System for airflow energy conversion as an attachment integration in solar plants for additional supply of electrical energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for airflow energy conversion as an attachment integration in solar plants (1) for additional supply of electrical current. The invention relates to the concept of integrating or attaching an airflow energy system directly to existing or newly designed solar plants (1). The airflow energy system uses any airflows acting on the installation site. Wind, heat absorption energy of the utilised solar plant and airflows resulting from thermals in the immediate surroundings are optimally used for this purpose. In this way, additional electrical energy is generated and added to the electrical energy already obtained from solar energy. A modular drum wheel generator (6) can be used in different variants, positions and quantities, in order to achieve an optimum yield of all airflows directly at the system installation. With this invention, the energy yield at solar plants is increased. The direct combination of the airflow system with a solar plant (1) forms an overall system which requires no additional investment in site area, while using only one system controller.

Description

System for air flow energy conversion as an add-on integration to solar systems for additional feed-in of electrical energy

[0001] To meet the world's enormous energy needs, electricity generation solutions have been continuously developed over the past few decades through the construction of solar power plants (1), wind turbines, and other new energy generation concepts. These so-called green energy generation concepts are intended to be further expanded as an alternative to current nuclear power or the combustion of fossil fuels in order to halt global warming.

[0002] The already widespread solar systems (1) can be found in a large number of private houses, commercial buildings, municipal functional buildings as well as in large solar energy field systems, the so-called solar parks.

[0003] Solar systems (1) are available as surface modules for electricity generation, as solar thermal systems for generating heat energy, but also as a combination of solar thermal and solar power generation systems.

[0004] All solar systems (1) are installed on a support structure or frame (2), which must be adapted to the installation task and its environment. To keep the manufacturing costs of solar systems (1) low, most manufacturers now use standardized frame systems (2) for solar modules or solar thermal systems.

[0005]

[0006] To achieve ever more efficient power generation, concepts have been developed for several years to combine solar power systems (1) with wind turbines. This allows for a single energy storage system or the energy feed-in to the power grid to be operated via a shared control system.

[0007] The two energy generation systems are mainly connected via adapter cables (Y-cables) in a common energy management and storage system.

[0008] The already widely used solutions combine solar energy systems with wind turbines consisting of horizontal wind turbines with at least three blades. In rare cases, concepts combining solar energy systems with vertical wind turbines are offered.

[0009] These concepts combine energy generation systems from at least two separate installation sites, the solar system (1) and the wind turbine.

[0010] There is another well-known concept that describes a combination of solar and wind energy generation. These systems are exclusively custom-built structures that mount solar modules on a special support structure. Additionally, at least one radial turbine is positioned below the support structure, which can be operated exclusively via integrated outlet openings.

[0011] This system concept describes and shows, in the published drawings, only a separate or dedicated frame system as a custom design. This system concept aims for a self-sufficient solution and cannot be integrated into existing solar systems (1) or newly installed solar systems (1) based on standard designs and frames (2).

[0012] Brief description of the invention

[0013] My invention is the idea of ​​providing an airflow energy system with drum wheel generators (5) as an add-on integration for all solar system concepts (1). By optimally utilizing the airflow energies acting at the installation site, additional electrical energy is fed into the now combined overall system. The jointly generated solar and airflow energy thus increases the energy balance of the overall system. The invention is the concept of utilizing all airflows in the immediate vicinity as well as the self-emitting absorption flows at the solar system through the direct attachment or integration of the airflow energy system. The airflow energy system can be ideally adapted to any support or stand construction of solar systems (1) using appropriate adapters (9). The integration therefore takes place directly on the frame (2) of the solar systems (1) and is combined with it.

[0014] Technical task

[0015] The invention is designed for easy integration into a solar system (1) with a frame structure (2). The integration can be mounted on solar thermal systems as well as photovoltaic systems (1) using suitable adapter systems (9). Retrofitting the invention to existing solar systems (1) is therefore very feasible, regardless of size, type, and location.

[0016] The modular design of the invention, in particular the drum wheel generator (5), utilizes the principle of converting air flow energy into rotational movement, a principle known for centuries. This principle is already used in windmills, for example. To generate electrical current with the invention via the drum wheel generator (5), magnets are attached to the rotor axis (4) of the drum wheels (6). The coils required for the generator are located in the bearing blocks (3). Thus, the drum wheel generator (5) is capable of converting the kinetic energy of the air flow into electrical energy.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] In order for the invention's concept of converting all air currents acting at the installation site into electrical current, it is necessary to install the invention primarily above the solar system.

[0019] The invention uses all usable wind currents acting on the surface of the solar system (1), as well as wind currents that can be used for the system concept in the immediate vicinity of the installation site.

[0020] The invention furthermore utilizes all usable heat absorptions generated by the operation of the solar system (1) itself, but also heat flows which act on the solar system (1) as a result of the solar energy radiating in.

[0021] The invention also uses all usable air currents from the thermals in the immediate vicinity of the system installation.

[0022] The system concept of the invention is capable of being mounted at all positions on the frame (2) of solar systems (1). The invention can be mounted at least on the vertical longitudinal side () or horizontal transverse side () above the solar system (1). However, it can also be mounted on any other side or on all sides () of the solar system (1). The flow conditions and the expected energy yield at the installation site ultimately determine the number and position of the airflow energy systems (5) that must be installed.

[0023] Experience as well as measurements of the local air flow conditions, as well as the size and type of the solar system and the resulting absorption flows, are used in the design and optimization of the invention.

[0024] Software is used to combine the previously mentioned design criteria, existing solar radiation, airflow conditions and energy yield, with the necessary calculations to achieve an optimal result for the anagen layout.

[0025]

[0026] To ensure optimization tailored to the flow conditions, the modular concept offers the option of using different drum wheels (3). These drum wheels (3) are equipped with wind vanes (7) of different geometries. Thus, for example, drum wheels (6) can be used for absorption or thermal flows in the central area of ​​the solar array, while drum wheels (3) can be used for lateral wind flows in the peripheral areas.

[0027] Another way to optimize the air flow system is the targeted use of various flow catchers (2)

[0028] These flow catchers (2) provide different flow feeds and deflections to the individual drum wheels (6). This further optimizes the air flow energy system according to the currents acting on the solar system.

[0029] The invention is designed to be able to be integrated into solar system installations (1) regardless of their vertical, angular or horizontal position.

[0030]

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] Economical additional energy management, on solar systems such as photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, can be achieved with the air flow energy system (5) at any possible installation location.

[0033] Through the use of the invention, economic considerations for solar system installations (1) will yield improved results for the overall energy balance. This will result in solar system installations that would previously have been uneconomical without the integration of the invention.

[0034] By retrofitting the invention to existing solar systems (1), positive overall energy balances of the systems can be achieved due to the higher energy yields.

[0035] A further advantage of the invention is that the entire system supplies electricity even during times of low or unusable solar radiation.

[0036] The magnitude of the efficiency increase depends on the configuration of the airflow energy system and the airflow conditions at the installation site of the solar systems (1). The modular concept of the invention allows the system to be flexibly adapted or optimized according to the prevailing airflow conditions at the installation site, the size of the solar system, and the self-emitting absorption flows.

[0037] A further advantage is that the invention does not require a separate installation site. The fact that no investment costs are incurred due to the use of additional land has a positive impact on the efficiency calculation of the overall system.

[0038] The airflow energy system can be retrofitted to existing solar systems (1). The additional power generation can be integrated into the existing system control concept. The power storage may need to be expanded or adapted to the energy yield.

[0039] For new installations of solar and airflow energy systems (5) as a single system, only one system is required for control.

[0040] Short description of the drawings

[0041] Views of the structure and mounting situations of the air flow generators (5) on a standard frame (2) of solar systems (1)

[0042]

[0043] :a perspective installation situation of an air flow generator system in vertical orientation of the solar system (1)

[0044] :a perspective installation situation of an air flow generator system in horizontal orientation of the solar system (1)

[0045] :a perspective installation situation of an air flow generator system

[0046] :a perspective detailed view of an air flow generator (5) with the individual components

[0047]

[0048]

[0049] This illustration shows the arrangement of at least one air flow generator (5) on a vertically installed solar system (1) with a standard frame (2). However, no support structures are shown because the assembly of my invention functions independently of the support structures. The illustration aims to convey the impression that with the installation concept a simple combination of solar system (1) via the adapters (9) the system with air flow generators (5) can be attached to the standard frame (2). Furthermore, it can be seen that the modular design means that several individual modules of air flow generators (5), in this illustration 4 as an example, can be mounted next to one another so that all of the effective air flows of the solar system can be used.

[0050]

[0051] This illustration shows the arrangement of at least one air flow generator system on a horizontally installed solar system (1) with a standard frame (2). However, no support structures are shown because the assembly of my invention functions independently of the support structures. This illustration is also intended to convey that with the installation concept, a simple combination of solar system (1) via the adapters (9) and the system with air flow generators (5) can be attached to the standard frame (2). Furthermore, it can also be seen in this illustration that the modular design means that several individual modules of air flow generators (5), 6 as an example in this illustration, can be mounted next to one another in the system.

[0052] As already shown in the but also in, this illustration shows how the modular design of the air flow generator system can be optimized for all installation situations.

[0053]

[0054] This illustration shows the maximum configuration of an air flow generator system on a horizontally installed solar system (1) with a standard frame (2). This illustration is intended to convey that the installation concept allows a simple combination of solar system (1) with the modular design of air flow generators (5) on all sides. This installation shows that the air flow generators (5) or the system can be installed regardless of the position. In this illustration, a total of 20 units have been installed as an example. It therefore shows how the modular design of the air flow generator system can enable optimization in all installation positions.

[0055]

[0056] This illustration shows a conceptual design for demonstrating the principle of modular airflow generators (5). The detailed illustration shows an example of a wind vane (7) mounted on a drum wheel. As already described, the drum wheel can be equipped with various wind deflector geometries. Furthermore, the illustration shows how the rotor axis (4) can be guided through the bearing block to achieve the required rotational movement. The generator coil located in the bearing block is not shown in this illustration.

[0057] The figure also shows the previously described flow catcher (8). This flow catcher also has various geometries, which can be mounted on the air flow generators (5).

[0058] Examples

[0059] Since only different adapters (9) are required for the assembly and operation of my invention, no difference can be visibly represented in a single illustration when integrating it into a solar thermal system or installing it in a solar system (photovoltaic system) (1). Thus, an additional illustration of the air flow generator system installation variant in a solar thermal system is unnecessary. However, it should be reaffirmed that equipping a solar thermal system as shown in the figures is also fully possible and feasible.

[0060]

[0061] All specialist companies that sell solar systems could also market this invention and, after receiving training, even install it. Integration into the system control system is easy and can also be carried out by specialist companies.

[0062]

[0063] Solar system in a conventional design with solar modules (photovoltaic system) Standard frame construction Bearing block arranged laterally or centrally Rotor axis Drum wheel Air flow generator (consisting of 3+4+6+7+8) Drum wheel Wind vane Flow catcher Adapter

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] patcit1:

[0069] nplcit1:

Claims

Airflow energy conversion system as an add-on to solar power systems for the additional feed-in of electrical energy, comprising: A solar power system (1) with a standard frame (2) including at least one solar module or at least one solar thermal module for generating usable solar energy, and at least one modular drum generator (5) installed on a solar power system (1) to capture all airflows acting in the environment and on the system installation, thereby creating a combined system of both usable energy sources for joint use in system control. System according to claim 1, characterized in that both useful energy generators from solar and airflow energy are integrated into a single overall system. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be retrofitted to existing solar systems A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be used on solar panel systems as well as on solar thermal systems. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one drum wheel generator (5) is used above a frame of a solar system. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that no airflow openings are required on the solar panel. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drum wheel generator (5) is modularly constructed in order to be able to use different drum wheels (6). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drum wheels (6) have or use different geometries of the wind vanes (7). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow catcher (8) is used on a drum generator (5). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different geometries of flow separators (8) can be used. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption energy of a solar system (1) is used. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air currents from the thermals of the immediate vicinity of a solar power system are used. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by combining two energy generation systems into a single system, only one system control unit is required for power management. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by combining two energy generation systems into a single system, only one land use is required. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by combining two energy generation systems into a single system, an already installed and operated solar system can be expanded with an additional energy feed-in via airflow energy. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by combining two energy generation systems into a single system, an increase in the energy yield of an already operating solar power system is achieved. This may enable previously uneconomical locations to generate electricity.

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