Solar system

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar system (11) having a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row, the innermost and outermost solar panels (19) being present, and at least one holding element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar system (11), the solar panels (19) being held one after the other on the at least one holding element (13), the at least one holding element (13) is provided with at least one solar panel (11), and the solar panel (11) is displaceable by engagement means along the at least one holding element (13) from an extended operating position into a retracted protective position, and vice versa, in which adjacent solar panels (19) are connected to each other in an articulated manner, a push or pull force can be transmitted from one solar panel (19) to an adjacent solar panel (19). The outermost and innermost solar panels (19) are pressed against each other by a mechanical force in the protection position, thereby forming a stable packaging of solar panels (19) which enables the solar panels (19) to be protected itself from weather.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a solar energy system as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and to the use of a solar energy system as defined in claim 14 . Background Art

[0002] According to the current state of development of solar energy system technology, known solar panels can be moved back and forth along a cable system between an extended operating position and a retracted protection position. EP 2669594B1 discloses a housing in which the solar panels are accommodated in their protection position. A cover plate is attached to the outermost solar panel. If the solar panel is retracted through an opening in the housing, the cover plate will necessarily close this opening when the solar panel is in the protection position.

[0003] However, the enclosure takes up space or area at the solar system that cannot be used by the solar panels to generate electricity. In addition, the provision of the enclosure is costly and increases the investment cost of the solar system accordingly. The enclosure also necessarily causes shadows and obstructed visibility. This is particularly disadvantageous if the solar system is installed above a road. Summary of the invention

[0004] The described disadvantages of the current state of development lead to the task of proposing a solar energy system which ensures the protection of the solar panels in adverse weather conditions (wind, snow, hail, sand, dust, ice, etc.) without the need for a housing.

[0005] The solution to the stated object is achieved in a solar system by means of the features listed in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Improvements and / or advantageous design variants are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0006] The invention is characterized in that the outermost and innermost solar panels are pressed against each other by mechanical forces in a protective position, thereby forming a stable package of solar panels, which enables the solar panels to protect themselves from the influence of weather. The resulting compression forces and the VVVV shape of the folding top assembly of the solar panel mean that the solar panel package is very stable when it comes to resisting weather influences and the resulting forces. Since the package provides a small contact surface and cannot be accidentally pulled open by the weather, the risk of individual panels swinging open or even being torn off is reliably avoided. Since the solar system has no housing, the solar system can have solar panels over its entire length and there are no housing surfaces casting shadows. This leads to an efficiency increase of 10 to 15%. By eliminating the need for a housing, production costs can also be reduced.

[0007] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical force in the protective position is achieved by a pulling element pulling on the outermost panel and, for example, a compression force from an elastic buffer element, in particular a spring, acting on the innermost solar panel. Preferred pulling elements can be pull ropes, chains or self-propelled drives. This solution is particularly simple and thus reliable. This solution also allows automatic adjustment of solar panels that are tilted at a certain angle.

[0008] It has proven useful to have a first hinge on each solar panel and an upper beam with a second hinge, the hinges connecting adjacent solar panels in an articulated manner, wherein the upper beam holds the solar panels on at least one retaining element. This provides the arrangement with a VVVV shape, allowing the solar panels to be moved in the manner of a shutter between a protective position and an operating position, wherein adjacent solar panels are rotated relative to each other.

[0009] In the protective position, the tension ropes are attached to the outermost upper beam and the compression force is applied to the innermost upper beam. This means that the tension ropes that are anyway necessary for retracting into the protective position can be used to compress the solar panel. Since the force is applied on both sides, the solar package is particularly stable.

[0010] The invention is also characterized in that a roof panel is arranged on each of the upper beams, wherein adjacent roof panels are in contact with each other in the protection position and thereby form a protection roof. The protection roof protects the panel package in the protection position from vertical weather influences without creating any disruptive shadows in the operating position. Even better vertical weather protection is obtained when adjacent roof panels not only touch but also overlap.

[0011] The roof panel is designed as a sacrificial element. In the event of very severe mechanical damage, for example due to hail, the roof panel can be deliberately destroyed in order to protect other elements of the solar system. The destroyed roof panel is easily accessible and can be replaced with a new roof panel without any effort.

[0012] In another embodiment, the roof panel and / or the solar panel are heatable. This means that there is no snow load on the solar system, since the roof panel always has a temperature of 3°C to 6°C and snow that falls on the roof panel is melted immediately. As an alternative to a heatable roof panel, snow can also be melted by passing an electric current through the solar panel, which is heated due to the resulting electrical resistance.

[0013] Preferably, at least one retaining element is mounted on two opposing poles, the poles being bent outwards in the longitudinal direction. This means that the usable area of ​​the solar panel in the operating position can be larger than the ground area limited by the pole feet.

[0014] Preferably, there is a gap between the hinges of adjacent solar panels for air to escape. This prevents air pressure from building up under the solar panels. Thus, the solar panels reduce pressure waves generated, for example, by trucks.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the transition between adjacent top panels is water-permeable. This protects the panel package from mechanical stresses of precipitation. However, the water can drain away without forming puddles and even clean the surface of the solar panel.

[0016] For practical reasons, first and second protection sheets are attached on the outside to the innermost and outermost solar panels. These protection sheets reliably protect the panel package from wind and storms.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the packaging of the solar panel is not covered at the sides in the protective position and is therefore wind-permeable. This means that wind forces cannot attack the entire side surface of the packaging from the side, but are dissipated in the folded top group. The folded top group is thus stable against wind coming from the side.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collecting channel is arranged below the packaging of the solar panel. If the water flowing through the packaging must not fall on the area below the solar system, it can be collected in the collecting channel and drained away centrally.

[0019] It is preferred if the change between the operating position and the protection position can be accomplished by a control system which evaluates local sensor signals and / or local or national weather data via a network.

[0020] The control system of the solar energy system can also be used to actively regulate the heat balance in urban areas, in buildings, in groups of buildings, above traffic or in agricultural areas. The solar folding roof cools the space by (a) shading the space during the day; (b) supporting heat radiation at night by moving into a protective position; and (c) generating electricity for the operation of the local air conditioning system exactly when and where it is needed. The entire system can be optimized with the help of intelligent control to meet the needs of users and / or municipalities. For example, the night radiation from a certain temperature or time can be reduced by extending the solar folding roof.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a solar system across traffic areas with moving or stationary traffic. Solar systems are ideal for traffic areas because these traffic areas require large areas of land anyway, which are already built. In addition, a solar system with a self-protecting solar panel package is particularly safe and reliably prevents components from falling onto road users. The solar system or solar folding roof can span large distances (more than 30-50 meters) without support. This means that, for example, a central support can be omitted on highways. The solar panels are suspended at a high level and the panels allow light to pass through from above. For these two reasons, and because the folding roof is retracted at dusk, additional lighting of the road is not required. The pressure waves generated by the trucks are reliably dissipated as described above and do not cause any damage to the solar system. Using a solar system to span traffic areas with moving traffic has the additional benefit of noise protection. When extended, the solar system or solar folding roof suppresses the upward propagation of noise. This is particularly advantageous for traffic routes in hilly or mountainous areas.

[0022] The solar energy system can be arranged longitudinally, transversely or parallel to the traffic flow. Accordingly, the width of the road or the alignment of the road can be optimally utilized by the orientation of the solar energy system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings. The following are shown in a not to scale representation:

[0024] Figure 1 : An axonometric view of a solar energy system in which the solar panels can be moved between a protective position and an operational position;

[0025] Figure 2 : Side view of the solar system in a protected position;

[0026] Figure 3 : An axonometric view of a solar energy system in an embodiment in which the solar energy system extends across a multi-lane road;

[0027] Figure 4 : Figure 4 A side view of a solar system;

[0028] Figure 5 : an axonometric view of a solar energy system in an embodiment in which the solar energy system extends along a multi-lane road; and

[0029] Figure 6 : Figure 5 Side view of a solar system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The attached drawing shows a solar energy system according to the invention, which is indicated as a whole by reference numeral 11. Two substantially parallel guide ropes or guide rods 13 are provided as retaining elements. The guide ropes or rods 13 are tensioned or guided between two poles 15. It would also be possible to fix the guide rods 13 to a flat surface, such as a roof or a wall, instead of using poles 15.

[0031] A plurality of solar panels 19 are arranged to be held one after another on the guide ropes or guide rods 13. When this application refers to a solar panel 19, it is preferably a panel having two substantially parallel flat sides, wherein a plurality of photovoltaic cells are arranged on at least one of the flat sides. Figure 1 , 2 6 show that adjacent solar panels 19 are connected together in an articulated manner at their sides. The articulated connection can, for example, be designed as a first hinge 21 and an upper beam 23 having a second hinge 25. The upper beam 23 holds the solar panel 19 on the retaining element 13 in a sliding manner. The solar panels 19 are connected to each other in an articulated manner so that they can be pushed together or apart in a fan-like manner. Accordingly, the solar panel 19 as a whole can be moved from an extended operating position to a retracted protective position and vice versa, or to an intermediate position ( Figure 1 ).

[0032] In the operating position, the solar panels 19 form an angle with the vertical, which angle is preferably greater than 75 degrees. In the retracted protection position, the solar panels 19 are pulled or pushed as close together as possible by mechanical force. The solar panels can form a stable package. This means that the solar panels provide their own protection against weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain or hail. A storm only provides a small contact surface to the package, and the package does not provide a horizontal surface that could be damaged by precipitation. This means that no expensive, space-consuming housing is needed to protect the solar panels.

[0033] The preferred method of tensioning the solar panel is to use a pull cord and spring combination, such as Figure 2 . Pull ropes 27 are preferably attached to the outermost upper beams 23, pulling the solar panels 19 into a protected position to form a compressed panel package. Resiliently compressible buffer elements in the form of springs 29 or rubber blocks act on the innermost upper beams. This presses the panels together until all the upper beams 23 are in contact.

[0034] The top panel 31 is arranged on the upper beam 23. In the protective position in which the solar panels 19 form a stable package, the top panels 31 touch or overlap. Overlapping top panels 31 can be used to form a closed protective roof. The transition and overlapping parts are preferably permeable so that water can flow away from the solar panels. This prevents water accumulation and at the same time the solar panels are rinsed. Water from the solar panels in the protective position can be collected in a collection channel and drained centrally. The top panel 31 can be designed as a sacrificial element. The intention is that, for example, hail can only destroy the top panel. A destroyed top panel 31 can be replaced individually without difficulty.

[0035] The solar panels 19 can also be heated to ensure that no snow remains on them. It is also conceivable that an electric current is applied to the solar panels and the solar panels 19 act as a resistor. This can also cause the snow to melt and not remain on the solar panels 19. The electricity required for this can be generated by the solar system itself.

[0036] The lower and upper beams 21, 23 are air permeable. Thus, air can escape from between adjacent hinges. Pressure waves generated, for example, by road traffic (particularly trucks 33) located below the solar system can thus be effectively reduced ( Figure 6 ). Thus, the solar panel 19 is protected against sudden pressure loads.

[0037] First and second protection sheets may be attached to the innermost and outermost solar panels 19. This protects the enclosure of solar panels from horizontal weather conditions. The solar enclosure is open at the sides, which means that the wind has no contact surface. The solar enclosure is open at the bottom, allowing water to drain freely and be collected, for example, in a collection channel.

[0038] The rod 15 may be arc-shaped ( Figure 3 and 4 ). This means that the area covered by the solar panels 19 in the operating position can be larger than the footprint of the pole 15.

[0039] An ideal application for solar energy systems is in traffic areas where the ground space is shaded anyway. Strong pressure waves, especially those generated by trucks 33, will not damage the solar energy system, as explained above. The solar panels 19 can extend across or along the road.

[0040] Reference numerals

[0041] 11Solar System

[0042] 13Retaining elements, guide ropes, rods

[0043] 15 poles

[0044] 19Solar Panels

[0045] 21 first hinge part

[0046] 23, 23a, 23b top beam, outermost top beam, innermost top beam

[0047] 25 second hinge part

[0048] 27Pull element, pull rope

[0049] 29 Spring

[0050] 31 Top Panel

[0051] 33 Trucks

Claims

1. Solar energy system (11), including - a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row, wherein: There are innermost and outermost solar panels (19), and - at least one retaining element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar system (11), the solar panels (19) being retained one after the other on the at least one retaining element (13), and the solar panels (11) being displaceable by engagement means along the at least one retaining element (13) from an extended operating position to a retracted protective position and vice versa, wherein adjacent solar panels (19) are connected to each other in an articulated manner so that a push or pull force of a solar panel (19) can be transmitted to an adjacent solar panel (19), Features The outermost and innermost solar panels (19) are mechanically pressed against each other in the protective position, thereby forming a stable packaging body of the solar panels (19), which enables the solar panels (19) to protect themselves from the influence of weather.

2. The solar energy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical force in the protective position is achieved by a pulling element pulling on the outermost panel (19) and, for example, by means of a compressive force of an elastic buffer element acting on the innermost solar panel, the elastic buffer element being in particular a spring (29).

3. The solar energy system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A first hinge (21) and an upper beam (23) having a second hinge (25) are arranged on each solar panel (19), and the hinges (21, 25) connect adjacent solar panels (19) to each other in an articulated manner, wherein the upper beam (23) holds the solar panel (19) on the at least one retaining element (13).

4. Solar energy system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the protection position, the pull rope (27) engages on the outermost upper beam (23a), and the compression force engages on the innermost upper beam (23b).

5. Solar energy system according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that A roof panel (31) is arranged on each of the upper beams (23), wherein adjacent roof panels (31) contact each other in the protection position and thereby form a protection roof.

6. The solar energy system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top panel (31) is designed as a sacrificial element.

7. Solar energy system according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that The roof panel (31) and / or the solar panel (19) are heatable.

8. Solar energy system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one retaining element (13) is retained on two rods (15) which are positioned opposite each other and are bent outwardly in the longitudinal direction.

9. Solar energy system according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that There is a gap between the hinge parts (21, 25) of adjacent solar panels (19), and air can be discharged through the gap.

10. Solar energy system according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that The transition between adjacent top panels (31) is water permeable.

11. Solar energy system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that First and second protective plates are attached to the outermost solar panel (19) on the outer side at the innermost and outermost locations, respectively.

12. Solar energy system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the protective position, the packaging of the solar panel (19) is not covered in the laterally direction and is accordingly wind-permeable.

13. Solar energy system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The collecting channel is arranged below the packaging body of the solar panel (19).

14. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to one of the preceding claims across a traffic zone for moving or stationary traffic.

15. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that The solar energy system (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction in the transverse direction of the traffic flow.

16. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The solar energy system (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction parallel to the traffic flow.

Images