Modular photovoltaic mounting system with limited, active angle adjustment for building-integrated energy optimization

Abstract

(Main claim) Photovoltaic mounting system, characterized in that, that at least one photovoltaic module is arranged on a substructure and the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module relative to the substructure is actively adjustable, wherein the adjustment is carried out by means of at least one actuator element arranged between the substructure and a module receptacle, wherein the actuator element has a structurally predetermined maximum and minimum length, which limits the adjustment range of the actuator element, so that the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module can only be changed within a predetermined, limited angular range, wherein the angle adjustment is designed for time-dependent or continuous adaptation to the sun's position within this limited angular range, and the system is designed for building-integrated use on roofs, flat roofs or facades.

Description

1. Title of the invention

[0001] Modular photovoltaic mounting system with limited, active angle adjustment for building-integrated energy optimization 2. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to a mounting and alignment system for photovoltaic modules, in particular for use on roofs, flat roofs and facades of buildings, with a limited active adjustment of the module angle to improve energy yield while simultaneously requiring little space, cost and construction effort. 3. State of the art

[0003] Photovoltaic systems are typically either statically mounted or aligned using single- or dual-axis tracking systems in the current state of the art.

[0004] Statically mounted systems, such as east-west oriented mounting systems on flat roofs, are characterized by their simple design. However, they exhibit angle-related yield losses, particularly when the sun is low in the morning and evening hours, as well as during transitional periods of the year.

[0005] In contrast, single- and dual-axis tracking systems enable largely optimal alignment of photovoltaic modules with the sun, resulting in higher specific energy yields. However, these systems involve significant mechanical and structural effort, increased space requirements, high investment costs, and greater technical complexity. Due to these characteristics, conventional tracking systems are only suitable to a limited extent for building-integrated applications, particularly on existing roofs or facades.

[0006] The current state of the art lacks, in particular, a photovoltaic mounting system that allows active adjustment of the module tilt, limited to a specific angular range, and which: without large-scale positioning movements, ► can be used on existing or ballasted substructures, ► and allows for easy retrofitting into building-integrated photovoltaic systems.

[0007] This gap in the prior art forms the basis for the present invention. 4. Object of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a photovoltaic mounting system that enables a higher energy yield compared to statically mounted systems, without exhibiting the structural, economic, and area-related disadvantages of classic single- or dual-axis tracking systems. In particular, a system is to be created that allows active adjustment of the module tilt, but remains limited to a restricted angular range and is therefore feasible with minimal mechanical effort.

[0009] The invention is intended to be suitable for building-integrated applications, particularly for roofs, flat roofs, and facades, and to be applicable to both new and existing photovoltaic systems. Furthermore, the system is intended to be compatible with ballasted and rigidly connected substructures and to allow for easy retrofitting. The aim is to provide a technically simple, robust, and economical solution that unlocks a significant portion of the energy potential of tracking systems without incurring their complexity. 5. Solution to the task

[0010] The problem is solved by a modular photovoltaic mounting system in which at least one photovoltaic module is mounted on a substructure and the module's tilt angle can be actively changed within a limited angular range. The angle adjustment is achieved by means of at least one actuator element located between the substructure and the module mount.

[0011] The adjustment range is limited by design and preferably lies in the range of ±5° to ±15°, particularly around ±10°. The angle adjustment is not intended for permanent, full tracking of the sun's position, but rather for situational or time-dependent adjustment of the module orientation to reduce angle-related yield losses. The adjustment can be discrete, time-based, condition-based, or continuous.

[0012] Limiting the adjustment range ensures that the mechanical adjustment paths remain small and the resulting additional loads are minimal. At the same time, the system can be designed so that the loads absorbed by the photovoltaic module continue to be transferred via the substructure into the building structure or into ballast elements. 6. Preferred embodiments

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the angle adjustment of the photovoltaic module is achieved via a linear, rotary, or combinational actuator element, which can be designed as a linear drive, spindle mechanism, lever, or eccentric mechanism. The actuator element engages between the substructure and the module mounting and causes a change in the tilt angle of the module relative to the substructure.

[0014] The substructure can be designed as a ballasted load-bearing element, for example in the form of a concrete or composite body, or as part of a load-bearing structure permanently connected to the building. Likewise, the substructure can be part of an existing mounting system or a pre-existing installation system, so that the system according to the invention can be used as a retrofit solution.

[0015] In other embodiments, a photovoltaic module can be held by two or more separate support elements. The angle adjustment can be performed either individually for each module or for several modules simultaneously. The system can be designed for mounting on both pitched and flat roof surfaces, as well as on vertical facades. 7. Advantages of the invention

[0016] The invention enables an increase in the energy yield of photovoltaic systems compared to statically mounted systems, in particular by reducing angle-related losses in the morning and evening hours as well as during transitional periods of the year. At the same time, limiting the adjustment range results in significantly less mechanical complexity compared to conventional tracking systems.

[0017] The system is characterized by its small footprint, high structural robustness, and excellent integration capabilities into building-integrated photovoltaic applications. Its simple mechanical design and reduced number of moving components offer advantages in terms of reliability, maintenance requirements, and lifespan. Furthermore, its modular design allows for flexible adaptation to different building types and easy retrofitting of existing photovoltaic systems. Reference symbol list

[0018] Reference sign for Fig. 1., Fig. 2., Fig. 3. 1 solar panel 2. Substructure – shown here integrated into a block as an example. It could also be a standard substructure with rails or a facade fixing. 3 Linear adjustment (actuator) connected to bearing / joint point on the solar panel Fig. 1. Oblique view of a panel with pre-aligned substructure and retracted linear actuators. Fig. 2. Oblique view of a panel with 1-axis angle adjustment Fig. 3. Oblique view of a panel with 2-axis angle adjustment

Claims

(Main claim) Photovoltaic mounting system, characterized in that at least one photovoltaic module is arranged on a substructure and the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module relative to the substructure is actively adjustable, wherein the adjustment is carried out by means of at least one actuator element arranged between the substructure and a module receptacle, wherein the actuator element has a structurally predetermined maximum and minimum length, which limits the adjustment path of the actuator element, so that the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module can only be changed within a predetermined, limited angular range, wherein the angle adjustment is designed for time-dependent or continuous adaptation to the position of the sun within this limited angular range, and wherein the system is designed for building-integrated use on roofs, flat roofs or facades. Photovoltaic mounting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the limited angular range of the angle adjustment is in the range of ±5° to ±15°. Photovoltaic mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the limited angular range of the angle adjustment is approximately ±10°. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle adjustment is discrete, time-based, state-based or continuous. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator element is designed as a linear drive, spindle mechanism, lever mechanism, eccentric mechanism or a functionally equivalent device. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substructure is designed as a ballasted support element. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substructure is part of an existing mounting system or an existing photovoltaic mounting structure. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed for retrofitting existing photovoltaic systems. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a photovoltaic module is held by at least two separate support elements. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several photovoltaic modules are adjustable together or individually. Photovoltaic mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed for mounting on roofs, flat roofs or facades.

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