Lightning rod for photovoltaic support

Abstract

The invention discloses a lightning rod for a photovoltaic support, and the lightning rod comprises the components of a lightning rod which is arranged on the support and is located in a gap between two photovoltaic panels; the adjusting unit is arranged on a top frame at the top of the bracket, is connected with the lightning rod and is used for adjusting the mounting angle of the lightning rod; and the shielding plate is arranged on a mounting frame on the top frame, is located between the two photovoltaic panels, is connected with the adjusting unit, and is used for shielding the upper part of the lightning rod after the lightning rod is put below the photovoltaic panels. The lightning rod is shielded and protected, the installation angle of the lightning rod can be flexibly adjusted by the adjusting unit, and the lightning rod can be always located at the optimal lightning protection position according to different geographical positions, seasons and sunlight incidence angle changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic panel technology, specifically to a lightning rod for photovoltaic brackets. Background Technology

[0002] In photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems, PV mounting brackets support PV panels, enabling them to receive sunlight at a suitable angle for efficient energy conversion. However, PV mounting brackets and the PV panels they support are susceptible to lightning strikes in outdoor environments. The powerful currents and electromagnetic pulses generated by lightning strikes can cause serious damage to PV modules, electrical equipment, and other components, affecting the normal operation of the entire PV power generation system and even causing safety accidents.

[0003] While traditional lightning rods can guide lightning to some extent and protect photovoltaic systems from lightning strikes, they have some limitations in practical applications.

[0004] Existing equipment has the following drawbacks: Traditional lightning rods are typically fixedly installed on photovoltaic (PV) brackets, and their installation angle cannot be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. The angle of sunlight incidence varies depending on geographical location, season, and time of day. Fixed lightning rods can obstruct sunlight, affecting the PV system's solar energy absorption efficiency. Furthermore, when lightning rods are not needed, there is a lack of effective storage and protection mechanisms. Lightning rods exposed to the elements are susceptible to corrosion from wind, sun, and rain, leading to surface corrosion, performance degradation, shortened lifespan, and increased maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lightning rod for photovoltaic brackets to solve the problem that the fixed lightning rods mentioned above will block sunlight to a certain extent, affecting the solar energy reception efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a lightning rod for a photovoltaic support, comprising:

[0007] The lightning rod is mounted on the support frame and located in the gap between two photovoltaic panels.

[0008] An adjustment unit is installed on the top frame at the top of the bracket and connected to the lightning rod, used to adjust the installation angle of the lightning rod;

[0009] A shielding plate, mounted on a mounting bracket on the top frame between the two photovoltaic panels and connected to the adjustment unit, is used to shield the top of the lightning rod after it is retracted below the photovoltaic panels.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the adjustment unit comprises:

[0011] The power component is mounted on a fixed seat on the top frame.

[0012] A rotating shaft is provided at the power output end of the power component, and the side of the rotating shaft away from the power component is provided on the side plate of the top frame;

[0013] A rotating block is mounted on the rotating shaft and connected to the lightning rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjustment unit also includes:

[0015] A transmission mechanism, mounted on the rotating shaft and connected to the shielding plate, is used to adjust the installation position of the shielding plate below the photovoltaic panel.

[0016] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes:

[0017] The gear is fixed on the rotating shaft;

[0018] A connecting bracket is mounted on the mounting bracket;

[0019] A rack is inserted through the connecting frame on the side near the rotating shaft and meshes with the gear;

[0020] A traction component, mounted on the rack and connected to the baffle plate, is used to move the baffle plate on the mounting frame during the movement of the rack.

[0021] Furthermore, a movable block is provided at the position where the rack connects to the connecting frame, and a movable slot is provided on the connecting frame for the movable block to move.

[0022] Furthermore, the traction component includes:

[0023] A fixing plate is disposed on one side of the rack;

[0024] A traction rope is attached to the fixed plate and connected to the shielding plate on the side away from the fixed plate.

[0025] Furthermore, the traction component also includes:

[0026] A first guide ring is disposed on the connecting frame and the traction rope is threaded through the first guide ring for guiding the traction rope;

[0027] The second guide ring is disposed on the side of the connecting frame away from the rack, and the traction rope passes through the second guide ring for guiding the traction rope.

[0028] Furthermore, the bottom end of the connecting frame is provided with an isolation box for protecting the gear and the rack.

[0029] Furthermore, a limiting block is provided on the side of the shield that is connected to the mounting frame, and a limiting groove is provided on the mounting frame for the limiting block to move.

[0030] Furthermore, the limiting groove is provided with an elastic element for supporting the limiting block.

[0031] This invention utilizes an adjustment unit to rotate the lightning rod, which is then retracted beneath the photovoltaic panel. This multi-layered protection mechanism conceals the lightning rod when there is no lightning and extends it during a lightning strike. When the lightning rod is retracted beneath the photovoltaic panel, it prevents it from blocking sunlight, improving the photovoltaic panel's light absorption efficiency. After the lightning rod is retracted to the designated position, the adjustment unit moves a shielding plate between the two photovoltaic panels, providing protection for the lightning rod. The adjustment unit can flexibly adjust the installation angle of the lightning rod, adapting to different geographical locations, seasons, and changes in the angle of sunlight incidence to ensure the lightning rod is always in the optimal lightning protection position, efficiently guiding lightning and reducing the risk of lightning strikes to the photovoltaic support and panels, thus ensuring the stable operation of the photovoltaic power generation system. When the lightning rod is retracted beneath the photovoltaic panel, the shielding plate effectively blocks its overhead exposure, preventing long-term exposure to harsh natural environments such as wind, sun, and rain, reducing natural erosion, slowing down corrosion and aging, thereby extending the lightning rod's service life and reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lightning rod placed under a photovoltaic panel in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of the structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the lightning rod and the regulating unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the light-shielding plate and the mounting frame in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light-shielding plate below the photovoltaic panel in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the power component in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the elastic element and the mounting bracket in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle;

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 9 Enlarged structural diagram of section B in the middle.

[0044] In the diagram: 1. Bracket; 11. Top frame; 12. Side plate; 13. Fixing seat; 14. Mounting frame; 1401. Limiting groove; 2. Photovoltaic panel; 3. Lightning rod; 4. Adjustment unit; 41. Power component; 411. Motor box; 412. Motor; 42. Rotating shaft; 43. Rotating block; 44. Transmission mechanism; 441. Gear; 442. Rack; 4421. Moving block; 443. Fixing plate; 444. Traction rope; 445. First guide ring; 446. Connecting frame; 44601. Moving groove; 447. Second guide ring; 448. Isolation box; 5. Baffle plate; 51. Limiting block; 52. Elastic component. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Please see Figure 1-12 The present invention provides a technical solution: a lightning rod for a photovoltaic bracket, comprising: a lightning rod 3, disposed on a bracket 1 and located in the gap between two photovoltaic panels 2; an adjustment unit 4, disposed on a top frame 11 at the top of the bracket 1 and connected to the lightning rod 3, for adjusting the installation angle of the lightning rod 3; and a shielding plate 5, disposed on a mounting bracket 14 on the top frame 11, located between the two photovoltaic panels 2 and connected to the adjustment unit 4, for shielding the top of the lightning rod 3 after it is placed under the photovoltaic panels 2.

[0047] It should be noted that during operation, a weather sensor is installed on bracket 1 to detect weather changes. The weather sensor is electrically connected to the power component on the adjustment unit 4 via a PLC controller element. This allows for real-time adjustment of the lightning rod 3's installation angle based on weather conditions. During thunderstorms, the weather sensor transmits a signal to the PLC controller element, which then activates the power component on the adjustment unit 4. This causes the lightning rod 3 to rotate, extending from the gap between the two photovoltaic panels 2 and moving to the top of the photovoltaic panel 2. After rotating to the set position, the bottom of the lightning rod 3 connects to the fixed grounding terminal on the photovoltaic bracket 1, achieving a good lightning protection effect. During non-thunderstorm weather, the weather sensor transmits a signal to the PLC controller element, which, through the adjustment unit 4, causes the lightning rod 3 to rotate in reverse and then retract under the photovoltaic panel 2. The system employs a multi-layered protection mechanism that allows the lightning rod 3 to be concealed during thunderstorms and extended during lightning strikes. When the lightning rod 3 is retracted below the photovoltaic panel 2, it prevents the lightning rod 3 from blocking sunlight, thus improving the photovoltaic panel 2's light absorption efficiency. After the lightning rod 3 is retracted to the designated position, the adjustment unit 4 moves the shielding plate 5 between the two photovoltaic panels 2 to shield the lightning rod 3. The adjustment unit 4 can flexibly adjust the installation angle of the lightning rod 3, ensuring it is always in the optimal lightning protection position according to different geographical locations, seasons, and changes in the angle of sunlight incidence. This efficiently guides lightning, reduces the risk of lightning strikes to the photovoltaic support 1 and photovoltaic panel 2, and ensures the stable operation of the photovoltaic power generation system. When the lightning rod 3 is retracted below the photovoltaic panel 2, the shielding plate 5 effectively shields it from the elements, preventing the lightning rod 3 from being exposed to harsh natural environments such as wind, sun, and rain for extended periods. This reduces the erosion caused by natural factors, slows down corrosion and aging, and thus extends the service life of the lightning rod 3 and reduces maintenance costs.

[0048] The lightning rod 3 has a diameter of 16mm, a length of 2.1m, and a model number of AT-001A. A set of lightning rod 3 devices is installed on the photovoltaic support 1 every 22m. The adjustment units 4 on multiple lightning rods 3 are connected through a PLC control element. When the meteorological sensor detects thunderstorms, the PLC control element can control the movement of multiple sets of adjustment units 4, so that multiple lightning rods 3 extend from the bottom of the photovoltaic panel 2 to perform lightning protection.

[0049] In one embodiment, the adjustment unit 4 includes: a power component 41, mounted on a fixed seat 13 on the top frame 11; a rotating shaft 42, mounted on the power output end of the power component 41, with the side of the rotating shaft 42 away from the power component 41 mounted on a side plate 12 on the top frame 11; and a rotating block 43, mounted on the rotating shaft 42 and connected to the lightning rod 3. The power component 41 includes a motor housing 411 fixed on the fixed seat 13 and a motor 412 mounted inside the motor housing 411, with the rotating shaft 42 fixed to the power output end of the motor 412.

[0050] This design is for reference. Figure 4-12 The motor 412 is started, driving the rotating shaft 42 to rotate. The rotating shaft 42 is mounted on the side plate 12, ensuring stability during operation and reducing shaking and deviation. The rotating block 43 is set on the rotating shaft 42 and connected to the lightning rod 3. When the rotating shaft 42 rotates, the rotating block 43 rotates synchronously, thereby driving the lightning rod 3 to achieve precise angle adjustment. This structure allows the lightning rod 3 to flexibly change its angle according to different geographical locations, seasonal changes and dynamic adjustment requirements of the angle of sunlight incidence, always in the best lightning protection position, effectively improving the protection effect of the lightning rod 3 on the photovoltaic bracket 1 and photovoltaic panel 2.

[0051] In one embodiment, the adjustment unit 4 further includes a transmission mechanism 44, which is disposed on the rotating shaft 42 and connected to the shielding plate 5, for adjusting the installation position of the shielding plate 5 below the photovoltaic panel 2.

[0052] This design is for reference. Figure 4 The transmission mechanism 44 is mounted on the rotating shaft 42 and connected to the shielding plate 5. This allows the rotation of the rotating shaft 42 to not only adjust the angle of the lightning rod 3, but also to simultaneously adjust the installation position of the shielding plate 5 under the photovoltaic panel 2. This allows the top of the lightning rod 3 to be shielded and protected when the lightning rod 3 is retracted or extended under the photovoltaic panel 2. This linkage design makes the retraction and extension of the lightning rod 3 and the movement of the shielding plate 5 a continuous action. The operator only needs to control the motor 412 to drive the rotating shaft 42 to simultaneously complete the angle adjustment of the lightning rod 3 and the position change of the shielding plate 5, which greatly simplifies the operation process and improves work efficiency. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require frequent adjustments.

[0053] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism 44 includes: a gear 441 fixed on a rotating shaft 42; a connecting frame 446 disposed on a mounting frame 14; a rack 442 passing through the connecting frame 446 on the side near the rotating shaft 42 and meshing with the gear 441; and a traction member disposed on the rack 442 and connected to the baffle plate 5, for driving the baffle plate 5 to move on the mounting frame 14 during the movement of the rack 442.

[0054] This design is for reference. Figure 6 ,as well as Figure 12Gear 441 is fixed on rotating shaft 42, and rack 442 meshes with gear 441. Gear 441 is an incomplete gear, which allows rotating shaft 42 to drive gear 441 and rack 442 to mesh to a set position. At this point, the shielding plate 5 will not interfere with the lightning rod 3. When rotating shaft 42 is rotated again, gear 441 no longer meshes with rack 442, meaning the position of shielding plate 5 no longer changes. The meshing motion of rack 442 and gear 441 can accurately convert the rotational motion of rotating shaft 42 into the linear motion of rack 442. This allows rack 442 to drive shielding plate 5 to move below photovoltaic panel 2 via traction component. This enables precise control of the moving distance of shielding plate 5, ensuring that shielding plate 5 can accurately move to the required position and effectively shield the lightning rod 3 after it is deployed or retracted, ensuring the protection effect. Moreover, this transmission method is highly efficient, has low energy loss, stable power transmission, and can quickly respond to the rotation of rotating shaft 42, allowing shielding plate 5 to move in a timely manner.

[0055] In one embodiment, a movable block 4421 is provided at the position where the rack 442 is connected to the connecting frame 446, and a movable groove 44601 for the movable block 4421 to move is provided on the connecting frame 446.

[0056] This design is for reference. Figure 12 The movable block 4421 is positioned at the connection point between the rack 442 and the connecting frame 446, and is embedded in the movable groove 44601 on the connecting frame 446. When the rack 442 moves linearly with the rotation of the gear 441, the movable block 4421 slides in the movable groove 44601, providing additional support and guidance for the rack 442. This ensures that the rack 442 does not deviate or wobble during movement, maintaining a stable linear motion state and improving the overall reliability of the adjustment unit 4.

[0057] In one embodiment, the traction member includes: a fixing plate 443 disposed on one side of the rack 442; and a traction rope 444 disposed on the fixing plate 443 and connected to the shielding plate 5 on the side away from the fixing plate 443.

[0058] This design is for reference. Figure 5 ,as well as Figure 6The fixing plate 443 is located on one side of the rack 442, providing a stable and solid installation base for the traction rope 444. When the rack 442 moves, it drives the fixing plate 443 to move, which in turn pulls the traction rope 444. The other end of the traction rope 444 is connected to the shielding plate 5, so that the rotating shaft 42 can be rotated, and the traction rope 444 can pull the shielding plate 5 to one side, thereby opening the gap between the two photovoltaic panels 2, making it easier for the lightning rod 3 to extend out from the gap between the two photovoltaic panels 2. The shielding plate 5 can protect the lightning rod 3 when it is not in use, reducing the erosion of the lightning rod 3 by natural factors, slowing down the corrosion and aging rate of the lightning rod 3, thereby extending the service life of the lightning rod 3 and reducing maintenance costs.

[0059] In one embodiment, the traction member further includes: a first guide ring 445 disposed on the connecting frame 446 and through which the traction rope 444 passes for guiding the traction rope 444; and a second guide ring 447 disposed on the side of the connecting frame 446 away from the rack 442 and through which the traction rope 444 passes for guiding the traction rope 444.

[0060] This design is for reference. Figure 6 The first guide ring 445 and the second guide ring 447 are respectively set at different positions of the connecting frame 446, which can guide the movement direction of the traction rope 444, so that the traction rope 444 can drive the shielding plate 5 to move along the set direction. The first guide ring 445 and the second guide ring 447 can provide precise guidance for the traction rope 444, making the movement of the shielding plate 5 more accurate and stable, and able to accurately reach the designated position, so as to achieve effective shielding and precise protection for the lightning rod 3.

[0061] In one embodiment, the bottom end of the connecting frame 446 is provided with an isolation box 448 for protecting the gear 441 and the rack 442.

[0062] This design is for reference. Figure 4 ,as well as Figure 5 The photovoltaic bracket 1 is usually installed in an outdoor environment. Dust, sand, debris and other objects can easily accumulate on the gears 441 and rack 442. The isolation box 448 encloses the gears 441 and rack 442, effectively reducing the entry of external dust and dirt and keeping the transmission components clean.

[0063] In one embodiment, a limiting block 51 is provided on the side where the shield 5 is connected to the mounting bracket 14, and a limiting groove 1401 is provided on the mounting bracket 14 for the limiting block 51 to move.

[0064] This design is for reference. Figure 7 ,as well as Figure 10The limiting block 51 is set on the side where the baffle plate 5 is connected to the mounting frame 14 and is embedded in the limiting groove 1401 on the mounting frame 14. When the transmission mechanism 44 drives the baffle plate 5 to move, the limiting block 51 can move inside the limiting groove 1401, which can limit the movement of the baffle plate 5, ensuring that the baffle plate 5 can accurately reach the predetermined working position, and improving the accuracy and reliability of the equipment operation.

[0065] In one embodiment, the interior of the limiting groove 1401 is provided with an elastic element 52 for supporting the limiting block 51. The elastic element 52 is made of a damped spring or an elastic pad.

[0066] This design is for reference. Figure 7 ,as well as Figure 10 When the rotating shaft 42 drives the lightning rod 3 to extend from between the photovoltaic panels 2, the limiting block 51 moves inside the limiting groove 1401, squeezing the elastic element 52. At this time, the shielding plate 5 is stored under the photovoltaic panel 2. When the rotating shaft 42 drives the lightning rod 3 to flip down from the photovoltaic panel 2 and store it under the photovoltaic panel 2, the pulling force of the traction rope 444 on the shielding plate 5 gradually decreases. At this time, the elastic element 52 can push the limiting block 51 to make a reset movement, thereby making the shielding plate 5 reset and shield the lightning rod 3.

[0067] Furthermore, if the embodiments involve descriptions such as "first," "second," etc., these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relation to the specification. The significance or implied number of the indicated technical features is not specified. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

Claims

1. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support structure, characterized in that, include: A lightning rod (3) is installed on the bracket (1) and located in the gap between the two photovoltaic panels (2); An adjustment unit (4) is installed on the top frame (11) at the top of the bracket (1) and connected to the lightning rod (3) for adjusting the installation angle of the lightning rod (3); The shielding plate (5) is located on the mounting bracket (14) on the top frame (11) between the two photovoltaic panels (2) and connected to the adjustment unit (4), and is used to shield the top of the lightning rod (3) after the lightning rod (3) is placed under the photovoltaic panel (2).

2. The lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment unit (4) includes: The power component (41) is mounted on the fixed seat (13) on the top frame (11); A rotating shaft (42) is provided at the power output end of the power component (41), and the side of the rotating shaft (42) away from the power component (41) is provided on the side plate (12) on the top frame (11); A rotating block (43) is mounted on the rotating shaft (42) and connected to the lightning rod (3).

3. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustment unit (4) further includes: A transmission mechanism (44) is mounted on the rotating shaft (42) and connected to the shielding plate (5), and is used to adjust the installation position of the shielding plate (5) below the photovoltaic panel (2).

4. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (44) includes: Gear (441) is fixed on the rotating shaft (42); A connecting bracket (446) is disposed on the mounting bracket (14); A rack (442) is inserted through the connecting frame (446) on the side near the rotating shaft (42) and meshes with the gear (441); A traction component, mounted on the rack (442) and connected to the baffle plate (5), is used to drive the baffle plate (5) to move on the mounting frame (14) during the movement of the rack (442).

5. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 4, characterized in that: A movable block (4421) is provided at the position where the rack (442) connects to the connecting frame (446), and a movable groove (44601) is provided on the connecting frame (446) for the movable block (4421) to move.

6. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 4, characterized in that: The traction component includes: A fixing plate (443) is disposed on one side of the rack (442); The traction rope (444) is set on the fixed plate (443) and connected to the shield plate (5) on the side away from the fixed plate (443).

7. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 6, characterized in that: The traction component also includes: A first guide ring (445) is disposed on the connecting frame (446) and the traction rope (444) is passed through the first guide ring (445) for guiding the traction rope (444); The second guide ring (447) is disposed on the side of the connecting frame (446) away from the rack (442) and the traction rope (444) passes through the second guide ring (447) for guiding the traction rope (444).

8. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom end of the connecting frame (446) is provided with an isolation box (448) for protecting the gear (441) and the rack (442).

9. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 4, characterized in that: A limiting block (51) is provided on the side of the shield (5) connected to the mounting bracket (14), and a limiting groove (1401) is provided on the mounting bracket (14) for the limiting block (51) to move.

10. A lightning rod for a photovoltaic support according to claim 9, characterized in that: The limiting groove (1401) is provided with an elastic element (52) for supporting the limiting block (51).

Images