mounting profiles. Thus, the photovoltaic panel is suspended and attached to the mounting profiles, allowing it to rotate freely. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing profiles have a square cross-section, which allows for easy and quick adaptation to the edges of the photovoltaic panel. Alternatively, the fixing structure could feature a horizontal fixing profile configured to be fixed to the first upper side of the photovoltaic panel, along its entire length, so that the through pivot axis that coaxially passes through the stakes is fixed to this horizontal fixing profile allowing free rotation of the photovoltaic panel. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as described above, the horizontal fixing profile has a quadrangular section, which also allows for easy and quick adaptation to the first upper side of the photovoltaic panel. Specifically, the fixing profiles can be made of aluminum, although preferably any other non-corrosive material such as stainless steel, galvanized iron, any type of resistant plastic, etc., that resists wear, would be valid, taking into account economic and particular issues specific to each installation. Likewise, depending on the specific design, the pivot axis can be made of different materials, such as copper or aluminum, although, since this is a key element, materials that provide greater strength and resilience, such as stainless steel, galvanized iron, or any type of resistant plastic, etc., will preferably be used to withstand loads, friction, and not deteriorate over time. According to different implementations, the fixing profiles can be attached to the photovoltaic panel by different means, such as screws, fixing plates, and a combination of both. Depending on different particular embodiments, the pivot axes of the clamping means could be connected to the piles by means of bearings or bushings to facilitate rotation while avoiding unwanted friction. Therefore, by means of the oscillating vertical support structure of the invention, the photovoltaic panel will be able to oscillate when it is windy, so that the panel will not resist the wind, minimizing the loads and the effort generated, and therefore it is not necessary to use reinforcements or high firmness systems in the driving or in the support of the panel. Using this structure, the photovoltaic panels are fixed at a vertical tilt, or very close to it, attached to the oscillating vertical support structure only by the horizontal part of the panel, so that the panel can oscillate or rotate in a hinged manner, just like a door. In this way, when it is windy, the panel will oscillate and not face the wind in a fixed position, avoiding loads and stresses that could damage both the photovoltaic panel and its support, and also avoiding reinforcements in the support system and in the driving structure, which reduces the complexity of the structure and its cost. Thus, the use of this oscillating vertical support structure, the subject of the invention, reduces the panel's aerodynamic resistance to wind, decreases the loads transmitted to the support structure and the pile driving structure, and therefore allows the use of lighter, and consequently more economical, structures and foundations. Therefore, by reducing the cost of the structures, many more could be manufactured and installed. This oscillating vertical support structure applies to both single-sided and double-sided panels, and the panels are usually installed with their long sides horizontal, although it would also apply by arranging the short sides horizontally and the long sides perpendicular to them. Brief description of the drawings Next, to facilitate understanding of the invention, an embodiment of the invention will be described by way of illustration but not limitation, which refers to a series of figures. Figure 1 shows a set of photovoltaic panels firmly fixed to the ground by means of state-of-the-art support structures that fix the four sides of the panels to the support structure. Figure 2 schematically represents an embodiment of an oscillating vertical support structure for a photovoltaic panel, the subject of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the oscillating vertical support structure of Figure 2 on which a photovoltaic panel is fixed. Figure 4 schematically represents an alternative embodiment of an oscillating vertical support structure that is the subject of the invention. Figure 5 shows the oscillating vertical support structure of Figure 4 on which a photovoltaic panel is fixed. These figures refer to a set of elements which are: 1. photovoltaic panel 2. First sides of the photovoltaic panel 3. Second sides of the photovoltaic panel 4. driving structure 5. driving the structure into the structure 6. fastening means 7. Fixing profiles 8. projecting section of the fixing profiles 9. pivot axis of the clamping means 10. Horizontal fixing profile 11. Retaining brackets Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to an oscillating vertical support structure for a photovoltaic panel 1, of the type that supports rectangular photovoltaic panels 1 vertically, such that the photovoltaic panels 1 have two first opposite sides 2 arranged horizontally, and two second opposite sides 3, which are perpendicular to the first sides 2. As can be seen in Figures 2 to 3, the oscillating vertical support structure has a driving structure 4 for fixing to an anchoring surface, which can be the ground directly, a support structure, or a solar tracker placed on the ground. The driving structure 4 is in turn formed by two stakes 5, between which the photovoltaic panel 1 is located. The oscillating vertical support structure also has fastening means 6 to hold the photovoltaic panel 1 between the two stakes 5.The fastening means 6 include a fixing structure attachable to the top of the photovoltaic panel 1, and a horizontal through pivot axis 9 that coaxially passes through the stakes 5 and is fixed to the fixing structure, leaving the photovoltaic panel 1 suspended, fixed to the fixing structure, which allows the free rotation of said photovoltaic panel 1, facilitating the oscillation of the photovoltaic panel 1 around the pivot axis 9 due to the action of wind or gales on it. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing structure has two fixing profiles 7 that are fixed to the second sides 3 of the photovoltaic panel 1, such that a protruding section 8 projects upward from said second sides 3 with respect to the photovoltaic panel 1. That is, these protruding sections 8 of the fixing profiles 7 project from the top of the photovoltaic panel 1. In this case, the through pivot axis 9 that coaxially passes through the stakes 5 also passes through the protruding sections 8 of the fixing profiles 7. The photovoltaic panel 1 is suspended, fixed to the fixing profiles 7, which allows free rotation of said photovoltaic panel 1. According to the above, the pivot axis 9 can be made in a single continuous section that coaxially passes through the stakes 5 and the protruding sections 8 of both fixing profiles 7. In contrast, preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pivot axis 9 can be made in two separate sections such that one of them passes coaxially through one of the pegs 5 and is fixed to the projecting section 8 of the corresponding fixing profile 7, while the other section passes coaxially through the other peg 5 and is fixed to the projecting section 8 of the corresponding fixing profile 7, thus eliminating the need for a section of pivot axis 9 directly between the fixing profiles 7, precisely above the photovoltaic panel 1. In this way, a secure fixation and adequate suspension of the photovoltaic panel 1 are maintained while achieving a significant reduction in the material of the pivot axis 9, which is one of the most expensive elements of the present invention.In this case, to improve the support and holding of the pivot shaft 9, the fastening means 6 have retaining supports 11 for the sections of the pivot shaft 9 fixed both to the stakes 5 and to the fixing profiles 7, on which the pivot shaft 9 rests, preventing its pitching and oscillation with respect to the horizontal, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3. Preferably, as shown in Figure 3, the second sides 3 of the photovoltaic panel 1 to which the fixing profiles 7 are attached are the long sides of the photovoltaic panel, although alternatively they could be attached to the short sides, and the long sides would be perpendicular to these. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the fixing profiles 7 have a square section, which allows for easy and quick adaptation to the edges of the photovoltaic panel 1, reducing possible play and improving grip. Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment, in which the fixing structure, instead of having the two fixing profiles 7, can have a single horizontal fixing profile 10 configured to be fixed to the first upper side 2 of the photovoltaic panel 1, along its entire length, so that the through pivot axis 9 that coaxially passes through the pegs 5 is fixed to this horizontal fixing profile 10 allowing free rotation of the photovoltaic panel 1. According to the above embodiment, preferably the horizontal fixing profile 10 has a square section, which also allows for easy and quick adaptation to the first upper side 2 of the photovoltaic panel 1. As previously stated, fixing profiles 7, 10 can be made of any wear-resistant, stainless material, such as stainless steel, galvanized iron, or any type of resistant plastic, etc. Furthermore, according to different particular embodiments, the pivot axis 9 can be made of different materials, provided that they have the necessary strength and resilience to withstand the loads and friction, such as stainless steel, galvanized iron, any type of resistant plastic, etc. According to different embodiments, the fixing profiles 7 can be attached to the photovoltaic panel 1 by different means, such as screws, fixing plates, and a combination of both. Figure 3 schematically shows the attachment of the fixing profiles 7 to the photovoltaic panel 1 using screws.

Claims

1. Vertical oscillating support structure for photovoltaic panels, of the type that support vertically rectangular photovoltaic panels (1), the photovoltaic panels (1) having two first opposite sides (2) arranged horizontally and two second opposite sides (3) perpendicular to the first sides (2), the vertical oscillating support structure comprising.- a driving structure (4) configured to be fixed to an anchoring surface, comprising in turn two vertical stakes (5), between which the photovoltaic panel (1) is disposed, and - fastening means (6) configured to fasten the photovoltaic panel (1) between both stakes (5), characterized in that the fastening means (6) comprise - a fixing structure attachable to the upper part of the photovoltaic panel (1), and - a horizontal through-axis pivot (9) coaxially passing through the stakes (5) and fixed to the fixing structure, from which the photovoltaic panel (1) is suspended and which allows free rotation of said photovoltaic panel (1). 2.A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to claim 1, wherein the fixing structure comprises two fixing profiles (7) configured to be fixed to the second sides (3) of the photovoltaic panel (1), with a projecting section (8) extending superiorly from said second sides (3), and the through-axis pivot (9) coaxially passing through the stakes (5) passes through the projecting sections (8) of the fixing profiles (7), allowing free rotation of the photovoltaic panel (1).

3. A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to claim 2, wherein the fixing profiles (7) have a square cross-section. 4.A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to claim 1, wherein the fixing structure comprises a horizontal fixing profile (10) configured to be fixed to the first upper side (2) of the photovoltaic panel (1) along its entire length, and the through-pivot axis (9) coaxially passing through the pegs (5) is fixed to the horizontal fixing profile (10), allowing free rotation of the photovoltaic panel (1).

5. A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to claim 4, wherein the horizontal fixing profile (10) has a square cross-section.

6. A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing structure is made of a material selected from stainless steel, galvanized iron, or plastic. 7.A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (9) is made of a material selected from stainless steel, galvanized iron, or plastic.

8. A vertical oscillating support structure for a photovoltaic panel, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing structure is attached to the photovoltaic panel (1) by means selected from screws and fixing plates.