SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A DOUBLE-ROW SOLAR SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a support system for a two-row solar installation, which comprises: two rows of solar trackers (1), wherein each row comprises a rotation shaft (1.2) and a plurality of posts (1.4) fixed to the ground and designed to support each rotation shaft (1.2); and a transmission system (2) connected to the two rotation shafts (1.2) and designed to simultaneously transmit a rotation movement to the two rotation shafts (1.2), wherein the transmission system (2) is connected to both rotation shafts (1.2) by at least one transmission bar (5), which is connected at each end to each rotation shaft (1.2), the transmission system (2) comprising at least one linear actuator (6) for transmitting the rotation movement, which is attached at a first end (6.1) to the transmission bar (5) and at a second end to a post (1.4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A TWO-PIECE SOLAR INSTALLATION

[0003] Technical sector

[0004] The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to solar trackers for photovoltaic panels, and more specifically to a support system that includes a transmission system configured to simultaneously transmit a rotational movement to two rows of solar trackers.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Nowadays, the production of electricity through photovoltaic panels is widely known, using a photoelectric effect from sunlight incident on said photovoltaic panels.

[0007] The grouping of photovoltaic panels in a single solar installation structure, usually in rows, is also well-known. This structure typically comprises at least one longitudinal axis to which each photovoltaic panel is secured to the longitudinal axis by means of clamps, typically in such a way as to minimize the distance between photovoltaic panels, maximizing the number of photovoltaic panels per surface and thereby increasing electricity generation per surface area used.

[0008] It is also known that these structures are solar trackers, meaning they are configured so that the longitudinal axes rotate around their longitudinal axis, so that sunlight falls on the surface of the photovoltaic panels as perpendicularly as possible at all times, increasing electricity generation.

[0009] To achieve efficient motion transmission and improved adaptability to the different terrains in which solar trackers can be mounted, there are well-known solutions in which motorized rotation modules drive the rotation axes of the solar tracker rows. These modules are connected to other rows by means of transmission bars that transmit the movement of the motorized rotation module to a rotation axis of the adjacent solar tracker row. This ensures synchronized rotation of all photovoltaic panels and makes them easier to adapt to the terrain.

[0010] An example of this type of solution is found in the Utility Model document ES1271451, which deals with a solar tracker with a transmission bar that connects two rows of solar trackers, connected by cardan joints to the corresponding rotation modules of each row of solar trackers.

[0011] The disadvantage of these types of solutions is that they cause torsional forces that shorten the lifespan of the solar installation. Furthermore, these solutions have reduced mechanical transmission efficiency between rows of solar trackers.

[0012] Therefore, a support system for two-row solar tracker installations is required that improves the mechanical transmission between rows of solar trackers compared to what is known in the state of the art, as well as reducing the intensity and / or number of torsional forces, increasing the useful life of the support system.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, in addition to providing additional advantages that may be derived later, the present invention provides a support system for a bi-row solar installation, comprising: two rows of solar trackers, each comprising a rotation axis and a plurality of posts fixed to the ground and configured to support each rotation axis; and a transmission system connected to the two rotation axes and configured to simultaneously transmit a rotational movement to the two rotation axes; where the transmission system is connected to both rotation axes by means of at least one transmission bar, connected at each end to each rotation axis; and where the transmission system comprises at least one linear actuator for transmitting the rotational movement, fixed at a first end to the transmission bar and at a second end to a post.

[0015] This configuration provides the solar installation with an improved mechanical transmission between rows of solar trackers, such that by simultaneously transmitting a rotational movement to the rotation axes, the movement of the rotation axes is synchronized. This is achieved because the actuator is integrated and integral with said mechanical transmission: on the one hand, the linear actuator is fixed at its second end to at least one post, which is in turn fixed and anchored to the ground. Therefore, when the linear actuator extends or contracts, this movement is completely transmitted to the transmission bar fixed to the first end of the linear actuator.

[0016] Preferably, the transmission system comprises two transmission bars, with the linear actuator pivotally fixed at its first end to the two transmission bars, thereby achieving improved load distribution by distributing the extension or contraction movement of the linear actuator to two transmission bars, and therefore reducing the occurrence of torsional forces.

[0017] In addition, the pivoting attachment of the linear actuator to the transmission rods allows angular movement of the linear actuator with respect to the transmission rods.

[0018] Preferably, the linear actuator is fixed to two posts that support the same rotation axis by means of a bracket, thereby achieving improved ground fixation of the transmission system, improving the mechanical transmission of the linear actuator to the transmission rods.

[0019] Preferably, the support comprises a beam with wings at each end with slotted holes for securing the beam to each respective post; and an intermediate support to which the second end of the linear actuator is pivotally secured.

[0020] Fixing the beam to each post using slotted holes allows for customized positioning during support assembly. Depending on the terrain, the beam (and therefore the transmission system) is parallel to the axis of rotation, reducing the generation of torsional forces and increasing the lifespan of the support system.

[0021] Furthermore, the pivoting attachment of the second end of the linear actuator to the intermediate support allows angular movement of the linear actuator with respect to the support (and therefore with respect to the posts).

[0022] Furthermore, in combination with the pivoting attachment of the linear actuator to the transmission rods, the linear actuator can move angularly with respect to the support and transmission rods, achieving an improvement in mechanical transmission.

[0023] Preferably, the transmission rod is connected to each rotation axis by means of a transmission lever, which allows the transmission rod to be separated from the rotation axis, which in turn allows for better distribution of forces and facilitates the rotational movement of the rotation axes.

[0024] Preferably, each transmission lever is secured at one end to its respective pivot axis by means of a head configured to hug the pivot axis, and at the other end is pivotally secured to the transmission bar. In this way, this head provides a more robust attachment of the lever to the pivot axis.

[0025] Furthermore, the pivoting of the lever to the transmission bar allows for proper articulation of the transmission system, improving the mechanical transmission of the support system.

[0026] Description of the figures

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bifila solar installation with the support system object of the invention.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the transmission system.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the support.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the support in Figure 3.

[0031] Figure 5 shows a front view of the support in Figure 4.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a front view of the support where the rotation axes are inclined with respect to horizontality.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the head. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the head of Figure 7.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a front view of the head in Figure 8.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a front view of the head where the rotation axes are inclined with respect to horizontality.

[0036] Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the attachment of the transmission bars to the head.

[0037] Figure 12 shows an isometric view of the transmission bars fixed to the heads.

[0038] Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the actuator fixing to the support and transmission bars.

[0039] Figure 14 shows an isometric view of the actuator once fixed to the support and transmission bars.

[0040] Figure 15 shows a side view of the support system for two rows of solar trackers.

[0041] Figure 16 shows a side view of the support system of Figure 15 where the linear actuator is extended.

[0042] Figure 17 shows a side view of the support system of Figure 15 where the linear actuator is contracted.

[0043] Detailed description of the invention

[0044] The present invention relates to a support system for a bifila solar installation, that is, one comprising two lines of solar trackers (1). As can be seen in Figure 1, each line of solar tracker (1) comprises a plurality of photovoltaic panels (1.1) fixed to a rotation axis (1.2) by means of clamps (1.3).

[0045] Likewise, each solar tracker line (1) comprises a plurality of vertical posts (1.4) fixed to the ground and configured to support each rotation axis (1.2) by means of rotation modules (1.5) located at the end of the posts (1.4) that are furthest from the ground.

[0046] To facilitate the transport of the turning shafts (1.2), it is not ruled out that the turning shafts (1.2) may comprise sub-shaft vapours, which are fixed longitudinally during the assembly of the turning shaft (1.2).

[0047] Furthermore, the support system comprises a transmission system (2) connected to each rotation axis (1.2) configured to simultaneously transmit a rotation movement to the two rotation axes (1.2).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, and as can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the transmission system (2) comprises a transmission bar (5), connected respectively at each end to a different rotation axis (1.2) by means of transmission levers (4).

[0049] Likewise, the transmission system (2) comprises a linear actuator (6), fixed by a first end (6.1) to the transmission bars (5) and by a second end to two posts (1.4) by means of a support (3).

[0050] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the support (3) comprises a beam (3.1), preferably of square section. To prevent the accumulation of dirt inside the beam (3.1), both ends of the beam (3.1) are covered with caps (3.1.1).

[0051] The support (3) comprises at each end of the beam (3.1) wings (3.2), preferably the support (3) comprises at each end of the beam (3.1) two L-shaped wings (3.2), where each wing (3.2) comprises a first surface that extends from a face of the beam (3.1) which, once mounted on the support system, is in contact with the posts (1.4), and where each wing (3.2) comprises a second surface perpendicular to the first surface as a reinforcing rib.

[0052] Preferably, the posts (1.4) are fixed vertically to the ground, having a “C” shaped section, and comprising at one of their ends some hollow holes (3.4) (arranged vertically for the example shown) for fixing the support (3). Likewise, the first surface of the wings (3.2) comprises hollow holes (3.4) whose longitudinal dimension extends transversely to the hollow holes (3.4) of the posts (1.4) (horizontally for the example shown) in relation to the hollow holes (3.4) of the posts (1.4) for fixing the support (3) to the posts (1.4) by means of fixing means (7).

[0053] Fixing means (7) are understood to be any piece that serves to fix two or more elements together, for example, the fixing means (7) may comprise screws, nuts, washers, etc.

[0054] To improve the fixing of the support (3) to the post (1.4) the use of a plate (3.2.1) with holes for the passage of the fixing means (7) is proposed, this plate (3.2.1) is located inside the post (1.4), preferably the plate (3.2.1) has an extension that would allow to cover at the same time the slotted holes (3.4) of the post (1.4) corresponding to the fitting of the two wings (3.2) of the end of the support (3).

[0055] For fixing the linear actuator (6) to the support (3), the support (3) comprises an intermediate support (3.3), preferably located between the posts (1.4) to which the support (3) is fixed, and more preferably at an equidistant distance from each post (1.4).

[0056] The intermediate support (3.3) comprises an upper section (3.3.1), configured for fixing to the linear actuator (6), and a lower section (3.3.2), configured for fixing the intermediate support (3.3) to the beam (3.1).

[0057] “Upper” is understood as the part that, once the support system is assembled, is furthest from the ground and therefore closest to the axis of rotation (1.2).

[0058] The upper section (3.3.1) has an “Omega” shaped section with a size capable of containing the beam (3.1), so that, during assembly, the upper section (3.3.1) together with the lower section (3.3.2) embraces the beam (3.1).

[0059] Likewise, the upper section (3.3.1) comprises at least two side plates, where each side plate comprises a hole for the passage of a pivot axis (8) that is supported between both side plates, and to which one end (6.2) of the linear actuator (6) is pivotally fixed. In addition, the upper section (3.3.1) comprises in lateral projections of the "Omega" shaped section, some holes for fixing the upper section (3.3.1) with the lower section (3.3.2) by means of fixing means (7).

[0060] Preferably, the lower section (3.3.2) has a “C” shaped section, and comprises holes matching the holes of the lateral projections of the upper section (3.3.1) for fixing the lower section (3.3.2) to the upper section (3.3.1).

[0061] This allows that, during the assembly of the support (3), the intermediate support (3.3) embraces the beam (3.1) in a sliding manner, allowing the operator to move the intermediate support (3.3) along the beam (3.1) to its assembly position, at which time the upper section (3.3.1) and the lower section (3.3.2) are fixed, blocking the movement of the intermediate support (3.3). It is also contemplated that the intermediate support (3.3) is fixed by welding to the beam

[0062] (3.1).

[0063] Figure 5 shows an example of mounting a row of solar trackers (1) where the axis of rotation (1.2) is horizontal (for example, in the case of a flat ground). As can be seen, the beam (3.1) of the support (3) is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0064] (1.2) once mounted in a row of solar tracker (1).

[0065] Likewise, in figure 6 the support (3) can be seen once mounted in a row of solar trackers (1) with an inclined rotation axis (1.2) (for example, in the case where the ground is inclined, with unevenness, etc.). As can be seen, the beam (3.1) of the support (3) is preferably parallel to the rotation axis (1.2) once mounted in a row of solar trackers (1).

[0066] Thanks to the slotted holes (3.4) in the wings (3.2) of the support (3) and the posts (1.4), it is possible for the beam (3.1) of the support (3) to remain parallel to the axis of rotation (1.2) during the assembly of the support system.

[0067] When the beam (3.1) of the support (3) is parallel to the rotation axis (1.2) the mechanical transmission of the transmission system (2) is improved because in this way the appearance of torsional forces is avoided, which in turn would reduce the useful life of the support system. As can be seen in figures 7 and 8, the transmission lever (4) comprises a head (4.1) and a tie (4.2), configured to embrace the rotation axis (1.2).

[0068] Likewise, the transmission lever (4) comprises an intermediate section (4.3) in the shape of an inverted T configured to allow the pivotal fixing of the transmission bars (5).

[0069] This allows the transmission bar (5) to be moved away from the axis of rotation (1 .2), which in turn allows for better distribution of forces.

[0070] The head (4.1) has an “Omega” shaped section with a size capable of containing the rotation axis (1.2), and comprises a tie (4.2) so that, during the assembly of the support system, the head (4.1) together with the tie (4.2) embraces the rotation axis (1.2).

[0071] Furthermore, the head (4.1) comprises in lateral projections of the “Omega” shaped section some holes for fixing the head (4.1) with the mooring (4.2) by means of fixing means (7).

[0072] Likewise, the mooring (4.2) has a “C” shaped section, and comprises holes on the lower face for fixing the mooring (4.2) to the head (4.1).

[0073] This allows that, during assembly of the transmission lever (4), the combination of head (4.1) and clamp (4.2) embraces the rotation axis (1.2) in a sliding manner, allowing the operator to move the transmission lever (4) along the rotation axis (1.2) to its assembly position, at which time the head (4.1) and the clamp (4.2) are fixed, blocking the movement of the transmission lever (4) with respect to the rotation axis (1.2).

[0074] This ensures that when the transmission lever (4) is actuated (for example, the transmission bars (5) push or pull the transmission lever (4)), the transmission lever (4) rotates around the rotation axis (1.2), transmitting the rotation movement to the rotation axis (1.2) itself.

[0075] The intermediate section (4.3) comprises a lower part of fixing elements (4.3.1) configured to fix the transmission bars (5), preferably the intermediate section (4.3) comprises two fixing elements (4.3.1) for each transmission bar (5) to be fixed to the transmission lever (4).

[0076] The “lower” part of the intermediate section (4.3) is understood as the part of the intermediate section (4.3) that, once the support system is mounted, is furthest from the axis of rotation (1.2) and therefore closest to the ground.

[0077] In the present preferred embodiment, the intermediate section (4.3) comprises four fixing elements (4.3.1), which have a “C” shaped section, and comprise in their central part holes for the passage of a pivot axis (8), for the pivotal fixing of the transmission bars (5).

[0078] Figure 9 shows an example of mounting a row of solar tracker (1) where the axis of rotation (1.2) is horizontal (for example, in the case of a flat ground). As can be seen, both the central area of ​​the intermediate section (4.3) and the fixing elements (4.3.1) of the transmission lever (4) are preferably mounted perpendicular to the axis of rotation (1.2) once mounted in a row of solar tracker (1).

[0079] Likewise, in figure 10 the transmission lever (4) can be seen once mounted in a row of solar tracker (1) with a rotation axis (1.2) inclined with respect to the horizontal, (for example, because it is on an inclined floor, with uneven ground, etc.). Due to how the transmission lever (4) is fixed to the rotation axis (1.2), when the rotation axis (1.2) is inclined with respect to the horizontal, both the central area of ​​the intermediate section (4.3) and the fixing elements (4.3.1) of the transmission lever (4) are perpendicular to the rotation axis (1.2).

[0080] This improves the lifespan of the support system by reducing the effect of torsional forces.

[0081] Likewise, each pair of fixing elements (4.3.1) are located at one end of the intermediate section (4.3) and at an equidistant distance from the central area of ​​the intermediate section (4.3), reducing the appearance of torsional forces that would reduce the useful life of the support system.

[0082] As can be seen in figures 11 and 12, the transmission bars (5) comprise at their ends holes for the passage of the pivot axis (8) of the transmission lever (4) for the pivotal fixing of the transmission bars (5) with the transmission lever (4).

[0083] Likewise, the transmission bars (5) comprise a through hole for the passage of a pivot axis (8) for the pivotal fixing of the linear actuator (6) with the transmission bars (5), preferably the through hole is located at an equidistant distance from the ends of the transmission bars (5).

[0084] In figures 13 and 14, it can be seen how the linear actuator (6) is pivotally fixed by a first end (6.1) to the transmission bars (5), by means of the pivot axis (8), and by a second end (6.2) it is pivotally fixed to the support (3).

[0085] Preferably, the linear actuator (6) is located between the transmission bars (5), more preferably at an equidistant distance from the transmission bars (5), which reduces the generation of torsional forces, increasing the useful life of the support system.

[0086] Preferably, the linear actuator (6) comprises a motor (6.3) at the first end (6.1), either longitudinally or parallel to the linear actuator (6), to generate the expansion or retraction of the linear actuator (6).

[0087] As can be seen in figures 15 to 17, the expansion (figure 16) or retraction (figure 17) of the linear actuator (6) causes the movement of the transmission bars (5) such that the transmission bars (5) push the transmission lever (4) of one row of solar tracker (1) and at the same time pull the transmission lever (4) of the other row of solar tracker (1), causing the transmission of the rotation movement to the rotation axes (1.2) of each row of solar tracker (1).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Support system for a two-row solar installation, comprising: two rows of solar trackers (1), each comprising a rotation axis (1.2) and a plurality of posts (1.4) fixed to the ground and configured to support each rotation axis (1.2); and a transmission system (2) connected to the two rotation axes (1.2) and configured to simultaneously transmit a rotational movement to the two rotation axes (1.2); characterized in that the transmission system (2) is connected to both rotation axes (1.2) by means of at least one transmission bar (5), connected at each end to each rotation axis (1.2); and in that the transmission system (2) comprises at least one linear actuator (6) for transmitting the rotational movement, fixed by a first end (6.1) to the transmission bar (5) and by a second end to a post (1.4). 2.- Support system, according to the previous claim, where the transmission system (2) comprises two transmission bars (5) with the linear actuator (6) being pivotally fixed by its first end (6.1) to the two transmission bars (5). 3.- Support system, according to any one of the preceding claims, where the linear actuator (6) is fixed to two posts (1.4) that support the same rotation axis (1.2) by means of a support (3). 4.- Support system, according to the previous claim, wherein the support (3) comprises a beam (3.1) comprising at each end wings (3.2) with slotted holes (3.4) for fixing the beam (3.1) to each respective post (1.4); and an intermediate support (3.3) on which the second end (6.2) of the linear actuator (6) is pivotally fixed. 5.- Support system, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission bar (5) is connected respectively to each rotation axis (1.2) by means of a transmission lever (4). 6.- Support system, according to the previous claim, where each transmission lever (4) is fixed at one end to its respective rotation axis (1.2) by means of a head (4.1) configured to embrace the rotation axis (1.2), and at the other end it is fixed in such a way pivoting to the transmission bar (5).