Photovoltaic device for mounting on a container

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a photovoltaic device for mounting on a container.

[0002] The invention further relates to a set for assembling such a photovoltaic device and to a container on whose roof a photovoltaic device is attached.

[0003] Publication WO 2014 / 186345 A1 provides the technical background to the subject matter of the present invention.

[0004] For the power supply of temporary accommodations, e.g., on construction sites, mobile or stationary power generators, especially diesel generators, are typically used. Such generators enable the autonomous or grid-independent operation of various electrical appliances in or around temporary accommodations. However, a disadvantage is that generators powered by fossil fuels are considered environmentally harmful.

[0005] For self-sufficient electrical power supply, systems are already known that incorporate at least one energy converter powered by renewable energy. Photovoltaic modules are frequently used in these systems. It is known to install photovoltaic modules on the roofs of various structures, such as residential buildings, industrial buildings, and the like.

[0006] Containers are often used as temporary housing because they are easy to transport, can be assembled modularly, and have standardized dimensions. In particular, so-called ISO containers are used, which were originally developed for transporting goods. However, ISO containers are also frequently used as construction site containers or office containers.

[0007] US patent 2017 / 0222598 A1 describes a container for use as a dwelling, whose roof is equipped with solar panels.

[0008] The arrangement of photovoltaic modules on containers has also become known in connection with energy supply stations, where the container serves for the protected storage of electrical components required for the operation of the energy supply station, so that the container interior can no longer be used as a dwelling or as a living space.

[0009] Previous proposals for mounting photovoltaic modules on containers typically involve permanently attaching the modules to a container wall or roof, or even forming the roof itself. These proposals do not allow for the modules to be removed when needed. However, for containers used as mobile and / or temporary housing, such as construction site or office containers, the requirement is to equip them with photovoltaic modules only when required. This increases the flexibility of container deployment, as containers are suitable for a wide range of uses, only some of which are compatible with photovoltaic modules.

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to create a system with which container roofs can be equipped with photovoltaic modules in a simple and flexible manner only when needed. In particular, the invention aims to provide a photovoltaic system that can be mounted on container roofs in a standardized way and at the same time transported in a space-saving manner.

[0011] To solve this problem, the invention, according to a first aspect, provides a photovoltaic device for mounting on a container, comprising at least two foldable support modules, each having two support elements pivotable relative to each other about at least one pivot axis, wherein a photovoltaic module is attached to each support element, wherein the at least two foldable support modules are arranged side by side with pivot axes aligned with each other, and the support elements of adjacent support modules are connected to each other by means of first connecting beams, wherein the first connecting beams run parallel to the at least one pivot axis and are attached to the support elements at the end regions facing away from the pivot axis, and wherein second connecting beams are attached to the support elements of the outermost of the at least two support modules, which are designed for coupling to a corner fitting of the container.

[0012] The invention is thus based on the idea of ​​assembling a photovoltaic device from a plurality of foldable support modules. The individual support modules extend essentially across the width of the container, and depending on the length of the container, two, three, or more support modules can be arranged side by side to cover essentially the entire length of the container roof. The at least one pivot axis, about which the two support elements of the individual support modules can be pivoted, runs in the longitudinal direction of the container. Because the two support elements of a support module can be folded together, space-saving transport of the individual modules is enabled. The support modules are preferably designed such that the support elements can be pivoted from a superimposed pivot position to a substantially extended position, i.e., that the two support elements can be pivoted by approximately...They can be swivelled 180° relative to each other. In the folded position, the support elements can be positioned so that the photovoltaic modules face each other or away from each other.

[0013] In the unfolded pivot position, the two support elements of each support module can lie in a common plane or form an obtuse angle with each other. In the first case, a flat module results, while in the second case, a gable- or saddle-roof-like design is achieved.

[0014] The individual support modules can preferably be connected to one another before being mounted on a container roof to form the photovoltaic device according to the invention. For this purpose, first connecting beams are provided according to the invention, which run parallel to the pivot axis and are attached to the end regions of the support elements facing away from the pivot axis. The first connecting beams form a rigid connection between adjacent support elements. The majority of the support modules connected to one another in this way can be lifted using conventional lifting devices, such as, for example,with a forklift or a crane, onto a container roof, wherein second connecting beams are mounted on the outermost support modules, which are designed for coupling to a corner fitting of the container, for which the second connecting beams are designed to project in the longitudinal direction (i.e. in the direction of at least one pivot axis) and can be connected to the corner fittings of the container.

[0015] The photovoltaic device according to the invention can be removed from the container roof in an equally simple way by detaching the second connecting beams from the corner fittings and lifting the photovoltaic device from the container roof with a lifting device.

[0016] Due to its simple assembly and disassembly, and the transportability made possible by its foldable design, the invention enables the flexible use of photovoltaic modules on container roofs. The containers and the photovoltaic devices according to the invention can be transported separately to a deployment site, and the containers can be equipped with a photovoltaic device as needed.

[0017] To achieve a standardized design for the support modules while still allowing adaptation to different container dimensions, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the support elements have extendable and retractable arms perpendicular to the pivot axis, to which the first connecting beams are attached. The extendable and retractable arms can, for example, be designed as telescopic arms. In this way, stepless adjustment to the container width is possible.

[0018] An advantageous design of the support elements provides that the support elements each have a frame for supporting the photovoltaic module, wherein the frame has two arms extending essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis and a crossbeam connecting the end regions of the arms facing away from the pivot axis.

[0019] To facilitate the assembly of the first connecting beams on the support elements, it can be provided that the support elements each carry two connecting pieces spaced apart from each other in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0020] The connecting pieces are advantageously attached to the extendable and retractable arms.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting pieces project beyond the edge of the photovoltaic module facing away from the pivot axis, so that the first connecting supports attached to them form a lateral edge of the photovoltaic device according to the invention and simultaneously form support elements for supporting the photovoltaic device on the container roof.

[0022] In this context, it is preferably provided that the first connecting beams and, if applicable, the second connecting beams have a flat bearing surface for support on the roof of the container.

[0023] To facilitate easy installation of the photovoltaic device according to the invention on the container roof, the second connecting beams preferably each have a fastening element at their free ends for a positive-locking connection with the corner fitting of the container. Attachment to the container roof preferably takes place only at the corner fittings, thus eliminating the need for additional fastening points.

[0024] Container corner fittings are usually standardized, allowing for uniform design of the fasteners. Corner fittings designed for a so-called twistlock connection are widely used in ISO containers. With twistlock fasteners, the positive locking connection is achieved by rotating a portion of the fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the fastener has a rotatable locking element designed to be inserted into an opening in the corner fitting and, after rotation, to engage the opening in a positive locking manner.

[0025] The mounting brackets can also include an attachment point for a lifting device, such as a crane, so that the container can be lifted and moved to another location. The lifting device grips the container at all four mounting brackets, just as it would otherwise do without the photovoltaic system by directly attaching it to the corner fittings.

[0026] The container is preferably designed as a standard container, such as an ISO container, for example as a 20', 30' or 40' (' = foot) ISO container.

[0027] At least one inverter is provided to convert the direct current (DC) supplied by the photovoltaic modules into alternating current (AC). Depending on the technical design, a separate inverter can be used for each photovoltaic module, or one inverter can be used for several photovoltaic modules. The inverter(s) can / can preferably be located on the underside of the photovoltaic module. The inverter(s) can / can preferably be attached to the crossbeams of the support elements. In the case of multiple inverters, their outputs are combined and connected to a junction box. The junction box can be mounted on one of the mounting brackets. Any electrical loads can be supplied with AC from the junction box. In particular, the container itself, i.e., the loads located within the container, can be supplied with AC.The connection box is equipped with preferably standardized plug connections (e.g. CEE couplings).

[0028] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a set for constructing a photovoltaic device according to the first aspect, comprising at least two foldable support modules, each having two support elements pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis, wherein a photovoltaic module is attached to each support element, a plurality of first connecting supports for connecting the support elements of adjacent support modules, and second connecting supports designed for coupling to a corner fitting of the container.

[0029] The foldable carrier modules can be stacked on top of each other when folded and stored together with the other parts of the set in a transport box, thus enabling space-saving transport.

[0030] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a container on whose roof a photovoltaic device according to the first aspect is attached.

[0031] As already mentioned in connection with the first aspect of the invention, the photovoltaic device is preferably attached to the container roof by attaching the second connecting beams of the photovoltaic device to corner fittings of the container.

[0032] The fastening piece of the second connecting beam can be positively connected to the respective corner fitting.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawing.

[0034] In this show Fig. 1 a photovoltaic device according to the invention on a container roof, Fig. 2 the photovoltaic device of Fig. 1 without a container Fig. 3 a carrier module of the photovoltaic device of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a carrier module with extended arms, Fig. 5 a carrier module in its folded state and Fig. 6 an exploded view of the photovoltaic device of Fig. 1 without photovoltaic modules.

[0035] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an ISO container 1, which carries a photovoltaic system 3 on its roof 2. The photovoltaic system 3 is composed of three longitudinally arranged support modules 4 and attached to the corner fittings 5 ​​of the container 1. Each support module 4 carries two photovoltaic modules 6.

[0036] In Fig. 2 It is evident that adjacent support modules 4 are each connected to one another by two first connecting beams 7 and that the outermost support modules 4 each have second connecting beams 8 projecting longitudinally outwards, which carry fastening pieces 9 at their free ends with which the photovoltaic device 1 can be positively connected to the corner fittings 5. The fastening pieces 9 can be designed as twist-lock connectors. Furthermore, it is evident in Fig. 2 An electrical junction box 17 is shown, in which the outputs of the inverters (not shown) assigned to the individual photovoltaic modules 6 or a group of photovoltaic modules 6 are combined. The junction box 17 can be mounted on any of the four mounting points 9. The container 1 can then be supplied with alternating current from the junction box 17. The junction box 17 is equipped with standardized plug connections 18 (e.g., CEE couplings).

[0037] In Fig. 3 A support module 4 is shown separately, and it is evident that the support module 4 comprises two support elements 10 that are pivotable relative to each other, each of which carries a photovoltaic module 6. The support elements 10 are pivotably mounted on a central piece 11 about a pivot axis 12. Connecting pieces 13 are attached to a crossbeam 14 of the support element 10 at both ends, to which the first connecting beams 7 and the second connecting beams 8 are mounted.

[0038] During training according to Fig. 4 The connecting pieces 13 are arranged on telescopic arms 15 to allow adaptation to different container widths.

[0039] In Fig. 5 The carrier module 4 is shown in a folded state, with the two support elements 10 lying next to each other and the photovoltaic modules 6 lying on opposite sides of the folded carrier module 4.

[0040] In the exploded view according to Fig. 6 The structural design of the support elements 10 is now more clearly visible. Each of the three support elements 10 comprises a frame for supporting the photovoltaic module. 6, wherein the frame has two arms 16 extending essentially perpendicular to the pivot axes 12 and a crossbeam 14 connecting the end regions of the arms 16 facing away from the pivot axis 12.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic device (3) for mounting on a container (1), comprising at least two foldable carrier modules (4), which each have two support elements (10) pivotable relative to one another about at least one pivot axis (12), a photovoltaic module (6) being fastened to each support element (10), characterized in that the at least two foldable carrier modules (4) are arranged adjacent to one another and with their pivot axes (12) aligned with one another, and the support elements (10) of adjacent carrier modules (4) are connected to one another by means of first connecting supports (7), wherein the first connecting supports (7) extend parallel to the at least one pivot axis (12) and are fastened to the support elements (10) at the end regions thereof remote from the pivot axis (12), and wherein second connecting supports (8) are fastened to the support elements (10) of an outermost one of the at least two carrier modules (4), which second connecting supports (8) are designed for coupling to a corner fitting (5) of the container (1).

2. The photovoltaic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (10) have arms (15) which can be extended and retracted perpendicularly to the pivot axis (12) and to which the first connecting supports (7) are attached.

3. The photovoltaic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support elements (10) each have a frame for supporting the photovoltaic module (6), the frame having two arms (16) running essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis (12) and a cross member (14) connecting end regions of the arms (16) facing away from the pivot axis (12).

4. The photovoltaic device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the support elements (10) each carry two connecting pieces (13) spaced apart from one another in the direction of the pivot axis (12).

5. The photovoltaic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting pieces (13) are attached to the extendable and retractable arms (15).

6. The photovoltaic device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the connecting pieces (13) project beyond an edge of the photovoltaic module (6) facing away from the pivot axis (12).

7. The photovoltaic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first connecting supports (7) and, if applicable, the second connecting supports (8) have a flat bearing surface for bearing on the roof (2) of the container (1).

8. The photovoltaic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second connecting supports (8) have at their free ends a fastening piece (9) for positive connection to the corner fitting (5) of the container (1).

9. The photovoltaic device according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening piece (9) comprises a rotatable locking member configured to be inserted into an opening of the corner fitting (5) and to positively engage behind the opening after rotation.

10. A set for assembling a photovoltaic device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two foldable carrier modules (4), each of which has two support elements (10) pivotable relative to one another about at least one pivot axis (12), wherein a photovoltaic module (6) is fastened to each carrier element, a plurality of first connecting supports (10) for connecting the support elements (10) of adjacent carrier modules (4), and second connecting supports which are designed for coupling to a corner fitting (5) of the container (1).

11. A container (1), on the roof (2) of which a photovoltaic device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is mounted on.

12. The container according to claim 11, characterized in that the second connecting supports (8) of the photovoltaic device (3) are attached to corner fittings (5) of the container (1).

13. The container according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the fastening piece (13) of the second connecting supports (8) is positively connected to the respective corner fitting (5).

14. The container according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the first connecting supports (7) rest on the roof (2) of the container (1).