Modular system for mounting photovoltaic modules on transport infrastructure, preferably without a foundation, with predetermined breaking mechanism and automatic DC shutdown.

Abstract

Fastening system for photovoltaic modules on traffic infrastructure elements, in particular guardrails, bridge railings or linear tracks, characterized in that the system includes a predetermined breaking point for mechanical decoupling in the event of a force of at least 8 kN and an automatic shutdown in accordance with VDE AR-E 2100-712, thereby minimizing hazards to persons and infrastructure in the event of an accident.

Description

1. Classification into technical fields (IPC / CPC)

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system for photovoltaic modules along transport infrastructure. It falls particularly into the areas of: • H02S 20 / 20 - Carrier for PV modules • H02S 20 / 21 - Photovoltaics on transport infrastructure 2. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to a fastening system for photovoltaic modules for integration along linear traffic infrastructures such as guardrails, bridge railings, railway lines, canals or pipeline routes.

[0003] The system is specifically designed so that it can preferably be assembled without tools and without a foundation, thus enabling installation in infrastructure-sensitive or structurally restricted areas.

[0004] Safety monitoring and the avoidance of interventions in the subsoil or the existing route structure are integral components. 3. Background of the invention

[0005] The energy transition increasingly requires decentralized, space-saving and environmentally friendly solutions for electricity generation.

[0006] Current photovoltaic systems are predominantly installed on roofs or open spaces, which often leads to land conflicts with agriculture, nature conservation or infrastructure development.

[0007] Along transport routes such as motorways, country roads or railway lines, there are numerous previously unused marginal areas, especially between guardrails and parallel service roads.

[0008] These areas are often difficult to access due to structural limitations or are subject to restrictions regarding foundations, interventions in the subsoil, or changes to the existing structure.

[0009] A technical challenge therefore lies in providing a system that can be installed safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulations even under such conditions - ideally without costly foundation work or structural changes and taking into account safety standards (e.g. H4b classes). 4. Advantages of the invention

[0010] The proposed solution enables: • a space-saving use of existing roadside areas, without conflict with agricultural, urban planning or ecological land uses (keyword: space saving), • an environmentally friendly installation that preferably does without soil sealing or foundation work and is therefore particularly suitable for infrastructure-sensitive areas (environmental protection), • the preservation or even improvement of habitats for small animals, as covering certain peripheral areas can shade or protect habitats (animal welfare), • easy retrofitting on existing infrastructure, even in safety-relevant areas such as guardrails, without affecting the H4b protection class, • the integration of safety functions to reliably prevent electrical hazards (e.g. arcing) in the event of an impact. 5. Definitions of terms • Transport infrastructure elements:

[0011] Structural elements along transport routes, in particular guardrails, bridge railings, railway or canal lines, pipeline corridors and other comparable linear or stationary structures suitable for the installation of additional technical systems. • Break point:

[0012] A defined mechanical weakening that fails in a targeted and controlled manner under overload, e.g. by a shear pin according to strength class 10.9 or comparable mechanical release structures. • Shutdown in accordance with VDE AR-E 2100-712:

[0013] A protection concept for the automatic galvanic isolation of a DC circuit in the event of a fault, in which a shutdown occurs within a maximum of 30 ms, particularly due to a mechanical impact. • Tool-free assembly (preferred):

[0014] A preferred joining method that does not require stationary machining such as drilling, gluing or welding; alternatively, reversible screw or clamping mechanisms can be used. • Photovoltaic module:

[0015] A module for photovoltaic power generation, preferably designed as a shatterproof glass-glass module with integrated optical status indicator (e.g. green / red), with low segment voltage to reduce safety risks (e.g. ≤100V DC). 6. State of the art

[0016] PV systems on roofs and open spaces are known, as are, in some cases, noise barriers with integrated PV. Some publications, such as WO2025091743 A1, concern modular brackets for railings, but without mechanical decoupling or electrical safety shutdown. To date, no system is known that allows photovoltaic modules to be mounted directly onto existing infrastructure such as guardrails, bridge railings, or railway lines without a foundation or drilling, while combining mechanical and electrical safety functions. 7. Object of the invention

[0017] The goal is to provide a scalable, modular system for mounting photovoltaic modules that: • preferably can be mounted to existing infrastructure without a foundation or drilling, • in the event of an accident, mechanically decoupled (≥8 kN) and electrically switched off within ≤30 ms, • the H4b protection class and other safety-related requirements are not affected, • can be retrofitted to concrete bases, screw anchors or similar support systems, • remains usable along linear routes such as railways, canals, bridges or pipelines, • does not generate an electric arc >0.5J upon impact, • does not cause glare (e.g., due to a matte surface), • and can optionally be used as an advertising medium (e.g. with a printable area). 8. Solution according to the invention

[0018] The system includes: • a clamp with predetermined breaking point (shear pin steel 10.9), • a residual current device (RCD) with DC detection according to VDE AR-E 2100-712, • Glass-glass modules with splinter-free breaking edges, • Integrated LED status indicator (green = ready, flashing red = error), • Mounting on guardrails, bridge railings, concrete bases or screw anchors, • Optional arrangement in tooth structure with + / -10° inclination, • Cable routing in UV-resistant corrugated tubing inside the profile.

[0019] The system is retrofittable, preferably tool-free installation, and suitable for linear infrastructure areas with limited access. 9. Example implementation

[0020] A 100 m long test section on a federal motorway (Windzone2) will be mounted on existing Sigma guardrails using glass-glass modules (1200 × 600 mm, 420 W).

[0021] The modules are mounted at a 10° angle and secured via shear pins with a defined breaking force of 8 kN.

[0022] In the event of an impact, they detach in a controlled manner, fold backwards and activate an automatic DC shutdown within ≤30 ms at a segment voltage ≤ 100V.

[0023] The system meets the requirements for passive safety according to H4b and can be adapted for use at different heights. 11. Drawings

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments and are not to scale. Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of several PV modules (1) attached to a double-sided guardrail (3) by clamps (2). Cable ducts (4) and grounding elements (4) are mounted along the lower guardrail. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of a PV module (1) installed at an angle on a guardrail. A shear clip (2) connects the module to the residual current device (RCD) (3) and the grounding screw (4). Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of three PV modules arranged one behind the other with U-clamps (concealed break (1)) which are attached to a guardrail. Fig. Figure 4 shows a variant with aluminium support profile (1), LED strips, screw foundations (2) and RCD switch box (3) on a bridge connection with an inclination angle for water drainage (4).

[0025] The components shown in the drawings can be combined with each other as desired, provided they are technically compatible.

[0026] Fig. Figure 5 shows a freestanding version of the system with two concrete bases (4) on which steel supports (2) are mounted. A photovoltaic module (1) is attached via a sacrificial bracket (3). This version is particularly suitable for areas without direct infrastructure connections or where temporary installation is required. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2025091743 A1

[0016]

Claims

[1] Fastening system for photovoltaic modules on traffic infrastructure elements, in particular guardrails, bridge railings or linear tracks, characterized by that the system includes a predetermined breaking point for mechanical decoupling in the event of a force of at least 8 kN and an automatic shutdown in accordance with VDE AR-E 2100-712, thereby minimizing risks to persons and infrastructure in the event of an accident. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that it is preferably mounted without a foundation or drilling. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening is done via a ground screw anchor. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system is mounted on two or four concrete feet, with the rear feet being connected to the subsequent panel in the version with four concrete feet. [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the photovoltaic modules are designed as glass-glass modules with a splinter-free breaking edge. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that optical LED status indicators are integrated along the module frames. [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each module segment has a DC voltage of no more than 100 V. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is installed on bridge railings, railway barriers, pipeline routes or along canals without piercing or weakening the existing structure. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the photovoltaic modules are mounted alternately at an angle of +10° or -10°. [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the module surface is matte and has a printable advertising area. [11] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mechanical fastening is carried out exclusively on a single guardrail, in particular on the side of a roadway or country road to utilize previously unused roadside areas. [12] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the photovoltaic module is attached to two opposing guardrails on both sides. [13] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the system is preferably installed in the space between an outer guardrail of the motorway and a parallel country road, thereby making a previously unused area available for environmentally friendly and space-saving electricity generation. [14] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the photovoltaic modules are designed as double-sided modules and are equipped with a tracking mechanism, whereby light sensors and / or tilt sensors detect the orientation of the modules and an electrical or mechanical adjustment mechanism enables optimal alignment to the sun. [15] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tracking mechanism is passive, in particular by means of a bimetallic element, a temperature-dependent liquid or a mechanical compensation device which changes the module inclination depending on the position of the sun.

Images