Device for converting solar energy into electrical energy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy, the device comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar sensors; - each photovoltaic solar sensor is formed of an assembly of at least three elements having a rectangular parallelepiped shape joined to one another to form a column whose height is greater than the widest width of the elements, each element comprising two faces, the faces of the elements of the photovoltaic solar sensors facing the interior of the columns being referred to as the inner faces of the photovoltaic solar sensors; - at least one inner face of each photovoltaic solar sensor is covered with photovoltaic cells and each inner face that is not covered with photovoltaic cells is reflective; - the photovoltaic solar sensors being joined together in a cellular structure that allows each photovoltaic solar sensor to share at least one of its elements with other photovoltaic solar sensors.

Description

[0001] Device for converting solar energy into electrical energy

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy by using photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] A photovoltaic solar collector is similar to a current generator in the presence of solar radiation. It serves as a basic module for photovoltaic installations, particularly photovoltaic solar power plants.

[0006] A photovoltaic solar collector is usually a rigid and thin rectangular parallelepiped (a few centimeters thick), whose length and width are of the order of a meter, for a surface area of ​​the order of a square meter, and a mass of the order of 20 kg. One of the faces of a photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells electrically connected to each other. This is called a single-sided or uni-facial photovoltaic solar collector. When active, this planar face is exposed to solar radiation to capture solar energy and for each photovoltaic cell to transform the captured solar energy into electrical energy.

[0007] Various components (electrical connections, fasteners, possible frame and glass protection to ensure watertightness) are also part of a photovoltaic solar collector. There are also photovoltaic solar collectors in the form of flexible and resistant membranes, as well as concentrated photovoltaic solar collectors, which are more complex but better exploit the capacities of a photovoltaic cell.

[0008] The energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic solar collector is lower than that provided by all the photovoltaic cells that make it up, due to internal electrical losses and uncovered surfaces. It is currently around 20%. The energy actually captured by a photovoltaic solar collector depends on its surface area and technology, the amount of sunshine (which varies depending on latitude, time of day, weather, masking, etc.) and the temperature of the collector (production is better in the mountains because it is colder there).

[0009] Besides its power and surface area, a photovoltaic solar collector has three important characteristics:

[0010] - the deviation from the nominal power, of the order of -0 / +5%;

[0011] - the variation of power with temperature;

[0012] - stability of performance over time (generally at least 80% of the initial power for 20 to 25 years).

[0013] The price for such photovoltaic solar collectors was around 3-4 € / W in 2008 and is steadily falling. In 2021, the wholesale price is less than 0.35 € / W.

[0014] A photovoltaic solar collector generates no waste during operation and its operating costs are virtually zero. Waterproof, it can be used as a roof covering, provided that water flow at the edges is properly controlled with suitable mounting.

[0015] The energy efficiency of a photovoltaic solar collector is around 20%. To increase this efficiency, it is tempting to replace the materials constituting the photovoltaic cells of current collectors with more efficient materials. However, this solution is not feasible on a large scale because the cost of such materials would significantly increase the cost of the cells and therefore very significantly that of the photovoltaic solar collectors without the energy efficiency of such photovoltaic solar collectors being significantly increased.

[0016] The problem to be solved is to improve the efficiency of current photovoltaic solar collectors. Summary of the present invention

[0017] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0018] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising several photovoltaic solar collectors,

[0019] - each photovoltaic solar collector is formed from an assembly of at least three rectangular parallelepiped-shaped elements assembled together to form a column whose height is greater than the greatest width of the elements, each element comprising two faces, the faces of the elements of the photovoltaic solar collectors facing each other inside the columns being called internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors,

[0020] - at least one internal face of each photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells and each internal face which is not covered with photovoltaic cells is reflective,

[0021] - said photovoltaic solar collectors being assembled according to a honeycomb structure allowing each photovoltaic solar collector to share at least one of its elements with other photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0022] In other words, the honeycomb structure can be considered as an assembly of bifacial elements, i.e. elements whose two faces are either reflective (i.e. not covered with photovoltaic cells but made or covered with a material that reflects solar radiation), or covered with photovoltaic cells, or elements whose one face is reflective and one face is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0023] The assembly of photovoltaic cells to form a column makes it possible to multiply the rebounds of solar radiation between the reflective surfaces or the photovoltaic cells covering the internal faces of the column, the solar radiation entering through one end of the column and propagating in the downward phase in the column. The number of rebounds depends, among other things, on the angle of incidence of the solar rays inside the column. The capture of solar energy carried by this solar radiation is then increased compared to a current photovoltaic solar collector having a surface area of ​​photovoltaic cells equivalent to the solar radiation. The energy efficiency of the photovoltaic solar collector according to the present invention is then increased compared to a current photovoltaic solar collector without increasing the surface area projected onto the ground of this photovoltaic solar collector.

[0024] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each internal face of each photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0025] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the face leaning against an internal face of at least one element of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0026] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, one of the two ends of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden.

[0027] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden by a reflective element.

[0028] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden by at least one photovoltaic cell.

[0029] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each photovoltaic solar collector is formed of three elements and has an equilateral triangular section.

[0030] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each photovoltaic solar collector is formed of three elements and has an isosceles right-angled triangular section.

[0031] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device further comprises a system allowing an adaptation of the orientation of the columns of the photovoltaic solar collectors to the relative positioning of the sun with respect to the device and an increase in the solar radiation capture surface. According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device further comprises a reflective support on which the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors is placed.

[0032] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, a surface of the support is greater than the surface of the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors projected onto the ground.

[0033] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, a face on the back of the support which is not in contact with the photovoltaic solar sensors is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0034] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device further comprises a transparent cover placed on the support and covering the assembly of photovoltaic solar sensors.

[0035] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the support and the cover are made of glass.

[0036] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the space between the cover and the support is placed under vacuum.

[0037] This embodiment is advantageous because it avoids excessive temperatures of the photovoltaic cells covering the faces of the elements of the photovoltaic solar collectors. The lifespan of these photovoltaic cells is thus increased.

[0038] Brief description of the figures

[0039] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 15, in which:

[0040] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a photovoltaic solar collector according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a photovoltaic solar collector according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Fig. 3] illustrates a solar radiation collection surface according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Fig. 4] illustrates a solar radiation collection surface according to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] [Fig. 5] schematically represents the operation of the photovoltaic solar collector 2 of FIG. 2 comprising a column formed of three elements of identical dimensions according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0044] [Fig. 6] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements whose three internal faces are covered with photovoltaic cells;

[0045] [Fig. 7] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements, two of the three internal faces of which are covered with photovoltaic cells;

[0046] [Fig. 8] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements of which only one of the three internal faces is covered with photovoltaic cells;

[0047] [Fig. 9] schematically represents a top view of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a top view of an example of orientation of faces of elements of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [Fig. 1 1] schematically represents a top view of an example of orientation of faces of elements of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a top view of an example of orientation of faces of elements of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a top view of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Fig. 14] schematically represents a perspective view of a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates an example of an increase in the collection surface when the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors is oriented by a system according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Description of examples of implementation

[0054] A device for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising several photovoltaic solar collectors will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 15. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0055] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a photovoltaic solar collector according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] According to this example, the photovoltaic solar collector 1 is formed of four elements 10i, 102, 103 and 104 of rectangular parallelepiped shape assembled together at their lengths L to form a column whose height L is greater than the greatest width c of the elements. The column has a square section. The surface area of ​​each face of each element is equal to L. c = x. c 2 with L=xc The projected surface area of ​​the photovoltaic solar collector on the ground is equal to S = c 2 .

[0057] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a photovoltaic solar collector according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] According to this example, the photovoltaic solar collector is formed of three elements 10i, I O2 and I O3 of rectangular parallelepiped shape assembled together at their lengths L to form a column whose height L is greater than the greatest width c of the elements. The column has a section (for example perpendicular to the column) that is equilateral triangular if the three elements have identical dimensions and an isosceles right triangular section when two of the three elements have identical dimensions, the third element having a width c greater than that of the other two elements. The surface area of ​​each face of each element is equal to L. c = x. c 2 with L=xc and x a scalar value greater than 1. The projected surface area of ​​the photovoltaic solar collector on the ground is equal to S = — c 2 in the case of an equilateral triangular section.

[0059] The faces of the elements that face each other inside the column are called internal faces.

[0060] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show illustrative examples of a photovoltaic solar collector according to the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, a column can be formed by any number of rectangular parallelepiped-shaped elements (at least 3) so as to form a space inside the column so that the solar rays can enter the column through one of its ends and bounce off the internal faces of the elements. The dimensions of the elements are also not limiting and columns of varying height and / or having varying cross-sections can be envisaged without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Subsequently, the different characteristics of the photovoltaic solar collector will be illustrated for a photovoltaic solar collector formed of three elements. But these different characteristics are not limited to this type of photovoltaic solar collector and can extend to collectors formed of more than three elements.

[0062] [Fig. 3] illustrates a solar radiation capture surface according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] According to this example, an equilateral triangle, of side c, is the base of the photovoltaic solar collector (triangular prism). The triangle height is therefore equal to c. V3 / 2. The incident solar radiation beams are collected by an element of the photovoltaic solar collector on a triangular solar radiation collection surface 21 of side c and height h. The height h is defined according to an angle of incidence a of the solar radiation beams and is equal to c. V3 tana / 2. This triangular solar radiation collection surface 21 is therefore limited by the angle a and the side of the triangle c. Part of the incident optical power allows conversion into electrical energy (approximately 20%). The remainder is mainly absorbed in the form of heat or reflected.

[0064] When the internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collector are all covered with photovoltaic cells, the solar radiation collection surface of the column is equal to three times the surface area of ​​one face of an element. Thus, as x>1, this internal surface area is greater than the projected surface area of ​​the photovoltaic solar collector on the ground.

[0065] [Fig. 4] illustrates a solar radiation capture surface according to another particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The solar radiation capture area in Figure 4 is larger than the capture area in Figure 3 because the angle of incidence is larger.

[0067] [Fig. 5] schematically represents the operation of the photovoltaic solar collector 2 of figure 2 comprising a column formed of three elements of identical dimensions according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0068] According to this illustration, a solar ray enters the column through one of these ends and strikes an element 10i. This solar ray bounces off this element and strikes another element 102, then bounces back to strike element 10s, then bounces back to strike element 101, etc.

[0069] The assembly of elements to form a column makes it possible to multiply the rebounds of solar radiation and / or to concentrate this solar radiation on the internal faces covered with photovoltaic cells of these elements, which makes it possible to increase the capture of solar energy carried by this solar radiation and therefore to increase energy efficiency without increasing the surface area projected onto the ground of this photovoltaic solar collector.

[0070] According to the present invention, at least one inner face of the photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells and each inner face of the photovoltaic solar collector which is not covered with photovoltaic cells is reflective.

[0071] A photovoltaic solar collector may thus comprise, according to the present invention, internal faces which are all covered with photovoltaic cells or internal faces covered with photovoltaic cells (at least one) and other reflective internal faces.

[0072] [Fig. 6] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements whose internal faces are covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0073] [Fig. 7] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements, two of the three internal faces of which are covered with photovoltaic cells. The third internal face is reflective.

[0074] [Fig. 8] illustrates an example of a photovoltaic solar collector comprising three elements, of which only one of the three internal faces is covered with photovoltaic cells. The other two internal faces are reflective.

[0075] In Figures 6, 7 and 8, the faces of the elements which are covered with photovoltaic cells are shown in thick lines.

[0076] The use of reflective internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collector makes it possible to concentrate solar radiation on the internal face(s) of the photovoltaic solar collector which are covered with photovoltaic cells. This makes it possible to reduce the number of photovoltaic cells in the photovoltaic solar collector while maintaining electrical power levels similar to those obtained by a photovoltaic solar collector comprising only internal faces covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0077] In addition, the use of reflective internal faces allows solar radiation to be concentrated towards internal faces covered with photovoltaic cells. This more easily leads to electrical saturation of the photovoltaic cells covering these internal faces.

[0078] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each internal face of the photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells. According to one embodiment, the face leaning against an internal face of at least one element of the photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0079] Each element of each photovoltaic solar collector comprises two faces. Each element located on the periphery of the honeycomb structure comprises an internal face which faces faces of other photovoltaic solar collector elements and a face leaning against this internal face. This leaning face does not face any other internal face.

[0080] This embodiment makes it possible to increase the solar radiation capture surface, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the photovoltaic solar collector without increasing the surface area projected onto the ground of this collector.

[0081] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment, one of the two ends of the column is hidden by an element, referenced 11 in figure 5, the section of which is equal to that of the column.

[0082] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, one of the two ends of the column, referenced 11 in figure 5, is hidden by a reflective element.

[0083] This particular embodiment is particularly advantageous because any solar ray arriving at the bottom of the column is reflected to bounce back again in the ascending phase on the elements of the column. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the capture of solar energy carried by this solar radiation and therefore to increase the energy efficiency of the photovoltaic solar collector without increasing the surface area projected on the ground of this collector.

[0084] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the end 11 of the column is hidden by at least one photovoltaic cell.

[0085] This particular embodiment makes it possible to increase the capture of solar energy carried by this solar radiation and therefore to increase the energy efficiency of the photovoltaic solar collector without increasing the surface area projected on the ground of this collector. Furthermore, as said at least one photovoltaic cell is also reflective, it (they) provides a strong increase in the energy efficiency of the collector because the solar rays which strike it (them) are reflected, thus allowing new rebounds in the ascending phase on the photovoltaic cells covering at least one internal face of the column.

[0086] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the photovoltaic solar collector further comprises a system allowing adaptation of the orientation of the column to the relative positioning of the sun with respect to the photovoltaic solar collector and an increase in the solar radiation capture surface.

[0087] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to orient the photovoltaic solar collector relative to the sun so as to optimize the collection surface during the first rebound of the solar radiation on the photovoltaic cells covering at least one internal face of at least one element of the photovoltaic solar collector.

[0088] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising several photovoltaic solar collectors. Each photovoltaic solar collector is formed from an assembly of at least three rectangular parallelepiped-shaped elements assembled together to form a column whose height is greater than the greatest width of the elements, each element comprising two faces. The faces of the elements of the photovoltaic solar collectors facing each other inside columns are called internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors. At least one internal face of each photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells and each internal face of a photovoltaic solar collector which is not covered with photovoltaic cells is reflective.Said photovoltaic solar collectors are assembled according to a honeycomb structure allowing each photovoltaic solar collector to share at least one of its elements with other photovoltaic solar collectors of the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

[0089] The cross-section of the honeycomb structure, i.e. the projected surface area of ​​all its photovoltaic solar collectors on the ground, is not limited to a particular shape. However, the photovoltaic solar collectors must have the same cross-section. The cross-section of the collectors must also allow each photovoltaic solar collector in the honeycomb structure to share one or two of its elements with other photovoltaic solar collectors in the solar energy conversion device into electrical energy.

[0090] For example, photovoltaic solar collectors may have a square cross-section as shown in Figure 1.

[0091] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the section of the photovoltaic solar collectors is an equilateral triangle.

[0092] This embodiment makes it possible to obtain solar radiation capture surfaces greater than those corresponding to photovoltaic solar collectors comprising photovoltaic solar collectors of equilateral triangular section.

[0093] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the section of the photovoltaic solar collectors is an isosceles right triangle.

[0094] This embodiment makes it possible to obtain solar radiation capture surfaces greater than those corresponding to photovoltaic solar collectors comprising photovoltaic solar collectors with an isosceles right-angled triangular section.

[0095] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each internal face of each photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0096] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the face leaning against an internal face of at least one element of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0097] The assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors of equilateral triangular or isosceles right triangle section in honeycomb structure can be created by repeated addition of one or two new elements of equilateral triangular or isosceles right triangle section.

[0098] The sum of the surface areas S of the elements of the honeycomb structure is equal to a surface area GS which expands when new elements are added to the honeycomb structure. The ratio of the honeycomb structure comprising three elements is three faces (3F) per surface area S. By adding two new elements (and forming a new column), this ratio is close to 1.5F per surface area S thus achieving a gain of almost half the number of elements necessarily associated with any new column added to the honeycomb structure.

[0099] [Fig. 9] schematically represents a top view of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The honeycomb structure comprises 6 photovoltaic solar collectors of equilateral triangular section according to the present invention assembled in a honeycomb structure.

[0101] It may be noted that each face of the elements 100 separating two photovoltaic solar collectors is either covered with photovoltaic cells or reflective while the external faces of the elements 101 which belong to only one photovoltaic solar collector may be covered with photovoltaic or reflective cells. An external face of an element is the face of this element which opposes the internal face of this element.

[0102] The honeycomb structure in Figure 9 is said to be of rank 1, that is to say that each of the photovoltaic solar collectors has a vertex equal to the center of the honeycomb structure.

[0103] Six directions of the internal faces of photovoltaic solar collectors are defined from the honeycomb structure of Figure 9: two right oblique directions, two left oblique directions and two horizontal directions.

[0104] The two right oblique directions correspond to the faces of elements that follow the right oblique direction. The distinction between the two right oblique directions comes from the fact that the faces of the elements that are oriented in this right oblique direction are covered or not with photovoltaic cells.

[0105] For example, in Figure 10, the faces 10, 11, 12 and 13 are oriented in a first right oblique direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The faces 20, 21, 22 and 23 are oriented in a second right oblique direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.

[0106] For example, in Figure 11, the faces 30, 31, 32 and 33 are oriented in a first left oblique direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The faces 40, 41, 42 and 43 are oriented in a second left oblique direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.

[0107] For example, in Figure 12, the faces 50, 51, 52 and 53 are oriented in a first horizontal direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The faces 60, 61, 62 and 63 are oriented in a second horizontal direction. If at least one of these faces is covered by photovoltaic cells then a direct current electrical circuit is associated with the cells covering this or these faces for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.

[0108] The number of directions of the inner faces of photovoltaic solar collectors that are covered with photovoltaic cells defines a number of direct current electrical circuits used for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Each direct current electrical circuit connects the photovoltaic cells covering the inner faces oriented in the same direction. By replacing the inner faces covered with photovoltaic cells oriented in the same direction with reflective faces, the number of direct current electrical circuits is reduced while concerning equivalent electrical powers.

[0109] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a top view of a honeycomb structure according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The honeycomb structure comprises 24 photovoltaic solar collectors of equilateral triangular section assembled in a honeycomb structure.

[0110] The honeycomb structure of figure 13 is said to be of rank 2, that is to say that it comprises the 6 photovoltaic solar collectors of the honeycomb structure of rank 1 of figure 9 to which are added 18 new photovoltaic solar collectors, each of these new photovoltaic collectors having either one of their elements or one of their vertices in common with one of the 6 photovoltaic solar collectors of the honeycomb structure of rank 1.

[0111] According to this principle, higher-ranking alveolar structures can be constructed by successive enlargement of previous alveolar structures. The table above gives examples of a honeycomb structure of different ranks in which NC indicates the numbers of the photovoltaic solar collectors of the photovoltaic structure, NEA indicates the number of elements added per rank, SE is the number of elements of the honeycomb structure, NCA is the number of photovoltaic solar collectors added per rank and SC is the number of photovoltaic solar collectors of the honeycomb structure.

[0112] From the table, we can see that as the rank of the alveolar structure increases, the SE / SC ratio decreases. Going from 3 at rank 0 to 1.583 at rank 6.

[0113] The larger the honeycomb structure becomes, the more we obtain a saving in added elements for an adjoint surface S: from 3 faces to 1.5 faces for S alone.

[0114] For example, at rank 6 we have 342 elements for 216 photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0115] The projected surface area of ​​the row 6 honeycomb structure on the ground is approximately 3,367cm2 (216x — 6 2 for a 6 cm side cell) whereas it would be equal to 32,832 cms2 (342x96 for a 6 by 8 cm cell) for a current photovoltaic solar collector with an equivalent collection surface.

[0116] Through this example, we see the benefit of using a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising several photovoltaic solar collectors assembled in a honeycomb structure because the surface area projected on the ground of this device is much smaller (around 10 times less according to the example illustrated) than that of a current photovoltaic solar collector.

[0117] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, one of the two ends of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden.

[0118] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden by a reflective element.

[0119] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is hidden by at least one photovoltaic cell.

[0120] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each photovoltaic solar collector is formed of three elements and has an equilateral triangular section. According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, each photovoltaic solar collector is formed of three elements and has an isosceles right triangular section.

[0121] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in figure 14, the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy further comprises a system 71 allowing an adaptation of the orientation of the columns of photovoltaic solar collectors to the relative positioning of the sun with respect to the device and an increase in the surface area for capturing solar radiation.

[0122] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to orient the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy relative to the sun so as to optimize the surface area for capturing solar radiation by the photovoltaic cells covering the internal face of at least one element of at least one photovoltaic solar collector.

[0123] This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the honeycomb structure of photovoltaic solar collectors to be oriented in such a way as to optimize the collection surfaces of the internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0124] Figure 15 schematically illustrates an example of an increase in the collection surface when the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors is oriented by a system 71 and this for an angle of incidence of the solar radiation identical to that of figure 2.

[0125] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy further comprises a reflective support 74 on which the assembly 72 of photovoltaic solar sensors is placed.

[0126] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the surface area of ​​the support 74 is greater than the surface area of ​​the assembly 72 of photovoltaic solar collectors projected onto the ground.

[0127] This mode is advantageous because the external faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors, which are covered with photovoltaic cells, are then subjected to double radiation: solar radiation but also solar radiation reflected on the support (Albedo effect). The efficiency of the photovoltaic cells is thus increased, increasing the capture capacity of the photovoltaic solar collectors and the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

[0128] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, a face on the back of the support 74 which is not in contact with the photovoltaic solar sensors is covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0129] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy further comprises a transparent cover 70 placed on the support 74 and covering the assembly 72 of the photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0130] This embodiment is advantageous because the cover 70 makes it possible to protect the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors against shocks and bad weather, for example, while allowing solar radiation to pass through.

[0131] According to the example of Figure 14, the shape of the projected surface area of ​​the cover is the same shape as the projected surface area of ​​the assembly 72 of photovoltaic solar collectors. However, the projected surface area of ​​the cover may be different from the projected surface area of ​​the assembly 72 of photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0132] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the support 74 and the cover 72 are made of glass.

[0133] This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the support and the cover, which have similar expansions, to be glued together.

[0134] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the space between the cover 70 and the support 74 is placed under vacuum.

[0135] The inventor has created a prototype of the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy, comprising three photovoltaic solar collectors.

[0136] Each photovoltaic solar collector is formed from an assembly of three rectangular parallelepiped-shaped photovoltaic cells assembled together to form a column whose height is greater than the greatest width of the photovoltaic cells. Each internal face of each photovoltaic solar collector of each column of the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy is covered with a photovoltaic cell. One of the two ends of each column is hidden by a reflective element (and not by a photovoltaic cell). The three columns are not mounted in a honeycomb structure and the external faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors are not covered with photovoltaic cells.

[0137] Each rectangular photovoltaic cell has a surface area of ​​48 cm 2(Length L=8cm and width c=6cm). Each photovoltaic cell provides a voltage of 1.8V under 50 ohm load when exposed to solar radiation for optimal tilt.

[0138] The collection area of ​​each photovoltaic solar collector is around 46.7

[0139] With the same type of photovoltaic cells under the same natural luminosity (cloudless sun) at almost the same instant t with a load of 50 ohms and for an optimal inclination for each structure, this prototype device with just a capture of solar rays internally in the columns provides a voltage of 9V for 1.8V for a flat photovoltaic cell having a total equivalent surface area of ​​approximately 48 cm2. This is an increase in the energy efficiency of the prototype.

[0140] The device for converting solar energy into electrical energy according to the present invention is a new technology for capturing (renewable) and decarbonized solar energy.

[0141] According to the inventor's experiments, this device provides an energy yield approximately 4 times higher than that of a current photovoltaic solar collector with an equivalent collection area. In addition, with an equal collection area, a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy according to the present invention requires approximately 10 times less ground surface area than a current photovoltaic solar collector.

[0142] In a power / surface ratio, the device according to the present invention allows a considerable saving in material and transport logistics before and after manufacturing compared to a current photovoltaic solar collector. For the manufacturing of the device according to the present invention, the same photovoltaic bifacial cell or the same set of photovoltaic cells can be used to construct the columns, hence a reduced manufacturing cost when these photovoltaic cells are mass-produced. Even if the initial cost of a device according to the present invention is higher than that of a current photovoltaic solar collector, its total electrical production over 20 years (in general) with amortization over 8 years, will provide a financial gain in the end due to its higher electrical production and the programmed increase in the price of electricity.

[0143] When we talk about installation, we are talking about ecological problems, i.e. occupation of agricultural land, deforestation, obtaining building permits for large areas, land prices, installation problems in urban areas, etc. The power / surface ratio and the miniaturization of the device according to the present invention will lead to easier installation, particularly in private homes and on new surfaces (cars, airplanes, boats, truck trailers, garden sheds, in towns, roof terraces, etc.).

[0144] The miniaturization of the device according to the present invention using columns of triangular section makes it possible to obtain a capture surface greater than that obtained by miniaturization of a device using columns of square section. The miniaturization of a device means the division of a surface of a given shape into several surfaces of the same shape.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the device for converting solar energy into electrical energy, the honeycomb structure comprises 3 types of bifacial triangular elements: a first type of bifacial triangular element of which a first face and a second face are covered with photovoltaic cells; a second type of triangular element of which a first face is covered with photovoltaic cells and a second face is reflective (i.e. not covered with photovoltaic cells); and a third type of elements of which both faces are reflective (not covered with photovoltaic cells).

[0146] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any photovoltaic solar collector and / or any device for converting solar energy into electrical energy which would include secondary components / elements without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device for converting solar energy into electrical energy which would only have a portion of its photovoltaic cells assembled in a honeycomb structure.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A device for converting solar energy into electrical energy, comprising several photovoltaic solar panels. - each photovoltaic solar collector is formed from an assembly of at least three rectangular parallelepiped-shaped elements assembled together to form a column whose height is greater than the greatest width of the elements, each element comprising two faces, the faces of the photovoltaic solar collector elements facing each other inside columns being called the internal faces of the photovoltaic solar collectors, - at least one inner face of each photovoltaic solar sensor is covered with photovoltaic cells and each inner face that is not covered with photovoltaic cells is reflective, - said photovoltaic solar collectors being assembled according to a honeycomb structure allowing each photovoltaic solar collector to share at least one of its elements with other photovoltaic solar collectors.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein each inner face of each photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the face backing onto an internal face of at least one element of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is covered with photovoltaic cells.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the two ends of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is obscured.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is obscured by a reflective element.

6. Device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein said end of the column of at least one photovoltaic solar collector is obscured by at least one photovoltaic cell.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each photovoltaic solar sensor is formed of three elements and has an equilateral triangular cross-section.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each photovoltaic solar sensor is formed of three elements and has an isosceles right-angled triangular cross-section.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a system enabling adaptation of the orientation of the columns of the photovoltaic solar collectors to the relative positioning of the sun with respect to the device and an increase in the surface area for capturing solar radiation.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reflective support on which the photovoltaic solar collector assembly is placed.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein a surface of the support is greater than the surface of the photovoltaic solar collector assembly projected onto the ground.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a face on the back of the support which is not in contact with the photovoltaic solar collectors is covered with photovoltaic cells.

13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a transparent cover placed on the support and covering the assembly of photovoltaic solar collectors.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the support and the cover are made of glass.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the space between the lid and the support is evacuated.

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