Photovoltaic infrastructure comprising security means

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic infrastructure (100) comprising a chassis (200) and a photovoltaic structure (300) rotatably mounted on the chassis (200), characterized in that the infrastructure (100) also comprises security means (500) comprising a braking system (505) in case of a free fall of the photovoltaic structure (300), so as to brake the pivoting of the photovoltaic structure (300) on the chassis (200).

Description

Photovoltaic infrastructure including safety measures

[0001] The field of invention is that of the design and manufacture of photovoltaic infrastructures.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to a photovoltaic infrastructure comprising safety means.

[0003] Such photovoltaic infrastructure is intended in particular to follow the movement of the sun to enable the production of electrical energy over a full day or almost.

[0004] Traditionally, a photovoltaic infrastructure includes a frame on which a photovoltaic structure is mounted.

[0005] The photovoltaic structure comprises: a support formed by an assembly of profiles defining a support surface, and photovoltaic panels, together defining a covering surface.

[0006] The photovoltaic structure is mounted mobile on the frame so as to ensure its inclination relative to the ground on which the frame rests.

[0007] Furthermore, to allow the photovoltaic structure to follow the movement of the sun, the frame is mobile relative to the ground on which it rests.

[0008] In operation, the frame follows the movement of the sun and the photovoltaic structure pivots on the frame so as to provide an optimal surface for capturing solar radiation.

[0009] To enable the photovoltaic structure to pivot on the frame, the infrastructure integrates means for tilting the photovoltaic structure comprising an actuator and transmission means connecting the actuator to the photovoltaic structure.

[0010] The actuator allows the photovoltaic structure to be rotated on the frame and / or maintained in an inclined position in which the photovoltaic structure forms a non-zero angle with the ground on which the infrastructure rests, and provides an optimal surface for capturing solar radiation.

[0011] During operation, events may cause the photovoltaic structure to fall freely from its inclined position to a resting position, in which the photovoltaic structure is substantially parallel with the ground on which the infrastructure rests, or almost so.

[0012] The free fall is due to the weight of the photovoltaic structure which causes it to pivot on the frame against the tilting means.

[0013] These events include, for example, actuator disengagement, actuator failure, or an emergency shutdown procedure.

[0014] The free fall of the photovoltaic structure can then cause breakage of the solar panels, which then need to be replaced in order to maintain optimal energy production capacity. However, replacing solar panels results in immobilization, and therefore unuse, of the solar infrastructure, leading to a loss of production efficiency.

[0015] It is therefore desirable that the infrastructure be as protected as possible to avoid damage to the solar panels in particular.

[0016] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a photovoltaic infrastructure allowing the protection of the photovoltaic structure in the event of a free fall.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide such a photovoltaic infrastructure which is adaptable to various conditions of use.

[0019] The invention further aims to provide such a photovoltaic infrastructure which is simple and inexpensive to use and maintain.

[0020] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a photovoltaic infrastructure comprising:- a frame;- a photovoltaic structure mounted for rotation on the frame;- means for tilting the photovoltaic structure comprising an actuator and transmission means connecting the actuator to the photovoltaic structure to pivot the photovoltaic structure on the frame and / or maintain it in an inclined position in which the photovoltaic structure forms a non-zero angle with a ground on which the infrastructure rests, characterized in that the infrastructure also comprises safety means coupled to the actuator, the safety means comprising a braking system for the transmission means in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure, so as to brake the pivoting of the photovoltaic structure on the frame from its inclined position to a rest position, in which the photovoltaic structure is substantially parallel with said ground on which the infrastructure rests, or almost.;

[0021] The presence of safety means makes it possible to slow down the fall of the photovoltaic structure in order to prevent the shock of the photovoltaic structure on the frame in the lower position from damaging the solar panels.

[0022] By acting on the transmission means, the safety means make it possible to control the free fall of the photovoltaic structure in all circumstances.

[0023] Indeed, in the event of a failure or disengagement of the actuator, action on the actuator would not allow control of the free fall to be maintained, which could cause deterioration of the solar panels.

[0024] Furthermore, the security measures make it possible to limit the energy consumption of the infrastructure 100.

[0025] In fact, thanks to these safety measures, it is not necessary to use a backup installation to provide operating electrical energy during a power outage in order to preserve the integrity of the infrastructure.

[0026] Consequently, thanks to the safety means, it is not necessary to have a specific device for placing the photovoltaic structure in the rest position, a storage room for batteries and / or generators supplying said specific device, or to provide additional maintenance for said specific device and its accessories.

[0027] This makes it possible to make the infrastructure according to the invention economical to use.

[0028] Furthermore, the reliability of the infrastructure is increased.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is of the monostable type.

[0030] Such an actuator makes it possible to limit the consumption of the infrastructure.

[0031] Furthermore, in the event of an emergency stop, the use of a monostable actuator allows the photovoltaic structure to automatically move from its inclined position to its rest position.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the transmission means comprise a worm screw coupled to the actuator and a carriage mounted movably on the worm screw and connected to the photovoltaic structure, the safety means comprising at least one braking pad movable between a first position in which the pad rests on the worm screw to slow it down in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure, and a second position in which the pad is spaced from the worm screw.

[0033] Such transmission means allow for a smooth pivoting of the photovoltaic structure from its rest position to its inclined position.

[0034] Furthermore, the use of a pad acting on the worm screw makes it possible to create effective braking of the free fall of the photovoltaic structure in order to limit damage to the solar panels.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the actuator and the safety means are of the electromechanical type, and are mounted in series on a power supply circuit, and in that the safety means are configured so that the or each pad adopts its first position automatically in the event of a power cut in the power supply circuit.

[0036] Such an architecture allows for instantaneous, or almost instantaneous, action of safety means in the event of actuator failure.

[0037] Furthermore, its operating cost is limited since it is not necessary to use active means operating with a dedicated power supply, its own energy storage means and / or manual control means, all of which require costly manual installation.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the safety means comprise: - a support; - a first electromagnetic member secured to the support and connected to the power supply circuit; - a second member secured to the pad and magnetically coupled to the first member, the second member being movable relative to the first member, and - return means configured to move the second member away from the first member, the first member generating a magnetic field of attraction of the second member by electrical power supply coming from the power supply circuit, to bring the second member closer to the first member against the return means, and position the pad in its second position.

[0039] The presence of the recall means makes it possible to guarantee the automatic braking of the transmission means.

[0040] In fact, in the event of a simple power cut in the safety means, the return means, which are mechanical, ensure the cooperation of the skate with the worm screw to control the fall of the photovoltaic structure and, consequently, limit the risks of damage to the solar panels.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the infrastructure also comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a free fall of the photovoltaic structure, and a control unit configured to receive and analyze the data from the sensor and control the safety means in the event of a free fall of the photovoltaic structure.

[0042] The use of a sensor makes it possible to further increase the protection of the photovoltaic structure since the free fall of the photovoltaic structure becomes controlled as soon as it is detected.

[0043] In other words, even if an actuator failure is not detected, then the safety means of the photovoltaic structure can be active.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the infrastructure also comprises means for adjusting the intensity of action of the security means on the transmission means.

[0045] This allows the safety measures to be adapted to the conditions of use.

[0046] For example, the safety means can be configured to exert a significant slowdown of the photovoltaic structure in a very windy environment which would tend to accelerate the free fall and, on the contrary, exert a moderate slowdown in a low wind environment.

[0047] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings described below.

[0048] This is a schematic representation in side view of a photovoltaic infrastructure comprising safety means, according to the invention.

[0049] This is a schematic representation in top view of a first embodiment of the means for securing the photovoltaic infrastructure according to the invention.

[0050] This is a schematic representation in top view of a second embodiment of the means for securing the photovoltaic infrastructure according to the invention.

[0051] Illustrates a 100 photovoltaic infrastructure comprising a frame 200 on which a photovoltaic structure 300 is mounted.

[0052] The photovoltaic structure 300 comprises a lattice formed by an assembly of crosspieces 310 and stringers, on which solar panels are fixed.

[0053] The 200 chassis is intended to rest on an S floor.

[0054] The photovoltaic structure 300 is rotatably mounted on the frame 200 along a main axis A.

[0055] The rotation, along the main axis A, of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200 makes it possible to adapt the inclination of the photovoltaic structure according to the position of the sun to provide an optimized surface for capturing solar radiation.

[0056] To allow rotation of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200, the infrastructure 100 comprises tilting means 400 of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0057] These tilting means 400 comprise an actuator 410 and transmission means 420 connecting the actuator 410 to the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0058] The transmission means 420 make it possible to pivot the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200 and / or to maintain it in an inclined position in which the photovoltaic structure 300 forms a non-zero angle with the ground S on which the infrastructure 100 rests.

[0059] With reference to the, the transmission means 420 comprise a worm screw 421 and a carriage 422 movably mounted on the worm screw 421.

[0060] The worm screw 421 is coupled to the actuator 410.

[0061] The trolley 422 is, for its part, connected to the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0062] More specifically, the carriage 422 is connected to the photovoltaic structure 300 via an arm 423, a connecting rod 424 and a slider 425 movable in translation on the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0063] The arm 423 is pivotally mounted on the carriage 422 by a first end and pivotally mounted on the connecting rod 424 by a second end.

[0064] The connecting rod 424 is pivotally mounted on the frame 200 by a first end and pivotally mounted on the slide 425 by a second end.

[0065] Finally, the slider 425 is mounted in translation on a crosspiece 310 of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0066] In operation, when the actuator 410 is activated, it drives the worm screw 421 into rotation.

[0067] The various connections between the carriage 422, the arm 423, the connecting rod 424 and the slide 425 then cause the carriage 422 to move along the worm screw 421. This movement is obtained in particular by a helical cooperation of the carriage 422 with the worm screw 421.

[0068] The movement of the carriage 422 on the worm screw 421 then causes, by means of the carriage 422, the arm 423, the connecting rod 424 and the slider 425, a rotation of the photovoltaic structure 300 around the main axis A to reach its inclined position from a rest position, in which the photovoltaic structure 300 is substantially parallel with the ground S, or almost, or from an intermediate position between the inclined position and the rest position.

[0069] Conversely, the movement of the carriage 422 on the worm screw 421 causes, by means of the carriage 422, the arm 423, the connecting rod 424 and the slider 425, a rotation of the photovoltaic structure 300 around the main axis A to reach its rest position, or almost, from its inclined position, or from an intermediate position between the inclined position and the rest position.

[0070] The actuator 410 may be of the monostable type or of the bistable type.

[0071] More specifically, the actuator 410 may, for example, take the form of a geared motor. When the actuator 410 is powered, the bistable type corresponds to an actuator requiring a first instruction to enable operation in a first direction and a second instruction to enable operation in a second direction. In contrast, the monostable type uses only a single instruction allowing a single direction of operation, and remains locked in the absence of an instruction.

[0072] On the other hand, if the bistable type requires a power supply to operate, the monostable type observes a disengagement in the absence of power supply.

[0073] In other words, when not powered, the monostable actuator allows operation in the second direction, without control.

[0074] Therefore, in the case of the infrastructure 100, when the actuator 410 is of the monostable type, the photovoltaic structure 300 is in its inclined position and an energy cut occurs, the photovoltaic structure 300, under the effect of its own weight, falls freely to its rest position, which can cause it to be damaged when it reaches its rest position at high speed and strikes the chassis 200.

[0075] The causes of free fall may for example be a disengagement of the actuator 410, a breakage of the actuator 410, a gust of wind exerting a significant force on the photovoltaic structure 300, or even a power cut of the infrastructure 100.

[0076] The rotation of the photovoltaic structure 300 along the main axis A is not carried out at the center of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0077] Indeed, the point of rotation of the photovoltaic structure is offset relative to the center of the photovoltaic structure 300 so as to allow the photovoltaic structure 300 to move from its inclined position to its rest position, also called the safety position, under the effect of its own weight.

[0078] As illustrated by the, the frame 200 carries a damper 426 for cushioning the impact of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200 when the photovoltaic structure 300 falls.

[0079] The shock absorber 426 may comprise a metal cage secured to the chassis 200, housing a rubber block.

[0080] Upon impact of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200, the rubber block elastically deforms to absorb the kinetic energy of the movement of the photovoltaic structure 300 to its rest position.

[0081] However, this shock absorber 426 is not sufficient, on its own, to limit the breakage of the solar panels 310 since a shock wave due to the impact of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the frame 200 may be sufficient to cause damage.

[0082] To prevent damage to the photovoltaic structure 300, the infrastructure 100 also includes safety means 500.

[0083] The safety means 500 are in particular coupled to the actuator 410 to detect its malfunction.

[0084] The safety means 500 comprise a braking system 505 for the transmission means 420 in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure 300, so as to brake the pivoting of the photovoltaic structure 300 on the chassis 200 from its inclined position to its rest position, or almost.

[0085] More specifically, the safety means 500 comprise at least one braking pad 510 movable between a first position in which the pad 510 is supported on the endless screw 421 to slow it down in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure 300, and a second position in which the pad 510 is spaced from the endless screw 421.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the actuator 410 and the safety means 500 are of the electromechanical type, and are mounted in series on the same power supply circuit.

[0087] The safety means 500 are then configured so that the or each pad 510 adopts its first position automatically in the event of a power cut in the power supply circuit.

[0088] With reference to the, the safety means 500 comprise:- a support 520;- a first electromagnetic member 530 secured to the support 520 and connected to the power supply circuit;- a second member 540 secured to the or a pad 510 and magnetically coupled to the first member 530, the second member 540 being movable relative to the first member 530, and- return means 550 configured to move the second member 540 away from the first member 530.

[0089] The return means 550 take, for example, the form of one or more compression springs.

[0090] The second member 540 is mounted movably in the support 520.

[0091] As illustrated by the, the safety means may comprise a device for guiding the movement of the second member 540 relative to the first member 530.

[0092] This guide device takes the form of a rod 541, forming at least part of the second member 540, and of a sheath 531 secured to the first member 530.

[0093] The first member 530 is mounted on the sheath 531 and secured to the latter by means of a nut 569 and a clip 568.

[0094] The sheath 531 is secured to a barrel 566 secured to a base 521 of the support 520. The connection between the sheath 531 and the barrel 566 can in particular be made by helical cooperation or, in other words, by screwing the sheath 531 into the barrel 566.

[0095] The barrel 566 is held in position on the support 520 by bolts 522.

[0096] The support 520 has legs 523 by which it is held integral with the chassis 200 by bolting.

[0097] The rod 541 is then received in the sheath 531 allowing the second member 540 to be guided relative to the first member 530.

[0098] As illustrated by the, the first member 530 forms an electric coil allowing the movement of the second member 540, in particular thanks to the guide device, and more particularly thanks to the rod 541 and the sheath 531.

[0099] Means 560 for adjusting the position of the pad 510 may also be provided. These adjustment means 560 take the form of a nut-forming element 565 and are intended to be in helical engagement with an external thread of the barrel 566.

[0100] Furthermore, as illustrated by la and la, the adjustment means comprise a plate 567 secured to the element 565.

[0101] By turning the element 565 in a first direction, for example by screwing the element 565 onto the barrel 566, the plate 567 moves closer to the pad 510 and compresses the return means 550. This has the effect of increasing the speed of movement of the pad 510 towards the worm screw 421 when the safety means are activated, by the relaxation of the return means, and of increasing the force exerted by the pad 510 on the worm screw 421 to reduce the speed of fall of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0102] On the contrary, by turning the element 565 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example by unscrewing the element 565 on the barrel 566, the plate 567 moves away from the pad 510 and relaxes the return means 550. This has the effect of reducing the speed of movement of the pad 510 towards the worm screw 421 when the safety means are activated, by relaxing the return means, and of reducing the force exerted by the pad 510 on the worm screw 421 to increase the speed of fall of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0103] In operation, the first electromagnetic member 530 generates a magnetic field of attraction of the second member 540 by electrical power coming from the power supply circuit. The generated magnetic field then causes the second member 540 to move closer to the first member 530 against the return means 550 which are then compressed.

[0104] This bringing together of the second member 540 towards the first member 530 has the effect of positioning the shoe 510 in its second position, that is to say of moving it away from the worm screw 421.

[0105] When the safety means 500 are activated, the return means 550 tend to recover their original configuration and therefore to push the shoe 510 against the worm screw 421, which slows its rotation.

[0106] With reference to the, the safety means 500 are doubled, that is to say that they comprise two braking systems 505 as previously described.

[0107] The safety means then comprise two pads 510 opposite each other and located on either side of the worm screw 421.

[0108] When the safety means are activated, the two pads 510, via the return means 550, are pushed towards each other to brake the rotation of the worm screw 421.

[0109] The braking of the rotation of the worm screw 421 then causes a slowing of the fall of the photovoltaic structure 300, which reduces, or even eliminates, the risk of damage to the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0110] Indeed, even if it comes into contact with the frame 200, the photovoltaic structure strikes the frame 200 at low speed, which limits the force of the impact and, consequently, the risk of damage to the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0111] With reference to the, the infrastructure 100 also comprises at least one sensor 600 (shown schematically) configured to detect a free fall of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0112] In this case, the infrastructure 100 also comprises a control unit 700 configured to receive and analyze the data from the sensor 600 and control the safety means 500 in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure 300.

[0113] The sensor 600 may in particular take the form of a proximity sensor, one part of which is coupled to the chassis 200 and another part of which is secured to the photovoltaic structure 300, an accelerometer secured to the photovoltaic structure 300 or even a vibration sensor secured to the actuator 510.

Claims

Photovoltaic infrastructure (100) comprising:- a frame (200);- a photovoltaic structure (300) rotatably mounted on the frame (200);- tilting means (400) of the photovoltaic structure (300) comprising an actuator (410) and transmission means (420) connecting the actuator (410) to the photovoltaic structure (300) to pivot the photovoltaic structure (300) on the frame (200) and / or maintain it in an inclined position in which the photovoltaic structure (300) forms a non-zero angle with a ground (S) on which the infrastructure (100) rests,characterized in that the infrastructure (100) also comprises safety means (500) coupled to the actuator (510), the safety means (500) comprising a braking system (505) of the transmission means (420) in the event of a free fall of the photovoltaic structure (300),so as to brake the pivoting of the photovoltaic structure (300) on the frame (200) from its inclined position to a rest position, in which the photovoltaic structure (300) is substantially parallel with said ground (S) on which the infrastructure (100) rests, or almost., Infrastructure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (510) is of the monostable type. Infrastructure (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission means (420) comprise a worm screw (421) coupled to the actuator (410) and a carriage (422) mounted movably on the worm screw (421) and connected to the photovoltaic structure (300), the safety means (500) comprising at least one braking pad (510) movable between a first position in which the pad (510) is supported on the worm screw (421) to slow it down in the event of free fall of the photovoltaic structure (300), and a second position in which the pad (510) is spaced from the worm screw (421). Infrastructure (100) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the actuator (410) and the safety means (510) are of the electromechanical type, and are mounted in series on a power supply circuit, and in that the safety means (500) are configured so that the or each pad (510) adopts its first position automatically in the event of a power cut in the power supply circuit. Infrastructure (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the safety means (500) comprise: - a support (520); - a first electromagnetic member (530) secured to the support (520) and connected to the power supply circuit; - a second member (540) secured to the pad (510) and magnetically coupled to the first member (530), the second member (540) being movable relative to the first member (530), and - return means (550) configured to move the second member (540) away from the first member (530), the first member (530) generating a magnetic field of attraction of the second member (540) by electrical power supply coming from the power supply circuit, to bring the second member (540) closer to the first member (530) against the return means (550), and position the pad (510) in its second position. Infrastructure (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises at least one sensor (600) configured to detect a free fall of the photovoltaic structure (300), and a control unit (700) configured to receive and analyze the data from the sensor (600) and control the safety means (500) in the event of a free fall of the photovoltaic structure (300). Infrastructure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises means for adjusting an intensity of action of the safety means (500) on the transmission means (420).

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