Photovoltaic system with multiple photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Photovoltaic system (2), comprising several posts (3) intended for installation in the ground, several beams (5) connecting the posts (3) to each other, and several photovoltaic modules (9) arranged on the beams (5), characterized in that the several beams (5) are fixed to the posts (3) via retaining structures (20), which retaining structures (20) provide a form-fit and force-fit connection for fixing the beams (5) to the posts (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic system with several photovoltaic modules.

[0002] In order to be able to use agricultural land, in particular, for both crop production or pastureland, as well as for generating electrical energy through photovoltaics, so-called agri-photovoltaic systems can be installed on such land. Through the use of agri-photovoltaic systems, agricultural land can be used not only for food production but also for energy generation through the installation of photovoltaic modules. Agri-photovoltaic systems can therefore be economically attractive, as the land can be used both for agricultural cultivation and for generating electrical energy.

[0003] Since photovoltaic modules in high-elevated agri-photovoltaic systems are mounted at a height of at least 2.10 m, the agricultural land is usually cultivated below the photovoltaic modules. If larger agricultural vehicles are to be able to work the agricultural land, a higher arrangement of the modules, for example, 5 m, is necessary. However, this sometimes results in more complex installation of the modules, as the support structures must be designed to be extremely stable, load-bearing, and resilient. Due to the horizontal arrangement of the photovoltaic modules, they are particularly exposed to weather influences such as strong winds, hail, or snowfall, and the associated significant stresses. Furthermore, due to their high positioning, the modules can only be reached for maintenance work with the help of additional equipment.

[0004] Alternatively, ground-level agri-photovoltaic systems are also possible. Here, the photovoltaic modules are arranged in rows, allowing cultivation of the agricultural land between the rows of modules. Ground-level systems can have an inclined or vertical orientation of the elevated photovoltaic modules. For example, the module rows can be arranged at intervals of around 10 meters to provide sufficient space for the use of agricultural vehicles between the rows. In addition to conventional monofacial modules, so-called bifacial modules can also be used, particularly with a vertically aligned module arrangement. Such bifacial modules can convert both solar energy that hits a front side and solar energy that hits a back side into electrical energy.Bifacial modules therefore have a high level of efficiency, and there is no need for complicated tracking that is adjusted to the position of the sun.

[0005] Such a photovoltaic system is disclosed, for example, in document EP 3 560 098 B1. Here, several bifacial photovoltaic modules are arranged upright in a supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises several posts anchored in the ground. Adjacent posts are connected to one another by crossbars, forming mounting fields for the arrangement of the photovoltaic modules. Through-holes are formed on the posts, into which a crossbar or its end can be accommodated. A disadvantage of such a system, however, is the limited flexibility due to the predetermined through-holes. The through-holes, which are predetermined at certain heights, can only compensate for irregularities in the soil of agricultural land to a limited extent.For example, when arranging posts on slopes, a specific position of the through-holes must be observed, so specially manufactured posts must be provided depending on the application. Furthermore, photovoltaic systems characterized by a simple structure would be desirable.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic system which at least partially avoids the above disadvantages, has a simple structure and can nevertheless hold photovoltaic modules stably.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a photovoltaic system comprising the features in independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

[0008] The invention relates to a photovoltaic system comprising a plurality of posts intended for installation in the ground and a plurality of bars, which bars connect the posts to one another. In addition, the photovoltaic system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules arranged on the bars. For each photovoltaic module, an upper bar and a lower bar can be provided, wherein the respective photovoltaic module rests on the lower bar and wherein the respective photovoltaic module abuts the respective upper bar. If the photovoltaic system is erected on a horizontally oriented ground surface, the bars can also have a horizontal orientation. The aforementioned respective upper bar and the aforementioned respective lower bar can run parallel to one another.

[0009] The plan is for the multiple transoms to be attached to the posts via retaining structures, which provide a positive and force-locking connection for securing the transoms to the posts. Such a retaining structure is simple in design and also allows for the posts to be securely attached to the transoms, resulting in an overall structure that is characterized by high stability in addition to its simple construction.

[0010] It has proven effective for the transoms to each form a groove, and for the support structures to each comprise a connecting element that is positively received in the respective groove. The connecting element may be firmly secured to the respective transom in the area of ​​the respective groove via at least one screw connection. With such designs, the transoms can be connected to the posts quickly and securely.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element may form at least one opening and the respective bolt may form at least one further opening, wherein the at least one opening in the connecting element and the at least one further opening in the bolt are arranged in alignment with one another. Furthermore, the at least one screw connection may pass through the at least one opening and the at least one further opening. Such embodiments enable a simple and uncomplicated connection of the respective bolt to the respective post via the respective holding structure. The holding structure may additionally comprise one or more washers which are located or positioned between the at least one screw connection and the bolt and / or between the respective screw connection and the connecting element.

[0012] Embodiments have also proven successful in which the connecting element comprises a base and two wings, with the two wings each projecting obliquely from the base, and the connecting element, which is positively received in the respective groove, is in surface contact with the transom via both the base and the two wings. Stability is further improved in such embodiments, and a force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the respective transom and the respective post can also be achieved in a simple manner via the respective support structure.

[0013] The connecting element may be constructed in one piece. This allows for simple manufacturing. Since a one-piece connecting element, unlike a multi-piece structure, has no connecting sections, such as weld seams, the stability of the overall construction is also increased.

[0014] It is also possible for the respective connecting element to be clamped to the respective post using a respective fastening element. State-of-the-art systems provide predefined fixed positions at which the connection between the transom and the post must be made. A clamped fastening offers the advantage that the transoms can be positioned at almost any vertical height on the post, thus providing a high degree of flexibility with regard to the desired vertical positioning of photovoltaic modules.

[0015] Furthermore, the respective fastening element may be attached to the respective connecting element via or with the aid of a screw connection. Such embodiments are also simple and stable.

[0016] The fastening element can be a flat iron.

[0017] The photovoltaic system can also be designed with two bars connected to each other via a common fastening element. In such designs, stability is further improved. Furthermore, fewer parts and components are required, resulting in a simpler photovoltaic system.

[0018] It is also conceivable for the respective support structure to include a screw clamp connection, through which the respective fastening element is secured to the post. Even with such designs, the transoms and the photovoltaic modules can be fixed to the post at any vertical height without being tied to predefined fixed positions.

[0019] The posts can be formed by H-profiles in various designs.

[0020] In particular, the posts may be made of metal or an alloy.

[0021] Designs in which two posts together with two bars each form a frame that runs completely around at least one photovoltaic module have also proven successful.

[0022] The photovoltaic modules can be designed in various forms using bifacial photovoltaic modules.

[0023] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a photovoltaic system according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a section of a photovoltaic system according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view of a section of a photovoltaic system according to the invention; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b each show perspective views of a holding structure according to the invention; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b each show further perspective views of a holding structure according to the invention.

[0024] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a definitive limitation.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a photovoltaic system 2 according to the invention, such as one that can be implemented, for example, as part of an agricultural photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system 2 is presently located on an agricultural area 12. Other areas, such as industrial open spaces, could also be suitable locations for a photovoltaic system 2 according to the invention.

[0026] The photovoltaic system 2 according to the invention is composed of a plurality of rows 4 running substantially parallel to one another, wherein a respective row 4 comprises a plurality of sections 10 and 11 arranged next to one another, of which a respective section 10 and 11 has a plurality of photovoltaic modules 9 positioned one above the other in the vertical direction.

[0027] In practice, rows 4 can be arranged offset from each other, for example, at a distance of 5m or 10m. The spacing of rows 4 is primarily based on the height of sections 10, 11, so that sections 10, 11 do not influence each other through shadows. The intended use of agricultural land 12 also plays a role in calculating the row spacing. With a larger spacing, it may be advisable to design the photovoltaic modules 9 as bifacial photovoltaic modules.

[0028] As already mentioned, the individual rows 4 of the photovoltaic system 2 are composed of numerous sections 10, 11. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, sections 10 each comprise 3x2 photovoltaic modules 9, whereas sections 11 each have only 3x1 photovoltaic modules 9. A different number of photovoltaic modules 9 is also conceivable for sections 10 and 11, respectively, so that the invention is not limited to the number of photovoltaic modules 9 shown.

[0029] The photovoltaic modules 9 are attached to posts 3, which are connected to each other via several crossbars 5. The posts 3 can preferably be sturdy H-profiles. Although such H-profiles are preferred, posts 3 with other geometries are also suitable for various embodiments of the photovoltaic system 9.

[0030] The posts 3 are anchored in a suitable manner, preferably in a vertical orientation, in the ground 6 of the surface 12. The manner in which the posts 3 are anchored in the ground 6 is particularly oriented towards the existing condition of the ground 6, so that the permanent stability of the posts 3 can be ensured. The plurality of bars 5 are attached to the posts 3 in a horizontal orientation. The posts 3 protrude into the ground.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a detailed section of a photovoltaic system 2 according to the invention and clarifies further details. This illustration of the photovoltaic system 2 according to the invention shows a row 4 with several previously described sections 10. The sections 10 are formed by the arrangement of several posts 3 arranged in a row, with the several bars 5 connecting the posts 3 being secured to adjacent posts 3 via retaining structures 20. The sections 10 are each composed of 3x2 photovoltaic modules 9, although in further embodiments, the number of photovoltaic modules 9 can vary or deviate from the number shown.

[0032] The photovoltaic modules 9 are attached to the preferably vertically aligned posts 3, which are connected to one another via a plurality of crossbars 5. The posts 3 are sufficiently anchored in the ground 6. The photovoltaic modules 9 are mounted on the crossbars 5 using a plurality of suitable fastening means 8. As shown in particular in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the bars 5 have a preferably continuous groove 7.

[0033] The multiple bars 5 are secured to the posts 3 via retaining structures 20. A retaining structure 20 is provided at each end of the bars 5. The retaining structures 20 provide a positive and non-positive connection for securing the bars 5 to the posts 3.

[0034] For example, in Fig. 3, in this case two photovoltaic modules 9 arranged next to one another are arranged between two vertically aligned posts 3. For proper installation of the photovoltaic modules 9, two preferably horizontally arranged bars 5 are required, which are each fastened at both ends to adjacent posts 3 by means of holding structures 20. The photovoltaic modules 9 are mounted on the posts 3 and the bars 5 in such a way that they are framed by the posts 3 and the bars 5. In the present case, two bars 5 and two posts 3 form a frame for two photovoltaic modules 9 each. The photovoltaic modules 9 are attached to the bars 5 by means of fastening means 8 (not shown here).

[0035] At post 3, which is in Fig. 3 is shown on the left, it is a post 3 which is located at the end of a row 4. The post 3 which is shown in Fig. 3, shown on the right, is a post 3 that separates adjacent sections 10 from each other. Using the support structures 20 according to the invention, bars 5 can be arranged on both posts 3 without having to make any significant modifications to the support structures 20.

[0036] In the following Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 5a, Fig. Figure 5b shows the support structures 20 for attaching the bars 5 to the posts 3 in detail. The posts 3 shown are each arranged centrally in a row 4.

[0037] As already mentioned, the respective retaining structures 20 are intended to provide a positive and non-positive connection for securing the bars 5 to the posts 3. Since the posts 3 are arranged centrally in a row 4, two retaining structures 20 are provided on each post 3, which are arranged on opposite sides of the posts 3.

[0038] Especially in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows that the bars 5 each have a preferably continuous groove 7. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the bars 5 to be provided with a groove 7 only in sections in the area of ​​the support structures 20. The support structures 20 each comprise a connecting element 23, which is positively received in the respective groove 7 of the bars 5. The connecting element 23 is non-positively secured to the respective bar 5 in the area of ​​the groove 7 via at least one screw connection 25. In the present embodiment, two screw connections 25 are provided.

[0039] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b also shows that the connecting element 23 has a base 32 and two wings 34, with the wings 34 projecting at an angle from the base 32. The connecting element 23 is formed in one piece.

[0040] To connect the transom 5 to the posts 3, a fastening element 22 is also provided, which is fastened on the one hand to the connecting element 23 and on the other hand to the post 3. While the fastening element 22 is attached to the connecting element 23, for example, by a further screw connection 24, in this case a clamping coupling is used for the connection to the post 3. A screw clamp connection 21 is provided for this purpose. The screw clamp connection 21 encloses a thin section of the post 3, which is designed here as an H-profile, thereby creating a force-fitting connection to the post 3. A screw 19 of the screw clamp connection 21 can extend through a recess in the fastening element 22, while a clamp provided in the area of ​​the screw head of the screw 19 bears against the post 3 under force. This allows the fastening element 22 to be easily secured to the post 3.Depending on the situation, however, a different design of the clamping connection of the fastening element 22 to the post 3 can also be provided, so that the invention is not limited to such a fastening.

[0041] Is post 3, as shown in the Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, around a post 3 arranged centrally in a row 4, it is possible to design the fastening element 22 in such a way that it serves as a common fastening element 22 for two connecting elements 23 arranged on both sides of the post 3 (cf. in particular Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b). Thus, at least two recesses can be provided in the fastening element 22, each of which serves to secure a respective screw clamp connection 21. The stability of the clamping fixation can thereby be further enhanced.

[0042] If the post 3 is located at the end of a row 4, the fastening element 22 can be easily adapted to the prevailing circumstances. For this purpose, for example, a shortened or halved length of the fastening element 22 can be provided, so that the fastening element 22 does not extend beyond the post 3 located at the end of a row 4.

[0043] The interaction of the fastening element 22 in conjunction with the screw clamp connection 21, the connection to the connecting element 23, and the reception of the connecting element 23 in the groove 7 of the bar 5 provides a possibility for the photovoltaic system 2 to be flexibly adapted to different ground conditions. For the connection via the screw clamp connection 21, no predetermined fixed positions are provided on the post 3. Rather, the screw clamp connection 21 can be clamped to the post 3 at almost any vertical position, whereby the photovoltaic modules 9 can be positioned at different vertical heights and uneven ground can be compensated for.

[0044] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols 2 photovoltaic systems 3 posts 4 rows 5 bars 6 Floor 7 grooves 8 fasteners 9 Photovoltaic module Section 10 Section 11 12 agricultural land 19 Screw connection 20 support structures 21 Screw clamp connection 22 Fastening element 23 Connecting element 24 screw connection 25 screw connection 32 Base 34 wings QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 560 098 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Photovoltaic system (2), comprising several posts (3) intended for installation in the ground and several bars (5) which connect the posts (3) to one another and several photovoltaic modules (9) which are arranged on the bars (5), characterized by that the plurality of bars (5) are fixed to the posts (3) via holding structures (20), which holding structures (20) provide a positive and non-positive connection for fixing the bars (5) to the posts (3). [2] Photovoltaic system (2) according to claim 1, in which the bars (5) each form a groove (7) and the holding structures (20) each comprise a connecting element (23) which is received in a form-fitting manner in the respective groove (7). [3] Photovoltaic system (2) according to claim 2, wherein the respective connecting element (23) is fixed in a force-locking manner to the respective bar (5) in the region of the respective groove (7) via at least one screw connection (25). [4] Photovoltaic system (2) according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the respective connecting element (23) forms at least one opening and in which the respective bar (5) forms at least one further opening, wherein the at least one opening of the connecting element (23) and the at least one further opening of the bar (5) are arranged in alignment with one another and wherein the at least one screw connection (25) passes through the at least one opening and the at least one further opening. [5] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connecting element (23) comprises a base (32) and two wings (34), wherein the two wings (34) each protrude obliquely from the base (32) and wherein the connecting element (23) received in a form-fitting manner in the respective groove (7) is in surface contact with the latch (5) both via the base (32) and via the two wings (34). [6] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the connecting element (23) is formed in one piece. [7] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the respective connecting element (23) is clamped to the respective post (3) by means of a respective fastening element (22). [8] Photovoltaic system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the respective fastening element (22) is fastened to the respective connecting element (23) via a screw connection (24). [9] Photovoltaic system (2) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the fastening element (22) is a flat iron. [10] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, in which two bars (5) are connected to one another via a common fastening element (22). [11] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 7 to 10, in which the respective holding structure (20) comprises a screw clamp connection (21) by means of which the respective fastening element (22) is clamped to the post (3). [12] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the posts (3) are formed by H-profiles. [13] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the posts (3) are made of metal or an alloy. [14] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which two posts (3) together with two bars (5) form a frame running completely around at least one photovoltaic module (9). [15] Photovoltaic system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which the photovoltaic modules (9) are formed by bifacial photovoltaic modules.

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