Solargitterkonstruktion

Abstract

Grid structures consisting of horizontal and vertical bars with at least one photovoltaic module woven into the grid.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a grid structure, preferably consisting of at least one grid element attached to at least one fixed component, such as a fence post or wall, and at least one photovoltaic module. The grid is composed of horizontal and vertical bars.

[0002] Bar mesh elements in the form of a mesh mat are typically used to demarcate and fence off properties, particularly at industrial facilities or sports venues, as well as private properties. These mesh fences can consist of either single or double bar mesh, but also of flat bar mesh. The bars are typically made of round steel. In double bar mesh, the horizontal bars are always double, i.e., two parallel bars are connected to each other by vertical bars, with the mats being welded together at the intersection points of the bars. In flat bar mesh, the vertical bars consist of a round bar, with a horizontal flat bar welded to the respective round wires. Single bar mesh consists of one round bar each, vertically and horizontally.The mesh panels are mounted on fence posts using various fastening options, such as profile or clamp rails. Clamp or bracket fastenings, as well as hook bolts or clamping devices, are also used. Mesh elements in the form of mobile fences are typically single-bar mesh panels enclosed by a surrounding round tube frame. These are usually set into concrete bases and connected to each other using various types of clamp fastening. Mesh elements in the structure of a gabion preferably have a double-bar or single-bar mesh panel structure.

[0003] When using mesh elements as property boundaries or fencing to prevent views onto properties, privacy strips can be woven into the mesh panels, as described, for example, in DE 20 2009 010 994 U1. These privacy strips allow a mesh fence to be converted into an opaque fence, both during construction and for subsequent installation.

[0004] It's also common to equip fences with photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electrical energy. Typically, several solar modules, each consisting of an array of solar cells, are connected together. One option is to attach solar panels to fences, either by replacing a single panel of the fence with a solar module or by mounting solar panels on existing mesh fences.

[0005] However, these common solutions have the disadvantage that they require reinforced fence foundations due to the heavy weight of the solar modules, which leads to higher costs, as existing fence posts may need to be replaced. Especially when solar modules are added later, the stability of the fence can be compromised if the foundation is not designed to support the additional weight.

[0006] The present invention solves this problem by providing a lattice structure that can be easily and reliably equipped with solar modules without the need to reinforce the foundation. This is achieved through the use of specially manufactured solar modules, with the cells mounted on a flexible carrier material as photovoltaic modules. These modules are very lightweight and allow the fence to be retrofitted with solar modules without compromising the stability of the fence. These special solar modules are equipped with an extremely flexible and durable material between the individual cells, allowing the modules to be folded between the cells. This foldability allows the panel to be folded 180° and even used in this state.This makes it possible to wrap the solar strip completely around a fence panel, making optimal use of the front and back of the panel with a single strip, making the panel bifacial. The cells are precisely positioned so that, once installed, they rest directly on the poles, facing the sun, thus ensuring optimal energy absorption. Other products on the market do not offer this advantage, and the poles cast shadows and generate increased heat in these areas, which negatively impacts durability and efficiency. Thanks to its special design, this product can be used on lattice structures in military crisis or operational areas, even when conventional fence posts are not used.If the grid structure is secured using a different mounting method such as wooden posts or tree trunks, or if other mounting methods are conceivable, the panel can also be wrapped around this grid attachment and securely fastened. The lashing eyes at the ends also ensure a secure installation. This is an advantage wherever quick, easy installation is required. Even with a different mounting method, the product can be fully utilized for energy generation.

[0007] The panel is covered with a woven decorative material on the back, clearly distinguishing it from other products. When installed, it doesn't suggest that this is a solar panel. Rather, it suggests that a decorative privacy screen was used. The decorative material on the back consists of an applied woven fiber material, which also has sound-insulating properties. These properties can be further enhanced if the panel is installed in one piece over the post without interruption, covering all gaps between the post and the mesh. The sound-insulating fiber material applied to the back can also be color-matched for a wide range of applications.It is used in agriculture and forestry operations or in the military sector, where a certain color coordination or pattern is required or desired. This is therefore the only solar panel that offers the option of customizing the back. Conventional solar panels do not have this feature, as they can usually only be produced in simple black tones. The product therefore has the advantage of blending in visually with the surroundings, as is particularly necessary in military use. Furthermore, all public institutions such as hospitals and kindergartens can be provided with a custom-colored back. Not only patterns and colors, but also images can design the back of the panels. These design options are particularly advantageous because the back of the panel is always exposed and visible in practice.

[0008] Thanks to their extreme flexibility and foldability, the modules can be compactly packaged, thus ensuring additional cost savings during transport to the customer and CO2-optimized transport. The compact packaging and low weight enable easy handling. This means the product can be quickly transported to the site and set up in military applications, such as in crisis or disaster zones. The product's enormous flexibility also enables its use in rescue services for emergency lamps or simply as a fast power source wherever a connection to the normal power grid is not guaranteed. For the aforementioned applications, the product can even be attached to or around other objects to ensure optimal use of the energy generated.

[0009] Preferably, the solar modules have a width that corresponds to the distance between adjacent horizontal or flat bars of the grid. This completely covers the space between the bars, allowing both opaque privacy and full use of this area for power generation.

[0010] The solar modules can also be of a length that corresponds to the distance between adjacent fence posts, thus covering the entire area between the slats and fence posts. The panel can also be of a length that extends beyond the nearest fence post, thus allowing the fence posts to be completely concealed. This design also results in an opaque screen and optimal use of the space for power generation.

[0011] The solar modules are strip-shaped and flexible between the individual cells, which makes it easier to weave the modules into the mesh panel. This flexible design allows for easy installation, even by inexperienced users, and can be easily retrofitted to the fence. The modules are so durable that they can also be used in objects other than mesh panel fences. Because they are foldable and can be folded down, these modules can also be used in gabions. When used in gabions, accent strips can also be created, which can also be used to generate energy. The panel can be used on all products equipped with mesh bars, which enables it to be used on construction fences or even mobile fences for festivals. It is a quickly installed energy supplier wherever temporary energy is required.The panel offers the particular advantage of being quickly adjustable and repositionable. This allows the fence to be subsequently corrected without having to remove the product, which is particularly useful for construction or mobile fences when a fence section needs to be opened to provide an exit or entrance. The strip can be made to measure for universal use in design structures. It is even possible to connect the panels to a rigid fence mat and, in addition, to a gate system in one piece, as the panel can be folded 180°, thus still allowing the gate leaf to open 180°. The 180° foldability of the panel is also possible in both directions. This means that stationary parts of the fence system can be combined with movable parts in one piece without having to break the connection.It is also possible to upgrade waste enclosures and heat pump enclosures based on grid technology with the panels.

[0012] Use in gate systems with bar mesh infill is also possible. The movable and foldable design sets this module apart from conventional flexible or semi-flexible strip modules. With these conventional modules, slight overstretching during installation can cause damage to the cells, leading to increased heat generation and a loss of performance. However, this invention uses rigid cells constructed with an extremely resilient carrier material on the front and back, making them significantly more robust and durable thanks to the flexible connection. Even when installed by a layperson, damage, as is the case with conventional flexible or semi-flexible modules, is impossible.

[0013] Thanks to its 180° foldability, the product can be placed around corners. The lashing eyes on all corners of the panel provide theft protection, allowing the panel to be secured around the last bar of the fence panel or the fence post, for example. This feature enables concealed cable installation, minimizing injuries. No additional product is required to cover the connectors. This protects the product from vandalism. Likewise, animals cannot injure themselves on exposed cables. The use of low voltage further minimizes the risk of injury. The risk of electric shock and fire is also reduced because the metal bars of the grid are not in direct contact with the front of the cells. Conventional products do not offer this advantage due to their different design.

[0014] The basic structure of the product therefore differs significantly from other products used for this purpose.

[0015] The product is reusable and does not take on the shape of the mesh fence, and can also be easily removed for maintenance purposes. With conventional flexible solar panels for mesh panels constructed according to the latest technology, frequent installation and removal leads to cell breakage or damage. This product differs significantly in this respect, as its 180° foldability in both directions prevents damage. In addition, the cells are extremely resilient.

[0016] Other variants and embodiments of the invention are described in the further subclaims. An example of the implementation of the invention is explained with reference to the drawings, which are described in detail below. They show: • Fig. shows a view of a mesh mat with fence posts and solar modules. • Fig. shows a section along the line II - II from Fig. . • Fig. shows the top view of the grid mat with fence posts (corner formation) and solar modules, which are in Fig. are shown.

[0017] The selected fence design consists of a mesh panel 1 attached to fence posts 2. The fastening is achieved using screw connections, which are not shown in the illustration. These screws can, for example, be connected to profile rails that clamp the mesh panel to the fence posts. Various other mounting options are also possible, such as clamps, support brackets, clamps, hook screws, or tension brackets, which are then screwed to the fence posts.

[0018] The mesh mat 1 consists of horizontal bars 11 and vertical bars 12. In the selected example, two horizontal bars 11 are arranged parallel, with vertical bars 12 positioned between them. At the intersection points, the horizontal bars 11 are connected to the vertical bars 12 by welding.

[0019] Fence post 2 has a generally rectangular shape and features drilled holes at regular intervals for the screws to engage. It is usually made of steel and hot-dip galvanized or strip-galvanized (DX51D-Z) with an additional polyester powder coating. At the top of the fence post is a cap 21, usually made of plastic or metal, which closes the fence post.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, the fence contains several photovoltaic modules formed by solar modules 3. These solar modules 3 are woven into the mesh mat 1 and have a strip-shaped design. Since they are semi-flexible, they can be easily woven into the mesh mat. Their width approximately corresponds to the distance between adjacent horizontal bars 11, and their length corresponds to the distance between adjacent fence posts 2. Thus, each solar module 3 covers a section of the mesh mat 1 between two adjacent horizontal bars and the adjacent fence posts. If each gap in the mesh mat is filled with a solar module 3, a complete privacy screen is created.

[0021] The solar module 3 is significantly more flexible between the cells (semi-flexible) than a conventional solar module. It can, for example, be based on organic solar cells, particularly polymeric organic solar cells arranged in or on the substrate. This could also be coated with a thin layer of organic solar cells.

[0022] In this example, solar module 3 is divided into three parts and consists of an anode, a generator layer, and a cathode. A metallically conductive polymer film can be used as the anode, onto which the generator layer is applied, which is then covered by a transparent, also metallically conductive polymer film as the cathode. Other designs are also possible.

[0023] The solar modules 3, which are woven into the grid mat 1, can be connected either in parallel or in series. The type of connection depends on the intended use, for example, whether the generated electricity is to be fed directly to one or more consumers or into the public grid. Common connection options are used for this purpose.

[0024] This invention creates a simple and extremely flexible way to generate electricity from solar energy, which can also be easily retrofitted to existing fences and lattice structures. Given the large number of private and commercial properties, as well as public facilities, surrounded by mesh fences, the potential for using solar energy to generate electricity becomes clear. The use of this invention can make a significant contribution to the transition to solar-based electrical energy generation. 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] DE 20 2009 010 994 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Grid structures consisting of horizontal and vertical bars with at least one photovoltaic module woven into the grid. [2] Claim 1, is characterized by that the modules have a width that usually corresponds to the distance between the horizontal bars. [3] Claims 1 and 2, is characterized by that the modules have a length that usually corresponds to the length of one or more lattice structures at the same time. [4] The module of the above claims is characterized by that it has a striped structure. [5] The module of the above claims is characterized by that it has rigid cells connected by extremely flexible support material. [6] The module of the above claims is characterized by that it can be folded 180° in both directions between the cells. [7] The module of the above claims is characterized bythat it can be installed in corner formations without interruption. [8] The module of the above claims is characterized by that it can be mounted in one piece across fixed and movable structures. [9] The module of the above claims is characterized by that it operates at low voltage to reduce the risk of injury. [10] The module of the above claims is characterized by that the woven modules are connected in series. [11] The module of the above claims is characterized by that the woven modules are connected in parallel. [12] The module of the above claims is characterized by that the back can be designed individually.

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