Photovoltaic power generation device

Abstract

The invention provides a photovoltaic power generation device which can prevent a support from being blown away even if strong wind applies lift force to a solar cell panel. A photovoltaic power generation device is provided with: a solar panel; and a holder that supports the solar cell panel and has a fixing portion that fixes the solar cell panel, the fixing portion separating at least a portion of the solar cell panel from the holder when a first lift force, which is a lift force greater than a predetermined lift force, is applied to the solar cell panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Various photovoltaic power generation devices incorporating solar panels and supports for fixing the solar panels have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a photovoltaic power generation device installed on a roof. In this photovoltaic power generation device, the support and the roof are bonded together by bonding materials such as adhesives.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-213878 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Because strong winds exert lift on solar panels, the support structures can sometimes be blown off the roof. In this case, there is a risk that the bonding material may peel off and be damaged along with a portion of the roof. This problem is common to photovoltaic power generation devices mounted on any structure other than a roof.

[0005] The present invention can be implemented in the following ways.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device is provided. The photovoltaic power generation device includes: a solar panel; and a support for supporting the solar panel and having a fixing part for fixing the solar panel, wherein the fixing part causes at least a portion of the solar panel to separate from the support when a first lift force greater than a predetermined lift force is applied to the solar panel.

[0007] According to this photovoltaic power generation device, when the fixing part applies a first lift force, which is greater than a predetermined lift force, to the solar panel, at least a portion of the solar panel separates from the support, thus preventing the first lift force from being applied to the support as well. This, in turn, prevents damage to the mounting portion on which the support is installed.

[0008] (2) In the photovoltaic power generation device described above, the solar panel may have grid lines that serve as the path for the generated electricity, the fixing part is conductive, the fixing part clamps the end of the solar panel, and the fixing part further has: an electrodissociable adhesive layer that bonds the solar panel and the bracket, and the adhesive force is reduced by energizing; and a protrusion that protrudes downward and is configured to contact the grid lines when the first lifting force is applied to the solar panel.

[0009] According to this photovoltaic power generation device, the fixing part includes: an electrodissociative adhesive layer that bonds the solar panel and the support, and whose adhesive force is reduced by energizing; and a protrusion that contacts the grid lines when a first lifting force is applied to the solar panel. Therefore, when a first lifting force is applied to the solar panel, the electricity flowing through the grid lines flows to the electrodissociative adhesive layer through the protrusion, thereby reducing the adhesive force of the electrodissociative adhesive layer. Thus, the solar panel to which the first lifting force has been applied can be separated from the support.

[0010] (3) In the photovoltaic power generation device described above, the fixing part may also clamp the end of the solar panel, and the fixing part may also have a blade part that protrudes downward and causes the solar panel to break when the first lifting force is applied to the solar panel.

[0011] According to this photovoltaic power generation device, the fixing part has a blade-like portion that causes the solar panel to break when a first lift force is applied. Therefore, the solar panel will break when the first lift force is applied. As a result, wind blowing from below the solar panel can pass through the broken portion of the solar panel. That is, since the lift force applied to the solar panel is reduced, the lift force applied to the support can be reduced.

[0012] (4) The photovoltaic power generation device described above may also include: a sensor installed on the solar panel and emitting a signal when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel; and a fracture portion that causes the solar panel to break when it receives the signal from the sensor.

[0013] This photovoltaic power generation device includes: a sensor mounted on the solar panel that sends a signal when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel; and a fracture section that causes the solar panel to break when the signal is received from the sensor, thus breaking when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel. As a result, wind blowing from below the solar panel can pass through the fractured portion of the solar panel. That is, since the lift force applied to the solar panel is reduced, the lift force applied to the support structure can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the photovoltaic power generation device of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the photovoltaic power generation device of the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating the photovoltaic power generation device of the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] A. Implementation Method 1:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a photovoltaic power generation device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation device 100 is installed on the roof R of a building and generates electricity using solar energy. The photovoltaic power generation device 100 includes a solar panel 110 and a support frame 120.

[0020] Furthermore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the accompanying drawings are mutually orthogonal axes. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the accompanying drawings of this invention are for illustrative purposes. Also, the +Z direction is referred to as the "upward direction," and the -Z direction is referred to as the "downward direction."

[0021] <Structure of Solar Panel 110>

[0022] The solar panel 110 is constructed by combining multiple solar cell units. The solar panel 110 has a rectangular plate-like shape. Within the solar panel 110, grid lines 111 are arranged in a grid pattern. The grid lines 111 serve as the path for the electricity generated by the solar panel 110.

[0023] <Structure of 120 support>

[0024] The bracket 120 supports the solar panel 110. In this embodiment, the bracket 120 is fixed to the roof R, which is the mounting location, using adhesive. A pair of brackets 120 are provided to support the two ends of the solar panel 110 in the X-axis direction, respectively. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the bracket 120 has an L-shaped appearance. The bracket 120 is made of any material such as metal or resin. In this embodiment, the bracket 120 is made of a conductive metal. Such metal is, for example, aluminum.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 Indicates along Figure 1 The cross section of line II-II. It can also be said that... Figure 2 This represents the cross-section of the photovoltaic power generation device 100 cut along a plane parallel to the X and Z axes. Figure 2 The image shows the end of the photovoltaic power generation device 100 on the -X direction side; other parts are omitted. (See image for details.) Figure 2 As shown on the left, the bracket 120 has a support portion 121 and a fixing portion 122. The support portion 121 contacts the roof R in the -Z direction and supports the fixing portion 122 in the +Z direction. The support portion 121 functions as a base in the photovoltaic power generation device 100.

[0026] The fixing part 122 secures the solar panel 110. Specifically, the fixing part 122 clamps the end of the solar panel 110 in the -X direction in the Z direction. Furthermore, when a first lift force, greater than a predetermined lift force, is applied to the solar panel 110, the fixing part 122 of the present invention causes at least a portion of the solar panel 110 to separate from the support 120. Details will be described later. The fixing part 122 has a fixing body part 123, an electrolytic adhesive layer 124, and a protrusion 125. The fixing body part 123 has a U-shaped profile in a cross-section parallel to the X and Z axes. The end of the solar panel 110 is accommodated in the fixing body part 123.

[0027] An electrolytic adhesive layer 124 is configured to fill the space between the fixing body portion 123 and the end of the solar panel 110. The electrolytic adhesive layer 124 bonds the fixing body portion 123 and the end of the solar panel 110. The electrolytic adhesive layer 124 is composed of an adhesive whose adhesive strength decreases upon application of electricity. This adhesive has the property of undergoing a chemical structure change upon application of electricity, resulting in a decrease in adhesive strength. For example, this adhesive contains a compound having a catechol group. The catechol group undergoes an oxidation reaction upon application of voltage, changing its structure to a quinone group. This structural change reduces the adhesive strength.

[0028] A protrusion 125 is provided at the end of the fixing part 122 in the +X direction and protrudes toward the solar panel 110 (towards the -Z direction). The protrusion 125 is configured to penetrate the solar panel 110 and contact the grid lines 111 when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110.

[0029] <Explanation of the function of fixing part 122>

[0030] Figure 2 The right side shows the state where a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. In this invention, "lift force" refers to the force of wind entering below the solar panel 110 that lifts the solar panel 110 upwards. The "first lift force" in this invention is sufficient to lift the solar panel 110 and the support 120 together and detach the adhesive between the support 120 and the mounting location. The first lift force can be determined experimentally based on the size of the solar panel 110. When the first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the support 120, along with a portion of the adhesive, is blown away from the mounting location. At this time, if a waterproof sheet is installed at the mounting location, the waterproof sheet may sometimes break. As a result, not only may the photovoltaic power generation device 100 detach from the roof R, but water leakage may also occur in the building. Furthermore, even if the support 120 is not blown away, an upward force is still applied to the mounting location, and cracks may form at the mounting location, potentially causing the waterproof sheet to break.

[0031] In contrast, as in this embodiment, since the fixing part 122 has an electrolytically adhesive layer 124 and a protrusion 125, the solar panel 110 separates from the support 120 when a first lifting force is applied to the solar panel 110. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown on the right, when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the solar panel 110 flexes into an upwardly convex shape. At this time, the front end of the protrusion 125 penetrates the solar panel 110 and contacts the grid lines 111. Since the electricity generated by the solar panel 110 passes through the grid lines 111, the protrusion 125 is energized. Electricity flows from the protrusion 125 to the fixing body portion 123 and the electrolytic adhesive layer 124. The electrolytic adhesive layer 124 loses its adhesive strength due to the energization. As a result, the solar panel 110 separates from the fixing body portion 123. With the separation of the solar panel 110, the region AR1, which is lower than the solar panel 110, and the region AR2, which is higher than the solar panel 110, connect to form a wind path. Therefore, even when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, it is possible to prevent the support 120 from being blown away from its installation location.

[0032] According to the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment described above, since the fixing part 122 separates the solar panel 110 from the support 120 when the first lift force is applied to it, the support 120 can be prevented from being blown away along with the solar panel 110 due to the first lift force. This prevents damage to the waterproof sheet installed at the mounting location of the support 120 and suppresses potential water leakage in buildings. Furthermore, when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the solar panel 110, which contains resin material, separates while the support 120, which contains metal material, remains. Therefore, compared to the case where both the solar panel 110 and the support 120 are blown away, damage to surrounding structures caused by the blown-away object can be reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment, the fixing part 122 includes: an electrolytic adhesive layer 124 that bonds the solar panel 110 and the support 120 and whose adhesive force is reduced by energizing; and a protrusion 125 that contacts the grid lines 111 when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. Therefore, when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the electricity flowing through the grid lines 111 flows through the protrusion 125 to the electrolytic adhesive layer 124, thereby reducing the adhesive force of the electrolytic adhesive layer 124. As a result, the solar panel 110, to which the first lift force is applied, separates from the support 120, thereby preventing the support 120 from being blown away along with the solar panel 110 due to the first lift force. Furthermore, by energizing the protrusion 125 and the electrolytic adhesive layer 124 when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the solar panel 110 can be separated, thus enabling the separation of the solar panel 110 with a relatively simple structure.

[0034] B. Second implementation method:

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the photovoltaic power generation device 100b of the second embodiment. Figure 3 The left side indicates the state where no first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. Figure 3 The right side indicates the state where the first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. The difference between the photovoltaic power generation device 100b of the second embodiment and the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment is that any other adhesive is used instead of the electrolytic adhesive layer 124 to bond the solar panel 110, and the fixing part 122b has a blade portion 126 instead of a protrusion 125. Structures in the photovoltaic power generation device 100b not described below are the same as those in the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown on the left, the adhesive layer 130 bonds and fixes the main body 123 to the end of the solar panel 110. The adhesive layer 130 is made of any adhesive. The blade portion 126 protrudes downward. The blade portion 126 is achieved through any sharp structure. Figure 3 As shown on the right, when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the blade portion 126 causes the solar panel 110 to break. Through the breakage of the solar panel 110, a portion of the solar panel 110 separates from the support 120, and region AR1 connects with region AR2.

[0037] According to the photovoltaic power generation device 100b of the second embodiment described above, since the fixing part 122b has a blade part 126 that causes the solar panel 110 to break when a first lift force is applied to it, the solar panel 110 will break when the first lift force is applied. As a result, wind blowing from below the solar panel 110 can pass through the broken portion of the solar panel 110. Therefore, since the lift force applied to the solar panel 110 is reduced, the lift force applied to the support 120 can also be reduced.

[0038] C. Third implementation method:

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the photovoltaic power generation device 100c of the third embodiment. Figure 4 The left side indicates the state where no first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. Figure 4 The center and right side indicate the state where the first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110. The photovoltaic power generation device 100c of the third embodiment differs from the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment in that any other adhesive is used instead of the electrolytic adhesive layer 124 to bond the solar panel 110, the fixing part 122c does not have a protrusion 125, and a sensor 127 and a break part 128 are mounted on the solar panel 110. Structures in the photovoltaic power generation device 100c of the third embodiment that are not described below are the same as those in the photovoltaic power generation device 100 of the first embodiment and the photovoltaic power generation device 100b of the second embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown on the left, sensor 127 is mounted on the lower surface of solar panel 110. Sensor 127 detects deformation of solar panel 110. Specifically, sensor 127 sends a signal when a first lift force is applied to solar panel 110. Sensor 127 has a first portion 127a and a second portion 127b. Figure 4 As shown in the center, when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110, the sensor 127 deforms, causing the relative positions of the first part 127a and the second part 127b to shift. This causes a signal to be emitted by closing a circuit provided within the sensor 127. The signal is then transmitted to the break portion 128.

[0041] When the fracture portion 128 receives a signal from the sensor 127, it causes the solar panel 110 to break. The fracture portion 128 may be, for example, a device that applies an impact to the solar panel 110 or a device that cuts the solar panel 110. In this embodiment, the fracture portion 128 is a device that applies an impact to the solar panel 110. Figure 4As shown on the right, the fracture portion 128 that receives the signal causes the solar panel 110 to break. Through the breakage of the solar panel 110, a portion of the solar panel 110 separates from the support 120, and region AR1 connects with region AR2.

[0042] The photovoltaic power generation device 100c of the third embodiment described above includes: a sensor 127 mounted on the solar panel 110, which sends a signal when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110; and a fracture portion 128 that causes the solar panel 110 to fracture when it receives a signal from the sensor 127, thus causing the solar panel 110 to fracture when the first lift force is applied. As a result, wind blowing from below the solar panel 110 can pass through the fracture portion of the solar panel 110. Therefore, since the lift force applied to the solar panel 110 is reduced, the lift force applied to the support 120 can also be reduced.

[0043] D. Other implementation methods:

[0044] (D1) In the above embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation devices 100, 100b, and 100c are installed on the roof R of the building, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The photovoltaic power generation devices 100, 100b, and 100c can be installed at any location.

[0045] (D2) In the above embodiments, the bracket 120 and the mounting portion are bonded together with an adhesive, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The bracket 120 and the mounting portion can be fixed together with any component such as bolts or double-sided tape.

[0046] (D3) In the above embodiments, a waterproof sheet is provided on the roof R, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any sheet can be provided on the roof R, and any coating agent can be applied.

[0047] (D4) In the first embodiment described above, the support 120 is made of aluminum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The support 120 may be made of any conductive material. Furthermore, the support 120 as a whole may not be conductive, and the electrical path in the support 120 from the protrusion 125 to the electrolytic adhesive layer 124 may be a conductive structure.

[0048] (D5) In the third embodiment described above, the sensor 127 has a first portion 127a and a second portion 127b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The sensor 127 can be any structure that emits a signal when a first lift force is applied to the solar panel 110.

[0049] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as necessary in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 100, 100b, 100c - Photovoltaic power generation device; 110 - Solar panel; 111 - Grid line; 120 - Bracket; 121 - Support part; 122, 122b, 122c - Fixing part; 123 - Fixing main body part; 124 - Electrolytic adhesive layer; 125 - Protrusion; 126 - Blade part; 127 - Sensor; 127a - Part 1; 127b - Part 2; 128 - Fracture part; 130 - Adhesive layer; AR1, AR2 - Area; R - Roof.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic power generation device, characterized in that, have: Solar panels; and A bracket that supports the solar panel and has a fixing part for securing the solar panel. When the fixing part applies a first lift force, which is greater than the predetermined lift force, to the solar panel, at least a portion of the solar panel is separated from the support.

2. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solar panel has grid lines that serve as the path for the generated electricity. The fixing part is conductive. The fixing part clamps the end of the solar panel. The fixing part also has: An electrolytically detachable adhesive layer that bonds the solar panel and the support, and whose adhesive strength decreases upon application of electricity; and The protrusion protrudes downward and is configured to contact the grid lines when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel.

3. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing part clamps the end of the solar panel. The fixing part also has a blade portion that protrudes downward and causes the solar panel to break when the first lifting force is applied to the solar panel.

4. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: A sensor, mounted on the solar panel, emits a signal when the first lift force is applied to the solar panel; and The fractured part causes the solar panel to break when it receives the signal from the sensor.

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