FLOATING SOLAR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING SUCH A SOLAR SYSTEM

Description

Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of floating solar installations configured to support photovoltaic panels. During its lifetime, it may happen that a photovoltaic panel fails, for example due to the approaching end of its lifespan, or that the electrical wiring or even the fixings of the structure require inspection / repair.

[0002] Maintenance of the installation therefore requires access to the parts of the installation for inspection or even maintenance, and for example: to be able to dismantle a worn panel to replace it with a photovoltaic panel in good working order, to be able to inspect, or even if necessary, reattach, replace the electrical wiring, or even tighten or replace the various fixings, for example fixings ensuring the structure is held in place Prior art

[0003] There is a first type of state of the art of floating solar installations which provides for the presence of a maintenance corridor between two rows of photovoltaic panels. Application WO2012 / 139998A2 is an example of such an installation according to this first type.

[0004] This maintenance corridor is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rows of panels, interposed between the two rows. An operator can then move along this maintenance corridor to gain access to the various photovoltaic panels in the row, and possibly allow their replacement, or even the inspection of the wiring and / or fixings. This maintenance corridor has a width, in a direction transverse to the row, typically greater than 40 cm (for example 45 cm), and in order to leave sufficient clearance for the movement of an operator between the two rows of photovoltaic panels.

[0005] A first limitation of this type of installation is that it requires the presence of these physical maintenance corridors, with in particular the presence of floats forming the maintenance corridor, as disclosed by WO2012 / 139998A2 and which must be sized to ensure the recovery of the load of an operator.

[0006] A second limitation linked to this solution with a maintenance corridor is that it requires a spacing between the two rows of photovoltaic panels to allow the circulation of an operator, which is a surface not covered by photovoltaic panels, consequently reducing the yield of electrical energy production per unit of surface occupied by the installation.

[0007] A second type of floating solar installation is also known, for example from document WO 2021 / 219948, in which a spacing structure of the installation ensures spacing between a first row of photovoltaic panels and a second photovoltaic row. This spacing structure is configured to be submerged to allow the circulation of a floating service unit along a waterway between the two rows of panels.

[0008] In such a state of the art, maintenance therefore requires the use of a floating service unit configured to circulate along waterways. Such a state of the art makes it possible to significantly reduce the size of the floats of the floating solar installation, and therefore the quantity of material necessary for their production, compared to the state of the art of the first type.

[0009] On the other hand, there is still a need for a significant spacing between rows of photovoltaic panels to allow the creation of a waterway whose width dimension allows the passage of a hull of the service unit intended to confer buoyancy to the service unit by taking the load of the service unit and the operator.

[0010] Also known from document KR20200106655 is a device for monitoring and cleaning the surface of an offshore floating solar panel, comprising a frame sliding along two edges of a floating solar panel. The device is notably equipped with a brush module capable of cleaning the surface of the solar panel. Summary

[0011] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0012] There is provided a floating solar installation according to claim 1, comprising: floats providing buoyancy to the installation at least one row of photovoltaic panels extending in a longitudinal direction, fixed to the floats, the photovoltaic panels kept out of the water by the floats and a trolley system configured for the maintenance of the photovoltaic panels, comprising: maintenance rails comprising at least a first rail and a second rail, extending in parallel, on either side of said at least one row of photovoltaic panels, in the longitudinal direction, spaced from each other in a transverse direction at least one maintenance trolley comprising a chassis provided with first rolling / sliding members and second rolling / sliding members configured respectively to circulate respectively along a first rail and the second rail while being guided by the two rails,and wherein the carriage is configured to be moved along the rails, the chassis configured to ride over the photovoltaic panels of said at least one row.

[0013] The maintenance rails within the meaning of the disclosure are therefore separate and independent components of the photovoltaic panels, configured to ensure the circulation of said frame of said at least one maintenance trolley above the locations of the photovoltaic panels of the row of photovoltaic panels, even if one or more of the photovoltaic panels are removed.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the maintenance rails are configured to ensure the circulation of said chassis of said at least one maintenance trolley above the locations of the photovoltaic panels of the row of photovoltaic panels, even if one or more of the photovoltaic panels are removed, or even, according to at least one embodiment, if all of the photovoltaic panels are removed.

[0015] Such a maintenance trolley thus allows the maintenance of the panels, typically by removing one or more worn panels, their evacuation by the circulation of the maintenance trolley along the rails and their replacement by one or more new panels.

[0016] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another: According to one embodiment, the maintenance trolley and the maintenance rails are configured to move at least one operator on board the chassis of the maintenance trolley: in particular the maintenance trolley, as well as the maintenance rails (and generally said installation) may typically be configured to withstand the load of one operator, or even two operators on board the trolley, and typically a weight greater than or equal to 100 kg typically for two operators.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the maintenance trolley is motorized and includes a control module to ensure its autonomous or remote-controlled movement, following the maintenance rails.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the installation may comprise several rows of panels, extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, the panels of the different rows spaced from each other in the transverse direction and comprising a plurality of pairs of rails, spaced in the transverse direction, including at least a first pair of rails allowing the maintenance trolley to circulate astride the photovoltaic panels of a first row and at least a second pair of rails allowing the maintenance trolley to circulate astride the photovoltaic panels of another row of panels, distinct from the first row, in particular a second row.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first row of photovoltaic panels and the second row of photovoltaic panels are spaced apart, in the transverse direction, by a gap δ, allowing the circulation of the first rolling / sliding members or the second rolling / sliding members, on an intermediate maintenance rail, and in which the dimension of the gap δ is less than 40 cm, or even less than 35 cm, or even less than 25 cm, or even, for example, less than 15 cm. Such a small gap δ makes it possible to maximize and densify the energy efficiency of electrical production per unit area of ​​the floating solar installation, by minimizing the surfaces not used for capturing solar radiation, and in comparison with floating solar installations comprising maintenance aisles between the rows of panels for which this gap is typically greater than 40 cm to allow the circulation of an operator.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the trolley system comprises a transfer trolley, movable along transfer rails extending lengthwise in the transverse direction, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the transfer trolley is configured to support the maintenance trolley and ensure the transfer of the maintenance trolley from a first position of the transfer trolley configured to ensure the loading of the maintenance trolley from the first pair of rails, and to a second position of the transfer trolley configured to ensure the unloading of the maintenance trolley onto the other pair of rails, in particular the second pair.

[0021] In particular, the frame of the transfer trolley comprises support rails configured to cooperate with the maintenance trolley, the support rails configured to be aligned respectively with the rails of the first pair of rails in the first position of the transfer trolley, and to be aligned respectively with the rails of the other pair of rails, in the second position of the transfer trolley. In general, the transfer trolley advantageously allows a single maintenance trolley to circulate, successively, on different rows of panels, by facilitating the transfer operations of the maintenance trolley from one pair of rails to another pair of rails.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the panel maintenance trolley comprises a gantry structure, in an inverted U, comprising: a first vertical structure, providing support for the first rolling / sliding members, a second vertical structure providing support for the second rolling / sliding members a transverse structure, extending in the transverse direction, intended to circulate above the panels of said at least one row, the transverse structure connecting the first vertical structure and the second vertical structure.

[0023] The first rolling / sliding members and the second rolling / sliding members are configured to travel on the first rail and the second rail, arranged in whole or in part at a height below the level of the panels of said at least one row.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the maintenance trolley comprises a foldable extension configured to move from a retracted position, taking up less space on the gantry structure, to a deployed position for which said extension extends cantilevered from the gantry structure of the trolley to straddle a row of photovoltaic panels, consecutive to said at least one row above which the transverse structure circulates.

[0025] According to one possibility, the maintenance trolley is a single maintenance trolley extending in the transverse direction to straddle a single row of photovoltaic panels. According to another possibility, the maintenance trolley is a multiple maintenance trolley extending in the transverse direction to straddle a plurality of rows of solar panels.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the photovoltaic panels of said at least one row are fixed to the maintenance rails, above the maintenance rails, by means of mechanical interfaces such as fixing brackets, leaving free clearance along the rails for the circulation of the sliding / rolling members, first rolling / sliding members and second rolling / sliding members.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the maintenance rails are attached to the floats.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the maintenance trolley is provided with a cleaning system comprising: spray nozzles, oriented so as to spray a cleaning fluid onto the photovoltaic panels of the row above which the maintenance trolley moves, and / or brushing means such as a brush, configured so as to brush the photovoltaic panels of the row above which the maintenance trolley moves.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the installation comprises an inverter configured to transform the direct current from the photovoltaic panels into alternating current usable by the network supported by one or more floats, and in which the installation comprises second maintenance rails, oriented in the transverse direction, spaced in the longitudinal direction on either side of the inverter, as well as an inverter maintenance trolley running on the second rails configured to lift the inverter and remove it.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to a method of maintaining a solar installation according to claim 15 comprising a movement of the maintenance trolley, along the longitudinal direction X, above a row of photovoltaic panels, suitable for the replacement of a photovoltaic panel, the inspection of the installation, or even the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels.

[0031] In particular the maintenance process may typically include: a removal of at least one worn photovoltaic panel from a worn panel location on said floating solar installation, and its removal by supporting the worn panel with the maintenance trolley, and a movement of the maintenance trolley at least along the longitudinal direction X of the maintenance rails, and / or a placement of a photovoltaic panel, in particular a new one, by supporting it with the maintenance trolley, and the movement of the maintenance trolley along the maintenance rails to a mounting location on said floating solar installation. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1] illustrates in perspective an embodiment of a floating solar installation according to the present disclosure comprising floats, and two rows of panels, parallel to each other, extending lengthwise in a lengthwise direction, the two rows spaced apart in a transverse direction, as well as a trolley system comprising: a maintenance trolley, configured to move in the longitudinal direction astride, for example on a row of panels, along a maintenance rail, a transfer trolley movable along transfer rails, oriented in a transverse direction, configured to transfer the maintenance trolley from a first pair of maintenance rails, to a second pair of maintenance rails. Fig. 1A [ Fig. 1 ] is a bottom view of the figure 1, illustrating the positioning of the photovoltaic panels fixed to beams, longitudinal to the structure, the beams connecting floats between them, spaced between them in the longitudinal direction by positioning the photovoltaic panels above the water at the level of empty spaces promoting the cooling of the panels. Fig. 2 [ Fig. 2 ] is a detail view which includes the transfer cart, as well as the maintenance cart, which has been unloaded from the transfer cart, the maintenance cart being, by way of non-limiting example, a simple maintenance cart, configured to travel astride a single row of photovoltaic panels. Fig. 3 [ Fig. 3 ] is a detail view illustrating the simple maintenance trolley, under the chassis of which is suspended a photovoltaic panel, inserted between the first vertical structure and the second vertical structure of the chassis. Fig. 4 [ Fig. 4] shows on the right a partial sectional view, illustrating the suspension of the panel held by a flexible link, the link locked in a cam cleat on the carriage frame, and on the left a detail view of the cam cleat. Fig. 5 [ Fig. 5 ] shows a multiple maintenance trolley, in that it is configured to straddle several rows of photovoltaic panels, following the transverse direction, in particular straddling two rows of panels, the two rows of panels extending in parallel following the longitudinal direction spaced from each other following the transverse direction. Fig. 5a [ Fig. 5a] is a view of an alternative maintenance trolley, which is illustrated as multiple, but which can be simple, notably provided with a folding extension, or even two folding extensions as illustrated, on the sides of the maintenance trolley, said folding extension configured to pass from a retracted position of less bulk of the trolley (in the transverse direction) to a deployed position for which the extension extends cantilevered from the gantry of the trolley to extend above a row of photovoltaic panels, consecutive, the Figure 5a illustrating by way of example, a first extension, left, in its deployed position giving access to a row of panels (not illustrated), on the left, and a second extension, right, in its retracted position, of lesser bulk, folded onto the gantry of the trolley. Fig. 6 [ Fig. 6] is a view of an inverter configured to transform the direct current from the photovoltaic panels into alternating current usable by the network, said inverter supported by one or more floats, with the presence of second maintenance rails, oriented in the transverse direction, spaced in the longitudinal direction on either side of the inverter, for an inverter maintenance trolley running on the second rails, configured to support the inverter and evacuate it. Fig. 7 [ Fig. 7 ] is an example of an inverter maintenance cart. Fig. 8 [ Fig. 8 ] is an advantageous configuration making it possible to limit the spacing between two rows of panels, with the presence of an intermediate rail necessary for the movement of the maintenance trolley which is inserted between the two rows, the two rows of panels being inclined according to a simple inclination. Fig. 9 [ Fig. 9] is an advantageous configuration, making it possible to limit the spacing between two rows of panels, with the presence of an intermediate rail necessary for the movement of the maintenance trolley which is inserted between the two rows, the two rows of panels being inclined according to a double inclination, the intermediate rail directly above a vertex at the intersection of the planes passing through the panels of the two rows. Description of the embodiments

[0033] The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0034] Reference is now made to the figure 1 which illustrates for illustrative purposes a floating solar installation according to this disclosure.

[0035] Also, the installation according to this disclosure includes: floats 11 providing buoyancy to the installation, at least one row R1, R2 of photovoltaic panels extending in a longitudinal direction X, fixed to the floats, the photovoltaic panels kept out of the water by the floats.

[0036] Generally, photovoltaic panels have a longer length dimension and a smaller width dimension.

[0037] According to one illustrated possibility, the photovoltaic panels can be oriented, along their lengthwise direction, along the longitudinal direction X, the widthwise direction of the panel being inclined relative to the horizontal. According to another possibility (not illustrated), the panels can be oriented along their widthwise direction along the longitudinal direction X, the lengthwise direction being inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0038] Generally, the longitudinal direction X can be oriented in the East-West direction, and the transverse direction Y can be oriented in the North-South direction. The photovoltaic panels can be inclined relative to the horizontal. The inclinations of the panels between the rows R1, R2 can be identical, or different, or the panels can even be inclined according to opposite inclinations. In the latter case, the X direction can generally be oriented in the North / South direction and the Y direction oriented in the East-West direction.

[0039] However, preferably, the PV photovoltaic panels belonging to the same row have approximately the same inclination and are coplanar. This can make it easier to clean them by circulating a robot along the row.

[0040] An installation typically comprises several rows of photovoltaic panels, in particular depending on the production capacities. figure 1 illustrates an example by way of non-limiting example comprising only two rows, with a first row R1 of photovoltaic panels and a second row R2 of photovoltaic panels. It is understood that the number of rows may be greater than 2, for example equal to 3, 4, 5, or more.

[0041] Such an installation extends globally along its structure in an XY plane, substantially horizontal, and in height along the vertical Z direction.

[0042] These rows of photovoltaic panels R1, R2 extend lengthwise, in parallel in the longitudinal direction X, and are spaced from each other, in the transverse direction Y

[0043] The floats 11 may typically be plastic components providing buoyancy to the installation. The floats may, for example, be obtained by extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, or any other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Generally, the PV photovoltaic panels can be attached directly to the floats 11. Still according to one embodiment particularly illustrated, the PV photovoltaic panels of the rows can be attached to the floats by means of beams, themselves attached to the floats.

[0045] Generally speaking, and as illustrated for information purposes in the Figure 1A , the beams can advantageously allow the positioning of the photovoltaic panels fixed to said beams, in particular longitudinal beams of the structure, the beams connecting floats together.

[0046] It is noted that the floats 11 can be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction X by positioning the photovoltaic PV panels above the water and notably at the level of empty space promoting the cooling of the panels. Such empty spaces under the panels are clearly visible at the figure 2 for which the installation is seen from below. They allow the water to effectively cool the underside of the panels through convection phenomena between the water surface and the underside of the photovoltaic panels.

[0047] At least according to one advantageous embodiment, (illustrated) the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 may advantageously constitute all or part of the beams providing support for the PV photovoltaic panels. Alternatively, the maintenance rails and the support beams may be constituted by separate components.

[0048] As visible for information purposes only at the figure 1, notably, the installation includes a trolley system configured for the maintenance of PV photovoltaic panels.

[0049] Such a trolley system notably includes: maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 comprising at least a first rail 12 and a second rail 13, extending in parallel, on either side of said row of photovoltaic panels R1, R2, in the longitudinal direction X, the first rail and the second rail spaced from each other in a transverse direction Y at least one maintenance trolley 2 comprising a chassis 20 provided with first rolling / sliding members 21 and second rolling / sliding members 22. In the figures the first and second members 21 and 22 are both constituted by wheels.

[0050] Generally, the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 are typically arranged below the level of the photovoltaic panels, in whole or in part. The figures give an embodiment for which the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 are all arranged at a height below the level of the photovoltaic panels, and typically between the photovoltaic panels of the rows. According to another embodiment (not illustrated) one of the rails (first rail 12 or second rail 13) cooperating with the maintenance trolley can be arranged below the level of the photovoltaic panels of the rows, while the other rail (respectively second rail 13 or first rail 12) can be arranged at a higher height, for example at the level of the top of the photovoltaic panels.

[0051] The first members 21 and the second members 22 are configured respectively to circulate respectively along a first rail 12 and the second rail 13 while being guided by the two rails, the carriage being configured to be moved along the rails, the chassis configured to pass astride the photovoltaic panels of said at least one row R1; R2.

[0052] Such a maintenance trolley 2 can thus allow at least one operator to move around the installation along the maintenance rails, by sliding along the rails, and advantageously moving astride the row of PV photovoltaic panels. Advantageously, the need for a physical maintenance aisle between the rows of panels is eliminated.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance trolley can be motorized and in particular include a control module to ensure its autonomous or remote-controlled movement, following the maintenance rails.

[0054] According to the present disclosure, the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 are configured to ensure the circulation of said chassis 20 of said at least one maintenance trolley 2 above the locations of the photovoltaic panels of the row R1; R2 of photovoltaic panels, even if one or more of the photovoltaic panels are removed, or even if all of the photovoltaic panels are removed, and in particular with a view to being able to authorize the maintenance of the panels, typically the removal of one or more worn panels, and their replacement with one or more new panels.

[0055] The maintenance rails within the meaning of the present disclosure are therefore separate and independent components of the photovoltaic panels, which extend over a length equal to at least one photovoltaic panel, or even typically greater than the length of several panels of the row in the longitudinal direction X. In particular and consequently, when the photovoltaic panels comprise typically silicon cells and a metal frame, typically made of aluminum consisting of four metal profiles, bordering the four sides of the cells, the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 within the meaning of the present disclosure are not constituted by the profiles of the frame of the photovoltaic panels.

[0056] Another advantage of this solution is that it can be implemented, with a small deviation, located δ at the figure 2, along the transverse direction Y between two rows R1, R2 of consecutive photovoltaic panels, even when a maintenance rail must be arranged for the movement of the trolley between these two rows R1, R2. Such a small gap, typically less than or equal to 40 cm, for example less than or equal to 25 cm, contributes to obtaining a floating solar installation having a significantly improved electrical yield per unit of surface area occupied by the installation, in particular compared to the aforementioned state of the art, of the first type (with maintenance aisle) or of the second type (with floating service unit).

[0057] The maintenance trolley 2, as well as the maintenance rails 12, 13, (and generally said installation) can typically be configured to withstand the load of an operator, or even two operators on board the trolley, and typically a weight greater than or equal to 100 kg typically for two operators.

[0058] Generally, the panel maintenance trolley 2 may comprise an inverted U-shaped gantry structure, comprising a first vertical structure S1, providing support for the first rolling / sliding members 21 (for example a pair of wheels), a second vertical structure S2 providing support for the second rolling / sliding members 22, (for example a pair of wheels), and a transverse structure 23, extending in the transverse direction Y, intended to circulate above the photovoltaic PV panels of said at least one row R1, R2. The transverse structure 23 connects the first vertical structure S1 and the second vertical structure S2, preferably in an upper part of the vertical structures S1, S2.

[0059] The first rolling / sliding members 21 may comprise two rolling / sliding members, spaced along the longitudinal direction X and held in the lower part of the first vertical structure S1.

[0060] The second rolling / sliding members 22 may comprise two rolling / sliding members, spaced along the longitudinal direction X and held in the lower part of the second vertical structure S2.

[0061] The first rolling / sliding members 21 and the second rolling / sliding members are configured to circulate on the first rail 12 and the second rail 13 arranged in whole or in part below the level of the panels of said at least one row R1; R2, in particular between the rows R1, R2.

[0062] Generally, the dimension of the first vertical structure S1 or the second vertical structure S2, in the transverse direction Y, is less than the gap δ, and in order to allow the movement of the vertical structure (first S1 or second S2) at the clearance between two rows of panels.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment, the maintenance trolley 2 may comprise a foldable extension EXT configured to move from a retracted position P2, taking up less space on the gantry structure, to a deployed position P1 for which said extension EXT extends in the transverse direction Y, cantilevered from the gantry structure of the trolley to straddle a row of photovoltaic panels, consecutive to said at least one row R1, R2 above which the transverse structure 23 circulates.

[0064] There Figure 5aillustrates a maintenance trolley comprising two so-called folding EXT extensions, on both sides of the trolley's gantry structure. Generally, the folding EXT extension(s) can be pivotally articulated to the gantry, and extend the transverse structure 23, in the deployed position P1.

[0065] As understandable from figures 3 Or 4 in particular, and generally, the maintenance trolley 2 may comprise a suspension system comprising one or more flexible links LS, configured to suspend a photovoltaic panel under the transverse structure 23 of the gantry structure, the photovoltaic panel PV interposed between the first vertical structure S1 and the second vertical structure S2.

[0066] Such a suspension system allows the panel to be securely suspended below the transverse structure 23, and while an operator can be supported above the transverse structure 23.

[0067] The suspension system may comprise a cam cleat 4, which comprises two clamping cams C1, C2, elastically biased towards each other, between which the flexible link (for example a rope) can be clamped.

[0068] The return direction of the cams allows the flexible link to be pulled, so as to allow the flexible link to slide between the two cams in a first direction in order to tension the flexible link. The tension of the flexible link LS ensures that the photovoltaic panel is held sandwiched between the underside of the transverse structure 23 and the tensioned flexible link LS. The return direction of the cams opposes the loosening of the flexible link by sliding the flexible link in the direction opposite to the first direction. Such a cam cleat is well known in the nautical world and its structure is not developed in further detail.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the panel maintenance trolley 2 may be a simple maintenance trolley 2a extending in the transverse direction Y to straddle a single row of photovoltaic panels R1 or R2. The dimension of the maintenance trolley 2a in the transverse direction is therefore greater (typically slightly) than the dimension of a row (R1 or R2), in the transverse direction, but nevertheless less than two rows of panels (R1 and R2), in this transverse direction.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the panel maintenance trolley 2 may be a multiple maintenance trolley 2b extending in the transverse direction Y to straddle a plurality of rows of solar panels R1, R2. figure 2gives an example where the trolley spans only two rows of panels R1 and R2. The multiple maintenance trolley can span more than 2 panels, such as 3, 4, or 5.

[0071] The floating solar installation may typically comprise several rows of panels R1, R2, the rows extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X, the panels of the different rows spaced from each other in the transverse direction Y.

[0072] The installation may comprise a plurality of pairs of rails 12, 13; 13, 14, spaced apart in the transverse direction, including at least a first pair of rails 12, 13 allowing the maintenance trolley 2 to circulate astride the photovoltaic PV panels of a first row R1 and at least a second pair of rails 13, 14 allowing the maintenance trolley 2 to circulate astride the photovoltaic panels of another row of panels, distinct from the first row R1, in particular a second row R2.

[0073] Two successive pairs may possibly share a common rail, in this case rail 13 between the first and second pairs. In particular, the first pair of rails may comprise the first rail 12 and the second rail 13, and the second pair of rails may comprise the second rail 13 and the third rail 14. The second rail is a rail, extending, interposed between the first row R1 and the second row R2.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment, the trolley system comprises a transfer trolley 3, movable along transfer rails 15, 16 extending lengthwise in the transverse direction Y, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X.

[0075] The transfer trolley is configured to support the maintenance trolley 2, 2a, 2b and ensure the transfer of the maintenance trolley 2 from a first position of the transfer trolley configured to ensure the loading of the maintenance trolley from the first pair of rails 12, 13, and to a second position of the transfer trolley 3 configured to ensure the unloading of the maintenance trolley onto the other pair of rails 13, 14, in particular the second pair, or vice versa.

[0076] For this purpose, the frame 30 of the transfer trolley may comprise support rails 17a, 18a; 17b, 18b, configured to be aligned respectively with the rails of the first pair of rails 12, 13 in the first position of the transfer trolley 3 to allow loading / unloading of the maintenance trolley by rolling the trolley from the first pair of rails 12, 13 to the support rails 17a, 18a: 17b, 18b during loading, or vice versa during unloading, and be aligned respectively with the rails of the other pair of rails 13, 14, in the second position of the transfer trolley 3 to allow loading / unloading of the maintenance trolley by rolling the trolley from the second pair of rails 13, 14 to the support rails 17a, 18a: 17b, 18b, during loading, or vice versa during unloading.

[0077] To the figure 2, the rails 17a, 18a are the support rails associated with the center distance of the single maintenance trolley 2a, while the rails 17b, 18b are the support rails at the center distance of the multiple maintenance trolley 2B.

[0078] Generally, the transfer trolley 3 advantageously allows a single maintenance trolley to circulate, successively, on different rows of panels, facilitating the operations of transferring the maintenance trolley 2 from one pair of rails to another pair of rails. Alternatively, the operator can carry the trolley between the pairs of rails associated respectively with each row, to move the maintenance trolley from one row R1 of panels to the other row of panels R2. The need to provide several maintenance trolleys, associated with the different pairs of rails to ensure maintenance on all the rows of panels, is preferably avoided.

[0079] Generally speaking, the maintenance trolley 2 and / or the transfer trolley 3 may comprise a motorization, in particular on board the trolley. For example, the motorization may comprise a motorized wheel, typically electric, typically belonging to the rolling members, configured to roll on the rails 12, 13, 14. The motorization may also comprise a traction system typically with a motorized cable.

[0080] Generally, the first row of photovoltaic panels R1 and the second row of photovoltaic panels R2 are spaced apart, along the transverse direction Y, by a distance δ, allowing the circulation of the first rolling / sliding members 21 or the second rolling / sliding members on a maintenance rail 13, placed between the two rows R1 and R2. The dimension δ is preferably less than 40 cm, preferably less than 35 cm, or even less than 30 cm, or even less than 25 cm, or even less than 15 cm.

[0081] There figure 8 illustrates an embodiment, when the photovoltaic panels are in single orientation, namely inclined at the same inclination between the two rows R1, R2. As visible on the figure 8, it is possible to significantly lower the spacing δ, by playing on the shape of the vertical structures S1, S2. In general; we note that the spacing δ can be so small that the rails 12, 13 are covered at least partially, in the transverse direction Y, by the photovoltaic PV panels of the rows. It is in particular possible to reduce the spacing δ to what is strictly necessary in simple orientation, namely that the different photovoltaic panels inclined at the same inclination are spaced apart by the spacing δ strictly necessary to avoid shading effects between the panels of the two rows R1 R2, which is typically of the order of 250 mm to 300 mm for an inclination of 10° to 15° such as 12° and typically of 100 mm to 150 mm for a panel inclination of the order of 3° to 7° such as 5°.

[0082] There figure 9illustrates an embodiment when the photovoltaic panels of the two rows R1, R2, are inclined according to a double orientation, namely according to opposite inclinations. The PV photovoltaic panels of the two rows are oriented according to two planes, inclined by each other, which intersect according to a common edge, at the level of the top of the panels of the two rows R1, R2. The rails 12 13 are aligned vertically with the tops of the panels. The vertical structures of the gantries of the maintenance trolley, cross the rows of panels, at the level of the tops.

[0083] According to an advantageous embodiment, the panels of said at least one row R1, R2 are fixed to the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14, above the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14, by means of mechanical interfaces Eq such as fixing brackets. These mechanical interfaces, in U shape as illustrated in the figures, leave free clearance along the rails for the circulation of the sliding / rolling members, first rolling / sliding members 21 and second rolling / sliding members 22. The maintenance rails 12, 13, 14 are typically fixed to the floats 11, preferably directly.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the maintenance rails which extend in the longitudinal direction X combine not only a guide function for the maintenance trolley 2, but also support beams, structural for supporting and fixing the PV photovoltaic panels of the row(s) of photovoltaic panels R1, R2.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the installation may comprise an inverter 4 configured to transform the direct current from the photovoltaic panels into alternating current usable by the network, said inverter 4 supported by one or more floats.

[0086] Advantageously, the installation may comprise second maintenance rails 40, 41, typically oriented in the transverse direction Y, spaced in the longitudinal direction X on either side of the inverter 4, as well as a maintenance trolley 43 for the inverter running on the second rails 40, 41 configured to straddle the inverter, in order to lift the inverter and remove it.

[0087] The maintenance trolley may include a motorization ensuring motorized movement along the second rails 40, 41. For example, the motorization 43 of the trolley may include a motorized wheel, typically electric, belonging to the rolling members, configured to roll on the second rails 40, 41 1. The motorization may also include a traction system typically with a motorized cable.

[0088] Alternatively, the inverter can be evacuated by the trolley using the rails 12, 13, 14 extending in the longitudinal direction X between the rows of photovoltaic panels.

[0089] The present disclosure also relates to a method of maintaining a solar installation comprising moving the carriage along the longitudinal direction X, above a row of panels, for example for replacing a photovoltaic panel, inspecting the installation, or even cleaning the PV photovoltaic panels.

[0090] This movement and maintenance / inspection / cleaning can be carried out by at least one operator on board the trolley, or alternatively be automated in whole or in part by the trolley which moves autonomously, i.e. without an on-board operator.

[0091] For this purpose, the maintenance trolley is motorized and includes a control module to ensure its movement autonomously, or remotely controlled by an operator, following the maintenance rails.

[0092] The present disclosure also relates to a method of maintaining a solar installation according to the present disclosure comprising: a removal of at least one worn photovoltaic panel PV from a location of the worn panel on said floating solar installation, and its evacuation by supporting the worn panel by the maintenance trolley 2, moving the maintenance trolley 2 at least along the longitudinal direction X of the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14, and / or a placement of a photovoltaic panel P, in particular a new one, by its support by the maintenance trolley 2, and moving the maintenance trolley 2 along the maintenance rails to a mounting location on said floating solar installation. Industrial application

[0093] The installation according to the present disclosure advantageously makes it possible to eliminate the need for a maintenance aisle for operators, which constitute surfaces of the floating solar installation, not covered by the photovoltaic panels, namely surfaces not used for capturing solar radiation.

[0094] On the contrary, the maintenance trolley 2, circulating on horseback above the panels, makes it possible to maximize and densify the energy yield of electrical production per unit of surface area of ​​the floating solar installation, by minimizing the surfaces not used for capturing solar radiation.

[0095] The installation also has the advantage, compared to a state-of-the-art installation of the first type, of being able to reduce flotation and therefore the quantity of material and the volume for the floats, thanks to a better distribution of the operator's load via the trolley and the rails.

[0096] Generally speaking, the maintenance trolley can be used for cleaning the photovoltaic panels in the photovoltaic panel row.

[0097] For this purpose, the maintenance trolley can be equipped with a cleaning system comprising: spray nozzles, oriented so as to spray a cleaning fluid onto the photovoltaic PV panels of said at least one row R1, R2 of photovoltaic panels above which the maintenance trolley 2 moves, and / or brushing means such as a brush, configured so as to brush the photovoltaic PV panels of said at least one row R1, R2 above which the maintenance trolley 2 moves.

[0098] When the maintenance trolley is motorized, electronics such as a programmable logic controller can be configured to automate the trolley cleaning cycle and its motorized movement, in whole or in part. List of reference signs

[0099] 1. Floating solar installation, 11. Floats, 12, 13, 14. Maintenance rails, 15, 16. Transfer rails, 2. Panel maintenance trolley, 2a. Single maintenance trolley, 2b. Multiple maintenance trolley, S1, S2. Respectively first vertical structure and second vertical structure, 21, 22. respectively first rolling / sliding members and second rolling / sliding members, 23. Transverse structure, 3. Transfer trolley, 30. Frame (Trolley 3), 17a, 18a; 18a, 18b. Support rails (belonging to the transfer trolley), LS. Flexible connection(s), X. Longitudinal direction, Y. Transverse direction Z. Vertical direction R1, R2. Respectively first and second row of photovoltaic panels, PV. Photovoltaic panels.

Claims

1. Floating solar installation (1), comprising: - floats (11) providing the buoyancy of the installation, - at least one row (R1, R2) of photovoltaic panels extending in a longitudinal direction (X), fixed to the floats, the photovoltaic panels held off the water by the floats and a trolley system configured for maintenance of the photovoltaic panels (PV), comprising: - maintenance rails (12, 13, 14) comprising at least a first rail (12) and a second rail (13), extending in a parallel manner, on either side of said at least one row of photovoltaic panels (R1, R2), in the longitudinal direction (X), spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction (Y) - at least one maintenance trolley (2) comprising a chassis (20) provided with first rolling / sliding members (21) and with second rolling / sliding members (22) configured respectively to travel along a first rail (12) and the second rail (13), respectively, while being guided by the two rails, and wherein the trolley is configured to be moved along the rails, the chassis configured to pass astride, above the photovoltaic panels of said at least one row (R1, R2), and wherein the maintenance rails are separate and independent components of the photovoltaic panels, configured to ensure the circulation of said chassis (20) of said at least one maintenance trolley (2) above the locations of the photovoltaic panels of the row (R1; R2) of photovoltaic panels, even if one or more of the photovoltaic panels are removed.

2. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance trolley (2) and the maintenance rails (12, 13, 14) are configured to move at least one operator on board the chassis of the maintenance trolley (2).

3. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance trolley is motor-driven and includes a control module for providing its autonomous or remote-controlled movement, according to the maintenance rails (12, 13, 14).

4. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising several rows of panels (R1, R2), extending parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction (X), the panels of the different rows spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (Y) and comprising a plurality of pairs of rails (12, 13; 13, 14), spaced apart in the transverse direction, including at least one first pair of rails (12, 13) allowing the maintenance trolley (2) to travel astride the photovoltaic panels (PV) of a first row (R1) and at least one second pair of rails (13, 14) allowing the maintenance trolley (2) to travel astride the photovoltaic panels of another row of panels, distinct from the first row (R1), in particular a second row (R2).

5. Installation according to claim 4, wherein the first row of photovoltaic panels (R1) and the second row of photovoltaic panels (R2) are spaced apart, in the transverse direction (Y) by a gap δ, allowing the first rolling / sliding members (21) or the second rolling / sliding members (22) to travel on an interposed maintenance rail (13), and wherein the dimension of the gap δ is less than 40 cm.

6. Installation according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the trolley system comprises a transfer trolley (3), displaceable along transfer rails (15, 16) extending lengthwise in the transverse direction (Y), spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the transfer trolley is configured to support the maintenance trolley (2, 2a, 2b) and ensure the transfer of the maintenance trolley (2) from a first position of the transfer trolley (3) configured to ensure the loading of the maintenance trolley from the first pair of rails (12, 13), and to a second position of the transfer trolley (3) configured to ensure the unloading of the maintenance trolley onto the other pair of rails (13, 14), in particular the second pair.

7. Installation according to claim 6, wherein the chassis (30) of the transfer trolley comprises support rails (17a, 18a; 17b, 18b) configured to cooperate with the maintenance trolley (2), the support rails configured to be aligned respectively with the rails of the first pair of rails (12, 13) in the first position of the transfer trolley (3), and to be aligned respectively with the rails of the other pair of rails (13, 14), in the second position of the transfer trolley (3).

8. Floating solar installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the maintenance trolley of the panels (2) comprises a gantry structure, in the form of an inverted U, comprising a first vertical structure (S1), providing the support of the first rolling / sliding members (21), a second vertical structure (S2) providing the support of the second rolling / sliding members (22). The first rolling / sliding members (21) and the second rolling / sliding members are configured to run on the first rail (12) and the second rail (13), arranged wholly or partly at a height below the level of the panels of said at least one row (R1; R2); and a transverse structure (23), extending in the transverse direction (Y), intended to circulate above the panels of said at least one row (R1; R2), the transverse structure connecting the first vertical structure (S1) and the second vertical structure (S2).

9. Installation according to claim 8, wherein the maintenance trolley (2) comprises a foldable extension (EXT) configured to pass from a retracted position (P2), of lesser bulk on the gantry structure, to a deployed position (P1) for which said extension (EXT) extends in cantilever fashion from the gantry structure of the trolley to come astride a row of photovoltaic panels, consecutive to said at least one row (R1, R2) above which the transverse structure (23) circulates.

10. Floating solar installation according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the maintenance trolley (2) is a simple maintenance trolley (2a) extending in the transverse direction (Y) to straddle a single row of photovoltaic panels (R1 or R2), or the maintenance trolley (2) is a multiple maintenance trolley (2b) extending in the transverse direction (Y) to straddle a plurality of rows of solar panels (R1, R2).

11. Floating solar installation according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the photovoltaic panels of said at least one row (R1, R2) are fixed to the maintenance rails, above the maintenance rails (12, 13, 14), via mechanical interfaces (Eq) such as fixing brackets, leaving a free clearance along the rails for the circulation of the sliding / rolling members, first rolling / sliding members (21) and second rolling / sliding members (22).

12. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the maintenance rails (12, 13, 14) are fixed to the floats (11).

13. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the maintenance trolley is provided with a cleaning system comprising: - spray nozzles, oriented so as to spray a cleaning fluid onto the photovoltaic panels (PV) of the row (R1, R2) above which the maintenance trolley (2) moves, and / or - brushing means such as a brush, configured so as to brush the photovoltaic panels (PV) of the row (R1, R2) above which the maintenance trolley (2) moves.

14. Floating solar installation according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an inverter (4) configured to transform the direct current coming from the photovoltaic panels into alternating current that can be used by the network supported by one or more floats, and wherein the installation comprises second maintenance rails (40, 41), oriented in the transverse direction (Y), spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X) on either side of the inverter, as well as a maintenance trolley (43) of the inverter circulating on the second rails (40, 41) configured to lift the inverter and evacuate it.

15. Method for maintaining a solar installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a movement of the maintenance trolley (2), in the longitudinal direction X, above a row of the photovoltaic panels, suitable for replacing a photovoltaic panel, inspecting the installation, or cleaning the photovoltaic panels.

16. Method for maintaining a solar installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: - removing at least one spent photovoltaic panel (PV) from a location of the spent panel on said floating solar installation, and evacuating it by supporting the spent panel by the maintenance trolley 2, moving the maintenance trolley 2 at least in the longitudinal direction X of the maintenance rails 12, 13, 14, and / or - a placement of a photovoltaic panel (PV), in particular a new one, by its support by the maintenance trolley 2, and the movement of the maintenance trolley 2 along the maintenance rails to a mounting location on said floating solar installation.