Solar agritracker and method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agritracker

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar agritracker (1) and a method for using and / or controlling at least one such solar agritracker (1). The solar agritracker (1) comprises a plurality of solar modules (2), which are pivotably arranged on a structure comprising at least one crossed four-bar linkage (25), which crossed four-bar linkage (25) is a support structure for the solar modules. The pivoting movement of the solar modules (2) through a pivot angle (α) is generated by means of the at least one crossed four-bar linkage (25), wherein the solar agritracker (1) is designed to pivot the solar modules (2) into an end position beyond the centre of a foundation (21).

Description

[0001] Solar agricultural tracker and method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agricultural tracker

[0002] The invention relates to a solar tracker, in particular for the construction of solar parks on agriculturally used or agriculturally usable land. The invention further relates to a method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agricultural tracker.

[0003] In practice, virtually all single-axis horizontal trackers pivot the module rows along a central pivot mounted on supports, following the sun's course. When used on agricultural land, where the area between the tracker rows is to be used for agricultural purposes, it is usually necessary to set the pivot axes higher than normal to minimize the impact on the crops.

[0004] This requires significantly more material in the support structures, i.e. support posts, a higher installation effort and the solar modules are practically always positioned in the agricultural area, which always means a high risk of collision when agricultural machinery drives past.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an optimal system for the use of solar trackers on agricultural land.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a solar agricultural tracker and a method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agricultural tracker, which comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0007] This is achieved according to claim 1 by the pivoting movement of the solar modules through a pivot angle generated by a crossed four-bar linkage, which also serves as the support structure for the solar modules. The solar modules pivot out of the sunlit area, reaching their final position over the center of the foundation, which is advantageous for the passage of large agricultural machinery and also for plant growth. Furthermore, the tracker designed in this way is well suited for partially or fully automated assembly.

[0008] The advantages mentioned can be particularly evident when it comes to the use of so-called wide span vehicles, which could preferably manage the land autonomously.

[0009] The term “wide span vehicle” used here refers in particular to vehicles that are used in the agricultural sector and that have very large track widths and attachment spaces in between for almost any type of attachment, thus enabling very large working widths.

[0010] The invention further relates to a method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agricultural tracker in undeveloped terrain, in particular on agricultural land. Agricultural land includes not only fields but also wooded areas, meadows, fallow land covered with various plants, vineyards, orchards, etc.

[0011] The method provides that one of at least two different setting criteria is taken into account for the respective pivoting movements of the solar modules and for their inclination settings, namely: a) an electrical power output of the solar modules caused by solar radiation changing over the course of the day or b) a space requirement and / or shading requirement for the site caused by the use of the installation site of the solar agricultural tracker or the land adjacent or neighbouring to the respective installation site of the solar agricultural tracker and / or by agricultural operations.

[0012] For the first case, namely, when the electrical power output of the solar modules needs to be optimized, it can be particularly useful to adjust the inclination of the solar modules, which are normally designed as photovoltaic elements, as the position of the sun changes throughout the day, for example, by selecting the angle of incidence so that the electrical power output of the solar modules is maximized over the longest possible period of the day. However, such a control specification may not always be appropriate, so other control criteria can also be considered, such as reducing the maximum and minimum power output while simultaneously equalizing the power output of the solar modules.

[0013] For the second possible scenario, namely the space and / or shading requirements for the site caused by the use of the solar agricultural tracker's installation site or the land adjacent to or adjacent to the respective installation site of the solar agricultural tracker and / or by agricultural operations, it may be particularly useful to adjust the tilt adjustment of the solar modules to the needs of the adjacent vegetation, as this vegetation may require more shading at certain times of the day, while requiring more sunlight at others. These needs may exist, for example, in certain climatic regions for viticulture or for the cultivation of other crops.

[0014] Other conceivable scenarios could include using the solar modules as a shield for the plants that need to be protected from heavy rain during periods of heavy rain.

[0015] One embodiment of the method provides for areas of different widths to be defined between solar agricultural trackers arranged in rows. In particular, a first width for agricultural areas is defined based on the width of an agricultural machine suitable for the respective agricultural use or based on the desired use. Furthermore, a second width is defined for dividing areas, with a dividing area being arranged between two adjacent agricultural areas, the second width of the dividing areas being defined based on the installation width of the solar agricultural tracker.

[0016] This allows solar agricultural trackers to be allocated smaller or larger areas within an agricultural area. If the primary goal is to generate electrical energy, solar agricultural trackers can cover larger areas, leaving correspondingly narrower strips for agricultural use between the dividing areas with the trackers installed. This could mean, for example, that solar agricultural trackers cover 40% or more of the agricultural area, or even more than 60%.

[0017] However, if agricultural use is the primary focus, it may be sensible to reduce the area proportions with the solar agricultural trackers installed in them, so that the strips between the dividing areas with the trackers installed in them remain correspondingly wider for agricultural use.

[0018] This may mean that the solar agricultural trackers cover 25% or less of the agricultural area, or even less than 15%.

[0019] A further embodiment of the method provides for a plurality of solar agricultural trackers to be arranged in parallel rows. The solar modules of solar agricultural trackers arranged on adjacent dividing surfaces, between which the corresponding agricultural area is to be worked by an agricultural machine, can be pivoted in opposite directions to each other. In particular, pivoting can occur to an end position in which the distance between the agricultural machine and a foundation of the solar agricultural tracker is smaller than the distance between the agricultural machine and the solar modules of the solar agricultural trackers.

[0020] One sensible condition here is to clear the parts that extend laterally into the agricultural area beyond the anchoring of the solar agricultural tracker. Anchoring the solar agricultural tracker can be achieved, for example, with a ground foundation, ground anchors, ground anchors, or similar.

[0021] The solar agricultural trackers, which can be pivoted using a four-bar pivoting mechanism, make it possible to pivot the solar modules as needed so that the risk of collision with an agricultural machine driving across the agricultural area, including its attachments, can be reduced by pivoting the solar modules to the side facing away from the area to be worked.

[0022] An additional or alternative condition may require the removal of parts of the solar modules or their mounting from a defined vertical silhouette. The silhouette can be usefully defined by a rectangle whose lateral width between adjacent agricultural areas, each separated by a dividing surface with a solar agricultural tracker mounted thereon, approximately corresponds to the width of the anchoring. The length of the silhouette preferably corresponds to the space required by one solar agricultural tracker, possibly limited by the adjacent solar modules of other solar agricultural trackers within the dividing surface.

[0023] One embodiment of the method provides that all pivoting actions are specified centrally by a computer control system and / or that all pivoting actions can be specified in communication with an agricultural machine traveling across the field, in particular a work machine or tractor. In this case, it can additionally be defined that the agricultural machine or the work machine or tractor can either drive autonomously using GPS data-supported control and / or be controlled centrally by a computer. The computer-controlled driving mode can, in turn, preferably be carried out with the aid of GPS location coordinates.

[0024] Central control and / or data communication between the adjustment mechanisms for the agricultural trackers and the agricultural machinery traveling across the field makes it possible to pivot the solar modules at the right time so that they do not pose a collision risk. This also ensures that they are pivoted to the correct side without any significant loss of electrical power output, because after passing the agricultural machinery, they can be moved back to their original position to meet the criteria for optimized electrical energy generation.

[0025] A further embodiment of the method can provide that the solar modules can be pivoted into defined positions in a time-controlled manner in order to temporarily shade the agricultural crops grown on the agricultural land and / or that the solar modules can be pivoted into defined positions in a controlled manner in order to temporarily protect the agricultural crops grown on the agricultural land against precipitation and / or wind.

[0026] Depending on the planting, the solar modules can thus generate additional benefits that go beyond pure electrical energy generation. Certain grape varieties or other crops do not thrive equally under all climatic conditions, for example, because the solar radiation may be too intense or the rainfall may be too high throughout the year. If, in such cases, the solar modules are used appropriately as shading and / or screening elements, the cultivation and use conditions for such sensitive plants in certain regions can possibly be improved to such an extent that effective agricultural use is enabled, which would normally not be possible or only possible to a limited extent for this plant species and / or variety in a given location.

[0027] A further embodiment of the method can provide that the agricultural areas are used for fruit or wine growing, wherein the first width of the agricultural areas is selected according to a necessary width for a row of fruit trees or vines and wherein the pivoting movement of the solar modules is controlled throughout the day in such a way that the fruit trees or vines are shaded at predefined times.

[0028] A further embodiment of the method can provide for the pivoting movement of the solar modules to be regulated taking into account a regional or supra-regional total power demand in the power grid, in particular, with the control of the inclination of the solar modules being optimized with a view to achieving a uniform electrical power output throughout the day. For example, in regions with strong solar radiation, it may be advisable not to strive for the maximum possible electrical power output at all times, but rather, for example, to keep the total power output of a larger number of solar modules within certain limits.

[0029] It should be expressly stated at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0030] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker in a front view. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the four-bar linkage with the drive as a support element.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker in a panned front view.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a partial segment of the solar agricultural tracker in perspective view.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the four-bar linkage with the drive as a support element.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the four-bar linkage with drive as a support element with section details.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a section through the drive area. Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a section through the drive area in perspective.

[0038] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of the four-bar linkage without drive as a support element.

[0039] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of the double four-bar linkage with drive as a support element.

[0040] Fig. 12 shows a schematic enlarged view of the double four-bar linkage with drive as a support element.

[0041] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker with central tube.

[0042] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker with foundation.

[0043] Fig. 15 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker as an agricultural tracker. Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker and the passing of an agricultural machine.

[0044] Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker in combination with a wide-span vehicle. Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker with a wide-span vehicle in a front view.

[0045] Fig. 19 shows a schematic representation of a wide span vehicle in transverse or longitudinal driving mode.

[0046] Fig. 20 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker using a wide span vehicle in a cross lane.

[0047] The schematic perspective view of Fig. 1 illustrates a solar agricultural tracker 1 , shown here as a table, which contains the elements described and shown in more detail in the next figures.

[0048] Here, a plurality of solar modules 2 are arranged on a plurality of four-bar structures 25. The solar modules are pivotably mounted on a structure comprising at least one crossed four-bar linkage or at least one four-bar linkage structure 25. The crossed four-bar linkage or four-bar linkage structure 25 represents a support structure for the solar modules 2. The pivoting movement of the solar modules through a pivot angle (α, see Fig. 4) is generated via the crossed four-bar linkage. The solar agricultural tracker 1 is designed to pivot the solar modules 2 into an end position beyond the center of a foundation.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker 1 in a front view, showing the basic structure of an embodiment in the area of ​​a four-bar construction 25. This comprises a lower foundation plate 4 with two axes of rotation, in particular a first axis of rotation DF1 assigned to the foundation plate 4 and a second axis of rotation DF2 assigned to the foundation plate 4, wherein the support strut 6 is mounted in the second axis of rotation DF2 assigned to the foundation plate 4, and wherein the support strut 7 with drive is mounted in the first axis of rotation DF1 assigned to the foundation plate 4.

[0050] The solar agricultural tracker 1 further comprises a head section 5 with a first axis of rotation DK1 assigned to the head section 5 and a second axis of rotation DK2 assigned to the head section 5, wherein the support strut 6 is mounted in the first axis of rotation DK1 assigned to the head section 5 and wherein the support strut 7 with drive is mounted in the second axis of rotation DK2 assigned to the head section 5. The head section 5 carries module carriers (3 and 3') on which the solar modules (2) are mounted. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a four-bar linkage construction 25, which serves as a support element and is equipped with a drive. The reference numeral 9 is used below for the four-bar linkage construction 25 with drive. The four-bar linkage 9 has a head section height H, which can vary depending on the growth height of the planned crops.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance AF, which distance AF is formed between the first axis of rotation DF1 arranged on the foundation plate 4 and the second axis of rotation DF2 arranged on the foundation plate 4, and the distance AK, which distance AK is formed between the first axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head part and the second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head part, are of different sizes, from which the pivoting movement for the solar modules 2 results.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker 1 in the area of ​​a four-bar linkage 9, i.e., in the area of ​​a four-bar linkage construction 25 with a drive in a pivoted arrangement of the solar modules, in a front view. This shows that the solar module 2, when pivoted through a pivot angle α, can be pivoted by a module spacing AM beyond the first rotation axis DF1 arranged on the foundation plate, and the module spacing AM can thus also be greater than the distance AF. This applies in both pivoting directions, i.e., both with a positive and a negative pivot angle α.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a partial segment of the solar agricultural tracker 1 in a perspective view and thus the basic structure of an embodiment of a four-bar construction 25 in the form of a double four-bar linkage 8, which will be described below, an embodiment of a four-bar linkage 25 in the form of a four-bar linkage 10 without drive, which will be described below, and an embodiment of a four-bar linkage 25 in the form of a four-bar linkage 9 with drive, which are connected to one another via the module carriers 3, 3', on which module carriers 3, 3' the solar modules 2 are in turn mounted.

[0054] To drive the entire system of the solar agricultural tracker 1, a drive train 11 runs through the respective second rotation axes DK2 assigned to the head section, which preferably drives one or more tables of a solar agricultural tracker 1 on both sides, starting from a drive motor 17. The drive motor is not shown in Fig. 5. The distance AS between the four-bar linkages 25 is also not relevant for the inventive design, since it can be individually selected depending on the local conditions such as wind and soil, as well as the loads from the solar modules 2 and other parameters.

[0055] However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-bar linkage constructions 25, also referred to as four-bar linkage supports, are designed in the form of double four-bar linkages 8, four-bar linkages 10 without drive and four-bar linkages 9 with drive, which are described in Figures 2 to 4 and the following figures.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a four-bar linkage 9 used as a support element with a drive according to Fig. 3 and thus all the basic elements of this four-bar linkage 9. The foundation plate 4, which comprises the first axis of rotation arranged on the foundation plate and the second axis of rotation arranged on the foundation plate, can be connected to any suitable foundation adapted to the local soil conditions.

[0057] Mounted on it are the support strut 6 and the support strut 7 with drive, the head part 5 with gear ring with the first axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head part 5 and the second axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head part 5, on which first axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head part 5 the support strut is mounted and on which second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head part 5 the support strut 7 with drive is mounted.

[0058] Furthermore, Fig. 6 shows that a gear ring ZK forms a component of the head part 5 with the gear ring ZK anchored thereto, as well as a through-drive shaft 12, from which extends a reduction stage 13, which includes a drive 14 for the gear ring ZK, preferably in the form of a stepping gear. If necessary, the reduction stage 13 can also be designed with multiple stages, although this is not shown here.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the four-bar linkage 9 with drive as a support element with section information for the following Fig. 8.

[0060] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a section AA through the drive area of ​​a four-bar linkage 9 with drive, and Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a section AA through the drive area of ​​a four-bar linkage 9 with drive in perspective. Section AA shows the inventive, coaxial bearing of the through-drive shaft 12 within the second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head part 5, which axis of rotation is a component of the head part 5 with gear ring ZK, just like the gear ring ZK itself. Starting from the through-drive shaft 12, a reduction stage 13 drives a drive 14 for the gear ring ZK, which drive 14 is mounted in the support strut 7 and engages with the gear ring ZK.

[0061] Preferably, a step gear is used that blocks the four-bar construction 9 in the 0° position of the solar modules (not shown in Figures 8 and 9) and thus ensures a secure stand of the solar agricultural tracker 1, for example in the event of a storm.

[0062] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a four-bar linkage 10 used as a support element without a drive and thus all the basic elements of this four-bar linkage 10, in particular the foundation plate, the two axes of rotation, in particular the first axis of rotation DF1 arranged on the foundation plate 4 and the second axis of rotation DF2 arranged on the foundation plate 4, two support struts, in particular a first support strut 6 and a second support strut 15 with a through drive, a head part 5' without a gear ring with a first axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head part 5' and a second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head part 5', in which a through drive shaft 16 without an output is coaxially mounted in the second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head part 5'. Furthermore, the figure shows two module carrier supports MT and MT', which can also be components of the head parts 5 and 5', but are not described in more detail here as they correspond to the module carriers (cf. Fig.2) are adapted.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a double four-bar linkage 8 with a drive 17 serving as a support element. To absorb lateral forces acting on the solar modules (cf. Fig. 1), this support element is equipped as a double four-bar linkage 8 with a double foundation plate 4', which double foundation plate 4' has a width BDF and is equipped with a first braced support strut 6' and a second support strut 7' equipped with a drive. In the upper area of ​​the braced support strut 6' and the braced support strut 7' equipped with a drive, the head part 5 with gear ring ZK and the head part 5' without gear ring are connected to the latter via the first rotation axis DK1 arranged on the head part 5, 5' and the second rotation axis DK2 arranged on the head part 5, 5'. Between the through-drive shaft 12 and the through-drive shaft 16 without output, any drive motor 17 can be used to drive a drive train originating from here. Fig.Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of the double four-bar linkage 8 with drive 17 as a support element, enlarged in the upper area of ​​the head section 5 with gear ring ZK and the head section 5' without gear ring. This shows the first axis of rotation DK1 arranged on the head section 5, 5' and the second axis of rotation DK2 arranged on the head section 5, 5', as well as the first axis of rotation DF1 arranged on the foundation plate 4 and the second axis of rotation DF2 arranged on the foundation plate 4, over which all support elements, i.e., the double four-bar linkage 8, the four-bar linkage 10 without drive, and the four-bar linkage 9 with drive, always run coaxially to one another.

[0064] Figure 13 schematically shows a section of an embodiment of a solar agricultural tracker 1 with a central tube 19 connecting the four-bar linkage structures 25. This shows a four-bar linkage 9 with a drive, which defines a head section 18 for a central tube 19 with a gear ring ZK and the second rotation axis DK2 integrated therein. This design can represent a useful alternative for configurations of solar modules 2 that may be required and, in particular, demonstrates the adaptability of the system.

[0065] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a solar agricultural tracker 1 with foundations 20, which in the illustrated embodiment are designed as screw foundations. Such screw foundations can be used advantageously because they can also absorb tensile forces. Since all axes of rotation DK1, DK2, DF1 and DF2 of the support elements, in particular the double four-bar linkages 8 (not shown here), the four-bar linkage without drive 10 and the four-bar linkage with drive 9 must always run coaxially within a solar agricultural tracker unit 1, height differences HU in the ground contour BK must be compensated for by the foundation 20. At the same time, this facilitates automated assembly, since all system elements above the foundation 20 are always the same.

[0066] Fig. 15 shows a schematic representation of the use of several units of a solar agricultural tracker 1 as agricultural trackers on an agricultural area LF, on which the solar agricultural tracker rows 21 can be set up with a freely selectable row spacing (RA). The agricultural area LF less a foundation area with the width BF of the foundation strip can still be used on the width BLF of the agricultural area between the solar agricultural tracker rows 21. Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of the use of a solar agricultural tracker 1 and the passing of an agricultural machine 22, which illustrates the advantage of the pivoting movement using the four-bar linkage concept. Due to the module spacing AM, a large distance ALM can be maintained between the agricultural machine 22 and the solar modules 2, even with a very small distance AF between the agricultural machine 22 and the foundation 4.On the one hand, this makes it easier to manage agricultural land (LF) so that it can be used optimally.

[0067] Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of several solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21' in combination with the use of a wide-span vehicle 23. The wide-span vehicle 23 travels across the agricultural area between two solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21', with the solar modules 2 of the solar agricultural tracker rows 21 being arranged pivoted in the opposite direction to the solar modules 2 of the adjacent solar agricultural tracker rows 21'. In this way, the advantage of safely passing both solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21' described in Fig. 16 can be utilized and the agricultural area LF can be optimally cultivated.

[0068] Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of two solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21' using a wide span vehicle 23 in a front view. Fig. 18 shows that for the solar agricultural tracker system, here in the form of the solar agricultural tracker row 21 and the solar agricultural tracker row 21' with solar modules 2 pivoted in opposite directions to each other, only one foundation strip with the width BF is required, which also includes the distance AL between the agricultural machine, in particular the wide span vehicle 23, and the foundation 4 to the left and right of the solar agricultural tracker row 21, 21'. The width BLF of the agricultural area (LF, see Fig. 17) then results depending on the selected row spacing RA, which is preferably adapted to common working widths of agricultural machinery.

[0069] A further advantage is that, especially in the case of autonomous or GPS-controlled vehicles such as a wide span vehicle 23, the distance AL between the agricultural machine and the foundation 4 can be reduced to a few centimeters and at the same time a large distance ALM is provided between the agricultural machine and the solar module 2.

[0070] Figure 19 shows a schematic representation of a wide span vehicle 23 in a longitudinal travel mode (LM), which is advantageous, for example, for road travel or moving from row to row. The wide span vehicle 23 is equipped with four omnidirectional chassis OM1 to OM4 and a rotary / lifting device (DH), allowing the wide span vehicle 23 to be operated in both longitudinal travel (LM) and transverse travel (QM) (see Figures 17 and 18).

[0071] The illustration in Fig. 19 also shows a stylized attachment AG in a raised position, allowing any attachment AG to be rotated from the front VS of the wide-span vehicle 23 to the rear HS of the wide-span vehicle. This has the advantage that a wide-span vehicle 23 does not have to turn at the headlands of agricultural land, but simply changes its direction of travel.

[0072] Fig. 20 shows a schematic representation of the solar agricultural tracker 1, in particular several solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21'. This shows the use of a wide span vehicle 23 in transverse travel mode QM between two solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21', which illustrates the advantage of not having to turn, as described in Fig. 19.

[0073] The wide span vehicle 23 can be switched to a longitudinal travel mode LM in order to travel on a very narrow lane with the width BQ from row aisle RG to row aisle RG. A row aisle RG corresponds to the agricultural area LF between the solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21', each with oppositely pivoted solar modules 2, whereby the proportion of agricultural area LF can be increased. It is preferably provided that a wide span vehicle 23 can automatically adopt the appropriate longitudinal travel mode LM or transverse travel mode and change the direction of travel using the omnidirectional chassis OM1 to OM4. It is also preferably provided that solar agricultural tracker rows 21, 21' automatically pivot the solar modules 2 in opposite directions, depending on the position of one or more wide span vehicles 23 on the agricultural area LF.This is preferably controlled by a higher-level system control system of such a solar park.

[0074] A final note should be given at this point regarding the descriptions of embodiments of the invention, whereby these descriptive passages each refer to the attached drawings. When reference is generally made to "schematic" representations and views in the context of the figures and their descriptions, this in no way means that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. A person skilled in the art will be perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn proportions, which may not be exactly to scale.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained functioning of the device according to the invention.

[0075] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0076] List of reference symbols

[0077] 1 : Solar agricultural tracker

[0078] 2 : Solar module

[0079] 3 and 3' : Module carrier

[0080] 4 : Foundation plate

[0081] 4' : Double foundation slab

[0082] 5 : Head part with gear ring

[0083] 5' : Head part without sprocket

[0084] 6 : (first) support strut

[0085] 6' : (first) support strut braced

[0086] 7 : (second) support strut with drive

[0087] 7' : (second) support strut braced with drive

[0088] 8 : Double four-bar linkage

[0089] 9 : Four-bar linkage with drive

[0090] 10 : Four-bar linkage without drive

[0091] 11 : Drivetrain

[0092] 12 : Through-drive shaft 13 : Reduction stage

[0093] 14 : Drive for the gear ring

[0094] 15 : (second) support strut with through-drive

[0095] 16 : Through-drive shaft without output

[0096] 17 : Drive motor

[0097] 18 : Head part for central tube with gear ring

[0098] 19 : Central tube

[0099] 20 : Foundation

[0100] 21 : Solar agricultural tracker series

[0101] 2T : Solar agricultural tracker row swung towards

[0102] 22 : Agricultural machine

[0103] 23 : Wide-span vehicle

[0104] 25 : Four-bar construction

[0105] DF1 : first axis of rotation arranged on the foundation plate

[0106] DF2 : second rotation axis arranged on the foundation plate

[0107] DK1 : first rotation axis arranged on the head part

[0108] DK2 : second rotation axis arranged on the head part

[0109] H : Headboard height

[0110] AF : Distance between the first axis of rotation arranged on the foundation plate

[0111] DF1 and the second rotation axis arranged on the foundation plate

[0112] AK : Distance between the first axis of rotation arranged on the head part and the second axis of rotation arranged on the head part

[0113] AM : Module spacing

[0114] AL : Distance between agricultural machine and foundation

[0115] ALM : Distance agricultural machine modules

[0116] AS : Distance between four-bar supports a : Swivel angle

[0117] ZK : ring gear

[0118] MT and MT : Module carrier support

[0119] BK : floor contour

[0120] HU : Difference in altitude

[0121] LF : agricultural land

[0122] RA : Row spacing

[0123] BDF : Wide double foundation slab

[0124] BLF : Width of agricultural land BF : Width of foundation strips

[0125] BQ : Wide lanes

[0126] DH : rotary lifting device

[0127] VS : Front of wide-span vehicle HS : Rear of wide-span vehicle

[0128] AG : Attachment

[0129] OM1 to OM4 : Omnidirectional chassis

[0130] QM : Cross travel, cross travel mode

[0131] LM : Longitudinal travel, longitudinal travel mode RG : Row lane

Claims

Claims: Solar agricultural tracker (1) comprising a plurality of solar modules (2) which are pivotably arranged on a structure comprising at least one crossed four-bar linkage (25), which crossed four-bar linkage (25) constitutes a support structure for the solar modules, wherein the pivoting movement of the solar modules (2) through a pivot angle (a) can be generated by means of the at least one crossed four-bar linkage (25), wherein the solar agricultural tracker (1) is configured to pivot the solar modules (2) into a final position extending beyond the center of a foundation (21). Solar agricultural tracker (1), in particular for the construction of solar parks on agricultural land, wherein the pivoting movement of the solar modules (2) through a pivot angle (a) in both directions is generated by a crossed four-bar linkage structure.The four-bar linkage structure consists of a base plate (4) with a first axis of rotation (DF1) and a second axis of rotation (DF2) associated with the base plate (4), a head section (5) with a first axis of rotation (DK1) and a second axis of rotation (DK2) associated with the head section (5), a support strut (6) which is rotatably mounted in the second axis of rotation (DF2) associated with the base plate (4) and in the first axis of rotation (DK1) associated with the head section (5), and a support strut with drive (7) which is rotatably mounted in the first axis of rotation (DF1) associated with the base plate (4) and the second axis of rotation (DK2) associated with the head section (5), wherein this operating principle applies in the same way to all support elements of a solar agricultural tracker (1), in particular to a double four-bar linkage (8),a four-bar linkage with drive (9) and a four-bar linkage without drive (10); wherein the drive for the pivoting movement about a pivot angle (a) in the individual four-bar linkages, the double four-bar linkage (8) and the four-bar linkage with drive (9) is provided via a toothed ring (ZK), which toothed ring (ZK) is an element of the head part (5) and whose center is located in the second axis of rotation (DK2) assigned to the head part (5), wherein this is driven by a drive toothed ring (14), wherein the drive ring gear (14) is moved from a through shaft (12) mounted concentrically in the second axis of rotation (DK2) associated with the head part (5) via an arbitrary reduction (13), which through shaft (12) is an element of a drive train (11) extending over a longitudinal axis of a solar agricultural tracker (1).

3. Solar agricultural tracker (1) according to claim 2, wherein the head parts, in particular head parts with toothed ring (5) and head parts without toothed ring (5'), comprise integrated module support supports (MT and MT), or wherein the head parts are designed as a head part for a central tube (18), wherein a central tube (19) of any shape can be used.

4. Solar agricultural tracker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the solar agricultural tracker (1) is designed to be used together with a vehicle, in particular for agricultural purposes, which vehicle has a mounting space for any implements (AG).

5. Solar agricultural tracker (1) according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle is formed by a wide span vehicle (23) which wide span vehicle (23) has a rotary lifting mechanism (DH) for any attachments (AG) and four omnidirectional running gears (OM1 to OM4).

6. Method for using and / or controlling at least one solar agricultural tracker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 in undeveloped terrain, in particular on agricultural land (LF), in which one of at least two different setting criteria is taken into account for the respective pivoting movements of the solar modules (2) and for their tilting adjustments, namely: a) an electrical power output of the solar modules (2) caused by a change in solar radiation during the day or b) a space requirement and / or shading requirement for the terrain caused by the use of the installation site of the solar agricultural tracker (1) or the terrain adjacent or neighboring to the respective installation site of the solar agricultural tracker (1) and / or by agricultural operation.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein areas of different widths are defined between solar agricultural trackers (1, 21) arranged in rows, wherein a first width for agricultural areas is determined by reference to the width of an agricultural machine (22, 23) suitable for the corresponding agricultural use or by reference to the desired use is defined and a second width for separation areas is defined, wherein a separation area is arranged between two adjacent agricultural areas, which second width of the separation areas is defined by a setup width of the solar agricultural tracker (1 , 21).

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of solar agricultural trackers (1, 21) are arranged in parallel rows, wherein the solar modules (2) of solar agricultural trackers (1, 21) arranged on adjacent separation surfaces, between which the corresponding agricultural area is to be cultivated by an agricultural machine (22, 23), can each be pivoted oppositely to each other, in particular into an end position in which end position a distance (AL) between the agricultural machine (22, 23) and a foundation of the solar agricultural tracker (1) is less than a distance (ALM) between the agricultural machine (22, 23) and the solar modules (2) of the solar agricultural trackers (1, 21).

9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein all pivoting actions are centrally specified by a computer control and / or wherein all pivoting actions can be specified in communication with an agricultural machine, in particular a work or tractor, moving across the field, in particular wherein it can additionally be defined that the work or tractor can either drive autonomously by means of GPS data-based control and / or be centrally controlled by a computer.

10. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the solar modules (2) are pivotable into defined positions in a time-controlled manner in order to temporarily shade the agricultural crop grown on the agricultural land and / or wherein the solar modules (2) are pivotable into defined positions in a controlled manner in order to temporarily protect the agricultural crop grown on the agricultural land against precipitation and / or wind.

11. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the agricultural areas are used for fruit or wine cultivation and wherein the first width of the agricultural areas is selected according to a necessary width for a row of fruit trees or grapevines and wherein the pivoting movement of the solar modules (2) is controlled throughout the day such that shading of the fruit trees or grapevines occurs at predefined times.

12. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the pivoting movement of the solar modules is taken into account a regional or supra-regional The total power demand in the electricity grid is regulated, in particular whereby a Control of the tilt of the solar modules (2) is optimized with regard to a more even electrical power output throughout the day.

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