Balcony extension

Abstract

A balcony extension (10) comprises a bracket (11) designed for attachment to a railing (12) and a cooling element (13) held by the bracket (11) and designed to cool the air at the balcony extension (10). The balcony extension (10) is designed to provide a recess (14) for a solar module (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a balcony extension.

[0002] The recent hot summers have made it clear: urban heat islands resulting from climate change pose a problem. The most important adaptation strategy is the greening of cities, for example, through green roofs. Space-saving "vertical greenery" could also play a beneficial role in densely built-up cities. Trees, shrubs, and other plants can help cool the air. Balcony boxes with plants are a common sight on residential balconies.

[0003] Patent application US 2012 / 0036774 A1 describes a planted wall or facade.

[0004] For decentralized energy generation, solar panels can be mounted not only on roofs but also on balconies. Such balcony-mounted panels are becoming increasingly common. The electrical power output of a solar panel decreases with rising temperature.

[0005] Document DE 20 2011 102 615 U1 deals with a mobile photovoltaic system for private use, designed for balcony mounting. The system comprises a bracket with upper and lower mounting angles and a solar module. A support frame has a mounting device for attaching it to a balcony railing. The solar module can be mounted vertically or at an angle.

[0006] Document CN 2 07 484 673 U describes a balcony with a parapet and a balcony floor slab that extends beyond the parapet. A solar panel is positioned at an angle between the extension of the balcony floor slab and the parapet. A container with green plants is located on the balcony floor slab beneath the solar panel.

[0007] Document CN 2 07 583 183 U describes a device comprising a photovoltaic module, a plate, and a water storage tank. The photovoltaic module is mounted on the plate. Water can flow through an opening in the plate to the water storage tank.

[0008] Document DE 19 89 122 U describes a flower box holder for hanging on parapets with an adjustable mounting bracket.

[0009] Document DE 88 07 845 U1 deals with a trellis for balconies. The trellis has intersecting longitudinal and transverse bars for supporting and guiding plants. The wire mesh is multi-part.

[0010] Document WO 2009 / 139 586 A2 describes a photovoltaic module management system using a water jet. The water jet is used to clean and cool the photovoltaic module.

[0011] One technical problem to be solved is to specify a balcony extension that allows for air cooling.

[0012] This problem is solved by a balcony extension according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] In one embodiment, a balcony extension comprises a bracket and a cooling element. The bracket is designed for attachment to a railing. The cooling element is held by the bracket. The cooling element is designed to cool the air at the balcony extension. The balcony extension is designed to provide a recess for a solar panel.

[0014] The cooling element has the advantage of cooling the air on the balcony, especially in the area around the balcony overhang. The cooled air is pleasant for a person on the balcony. If a solar panel is mounted in the recess of the balcony overhang, it will also be cooled. This increases the solar panel's output when exposed to sunlight.

[0015] In one embodiment, the balcony extension includes one solar module. Alternatively, the balcony extension includes more than one solar module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the balcony extension includes a solar panel mounting bracket. The solar panel is attached to the solar panel mounting bracket. In another example, the solar panel mounting bracket is designed to also be attached to the railing. The solar panel mounting bracket is, for example, separate from the mounting bracket of the balcony extension. The mounting bracket of the balcony extension and the solar panel mounting bracket are, for example, unconnected.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket is designed to also hold the solar module. Thus, the solar module bracket is integrated with the balcony extension bracket. The balcony extension bracket and the solar module bracket are connected to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, the recess of the balcony extension is designed to provide a space for a solar module or for a solar module holder including the solar module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a fastening device that partially or completely encloses a handrail of the railing. The bracket further comprises two longitudinal parts connected to the fastening device. Additionally, the bracket comprises a receiving device connected to the two longitudinal parts. The cooling element is arranged on or in the receiving device or is attached to it.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bracket is designed such that there is an angle between the two longitudinal parts and the railing. The angle is greater than 5 degrees or greater than 10 degrees. In one example, the angle is adjustable.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bracket additionally comprises two spacer elements, which are connected at one end to the longitudinal parts or the receiving device. The two spacer elements are designed to adjust or create a distance between the receiving device and the railing.

[0022] In one embodiment, the spacers are designed to be length-adjustable. Advantageously, this allows the angle to be adjusted. Thus, the cooling element can be positioned close to the solar module or close to a lower edge of the solar module. The bracket can therefore be adapted to the solar module.

[0023] In one embodiment, the spacers are designed for attachment to the railing. This increases the stability of the balcony extension. Advantageously, even in windy conditions, the balcony extension does not move away from the railing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the two longitudinal sections and the railing are parallel. The aforementioned angle is 0 degrees. The solar panel hangs vertically downwards. Likewise, the two longitudinal sections hang vertically downwards. Thus, the balcony extension hangs vertically downwards.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cooling element comprises a water line and at least one spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is designed to dispense water as a mist. The at least one spray nozzle is directed, for example, towards the recess or the solar module. The water line can be a hose. The water line is attached to the bracket. The water line is attached, for example, to one longitudinal part of the two longitudinal parts and / or to the mounting device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cooling element comprises a planting substrate and at least one plant arranged in the planting substrate. The plant is, for example, a succulent such as a sedum, a typical balcony plant such as a geranium, or a climbing plant such as clematis, honeysuckle, or vetch.

[0027] The planting substrate is arranged, for example, in the receiving device. The receiving device is made, for example, of metal, such as light metal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cooling element comprises at least one planting container arranged in the receiving device. The planting substrate is located in the at least one planting container. The at least one planting container is, for example, a flowerpot or a planter box. The at least one planting container is, for example, made of plastic. The at least one planting container is easily removable from the receiving device. The at least one planting container has, for example, a handle. With the aid of a hook, the at least one planting container can be removed from or inserted into the receiving device. Thus, a plant can be replaced. Typically, the cooling element comprises several planting containers, for example, several flowerpots. Due to the low weight and small size of a single flowerpot, replacement is easily possible.

[0029] In one embodiment, the balcony extension is designed such that the receiving device is arranged or attached below the solar module and / or below the solar module bracket. Thus, the planter is arranged or attached below the solar module and / or below the solar module bracket.

[0030] In one embodiment, the width of the receiving device is greater than the width of the solar module mount or the solar module itself. The receiving device thus protrudes, for example, laterally from the solar module mount.

[0031] In one embodiment, the receiving device is arranged such that rain flows from the solar module into the receiving device. Advantageously, the plants receive sufficient water even in light rain.

[0032] In one embodiment, the balcony extension includes a climbing arrangement for plants. The climbing arrangement is connected to the support. For example, the climbing arrangement is connected to the receiving device and the fastening device. The climbing arrangement is designed, for example, so that a climbing plant climbs upwards from the receiving device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the climbing arrangement comprises wires connected to the support. In one example, the climbing arrangement includes a mounting rail connected to the support, to which the wires are attached at one end. The wires are connected, for example, at another end to the receiving device. In one example, the plants are positioned by means of the climbing arrangement in a plane between the solar panel and the railing. Thus, the plants are positioned further back from the sun to reduce or eliminate shading of the solar panel. For example, the plants are located either below the solar panel or in a plane between the solar panel and the railing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the solar module has transparent areas. This allows plants behind the solar module to receive light for growth. The transparent areas are located between the cells of the solar module.

[0035] In one embodiment, the bracket is made of metal, e.g. a light metal such as aluminium or titanium or an alloy with aluminium or titanium.

[0036] The solar module can also be called panels, solar panels, photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic system (abbreviated PV system).

[0037] In one embodiment, the solar module has a size of approximately 165 cm x 99 cm or 196 cm x 99 cm. The solar module can also have a different size. The long side of the solar module is parallel to, for example, the mounting device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the railing is a balcony railing, a roof terrace railing, a bridge railing, or a parapet. The railing serves, for example, as fall protection on a balcony, roof terrace, or bridge.

[0039] In one embodiment, the balcony extension can be retrofitted even if a solar module is installed.

[0040] In one embodiment, the balcony extension is designed for one, two or more than two solar modules.

[0041] In one embodiment, the balcony extension is designed as a planting and climbing structure for greening solar modules. The planting system serves to green a balcony-mounted PV system without shading it. Cooling through evapotranspiration leads to an increase in the PV system's performance and ultimately to an improvement in the urban climate.

[0042] In one embodiment, the balcony extension allows plants to be cultivated easily and in a space-saving manner on the outside of the balcony, in the immediate vicinity and without shading the solar modules.

[0043] Balcony extensions offer a space-saving way to increase the area of ​​vertical greenery in urban environments. The extension is installed on the exterior of the balcony. Due to its placement, the plants create minimal shading. The balcony extension can be combined with a balcony power plant and does not compete with it. It allows for the integration of balcony power plants and vertical greening, even creating synergies: rainwater running off the panels is used to irrigate the plants. During dry periods, the plants can be watered by flushing the panels, which also increases the efficiency of dirty panels. The plants cultivated in the balcony extension and the water evaporating from the planters lower the ambient temperature (evapotranspiration), thus increasing the performance of the solar modules.Solar green roofs utilize this effect, which is also possible with balcony power plants thanks to the balcony extension described here. The balcony extension is variable in size and planting, allowing it to be used in conjunction with existing panels and different balcony railings.

[0044] Finally, greenery provides a visual upgrade to the often aesthetically unappealing balcony power plants. This can increase the acceptance of these balcony power plants, which are necessary for the energy transition.

[0045] In one embodiment, the balcony extension is designed as a planting system made of lightweight metal. Its mounting system is similar to that used for solar panels and is attached to the balcony behind them. The width of the balcony extension exceeds that of the PV panels, allowing climbing plants to grow laterally as well. The balcony extension can be manufactured in various sizes, which are based on the dimensions of the solar panels.

[0046] In one embodiment, the balcony extension features a box-shaped, lightweight metal receiving device located below the solar panel. This allows water to drain from the solar panels into the planter, which can be planted with suitable climbing plants (in custom-fit plastic pots). The plants climb laterally and, in the case of lattice balconies, upwards behind the solar panels on vertically tensioned stainless steel cables. To avoid exceeding the maximum load on the balcony railing, a lightweight planting substrate is used. Low-growing or trailing plants can also grow below the solar panels (e.g., with bifacial solar panels or solid balcony railings). Since many solar panels are mounted at an angle, the angle of the cables in the balcony extension is also adjustable; this allows for greenery to grow in close proximity to the solar panels without lateral shading.The adjustable wires can be easily slid past the horizontal part of the solar panel mounting for angle adjustment. The plastic pots can be individually removed from the balcony for replanting.

[0047] Further designs and developments of the balcony extension result from the ones associated with Fig. The exemplary embodiments are explained in Figures 1A to 4. Identical, similar, or similarly functioning parts are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension; Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension with a solar module. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows details of exemplary designs of a balcony extension; and Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension with a water pipe. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension 10. In Fig. 1A is a cross-section, in Fig. Figure 1B shows a front view of the balcony extension 10. The balcony extension 10 includes a bracket 11 which is attached to a railing 12. A balcony 15 encompasses the railing 12. The balcony extension 10 has a cooling element 13 which is held by the bracket 11. The cooling element 13 cools the air at the balcony extension 10.

[0048] The bracket 11 includes a fastening device 20, which is attached to the railing 12. The fastening device 20, for example, at least partially encloses a handrail 21 of the railing 12. The bracket 11 further includes a receiving device 24. The receiving device 24 is connected to the fastening device 20. Additionally, the bracket 11 includes two longitudinal parts 22, 23, which are connected to the fastening device 20 and to the receiving device 24, respectively. The cooling element 13 is arranged on the receiving device 24. An angle α exists between the two longitudinal parts 22, 23 and the railing 12. The angle α is between 5 degrees and 60 degrees or, alternatively, between 10 degrees and 40 degrees.

[0049] The bracket 11 additionally includes two spacer elements 25, which are connected to the longitudinal parts 22, 23 or the receiving device 24. The two spacer elements 25 create a distance between the cooling element 13 and the railing 12. The spacer elements 25 are attached to the railing 12.

[0050] In one example, the bracket 11 is designed so that the angle α is adjustable. The spacer elements 25 are, for example, length-adjustable. Thus, the bracket 11 can be manufactured in large quantities; on site, the bracket 11 can then be adjusted to the angle of the solar module 30 to the railing 12.

[0051] The cooling element 13 comprises a planting substrate 27 and at least one plant 28 arranged in the planting substrate 27. The planting substrate 27 is, for example, expanded clay; in this example, the planting substrate 27 is advantageously lightweight. The planting substrate 27 is arranged in the receiving device 24. In one example, the cooling element 13 comprises a planting container 36 located in the receiving device 24 (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. (3B shown). The planting substrate 27 is located in the planting container 36. The planting container 36 is, for example, a balcony box or a flower pot. The planting substrate 27 is located in the balcony box or flower pot. Alternatively, the cooling element 13 comprises several planting containers 36, for example, several flower pots or several balcony boxes.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the balcony extension 10 has a recess 14 suitable for receiving a solar module 30. The recess 14 can also be called an opening or space. The recess 14 of the balcony extension 10 provides, for example, a space for a solar module mounting bracket 31 and the solar module 30, which is attached to the solar module mounting bracket 31. A first longitudinal section 22 of the two longitudinal sections connects one end of the receiving device 24 to the fastening device 20; a second longitudinal section 23 of the two longitudinal sections connects another end of the receiving device 24 to the fastening device 20.

[0053] Optionally, the bracket 11 includes two cross braces 34, 35. The cross braces 34, 35 increase the stability of the bracket 11.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the bracket 11 has at least one further longitudinal section. This at least one further longitudinal section connects the receiving device 24 to the fastening device 20. This increases the stability of the bracket 11.

[0055] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension 10 with a solar module 30, which is a further development of the one described in Fig. 1A and Fig. The embodiment of the balcony extension 10 shown in 1B is shown. Fig. 2A is a cross-section, in Fig. Figure 2B shows a front view of the balcony extension 10. The balcony extension 10 includes the solar module 30. The mounting device 24 is arranged or attached below the solar module 30. At least one plant 28 is arranged or attached below the solar module 30.

[0056] The width of the receiving device 24 is greater than the width of the solar module 30. The receiving device 24 is arranged such that rain flows from the solar module 30 into the planting substrate 27.

[0057] The balcony extension 10 includes a climbing arrangement 29 for plants, which is connected to the receiving device 24 and the support 11. The at least one plant 28 is a climbing plant. The at least one plant 28 climbs upwards from the receiving device 24. The climbing arrangement 29 includes wires 32. The wires 32 are attached at one end to the receiving device 24. The wires 32 are attached at the other end to or connected with the mounting device 20 (see also Fig. 3B).

[0058] The balcony extension 11 includes a solar module mounting bracket 31. The solar module mounting bracket 31 holds the solar module 30. The width of the mounting device 24 is greater than the width of the solar module mounting bracket 31.

[0059] In Fig. In 2B, the solar module 30 is positioned at a distance from a plane spanned by the longitudinal members 22, 23. The solar module 30 is located in front of this plane.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the solar module 30 is in the plane spanned by the longitudinal parts 22, 23.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the holder 11 additionally holds the solar module 30. The solar module holder 31 and the holder 11 are thus integrated together.

[0062] Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension 10 with climbing arrangement 29, which is a further development of the one described in Fig. The embodiments of the balcony extension 10 shown in Figures 1A to 2B are described below. The climbing arrangement 29 includes a mounting strip 33 connected to the bracket 11. The wires 32 are attached to the mounting strip 33. The length of the wires 32 can be adjusted, for example, with a clamp 38. This allows the length of the wires 32 to be adjusted even if the angle α changes. If a plant 28 spreads across the front of the solar module 30, it can be trimmed, for example. A plant spreading across the front would cause shading and thus reduce the electrical output of the solar module 30.

[0063] Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension 10, which is a further development of the one described in Fig. The embodiments of the balcony extension 10 shown in Figures 1A to 3A are as follows: The balcony extension 10 has a number of plant containers 36. These plant containers 36 are located in the receiving device 24. A plant container 36 can be removed from the balcony 15 using a rod-shaped device 37. For example, one or more recesses are located below the rim of the plant container 36, into which the end of the device 37 is inserted to pull the plant container 36 upwards out of the receiving device 24. The device 37 is, for example, designed as a gripping tool.

[0064] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a balcony extension 10 with a cooling element 13, which is a further development of the one described in Fig. The embodiments of the balcony extension 10 shown in Figures 1A to 3B are described below. The cooling element 13 comprises a water line 40 and at least one spray nozzle 41. The at least one spray nozzle 41 emits water as a mist 42. The water line 40 is attached to the support 11. For example, the water line 40 is attached to the receiving device 24. At the other end, the water line 40 is connected to a tap or a water tank. In one example, a pump pumps water from the water tank into the water line 40.

[0065] The cooling element 13 can include both the water line 40 and the at least one spray nozzle 41, as well as the plants 28. The ones in the Fig. The embodiments shown in 1A to 3B can be combined with the one shown in Fig. 4 can be combined with the embodiment shown.

[0066] For example, owners and buyers of balcony power plants desire the highest possible yield from their PV system. An increase in yield is to be achieved through cooling (evapotranspiration) by means of the plants 28 cultivated in the balcony extension 10. The solar module 30 is not shaded by the balcony extension 10, thus preventing any loss of performance. Another requirement is the improvement of the microclimate of the balcony 15 and its value as a recreational space.

[0067] Greenery generally has not only a cooling effect but also a positive psychological one. In the case of the balcony extension 10, rainwater from the solar modules 30 is channeled into the collection device 24 and thus optimally utilized. The collection device 24 is, for example, designed as a planting trough. Uniform greening of the balcony power plants can contribute to the value of a property. The balcony extension 10 can also be used for greening without a balcony power plant. The consequences of climate change in cities can be countered with more greenery. Greening many small units, such as balconies 15, can collectively contribute to improving the urban climate. Competition between greenery and solar modules 30 should be avoided if both – the energy transition and adaptation to climate change – are to be achieved. This is promoted by systems like the balcony extension 10.

[0068] In one embodiment, the balcony extension 10 combines greening of the building and energy generation with photovoltaics. The balcony extension 10 is designed in such a way as to avoid the safety risk of falls. Since the suspension is similar to that of a PV system, the risk is not significantly increased. Access via the balcony 15 minimizes maintenance; ladders or scaffolding are generally not required. An advantage is the ability to combine it with PV panels without shading them.

[0069] Although the invention has been explained with reference to embodiments, modifications, variations and combinations can be made without going beyond the scope of the present invention. Reference sign 10 Balcony extension 11 bracket 12 railings 13 cooling element 14 recess 15 balconies 20 Fastening device 21 Handrail 22, 23 longitudinal parts 24 Recording device 25 spacer elements 27 Planting substrate 28 plants 29 Climbing arrangement 30 solar modules 31 Solar panel mounting 32 wire 33 Mounting strip 34, 35 Cross stiffeners 36 planters 37 device 38 clamping bracket 40 Water pipe 41 Spray nozzle 42 Fog α angle

Claims

[1] Balcony extension (10), comprising - a bracket (11) designed for attachment to a railing (12), and - a cooling element (13) which is held by the bracket (11) and is designed to cool the air at the balcony extension (10), wherein the balcony extension (10) is designed to provide a recess (14) for a solar module (30), the bracket (11) comprises - a fastening device (20) that at least partially encloses a handrail (21) of the railing (12), - two longitudinal parts (22, 23) which are connected to the fastening device (20), - a receiving device (24) which is connected to the two longitudinal parts (22, 23) and on which the cooling element (13) is arranged, and - two spacer elements (25) which are connected to the longitudinal parts (22, 23) or the receiving device (24) and are designed to adjust a distance between the cooling element (13) and the railing (12), wherein the bracket (11) is designed such that the two longitudinal parts (22, 23) have an angle (α) to the railing (12) and that the angle (α) is adjustable, wherein the cooling element (13) comprises a planting substrate (27) and at least one plant (28) arranged in the planting substrate (27), and / or wherein the cooling element (13) comprises a water line (40) and at least one spray nozzle (41) designed to release water as a mist. [2] Balcony extension (10) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer elements (25) are designed to be length-adjustable, and wherein the spacer elements (25) are designed for attachment to the railing (12). [3] Balcony extension according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the balcony extension (10) is designed such that the receiving device (24) is arranged under the solar module (30). [4] Balcony extension (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a width of the receiving device (24) is greater than a width of a solar module (30). [5] Balcony extension (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the balcony extension (10) includes a climbing arrangement (29) for plants (28), and wherein the climbing arrangement (29) is connected to the support (11). [6] Balcony extension (10) according to claim 5, wherein the climbing arrangement (29) comprises wires (32) which are connected to the support (11). [7] Balcony extension (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the balcony extension (10) comprises a solar module (30). [8] Balcony extension (10) according to claim 7, wherein the receiving device (24) is arranged such that rain flows from the solar module (30) into the planting substrate (27). [9] Balcony extension (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the holder (11) is designed to hold the solar module (30), or wherein the balcony extension (10) includes a solar module holder (31), and the solar module (30) is attached to the solar module holder (31).

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