An adaptive flexible photovoltaic support and end support structure thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive flexible photovoltaic (PV) support structure and its end support structure. The end support structure includes a sliding connector, a slider, and an anchor. One side surface of the sliding connector is a concave semi-circle. The slider is a cylinder with one semi-circular end, and the semi-circular end of the slider is located within the concave surface of the sliding connector. The sliding connector has a vertical elongated hole, and the slider has an axial through hole. One end of a flexible cable for supporting the PV module passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, and the anchor is fitted onto the flexible cable and presses against the planar end of the slider. The PV support structure includes two sets of oppositely arranged fixed structures and at least two flexible cables. The end support structure is fixedly installed at the upper end of each set of fixed structures. Both ends of the flexible cables pass through the end support structures on the two sets of fixed structures. This invention can adapt to varying slopes and uneven settlement of foundations in complex terrain, ensuring the reliability and durability of the support structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses an adaptive flexible photovoltaic support structure and its end support structure, belonging to the field of mountain photovoltaic support engineering technology for solar power generation. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the photovoltaic industry, flat and open sites available for construction are becoming increasingly scarce. More photovoltaic power plant construction sites are being considered in areas with complex terrain, multiple functions, and demanding conditions. Due to terrain limitations, how to maximize the use of steep slopes within specific land conditions has become a challenge for the photovoltaic industry.

[0003] Currently, many project sites have slopes exceeding 35°, facing south, which provides good sunlight. However, due to the variable slopes, machinery cannot be used for construction, rendering the systems unusable. Even if photovoltaic supports are constructed after localized leveling, the complex terrain and susceptibility to weather and other external factors compromise the durability of these supports, requiring periodic reinforcement and maintenance, increasing labor and costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket and its end support structure to solve the technical problem of low durability of photovoltaic brackets in the prior art.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket end support structure, including a sliding connector, a slider, and an anchor;

[0006] One side surface of the sliding connector is a concave semi-circle;

[0007] The slider is a cylinder with one end being semi-circular, and the semi-circular end of the slider is located within the concave surface of the sliding connector.

[0008] The sliding connector has a vertical elongated hole, and the slider has an axial through hole. One end of the flexible cable for supporting the photovoltaic module passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, and then the anchor is sleeved on the flexible cable and pressed against the flat end of the slider.

[0009] Preferably, the sliding connector includes two flanges and a semi-circular web.

[0010] The two flange plates are arranged in parallel on opposite sides of the semi-circular web, with the concave surface of the semi-circular web facing outwards.

[0011] The semi-circular web has a vertically elongated hole.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides an adaptive flexible photovoltaic support, comprising two sets of oppositely arranged fixed structures and at least two flexible cables;

[0013] The upper end of each of the fixed structures is fixedly provided with the aforementioned end support structure;

[0014] The two ends of the flexible cable pass through the end support structures on the two sets of fixed structures.

[0015] Preferably, each set of the fixing structure includes two end columns, one horizontal support rod, and two diagonal support rods;

[0016] The lower ends of both end columns are hinged to the foundation, and the upper ends are fixedly equipped with the aforementioned end support structure.

[0017] The two ends of the transverse support rod are threadedly connected to the upper ends of the two end columns;

[0018] The two inclined support rods intersect in an X shape and are threadedly connected to the two end columns;

[0019] The flexible cable extends perpendicularly to the plane formed by the two end posts.

[0020] Preferably, each set of the fixing structure further includes two diagonal tie rods;

[0021] One end of the diagonal tie rod is connected to the end support structure of the end column, and the other end is hinged to the foundation through a hinge.

[0022] The diagonal tie rod is located on the side of the end column with the flexible cable end.

[0023] Preferably, the centerlines of the tie rod, the flexible cable, and the end column intersect at a single point, and the angle between the tie rod and the end column is 40 to 50°.

[0024] Preferably, the hinge includes a U-shaped connecting clip and a transition connecting plate;

[0025] The transition connecting plate is trapezoidal and has two circular holes.

[0026] The U-shaped connecting clip passes through a circular hole near the top surface of the trapezoid and connects to the diagonal tie rod;

[0027] The round hole near the bottom of the trapezoid is fitted onto the pin in the pre-embedded foundation.

[0028] Preferably, it further includes one or more intermediate support structures;

[0029] The intermediate support structure is disposed between two sets of opposite fixed structures and is in contact with the flexible cable, and is used to support the flexible cable and the photovoltaic modules disposed on the flexible cable.

[0030] Preferably, the intermediate support structure includes a central column, a top crossbeam, and two diagonal braces;

[0031] The lower end of the intermediate column is rigidly connected to the foundation, and the upper end is provided with the top crossbeam;

[0032] The two diagonal braces are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the middle column. One end of each diagonal brace is connected to the top crossbeam, and the other end is connected to the middle column.

[0033] Preferably, the angle between the diagonal brace and the intermediate column is 45°.

[0034] The adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket and its end support structure of the present invention have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0035] 1) At the key force transmission nodes of this invention, the upper part utilizes an adjustable arc node (i.e., end support structure), and the lower part utilizes a hinged node that can rotate relative to each other (i.e., the hinge used in the tie rod), which can fully adapt to the varying slopes and uneven settlement of the foundation under complex terrain, ensuring the reliability and durability of the structural system in normal operation.

[0036] 2) The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support of the present invention is a typical unit of a structural system. According to the specific terrain and project scale, multiple typical units can be repeatedly and flexibly arranged to form a unit group. The photovoltaic modules can be arranged longitudinally from the top of the mountain to the foot of the mountain, or arranged parallel to the latitude lines of the globe, realizing the "adapting to the terrain" of the mountain.

[0037] 3) The adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, compactness and economy compared with other adjustable photovoltaic brackets. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 (a) is the overall elevation layout of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic support in the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is the plan view of the unit group composed of two adaptive flexible photovoltaic supports;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a front view of the end column and connection node of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic support in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a side view of the end column and connection node of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic support in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4(a) and (b) in the embodiments of the present invention are respectively the front view and the side view of the slider in the end support structure used in the adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket.

[0042] Figure 5 (a) and (b) in the figure are respectively the front view and the side view of the hinge node connecting the diagonal tie rod and the foundation of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 (a) and (b) in the figure are respectively the front view and the side view of the overall structure of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket consisting of the middle column, the top crossbeam and the diagonal support in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lateral support between the middle columns of a set of fixed structures in an embodiment of the adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket.

[0045] In the diagram: 1-End column; 2-Diagonal tie rod; 3-Intermediate column; 4-Flexible cable; 5-Flange plate; 6-Web plate; 7-Slider; 8-Transition connecting plate; 9-Pin shaft; 10-Top beam; 11-Diagonal brace; 12-Transverse support rod; 13-Diagonal support rod; 14-Anchor. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0047] The first aspect of the present invention provides an adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket end support structure, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes a sliding connector, a slider 7, and an anchor 14;

[0048] One side surface of the sliding connector is a concave semi-circle;

[0049] The slider 7 is a cylinder with one end being semi-circular, and the semi-circular end of the slider 7 is located inside the concave surface of the sliding connector.

[0050] The sliding connector has a vertical elongated hole, and the slider 7 has an axial through hole. One end of the flexible cable used to support the photovoltaic module passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, and the anchor 14 is fitted onto the flexible cable and pressed against the flat end of the slider 7.

[0051] The sliding connector includes two flange plates 5 and a semi-circular web plate 6.

[0052] Two flange plates 5 are arranged in parallel on opposite sides of a semi-circular web 6, with the concave surface of the semi-circular web 6 facing outwards.

[0053] A vertical, elongated hole is provided on the semi-circular web plate 6.

[0054] The adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket end support structure of this invention can eliminate unbalanced internal forces at node connections, ensuring the reliability of force transmission at the nodes. It still provides excellent support and force transmission even under terrains with varying slopes and uneven settlement.

[0055] A second aspect of the present invention provides an adaptive flexible photovoltaic support, such as... Figure 1-7 As shown, it includes two sets of fixed structures arranged opposite each other and at least two flexible cables 4;

[0056] The aforementioned end support structure is fixedly installed at the upper end of each fixed structure.

[0057] The two ends of the flexible cable 4 pass through the end support structures on two sets of fixed structures.

[0058] Furthermore, each set of fixed structures includes two end columns 1, one horizontal support rod 12, and two diagonal support rods 13.

[0059] The lower ends of both end columns 1 are hinged to the foundation, and the upper ends of both are fixedly equipped with the aforementioned end support structure.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the end column 1 is used to bear the pretension of the flexible cable 4 itself, the self-weight of the component, and the axial force of wind and snow loads.

[0061] For example, the end column 1 is made of round steel pipe, with its lower end hinged to the foundation and its upper end connected to the flexible cable 4 via a sliding joint. The sliding joint is the aforementioned end support structure, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes two parallel flange plates 5 and a semi-circular web plate 6 in the middle. The flange plates 5 and web plate 6 together form a double-web I-shape. The flange plate 5 is horizontally welded to the end column 1 on its semi-circular side, and the web plate 6 is vertically welded to the end column 1 on its straight side, with the other side being a semi-circular arc. There are two web plates 6 in the middle, arranged symmetrically. The end column 1 has a through-hole in the middle of the two web plates 6. After the flexible cable 4 passes through, its end is fixed by a clamp anchor 14. A slider 7 is provided at the contact point between the flexible cable and the sliding node. Its structure is as follows. Figure 4As shown in (a) and (b), the slider 7 is a rigid cylinder with one end semi-circular. The semi-circular side of the slider 7 is pressed against the semi-circular arc-shaped web 6, and the two have the same curvature. The other side of the rigid slider 7 is pressed against the anchor 14. An elliptical through hole for the flexible cable 4 is opened in the middle of the rigid slider 7. This connection method allows adjustment of the traction angle of the flexible cable 4. When the flexible cable 4 deforms, the slider 7 slides along a semi-circular trajectory at the contact point with the web 6, and the flexible cable moves up and down in the strip hole of the end column 1. At the same time, this node is still in good working condition. The embodiment of the present invention uses an end support structure, which has the following advantages: First, it eliminates the unbalanced internal force at the node connection, ensuring the reliability of the force transmission at the node. Second, it can still provide good support and force transmission when adapting to terrains with different slopes and uneven settlement. The flexible cable 4 in the embodiment of the present invention can be a flexible steel strand.

[0062] Furthermore, the two ends of the transverse support rod 12 are threadedly connected to the upper ends of the two end columns 1.

[0063] For example, if both end columns 1 are provided with support connecting plates, then both ends of the transverse support rod 12 are threadedly connected to the end columns 1 through the support connecting plates.

[0064] Furthermore, the two diagonal support rods 13 intersect in an X shape and are threadedly connected to the two end columns 1.

[0065] For example, the two diagonal support rods 13 intersect in an X-shape and are bolted to the upper and lower ends of the two end columns 1 via support connecting plates, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0066] The flexible cable 4 extends perpendicularly to the plane formed by the two end columns 1.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, based on stiffness and stress requirements, the transverse support rod 12 is a rigid rod, i.e., subjected to both tension and compression, with a circular steel tube cross-section; the diagonal support is only a tension rod, with a steel reinforcement cross-section. The transverse support rod 12 ensures the lateral stability of the end column 1 and transmits wind loads.

[0068] To balance the anchoring tension of the flexible cable 4 and the axial force of the components on the end column 1, and to form a stable triangular force system, each set of fixing structures in this embodiment of the invention also includes two diagonal tie rods 2.

[0069] One end of the tie rod 2 is connected to the end column 1 where an end support structure is provided, and the other end is hinged to the foundation via a hinge; for example Figure 5As shown in (a) and (b), the diagonal tie rod 2 is installed on the side of the end column 1 with the flexible cable 4. The hinge includes a U-shaped connecting clip and a transition connecting plate 8; the transition connecting plate 8 is trapezoidal with two round holes; the U-shaped connecting clip passes through the round hole near the upper bottom surface of the trapezoid and connects to the diagonal tie rod 2; the round hole near the lower bottom surface of the trapezoid is fitted onto the pin 9 in the pre-embedded foundation.

[0070] For example, the tie rod 2 is made of prestressed threaded steel bar with a diameter 2 to 3 times that of the flexible cable 4. Its upper part is connected to the end column 1 via a U-shaped connecting clip and a connecting plate. The connecting plate is firmly welded to the lower flange plate of the sliding node. To avoid unbalanced forces and additional bending moments at the upper connection point, the centerlines of the tie rod 2, flexible cable 4, and end column 1 intersect at a single point, with the angle between the tie rod 2 and the end column 1 being 40 to 50 degrees. The lower part of the tie rod 2 is connected to a transition connecting plate 8 via a U-shaped connecting clip. The transition connecting plate 8 is trapezoidal, with a round hole at one end for connection to the pre-made U-shaped connecting clip, and a round hole (diameter D) at the other end for fitting onto a pin 9 (diameter d) pre-embedded in the foundation. The pin 9 is made of stainless steel and is anchored 150 to 200 mm into the foundation groove, with the relationship D = d + 2 to 4 mm. The groove of the pre-embedded pin 9 in the foundation is filled with flexible material. This type of hinged joint allows for unrestricted free rotation of the tie rod 2 and the foundation, while the tie rod 2 remains under tension, preventing the stable diagonal tie rod from bending at an angle. The rotatability offsets the additional internal force at the connection point of the tie rod 2, thereby reducing the burden on the foundation. The cooperating end column 1 ensures the stability of the force-bearing system.

[0071] To prevent excessive vertical deflection of the flexible cable 4 in the middle from affecting the use of the photovoltaic modules, one or more intermediate support structures are set between the bottom and top of the slope.

[0072] The intermediate support structure is located between two sets of opposite fixed structures and is in contact with the flexible cable 4 to support the flexible cable 4 and the photovoltaic modules installed on the flexible cable 4.

[0073] The intermediate support structure is as follows Figure 6 As shown in (a) and (b), it includes a central column 3, a top crossbeam 10, and two diagonal braces 11;

[0074] The lower end of the middle column 3 is rigidly connected to the foundation, and the upper end is equipped with a top beam 10;

[0075] Two diagonal braces 11 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the middle column 3. One end of each diagonal brace 11 is connected to the top crossbeam 10, and the other end is connected to the middle column 3. The angle between the diagonal brace 11 and the middle column 3 is 45°.

[0076] For example, the intermediate column 3 adopts a circular steel tube cross-section, with its lower end rigidly connected to the foundation, and its upper end supported by a top crossbeam 10 and symmetrical diagonal braces 11 for the flexible cable 4 and the photovoltaic modules thereon. The top crossbeam 10 adopts a steel channel or rectangular cross-section, and its middle position is welded and fixed to the top plate of the intermediate column 3. Symmetrical diagonal braces 11 are arranged on both sides of the intermediate column 3. Each diagonal brace 11 adopts a circular tube cross-section, with one end welded to the bottom surface of the top crossbeam 10 and the other end welded to the intermediate column 3. The vertical angle between the diagonal braces 11 and the intermediate column 3 is 45°. The intermediate column 3, the top crossbeam 10, and the diagonal braces 11 constitute a stable support system, vertically supporting the flexible cable 4 and the photovoltaic modules at a 90° angle. The two parallel flexible cables 4 are fixed to both ends of the top crossbeam 10 by inverted U-shaped clips.

[0077] At the key force transmission nodes of this invention, the upper part utilizes an adjustable arc node (i.e., end support structure), and the lower part utilizes a relatively rotatable hinge node (i.e., the hinge used in the tie rod 2). This can fully adapt to the varying slopes and uneven settlement of the foundation under complex terrain, ensuring the reliability and durability of the structural system for normal operation.

[0078] The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support system of this invention is a typical unit of a structural system. Multiple typical units can be repeatedly and flexibly arranged to form a unit group according to the specific terrain and project scale. For example, the photovoltaic support system of this invention can be applied to a mountain in Baishui, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. The photovoltaic modules can be arranged longitudinally from the top of the mountain to the foot of the mountain, or they can be arranged parallel to the latitude lines of a globe, realizing the "adapting to the terrain".

[0079] The adaptive flexible photovoltaic bracket of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, compactness and economy compared with other adjustable photovoltaic brackets.

[0080] The above description is merely a few embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application discloses preferred embodiments as described above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application using the disclosed technical content are equivalent to equivalent implementation cases and fall within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. An adaptive flexible photovoltaic support, characterized in that, It includes two sets of fixed structures arranged opposite each other and at least two flexible cables; Each of the fixed structures is fixedly provided with an end support structure at its upper end; The two ends of the flexible cable pass through the end support structures on the two sets of fixed structures; Each set of fixed structures includes two end columns, one horizontal support rod, and two diagonal support rods; The lower ends of both end columns are hinged to the foundation, and the upper ends are fixedly provided with the end support structure. The two ends of the transverse support rod are threadedly connected to the upper ends of the two end columns; The two inclined support rods intersect in an X shape and are threadedly connected to the two end columns; The extension direction of the flexible cable is perpendicular to the plane formed by the two end posts; Each set of the fixing structure also includes two diagonal tie rods; One end of the diagonal tie rod is connected to the end support structure of the end column, and the other end is hinged to the foundation through a hinge. The diagonal tie rod is located on the side of the end column with the flexible cable end; The end support structure includes a sliding connector, a slider, and an anchor. One side surface of the sliding connector is a concave semi-circle; The slider is a cylinder with one end being semi-circular, and the semi-circular end of the slider is located within the concave surface of the sliding connector. The sliding connector has a vertical elongated hole, and the slider has an axial through hole. One end of the flexible cable for supporting the photovoltaic module passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, and then the anchor is sleeved on the flexible cable and pressed against the flat end of the slider.

2. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding connector includes two flanges and a semi-circular web. The two flange plates are arranged in parallel on opposite sides of the semi-circular web, with the concave surface of the semi-circular web facing outwards. The semi-circular web has a vertically elongated hole.

3. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centerlines of the tie rod, the flexible cable, and the end column intersect at a single point, and the angle between the tie rod and the end column is 40-50°.

4. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge component includes a U-shaped connecting clip and a transition connecting plate; The transition connecting plate is trapezoidal and has two circular holes. The U-shaped connecting clip passes through a circular hole near the top surface of the trapezoid and connects to the diagonal tie rod; The round hole near the bottom of the trapezoid is fitted onto the pin in the pre-embedded foundation.

5. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes one or more intermediate support structures; The intermediate support structure is disposed between two sets of opposite fixed structures and is in contact with the flexible cable, and is used to support the flexible cable and the photovoltaic modules disposed on the flexible cable.

6. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to claim 5, characterized in that, The intermediate support structure includes a central column, a top beam, and two diagonal braces. The lower end of the intermediate column is rigidly connected to the foundation, and the upper end is provided with the top crossbeam; The two diagonal braces are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the middle column. One end of each diagonal brace is connected to the top crossbeam, and the other end is connected to the middle column.

7. The adaptive flexible photovoltaic support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle between the diagonal brace and the intermediate column is .

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