PAINEL DE GERAÇÃO DE ENERGIA E SISTEMAS DE OTIMIZAÇÃO DE ORIENTAÇÃO E DE RASTREAMENTO DE FONTE DE LUZ

Abstract

The present invention relates to Energy generation panel comprising at least two energy generation modules, each energy generation modules comprising a first surface presenting an energy harvesting device, a second surface, a reflecting surface, and a holding structure connecting the first and second surfaces together so as to present a volume in between, wherein the reflecting surface is configured to filter an incident sunlight thereby letting a first portion of said sunlight pass through it and reflecting a second portion of said sunlight, characterized in that said reflecting surface presents a plurality of reflecting regions differently oriented with respect to each other and each being configured to homogeneously reflect said second portion of incident light on a collecting surface of said energy harvesting device.

Description

/ 15 “POWER GENERATION PANEL AND ORIENTATION AND LIGHT SOURCE TRACKING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEMS” Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy generation from sunlight and, more specifically, to the field of solar-based energy generation in agriculture. The present invention also aims to provide a means to improve energy generation without impacting agricultural growth.

[0002] Preferably, the present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic energy generation and solar energy harvesting module with spectral filtering for use in agriculture. Background of the Invention

[0003] Currently, photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is seen as a green and low-cost energy source worldwide, as well as a key element in building a fossil fuel-free future. However, finding space for large photovoltaic projects still represents a challenge, as the creation of photovoltaic fields can waste arable land or harm biodiversity, increasing the human footprint. For this reason, modern projects, commonly called "agrivoltaics" (or agrovoltaics), have been created with the aim of promoting the dual use of available land, in which a field of arable land could be used simultaneously for energy generation and agricultural production.

[0004] It has been demonstrated that agrivoltaic solutions are particularly useful in filtering the light spectrum to optimize the wavelength that reaches crops. Agriphotovoltaic solutions with spectral filtering are therefore a promising way to generate electricity on arable land without compromising agricultural yield. These solutions consist of Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 45 / 68 / 15 spectral filtering of sunlight, so that the light components needed by plants are transmitted to the crops, while all the remaining sunlight is used to generate electricity.

[0005] Most existing solar modules based on this technology are composed of two distinct elements: (1) a large reflector with a spectral filter, adapted to face the light source and concentrate unnecessary light for plants onto a (2) photovoltaic cell. These solar modules are usually mounted on a two-axis solar tracking bracket and therefore need to be spatially spaced apart to allow rotation without being hindered by adjacent modules. While these designs may be beneficial for indoor applications, such as in greenhouses, they have several disadvantages when used in outdoor environments.

[0006] In fact, for open-field cultivation, it is advantageous to have greater soil surface coverage to protect crops against inclement weather such as wind, hail, frost, etc. Furthermore, filtering sunlight has been shown to be beneficial for crops, for example, in terms of water consumption and pest control. However, a mechanical system with two-axis solar tracking can only provide soil surface coverage that typically ranges from 35 to 40%. To take advantage of the agronomic benefits listed above, a solution capable of covering 50% or more of the soil surface is necessary.

[0007] Existing designs based on a solar reflector of approximately 1 m2, when used outdoors, exhibit a high cross-section when exposed to wind. This results in an expensive solar tracking system and a robust structure to hold the modules, which ultimately results in reduced light transmission to the crops (plantations). Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 46 / 68 / 15

[0008] There is therefore a need for a system that solves the problems mentioned above.

[0009] In this sense, a main objective of the invention is to solve the problems mentioned above and, more specifically, to provide a device for generating energy from sunlight that provides maximum land coverage without being subject to wind and external forces.

[0010] More specifically, a main objective of the invention is to provide a device for generating energy from sunlight for use in agriculture, providing maximum protection to the crop against external aggressions such as wind, hail and frost, while providing optimized light transmission and simple support structures.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a system that allows optimizing energy or power generation at any time of day and in any season of the year and a means of controlling the quality of light reaching crops, with the aim of improving agronomic yield. Brief Description of the Invention

[0012] The above problems are solved by the present invention, which presents a spectrally filtered solar module integrated into a single plane. This single-plane integration is achieved through the periodic repetition of small reflectors along an axis on a material plate. These disclosed flat solar modules solve the problems of the prior art: with a flat design, it is possible to mount the system in a 1-axis solar tracking system or without a solar axis, allowing for a higher ground surface fill factor, necessary to fully benefit from the advantages of spectral filtering, and adding a crop protection functionality to the spectrally filtered agrivoltaic (APV) system.

[0013] The present invention relates to the field of generation of Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 47 / 68 / 15 energy from sunlight and, more specifically, to the field of solar-based energy generation in agriculture. The present invention aims to provide a means for energy generation and optimization of agricultural growth.

[0014] A first aspect of the invention is a power generation panel comprising at least two power generation modules, wherein each power generation module comprises a first surface having an energy harvesting device, a second surface, a reflective surface and a fastening structure connecting the first and second surfaces so as to form a volume between them, wherein the reflective surface is configured to filter incident sunlight, thereby allowing a first portion of said sunlight to pass through it and reflect a second portion of said sunlight, characterized in that said reflective surface has a plurality of reflective regions oriented differently from one another and each being configured to homogeneously reflect said second portion of the incident light onto a collecting surface of said energy harvesting device.

[0015] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second surface consists of the rear surface of the module and the fastening structure connects the first and second surfaces, so as to form an internal cavity delimited by the walls of the first and second surfaces.

[0016] Preferably, the reflective surface is a floating filter located inside the internal cavity of the module.

[0017] Preferably, the reflective surface is a filter laminated / deposited on the second surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the reflective surface is the second surface that has a filtering composition. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 48 / 68 / 15

[0019] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each module has a longitudinal shape and the modules are arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse direction.

[0020] Preferably, the modules are detachable from each other by means of reversible fastening means chosen from the group comprising magnetic regions, glue, external structure and mechanical locking means.

[0021] Preferably, the cavity is completely surrounded by the surfaces (first and second) and the walls.

[0022] Preferably, the transmission / reflection / refraction of the reflective surface is adapted by means of specific materials and / or specific thickness ranges and / or specific surface treatments and / or specific additives, so as to be adjusted to allow light with a specific wavelength range to pass through.

[0023] Preferably, the power generation panel also includes an orientation system adapted to modify the orientation of the reflection panel.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reflective regions are flat and / or adjacent surfaces.

[0025] Preferably, the energy harvesting module is chosen from the group comprising a module for generating electricity using photovoltaic cells, a module for generating heat and a module for producing hydrogen.

[0026] Preferably, the back of the energy harvesting device has a reflective surface, a light diffuser, contains fluorescent materials and / or an energy-generating surface. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 49 / 68 / 15

[0027] A second aspect of the invention is an orientation optimization system for orienting a power generation panel according to the first aspect of the invention and comprising a panel drive system and a panel drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system to orient the power generation panel in order to optimize electrical or agronomic yield, i.e., to optimize the quality of light reaching the crops, for example, by orienting the panel so as to let the maximum light through when daylight is not ideal and to protect the crops from heavy rain or strong wind when necessary.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention is a light source tracking system for tracking a light source and orienting a power generation panel according to the first aspect of the invention, therefore comprising a power generation panel, a light source positioning module and a drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system in order to orient the power generation panel according to the position of the detected light source. Brief Description of the Figures

[0029] Other advantages and specific features of the invention will become more apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the invention, which will refer to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1: represents the general concept of the present invention. Figure 2: represents an enlarged view of a panel configuration of the invention above the crops. Figure 3: represents a perspective view of a panel. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 50 / 68 / 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4: represents a cross-sectional view of the panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5a to 5d: represent cross-sectional views of four different embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6: represents three cross-sectional views of embodiments of the invention with different types of reflection. Figure 7: represents an illustrative cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention with dimensions. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The present detailed description is intended to illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner, since any feature of an exemplary embodiment can be combined with any other feature of a different exemplary embodiment in an advantageous way.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates the general principle of the invention comprising solar modules 10 adapted to filter sunlight, so that the components of light, i.e., the spectrum, necessary for plants are transmitted to the crops below the panel, and the remainder of the light is reflected and redirected to a solar cell adapted to collect the light in order to generate energy, such as electricity or heat, or even material, such as hydrogen, as shown in Figure 1. In this regard, it should be noted that blue and red light are particularly useful for photosynthesis, which means that the light spectrum corresponding to these colors, i.e., approximately 450 to 495 nm for blue light and 620 to 750 nm for red light, should not be reflected by the reflective surface 3, while the other ranges of the spectrum may be reflected.

[0032] More specifically, light with wavelengths of Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 51 / 68 / 15 800 nm to 1250 nm can be reflected in the energy harvesting device 5 for electricity generation. Near-infrared above 1250 nm can also be reflected in the energy harvesting device 5, which is particularly useful in hot climates for protecting crops. This can lead to overheating of the solar cells; their use with heat / hydrogen generation should be preferred. Furthermore, the range between 700 nm and 800 nm (far-red) can be reflected for some specific crops as it may influence flowering cycles, and green light (500 nm to 600 nm) can also be reflected as it will have a comparatively small effect on the growth of some crops.

[0033] More specifically, Figure 1 shows sunlight directed towards the crops and, above this terrain, an energy generation device is installed according to the present invention. The term “above” may have its natural meaning, but, in the case of vertical farming, the same term should be understood as “in front”; in short, the meaning of this term should be understood as “between the plants and the light source”, such as the sun. The energy generation device is configured to intercept sunlight, at least partially, with a reflection panel adapted to allow some of the light to reach the plants and block the rest of the light, i.e., the light unnecessary for the plants (black arrow), reflecting this light, redirecting it and concentrating it homogeneously in an energy generation module 10 (shown later) adapted to produce energy thanks to the reflected light.According to a preferred embodiment, the energy produced is electricity via photovoltaic cell(s), but it could be thermal energy or hydrogen production.

[0034] More specifically, the power generation device is configured to allow the light necessary for plant growth. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 52 / 68 / 15 is transmitted almost entirely to the plants, which are therefore located behind (or below) the power generation device. The criterion for transmission is preferentially the wavelength of light.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of these 10 modules installed above the crops. As we can see, the panels are tilted. According to a preferred embodiment, the tilt angle can be adapted to maximize light capture yield or crop growth, or both. In fact, to maximize energy, the reflection from the panels needs to be directed towards the power generating device. This can be achieved using a one-dimensional (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) solar tracking system, in which the 10 modules are placed. Figure 2 shows a possible implementation of a 1-D tracking (elevation tracking) system in crops.

[0036] When multiple panels are installed on structures, each supporting at least one solar energy module 10, several possibilities can be observed. A first option is to equip each structure with a dedicated actuator and transmission module. Alternatively, a single actuator can be provided, and its movement can be transferred to the other structures to replicate the linear and / or rotational movements in the line containing the actuators.

[0037] In connection with the invention, a light source tracking system can be used to track a light source, preferably the sun, and to orient one or more energy panels according to the position of the light source, in order to optimize and / or maximize the reception of sunlight on the panels. This light source tracking system preferably comprises the panel drive system described above, as well as a light source positioning module, which can be of any type. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 53 / 68 / 15 suitable type, such as a camera, a light sensor or similar, and a drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system and orient it according to the detected position of the light source.

[0038] The control module may also comprise a processing unit that calculates the ideal orientation of the panels according to various parameters, such as season, climate, environment and the like.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, which consists of a power generation panel 100 composed of several modules 10 adjacent to each other. Figure 3 shows eight modules 10. However, the invention is not limited to any number of modules 10, and can be adapted to any number, according to the area of ​​interest.

[0040] The panel shown in figure 3 shows the 10 modules arranged side by side to form an overall flat top surface, however, the 10 modules can be supplied to form a curved or similar shape.

[0041] Furthermore, although the 10 modules may be monoblocks and inseparable, it may be provided that the 10 modules are detachable from each other to increase modularity. In the latter case, a fastening / disassembly system, such as a locking mechanism, may be provided. The locking mechanism may comprise magnetic side walls, glue, clips, an external frame, and others.

[0042] Each module 10 has a longitudinal shape composed of a first surface 1, a second surface 2, and a reflective surface 3, where the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 are below the first surface 1, and the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 may be the same. These surfaces are connected by a structure of Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 54 / 68 / 15 fixing (support) 4 in the form of walls, preferably vertical. As we can see, the first surface 1 comprises a longitudinal energy harvesting device 5 that runs the entire length of module 10.

[0043] Figure 4 will now describe the panel and modules 10 in detail.

[0044] Each module 10 preferably comprises a first surface 1 adapted to allow the passage of the entire light spectrum, a second surface 2 and a reflective surface 3 adapted to reflect part of the light, and walls 4 made of glass or transparent polymer, connecting the first, second and reflective surfaces 1, 2 and 3. As we can see, in a panel, two adjacent modules 10 share a wall. Each module 10 therefore has a longitudinal shape with an empty cavity 6 limited by the walls 4 and the first and second surfaces 1, 2, or a volume 6 filled, for example, with water or glass.

[0045] The first surface 1, preferably flat, is preferably made of a material comprising the glass and transparent polymer group, such as ETFE, i.e., a material adapted to transmit the entire light spectrum, and which is preferably UV resistant or comprises an additional coating that can be used to ensure a long service life.

[0046] The figure shows this surface as a continuous flat surface that basically defines a closed cavity 6 within module 10, along with the bottom surface and walls 4. It is important to note that this allows the outer surface of module 10 to also be treated with an anti-dirt surface treatment in order to ensure that modules 10 remain clean at all times. Alternatively, the first surface 1 Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 55 / 68 / 15 may consist of a discontinuous surface, such as a single strip with the width of the energy harvesting device 5, thus leaving the cavity 6 mentioned above open at the top.

[0047] This first surface 1 can be called the top surface, as it will always be in front of the light source relative to the second surface 2. The first surface 1 is adapted to present an energy harvesting device 5, comprising at least one of: a photovoltaic cell, a heat pipe and a solar-activated hydrogen generating means. Preferably, said energy harvesting device 5 has a uniform shape along the length of the module 10, like a strip, as shown in figure 3.

[0048] The energy harvesting device 5 can obviously collect the light reflected by the second surface 2, that is, on its lower side when referring to figure 4, but it can also be active on the upper side to collect the light that falls directly on it.

[0049] The second surface 2 is also called the bottom surface and is positioned under the first surface 1 so as to “close” the bottom of module 10. By “under”, it is understood that the second is positioned behind the first surface 1 in relation to the light source.

[0050] This reflective surface 3 is also arranged under the first surface 1 and is adapted to filter the light spectrum so as to allow a desired wavelength range to pass through, as mentioned above, and to reflect another desired wavelength range, preferably onto the energy harvesting device 5. As we can see in Figures 3 and 4, the reflective surface 3 has a shape, when viewed in cross-section, that can be a curved, smooth, or segmented flat surface. The main point here is that the reflective surface 3 presents a plurality of Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 56 / 68 / 15 reflective regions oriented differently from each other, each configured to homogeneously reflect the selected portion of light incident on the collecting surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0051] No specific shape is preferred, although Figure 6 shows three examples. The first has a reflective surface 3, featuring a segmented (partially divided) parabolic mirror, composed of several differently oriented flat portions, so as to reflect light onto the lower surface of the energy harvesting device 5. The second example shows a surface with a defocused parabolic shape, composed of two parabolic surfaces. The third has a freeform shape, which indicates that, regardless of the shape chosen, the main characteristic is to have an optimized reflection towards the lower surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0052] To filter the light spectrum, the reflective surface 3 must have a filtering function. This can be done by providing a specific composition that filters some portions of the light spectrum to the second surface 2 or by depositing a filter with such a function on one of the faces of the second surface 2 or inside the cavity 6 of module 10, as shown in Figures 5A to 5D.

[0053] The filter or filtering composition must be adapted to allow light in the blue and red spectra to pass through, which are particularly useful for photosynthesis. This means that the light spectrum corresponding to these colors, i.e., approximately 450 to 495 nm for blue light and 620 to 750 nm for red light, must not be reflected by the reflective surface 3, while the other bands may be reflected. Furthermore, the filter may reflect light with wavelengths from 800 nm to 1250 nm in the energy harvesting device 5 for electricity generation. The filter must also be adapted to Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 57 / 68 / 15 reflect near-infrared above 1250 nm in energy harvesting device 5, as this is particularly useful in hot climates to protect crops. Furthermore, the range between 700 nm and 800 nm (far-red) should be reflected for some specific crops as it can influence flowering cycles, and green light (500 nm to 600 nm) can also be reflected as it will have a comparatively small effect on the growth of some crops. In addition to filtering specific wavelengths, the filter or filtering composition can provide some specific pattern, such as one that diffuses light over the crops, since diffused light is particularly suited for the homogeneous growth of crops.

[0054] In the case of a laminated or deposited filter, Figures 5A and 5B show that the reflective surface 3, in this case a filter, can be installed on the inside or outside of the second surface 2, depending on the manufacturing process, to facilitate its deposition. Figure 5C shows an embodiment in which the volume 6 between the two surfaces is filled, for example, with water to collect heat, but it can also be “filled” with glass to facilitate the manufacturing process, by manufacturing a monolithic glass rod in the shape of module 10. In this case, the filter is obviously on the underside of the second surface 2.

[0055] Figure 5D represents a particular embodiment where the second surface 2 is not curved, but flat like the first, and the reflecting surface 3 is not the bottom surface and is provided as a “floating filter” disposed within the cavity 6. In fact, this shows that the actual shape of the second surface 2 is not crucial; it is the shape of the reflecting surface 3 that is important for homogeneously reflecting the chosen portion of the incident light onto the collecting surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0056] Figure 7 shows possible cell dimensions. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 58 / 68 / 15 basic exemplary embodiments, but they should not limit the invention.

[0057] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described in conjunction with several embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations would be or are evident to those skilled in the art with common knowledge of the applicable techniques. Consequently, the invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention. This is, for example, the specific case of the different gears, materials, and angles that can be used.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be borne in mind that the system and device of the present invention are adapted for external use, i.e., in open fields, or internal use, for example, in a greenhouse, and that the energy generation device, although preferably referring to a solar panel, can generate energy with a different light source and can have any panel shape. Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pages 59 / 68

Claims

1 / 4 Claims 1.POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), characterized by comprising at least two power generation modules (10), wherein each power generation module comprises: a first surface (1) having an energy harvesting device (5), a second surface (2), a reflective surface (3), and a fixing structure (4) connecting the first and second surfaces so as to form a volume (6) between them, wherein the reflective surface (3) is configured to filter incident sunlight, thus allowing a first portion of said sunlight to pass through it and a second portion of said sunlight to be reflected, and wherein said reflective surface (3) has a plurality of reflective regions (31), oriented distinctly from one another, each configured to homogeneously reflect said second portion of incident light onto a collector surface of said energy harvesting device.

2. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the second surface (2) consists of the rear surface of the module (10) and the fixing structure (4) connects the first and second surfaces (1, 2) together so as to form an internal cavity (6) delimited by the walls of the first and second surfaces.

3. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to claim 2, characterized in that the reflective surface (3) is a floating filter located inside the internal cavity (6) of the module (10).

4. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the reflective surface Petition 870250085394, dated 22 / 09 / 2025, page 60 / 68 2 / 4 (3) being a laminated / deposited filter on the second surface (2).

5. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflective surface (3) is the second surface (2) which has a filtering composition.

6. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each module (10) has a longitudinal shape and is arranged adjacent to the others in a transverse direction.

7. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the modules (10) are detachable from each other by means of reversible fastening means chosen from the group comprising magnetic regions, glue, external structure and mechanical locking means.

8. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cavity (6) is completely surrounded by the first and second surfaces (1, 2) and the walls (4).

9. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transmission / reflection / refraction of the reflective surface (31) is adapted by means of specific materials and / or specific thickness ranges and / or specific surface treatments and / or specific additives, so as to be adjusted to allow light to pass through in a specific wavelength range.

10. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by further comprising an orientation system (7) adapted to modify the orientation of the power generation panel (100).

11. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to Petition 870250085394, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 61 / 68 3 / 4 any of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the plurality of reflective regions (31) being flat and / or adjacent surfaces.

12. POWER GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the energy harvesting module (5) is chosen from the group comprising a module for generating electricity using photovoltaic cells, a module for generating heat and a module for producing hydrogen.

13. ENERGY GENERATION PANEL (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the rear part of the energy harvesting device (5) has a reflective surface (3), a light spreader / diffuser, fluorescent materials and / or an energy generating surface.

14. ORIENTATION OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM for orienting a power generation panel (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by comprising a panel drive system and a panel drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system to orient the power generation panel (100) in order to optimize electrical or agronomic yield, i.e., to optimize the quality of light reaching the crop, for example, by orienting the panel (100) so as to let the maximum amount of light through when daylight is not ideal; and to optimize light levels to better protect the crop from specific weather conditions such as rain / hail / wind.

15. LIGHT SOURCE TRACKING SYSTEM for tracking a light source and orienting a power generation panel (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by comprising a power generation panel (100), a light source positioning module and a drive system control module adapted to control the panel's drive system to orient the power generation panel (100) according to the position of the detected light source.

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