Solar installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar installation (11) having a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in series, wherein an innermost and an outermost solar panel (19) are provided, and having at least one holding element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar installation (11), on which holding element the solar panels (19) are held one behind the other and along which the solar panels (11) can be displaced using engagement means from an extended operating position to a retracted protected position and vice versa, wherein adjacent solar panels (19) are connected to one another in an articulated manner such that a pushing or pulling force can be transferred from one solar panel (19) to an adjacent solar panel (19). The outermost and innermost solar panel (19) are, in the protected position, pushed against one another by a mechanical force, as a result of which a stable packet of solar panels (19) is formed which enables the solar panels (19) to protect themselves against weather influences.

Description

[0001] solar system

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a solar system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a use of the solar system according to claim 14.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Solar panels are known from the prior art regarding solar systems; they can be moved back and forth between an extended operating position and a retracted protective position along a cable system. EP 2 669 594 B1 discloses an enclosure in which the solar panels are accommodated in their protective position. A cover plate is attached to the outermost solar panel. If the solar panels are retracted through an opening in the enclosure, the cover plate automatically closes this opening when the solar panels are in the protective position.

[0006] However, the enclosure takes up space or area around the solar system that cannot be used by the solar panels to generate electricity. Furthermore, installing the enclosure is costly and therefore increases the investment costs of the solar system. The enclosure also inevitably casts shadows and obstructs visibility. This is particularly disadvantageous if the solar system is positioned over a street.

[0007] Object of the invention

[0008] The disadvantages of the described state of the art give rise to the task of proposing a solar system that ensures the protection of the solar panels in adverse weather conditions (wind, snow, hail, sand, dust, ice, etc.) without the need for an enclosure.

[0009] Description: The stated problem is solved in a solar system by the features stated in the characterizing portion of patent claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent applications.

[0010] The invention is characterized by the fact that the outermost and innermost solar panels are pressed together by mechanical force in the protective position, forming a stable package of solar panels that provides their own protection against the elements. The generated compression force and the curved shape of the folded roof group of solar panels make the solar panel package extremely stable against the elements and the resulting forces. Swinging of individual panels or even panel tearing off is reliably prevented, as the package offers a small surface area and cannot be accidentally pulled apart by the elements. Because the solar system is free of an enclosure, the solar system can have solar panels along its entire length, and there is no enclosure surface that casts shadows. This results in an efficiency increase of 10 to 15%.Production costs can also be reduced due to the lack of an enclosure.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical force in the protective position is achieved by a tension element pulling on the outermost panel and a compression force acting on the innermost solar panel, for example, through an elastic buffer element, in particular a spring. The tension element can preferably be a pull cable, a chain, or a self-propelled drive. This solution is particularly simple and therefore reliable. This solution also allows the solar panels to be automatically realigned in the event of a tilt.

[0012] It has proven expedient if each solar panel is provided with a first hinge and an upper support with a second hinge, which hinges articulately connect adjacent solar panels, with the upper support holding the solar panels to the at least one holding element. As a result, the arrangement is VWV-shaped and the solar panels can be moved like a blind between the protected position and the operating position, with adjacent solar panels rotating relative to one another. In the protected position, the pull cable expediently engages the outermost upper support, and the compression force acts on the innermost upper support. This allows the pull cable, which is necessary anyway for retracting into the protected position, to be used for compressing the solar panels. Due to the two-sided, opposing force introduction, the solar package is particularly stable.

[0013] The invention is also preferably characterized in that a roof panel is arranged on each of the upper supports, with adjacent roof panels touching in the protective position and thus forming a protective roof. The protective roof protects the panel package in the protective position from vertical weather loads without creating an annoying shadow in the operating position. Even better vertical weather protection is achieved when adjacent roof panels not only touch but overlap. The roof panels are expediently designed as sacrificial elements. In the event of very strong mechanical loads, for example due to hail, the roof panels can be deliberately destroyed in order to protect the other elements of the solar system. The destroyed roof panels are easily accessible and can be replaced with new roof panels with little effort.In another embodiment, the roof panels and / or the solar panels are heatable. This eliminates the snow load on the solar system, as the roof panels are permanently maintained at a temperature of 3°C to 8°C, and any snow falling onto them is immediately melted. As an alternative to heated roof panels, the snow can also be melted by passing an electric current through the solar panels, which heat up due to the resulting electrical resistance.

[0014] Conveniently, the at least one support element is attached to two opposing masts that are bent outward in the longitudinal direction. This allows the usable area of ​​the solar panels in the operating position to be preferably larger than the ground area defined by the bases of the masts.

[0015] It is preferred if there are gaps between the hinges of adjacent solar panels through which air can escape. This prevents excess air pressure from building up beneath the solar panels. Pressure waves, for example generated by trucks, are therefore dissipated at the solar panels. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transition between adjacent roof panels is water-permeable. This protects the panel package from the mechanical stress of precipitation. However, the water can drain away without forming waterlogging and even cleans the surface of the solar panels. A first and a second protective plate are expediently attached to the outer sides of the innermost and outermost solar panels. These protective plates reliably protect the panel package from wind and storms.

[0016] It's also advantageous if the solar panel stack is uncovered on the sides when in the protective position, thus allowing wind to pass through. This way, wind forces from the side do not attack the entire sides of the stack, but are dissipated into the folding roof assembly. The folding roof assembly is thus stable against lateral winds.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a collecting trough is arranged below the package of solar panels. If the water flowing through the package is not allowed to fall onto the area below the solar system, it can be collected in the collecting trough and drained off centrally.

[0018] It is preferred if the change between the operating position and the protection position can be carried out by a control system that evaluates local sensor signals and / or local or supra-regional meteorological data via a network.

[0019] The control system of the solar system can also be used to actively regulate the heat balance in urban areas, in buildings, in building complexes, over traffic or agricultural areas. The solar folding roof cools the room by (a) shading it during the day, (b) supporting heat radiation at night by retracting into the protective position, and (c) producing the electricity to operate local air conditioning systems exactly when and where it is needed. The entire system can be optimally tailored to the needs of the user and / or municipality using intelligent control. For example, it is possible to reduce nighttime radiation above a certain temperature or time by extending the solar folding roof.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the solar system to span traffic areas for moving or stationary traffic. The solar system is ideally suited for traffic areas, as these require large areas anyway, and the areas are already built on. In addition, the solar system, with its self-protected solar panel package, is particularly safe, and falling parts onto road users is reliably prevented. The solar system or folding solar roof can span large distances (over 30-50 meters) without supports. This eliminates the need for central supports on motorways, for example. The solar panels are suspended high, and their distance between them allows light to shine through downwards. For these two reasons, and thanks to the fact that the folding roof retracts at dusk, no additional roadway lighting is required.Pressure waves generated by trucks are reliably dissipated as described above and cannot cause damage to the solar array. Using the solar array to span traffic areas has the additional advantage of noise protection. When extended, the solar array or spire roof inhibits the upward propagation of noise. This is a major advantage, especially for traffic routes in hilly landscapes or valleys.

[0021] The solar array can be oriented longitudinally, transversely, or parallel to the traffic flow. Accordingly, the width of a street or the entire route can be optimally utilized by the orientation of the solar array.

[0022] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic representations. They show, not to scale:

[0023] Figure 1: an axonometric view of a solar system in which solar panels can be moved back and forth between a protective position and an operating position,

[0024] Figure 2: a side view of the solar system in the protective position;

[0025] Figure 3: an axonometric view of the solar system, in an embodiment in which the solar system extends across a multi-lane roadway;

[0026] Figure 4: a side view of the solar system from Figure 4;

[0027] Figure 5: an axonometric view of the solar system, in an embodiment in which the solar system extends longitudinally to a multi-lane roadway and

[0028] Figure 6: a side view of the solar system from Figure 5.

[0029] The figures show a sycamore plant according to the invention, which is connected in its entirety to the

[0030] Reference numeral 11 is designated. Two essentially parallel guide cables or guide rods 13 are provided as holding elements. The guide cables or rods 13 are stretched or guided between two masts 15. It would also be conceivable for the guide rods 13 to be fixed to a flat surface, for example, a roof or a wall, without the use of masts 15.

[0031] A plurality of solar panels 19 arranged one behind the other are held on the guide cables or guide rods 13. When reference is made to a solar panel 19 in the context of this application, this preferably discloses a panel with two essentially parallel flat sides, wherein a plurality of photovoltaic tents are arranged on at least one flat side. Figures 1, 2, and 6 show that adjacent solar panels 19 are hingedly connected to one another at their side edges. The hinged connection can be designed, for example, as a first hinge 21 and as an upper support 23 with a second hinge 25. The upper supports 23 hold the solar panels 19 slidably on the holding elements 13. The solar panels 19 are hingedly connected to one another in such a way that they can be pushed together and apart like a fan.Accordingly, the entirety of solar panels 19 can be moved from an extended operating position into a retracted protective position and vice versa or even transferred into an intermediate position (Figure 1).

[0032] In the operating position, the solar panels 19 form an angle with the vertical that is preferably greater than 75 degrees. In the retracted, protective position, the solar panels 19 are pulled or pushed as close together as possible by a mechanical force. The solar panels can form a stable package. This provides their own protection against weather influences such as storms, heavy rain, or hail. In the case of storms, the package offers only a small surface area for attack, and in the case of precipitation, the package offers no horizontal surfaces that could be damaged. Therefore, an expensive and space-consuming enclosure to protect the solar panels is unnecessary.

[0033] The prestressing of the solar panels is preferably achieved by a tension cable-spring combination, as shown in Figure 2. A tension cable 27, which is preferably attached to the outermost upper support 23, pulls the solar panels 19 together in the protective position to form a compressed panel package. An elastically compressible buffer element in the form of a spring 29 or a rubber block acts on the innermost upper support. This presses the panels together until all upper supports 23 are adjacent to one another. Roof panels 31 are arranged on the upper supports 23; in the protective position, in which the solar panels 19 form the stable package, the roof panels 31 touch or overlap. Due to the overlap, the roof panels 31 can form a closed protective roof. The transitions or overlaps are preferably water-permeable so that water can run off over the solar panels.This prevents water from accumulating and simultaneously cleans the solar panels. The water from the solar panels in the protective position can be collected in a gutter and drained centrally. The roof panels 31 can be designed as sacrificial elements. It is intended that hail, for example, can only destroy the roof panels 31. Damaged roof panels 31 can be replaced separately with new roof panels 31 at little expense.

[0034] To prevent snow from remaining on the solar panels 19, they can also be heated. It is also conceivable that a current is applied to the solar panels 19, causing the solar panels 19 to act as an electrical resistor. This also melts the snow and prevents it from remaining on the solar panels 19. The electricity required for this can be generated by the solar system itself.

[0035] The lower and upper supports 21, 23 are permeable to air. This allows air to escape between adjacent hinges. Pressure waves generated, for example, by road traffic below the solar array, particularly trucks 33, can thus be effectively dissipated (Figure 6). The solar panels 19 are thus protected from sudden compressive loads.

[0036] A first and a second protective plate can be attached to the outer sides of the innermost and outermost solar panels 19. This protects the solar panel stack from horizontal weather loads. The solar stack is open on the sides, preventing wind from attacking it. The solar stack is open at the bottom, allowing water to drain away unhindered and, for example, be collected in the gutter.

[0037] The masts 15 can be curved (Figures 3 and 4). This allows the area covered by the solar panels 19 in the operating position to be larger than the base area defined by the masts 15.

[0038] Traffic areas offer optimal application for the solar system, as the ground is already obstructed by them. Strong pressure waves, especially those generated by trucks (33), cannot harm the solar system, as explained above. The solar panels (19) can extend transversely or longitudinally to the roadway. Key:

[0039] 11 Solar system

[0040] 13 Hate element, guide ropes, rods

[0041] 15 masts

[0042] 19 solar panels

[0043] 21 First hinge

[0044] 23, 23a, 23b Upper beam, outermost upper beam, innermost upper beam

[0045] 25 Second hinge

[0046] 27 Tension element, traction rope

[0047] 29 spring

[0048] 31 roof panel

[0049] 33 trucks

Claims

Patent claims 1. Soiaraniage (11 ) with - a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row, wherein an innermost and an outermost solar panel (19) is present and - at least one mounting element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar array (11), on which the solar panels (19) are held one behind the other and along which the solar panel (11) can be displaced by means of an attack means from an extended operating position to a retracted protective position and vice versa, wherein adjacent solar panels (19) are articulated to one another in such a way that a thrust or tensile force can be transferred from one solar panel (19) to an adjacent solar panel (19), characterized in that the outermost and the innermost solar panel (19) are pressed together in the protective position by a mechanical force, thereby forming a stable package of solar panels (19) which enables self-protection of the solar panel (19) from weather influences.

2. Soiaraniage according to claim 1 , characterized in that the mechanical force in the protective position is realized by a tensile element pulling on the outermost panel (19) and a compression force acting on the innermost Soiar panel, for example by an elastic buffer element, in particular a spring (29).

3. Solar array according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first hinge (21) and an upper support (23) with a second hinge (25) are arranged on each solar panel (19), which hinges (21, 25) pivotally connect adjacent solar panels (19) to each other, wherein the upper support (23) holds the solar panels (19) on the at least one retaining element (13).

4. Soiaraniage according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the protective position the pull rope (27) acts on the outermost upper support (23a) and that the compression force acts on the innermost upper support (23b).

5. Solar array according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that a roof panel (31) is arranged on each of the upper supports (2, 3), wherein adjacent roof panels (31) touch each other in the protective position and thereby form a protective roof; 6. Solar array according to claim 5, characterized in that the roof panels (31) are trained as sacrificial elements.

7. Solar installation according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the roof panels (31) and / or the solar panels (19) are heatable, 8. Solar installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one holding element (13) is held on two opposing masts (15) bent outwards in the longitudinal direction, 9. Solar installation according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that gaps are provided between the hinges (21, 25) of adjacent solar panels (19) to allow soft air to escape.

10. Solar installation according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the transition between adjacent roof panels (31) is permeable to water.

11. Solar array according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first and a second protective plate are attached to the outer sides of the innermost and outermost solar panels (19), respectively.

12. Solar array according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the array of solar panels (19) is laterally uncovered in the protected position and is therefore permeable to wind.

13. Solar system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a collection trough is arranged below the package of solar panels (19).

14. Use of the solar system (11) according to any of the preceding claims for spanning traffic areas for: moving or stationary traffic. Use of the solar array (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that the solar array (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction transversely to the traffic flow. Use of the solar array (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that the solar array (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction parallel to the traffic flow.

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