Three-dimensional photovoltaic module

Abstract

The invention relates to a three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) provided with a central axis and comprising a three-dimensional support structure (3) having a plurality of support faces (6) distributed around the central axis; and photovoltaic coatings (7) attached to the three-dimensional support structure (3), each photovoltaic coating (7) being arranged on a respective support face and at least partially covering the respective support face (6), each photovoltaic coating (7) extending substantially along a respective extension plane. The photovoltaic coatings (7) comprise a plurality of photovoltaic coating subsets (7) distributed around the central axis that each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coatings (7), the extension planes of the two photovoltaic coatings (7) belonging to the same subset intersecting along a respective intersection line that is inclined with respect to the central axis and upwardly extends away from the central axis.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Three-dimensional photovoltaic module

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to the field of photovoltaic solar energy. More specifically, it relates to a three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] In the field of photovoltaic solar energy, it is known to use, in general, two-dimensional photovoltaic panels made up of the superposition of several layers generally consisting from top to bottom of:

[0007] - an anti-reflective coating to limit the reflection of solar rays on the underlying semiconductor layers;

[0008] - a protective glass layer to protect the underlying semiconductor layers;

[0009] - a conductive grid;

[0010] - a layer of N or P doped semiconductor;

[0011] - a layer of P or N doped semiconductor; and

[0012] - a base coat.

[0013] The major disadvantage of this type of photovoltaic panel lies in the low amount of energy produced per m 2 . Indeed, with a two-dimensional photovoltaic panel, the quantity of energy produced per m 2 is not optimized.

[0014] Furthermore, this type of photovoltaic panel does not have a uniform energy production throughout the day. Indeed, this production follows a Gaussian law, maximum when the Sun is at its highest point, and lower the rest of the day and in particular at the beginning and end of the day.

[0015] Furthermore, the classic solution requires orienting the photovoltaic panel optimally in relation to solar radiation, which is not always easy depending on the configuration of the building receiving such a photovoltaic panel.

[0016] To overcome such drawbacks, it is known to produce a three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprising:

[0017] - a three-dimensional support structure having a square-based pyramid shape, and comprising four support faces each having a triangular shape; and - a plurality of photovoltaic coverings attached to the three-dimensional support structure, each photovoltaic covering being arranged on a respective support face and extending substantially parallel to the respective support face, each photovoltaic covering comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and at least partially covering the respective support face.

[0018] Such a configuration of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module makes it possible to increase the developed surface covered with active photovoltaic material, and therefore to produce, when the Sun is at its culminating point and the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is placed on a horizontal surface, more energy per unit of surface than a conventional photovoltaic panel.

[0019] However, due to the shadows cast by the three-dimensional support structure during the Sun's travel path during a day, the amount of energy produced annually by such a three-dimensional photovoltaic module is not optimal. In addition, at certain times during the Sun's travel path, some of the photovoltaic coatings are not insolated and generate resistive loads that oppose the energy provided by the insolated photovoltaic coatings, which further limits the amount of energy produced annually by such a three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0020] Furthermore, when a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the aforementioned type are assembled together to form a photovoltaic device, each three-dimensional support structure generates, during the movement of the Sun, shadows, or even darkness, on the photovoltaic coatings of the adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules, which therefore considerably limits the quantity of energy produced annually by such a photovoltaic device.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0023] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a three-dimensional photovoltaic module capable of producing more energy annually per unit of surface area than a conventional three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0024] To this end, the present invention relates to a three-dimensional photovoltaic module having a central axis and comprising:

[0025] - a three-dimensional support structure comprising a plurality of support faces distributed around the central axis,

[0026] - photovoltaic coverings attached to the three-dimensional support structure, each photovoltaic covering being arranged on a respective support face and at least partially covering the respective support face, each photovoltaic covering extending substantially along a respective extension plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic coverings comprising a plurality of subsets of photovoltaic coverings which are distributed around the central axis and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coverings, the extension planes of the two photovoltaic coverings belonging to the same subset converging upwards and intersecting along a respective intersection line which is inclined relative to the central axis and which extends upwards away from the central axis.

[0027] Such an orientation of the different photovoltaic coatings makes it possible to maximize the insolated surface of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module at each instant of the Sun's movement path, and therefore to capture a significant quantity of energy coming from the Sun, without requiring any movement mechanism configured to modify the orientation of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module depending on the position of the Sun.

[0028] In particular, the arrangement of the different photovoltaic coatings limits the phenomenon of shadows generated by each photovoltaic coating on the other photovoltaic coatings, while allowing good light penetration within the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0029] Furthermore, given the arrangement of the photovoltaic coatings, all the photovoltaic coatings are at least partly simultaneously insolated during a significant part of the Sun's travel path, which ensures better regularity of energy production during the day (and in particular during the ascending and descending phases of the Sun) and therefore also during the year. The arrangement of the photovoltaic coatings also makes it possible to produce electricity earlier in the day and later in the day compared to the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the prior art.

[0030] Furthermore, when a photovoltaic coating is not directly insolated, it is nevertheless capable of capturing at least part of the light reflected by other photovoltaic coatings of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module. Finally, even when a photovoltaic coating is neither directly nor indirectly insolated, this represents only a minimal part of the photovoltaic coatings belonging to the three-dimensional photovoltaic module which is not insolated.

[0031] Therefore, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module makes it possible to produce, not only instantly, but especially annually, more energy per unit of surface area than a conventional photovoltaic panel and also than a conventional three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0032] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the developed surface area of ​​the photovoltaic coverings to the ground surface area occupied by the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is greater than 3, and for example between 4 and 6, and advantageously between 4.5 and 5.5. These arrangements ensure relatively high energy production, per unit area, compared to the energy produced, per unit area, by a three-dimensional photovoltaic module of the prior art.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intersection lines are regularly distributed around the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic coating comprises an active face configured to capture photons of incident light rays, and a passive face configured to be oriented towards the respective support face and provided with a negative terminal and a positive terminal.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprises electrical connection devices each configured to be electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of a respective photovoltaic covering, each support face being perforated and comprising at least one through opening configured to allow an electrical connection between the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering and the respective electrical connection device.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each electrical connection device comprises two electrical connection wires which extend through the respective through opening and which are connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic coating extends substantially parallel to the respective support face.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, each intersection line intersects with the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intersection lines intersect at an intersection point located substantially on the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, all the extension planes of the photovoltaic coverings have different orientations. According to one embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coverings of each subassembly define a vertex zone, said vertex zones being distributed, and for example regularly distributed, around the central axis.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vertex zones defined by the photovoltaic coatings are equidistant from the central axis.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is configured to extend substantially vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is arranged on a horizontal surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic coatings of said plurality of photovoltaic coatings are distinct from one another and are connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one photovoltaic coating, and for example each of the photovoltaic coatings, is flexible.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one photovoltaic coating, and for example each of the photovoltaic coatings, is rigid.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic covering comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in parallel and / or in series.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the photovoltaic coatings has a generally triangular shape.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic covering comprises a first edge extending near and along the respective intersection line, a second edge located opposite the central axis and a third edge connecting the respective first and second edges.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first edges of two photovoltaic coatings belonging to the same subassembly extend close to and along each other.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second edge of each photovoltaic covering is inclined relative to the central axis, such that the lower end of said second edge is closer to the central axis than the upper end of said second edge.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic covering is inclined, relative to a respective reference plane which is parallel to the central axis and which passes through the third edge of said photovoltaic covering, by an angle of inclination of between 5 and 10°, and for example of approximately 7°. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first edge of each photovoltaic covering has a length of between 35 and 55 mm, and advantageously between 40 and 50 mm, and for example of approximately 44 mm.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second edge of each photovoltaic covering has a length of between 55 and 75 mm, and advantageously between 60 and 70 mm, and for example approximately 65 mm.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third edge of each photovoltaic coating has a length of between 25 and 45 mm, and advantageously between 30 and 40 mm, and for example approximately 34 mm.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the intersection lines is inclined relative to the central axis by an angle of inclination of between 10 and 40°, advantageously between 20 and 30°, and for example approximately 26°.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the number of support faces, and therefore of photovoltaic coatings, is between 6 and 12.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coatings of each subassembly are substantially symmetrical with respect to a respective plane of symmetry passing through the respective line of intersection.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the planes of symmetry of the different sub-assemblies intersect along a straight line of intersection which is substantially coincident with the central axis.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjacent photovoltaic coverings belonging to two adjacent sub-assemblies are located opposite each other.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coatings of each subassembly define, seen from above, a triangular shape, and for example an equilateral triangular shape. In other words, an orthogonal projection of all the points of the two photovoltaic coatings belonging to the same subassembly onto a reference plane perpendicular to the central axis defines a surface of triangular shape, and preferably of equilateral triangular shape.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the first edge of each photovoltaic coating to a side of the equilateral triangular shape is between 1.7 and 2.2, advantageously between 1.8 and 2, and for example between 1.90 and 1.95.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second edge of each photovoltaic coating to a side of the equilateral triangular shape is between 2.7 and 3, advantageously between 2.8 and 2.9, and for example approximately 2.86. According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third edge of each photovoltaic coating to a side of the equilateral triangular shape is between 1.2 and 1.8, advantageously between 1.3 and 1.7, and even more advantageously between 1.4 and 1.6.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module to one side of the equilateral triangular shape is between 2.5 and 3.5, advantageously between 2.8 and 3.3, and for example between 3 and 3.1.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional support structure comprises a plurality of support elements distributed around the central axis, each support element having an apex and two support faces which are substantially planar and which are connected to each other along a crest area, the crest area of ​​each of the support elements being inclined relative to the central axis and extending to the apex of the respective support element away from the central axis.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first edge of each photovoltaic coating extends near and along a respective ridge area.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coatings belonging to the same subassembly are arranged respectively on the support faces provided on the same support element.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, for each pair of adjacent support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, the adjacent support faces of the two adjacent support elements are located opposite each other.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, for each pair of adjacent support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, the adjacent support faces of the two adjacent support elements are connected to each other along a connection zone which is inclined relative to the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module and which extends downwardly away from the central axis.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, each ridge zone forms a ridge line. Advantageously, each ridge line is straight.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the invention, each ridge zone forms a ridge surface having a width of between 1 mm and 1 cm, and for example of between 1 mm and 5 mm. Advantageously, each ridge surface is substantially flat.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the top of each support element is pointed.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention, the top of each support element is truncated. According to another embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coverings belonging to the same subassembly protrude beyond the top of the respective support element.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, all the support faces belonging to the three-dimensional support structure have different orientations.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tops of the support elements are distributed, and for example regularly distributed, around the central axis.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vertices of the support elements are equidistant from the central axis. In other words, the vertices of the support elements are arranged on a circle centered on the central axis.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ridge lines intersect at a crossing point located substantially on the central axis.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the ridge zones is inclined relative to the central axis by an angle of inclination of between 10 and 40°, advantageously between 20 and 30°, and for example approximately 26°.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the support faces has a generally triangular shape or a truncated triangular shape.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the number of support elements is between 3 and 6.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two support faces of each support element are symmetrical with respect to a respective plane of symmetry passing through the respective ridge zone.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the planes of symmetry of the support elements intersect along a straight line of intersection which is substantially coincident with the central axis.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module further comprises a base which is located below the three-dimensional support structure and which defines, at least in part, an internal housing in which the electrical connection devices are housed at least in part, and for example the electrical connection wires connected to the photovoltaic coverings.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base has a polygonal shape, and for example generally hexagonal.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional support structure is a single-piece structure. According to another embodiment of the invention, the support elements of the three-dimensional support structure are distinct from each other, and the three-dimensional support structure is formed by an assembly of the support elements.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprises a protective cover, also called an encapsulation cover, which covers the photovoltaic coatings, the protective cover being made of a material transparent to light radiation.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective cap is configured to at least partially fill an internal space located between the photovoltaic coatings.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective cap is formed by hardening a transparent resin.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprises an anti-reflective surface coating arranged on an upper face of the protective cover.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper face of the protective cover extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper face of the protective cap extends beyond the three-dimensional support structure, and for example beyond the tops of the support elements.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module has a polygonal, and for example hexagonal, cross-section.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module has a height of between 3 and 6 cm, and for example approximately 4 cm. Such a height of three-dimensional photovoltaic module is particularly chosen when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is intended to be installed on inclined or horizontal roofs. The three-dimensional photovoltaic module could however have a height much greater than 6 cm for other applications, for example when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is intended to be installed in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprises a positive main terminal to which the positive terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings are electrically connected, and a negative main terminal to which the negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings are electrically connected. The present invention further comprises a photovoltaic device comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules according to the present invention, said three-dimensional photovoltaic modules being arranged adjacently. Advantageously, the photovoltaic device extends along an extension plane.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the invention, for each pair of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic device, the bases of the two adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules are juxtaposed, i.e. are in contact with each other. Advantageously, one side of a base of a three-dimensional photovoltaic module is configured to extend along and to be in contact with one side of a base of an adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0095] Brief description of the figures

[0096] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0097] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic view of a three-dimensional photovoltaic module according to the present invention.

[0098] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a three-dimensional support structure belonging to the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1, showing the attachment of photovoltaic coverings to the three-dimensional support structure.

[0099] Figure 3 is a top view of the three-dimensional support structure of Figure 2 equipped with photovoltaic coatings.

[0100] Figure 4 is a schematic side perspective view of the three-dimensional support structure of Figure 2 equipped with photovoltaic coatings.

[0101] Detailed description

[0102] In this document, the term "photovoltaic coating" means a photovoltaic element comprising at least one or more photovoltaic cells supported or not by a base substrate layer which may for example be flexible or rigid.

[0103] Figures 1 to 4 represent a three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. Advantageously, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 has a central axis A which is configured to extend vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 is arranged on a horizontal surface, and a cross-section of polygonal shape, and for example hexagonal.

[0104] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 comprises a three-dimensional support structure 3 comprising a plurality of support elements 4 distributed around the central axis A. Advantageously, the number of support elements 4 is between 3 and 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the number of support elements 4 is equal to 6. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the number of support elements

[0105] 4 could be equal to 3, 4 or 5.

[0106] The three-dimensional support structure 3 may for example be in one piece, and be obtained for example by 3D printing. However, the three-dimensional support structure 3 could also be obtained by assembling a plurality of support elements 4 distinct from each other, that is to say formed independently of each other, for example by 3D printing.

[0107] Each support element 4 has a vertex 5 and two support faces 6 which are substantially planar. As also shown in Figure 3, the vertices 5 of the support elements 4 are regularly distributed around the central axis A, and are equidistant from the central axis A. In other words, the vertices 5 of the support elements 4 are arranged on a circle centered on the central axis A. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vertex 5 of each support element 4 is pointed. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the vertex 5 of each support element 4 could be truncated.

[0108] The two support faces 6 of each support element 4 are connected to each other along a ridge area. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each ridge area is a ridge line Le which is rectilinear. The ridge line Le of each of the support elements 4 is inclined relative to the central axis A, and extends to the top

[0109] 5 of the respective support element 4 away from the central axis A. Advantageously, the ridge lines Le intersect at a crossing point located on the central axis A, and are regularly distributed around the central axis A. Each of the ridge lines Le is more particularly inclined relative to the central axis A by an angle of inclination of between 10 and 40°, advantageously between 20 and 30°, and for example approximately 26°.

[0110] However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each ridge area could be a ridge surface which is substantially flat and which has a width of between 1 mm and 1 cm, and for example of between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0111] Advantageously, all the support faces 6 of the support elements 4 have different orientations, and each of the support faces 6 has a generally triangular shape. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the support faces 6 could have a truncated triangular shape, that is to say a triangular shape of which at least one of the corners would be truncated, and for example the corner located on the side of the respective vertex 5.

[0112] As shown more particularly in Figure 2, for each pair of adjacent support elements 4 of the three-dimensional support structure 3, the adjacent support faces 6 of the two adjacent support elements 4 are located opposite each other. Advantageously, for each pair of adjacent support elements 4 of the three-dimensional support structure 3, the adjacent support faces 6 of the two adjacent support elements 4 are connected to each other along a connection zone Z which is inclined relative to the central axis A and which extends downwardly away from the central axis A.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each support element 4 has a plane of symmetry P passing through the respective ridge line Le, and the planes of symmetry P of the support elements 4 are intersecting along a straight line of intersection which coincides with the central axis A.

[0114] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises photovoltaic coverings 7 fixed to the three-dimensional support structure 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the photovoltaic coverings 7 are distinct from one another and connected in series and / or in parallel. At least one photovoltaic covering 7, and for example each of the photovoltaic coverings 7, may be flexible or rigid. Each photovoltaic covering 7 is arranged on a respective support face 6, and extends parallel to the respective support face 6. Each photovoltaic covering 7 extends more particularly substantially along a respective extension plane, and all the extension planes of the photovoltaic coverings 7 have different orientations.

[0115] Each photovoltaic coating 7 advantageously comprises several photovoltaic cells connected in parallel and / or in series, and partially or completely covers the respective support face 6. The photovoltaic cells of each photovoltaic coating 7 may for example be supported by a base substrate layer.

[0116] Each photovoltaic coating 7 comprises an active face 7.1 configured to capture photons of incident light rays, and a passive face 7.2 which is configured to be oriented towards the respective support face 6 and which is provided with a negative terminal and a positive terminal.

[0117] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 more particularly comprises electrical connection devices 8 each configured to be electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of a respective photovoltaic covering 7. For this purpose, each support face 6 is advantageously perforated and comprises a through opening 6.1 (such as a window or a notch) configured to allow an electrical connection between the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering 7 and the respective electrical connection device 8. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each electrical connection device 8 comprises two electrical connection wires 8.1 which extend through the respective through opening 6.1 and which are respectively connected to the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering 7.

[0118] However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each electrical connection device 8 could for example comprise a printed circuit board fixed to the three-dimensional support structure 3 and provided with conductive tracks configured to be electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic coating 7, or could also comprise conductive tracks directly provided on the three-dimensional support structure 3 (the conductive tracks can for example be etched and / or printed on the three-dimensional support structure 3).

[0119] Advantageously, each photovoltaic coating 7 is generally triangular in shape, and has dimensions substantially identical to those of each support face 6. According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic coating 7 has a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0120] The photovoltaic coatings 7 comprise a plurality of sub-assemblies of photovoltaic coatings which are distributed around the central axis A and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coatings 7. The two photovoltaic coatings 7 belonging to the same sub-assembly are arranged respectively on the support faces 6 provided on the same support element 4, and the adjacent photovoltaic coatings 7 belonging to two adjacent sub-assemblies are located opposite each other.

[0121] The extension planes of the two photovoltaic coverings 7 belonging to the same subassembly intersect along a respective intersection line Li which is inclined relative to the central axis A and which extends upwards away from the central axis A. Each of the intersection lines Li is inclined relative to the central axis A by an angle of inclination a of between 10 and 40°, advantageously between 20 and 30°, and for example of approximately 26°. Advantageously, the intersection lines Li are regularly distributed around the central axis A of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2, and intersect at an intersection point located substantially on the central axis A of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two photovoltaic coatings 7 of each subassembly define a vertex zone 12, and the vertex zones 12 defined by the photovoltaic coatings 7 are regularly distributed around the central axis A and are equidistant from the central axis A.

[0123] Each of the photovoltaic coatings 7 comprises a first edge B1 extending near and along the respective intersection line Li, a second edge B2 located opposite the central axis A and extending to the respective vertex area 12 and a third edge B3 connecting the respective first and second edges. Thus, the first edges B1 of two photovoltaic coatings 7 belonging to the same subset extend near and along each other.

[0124] Advantageously, the second edge B2 of each photovoltaic covering 7 is inclined relative to the central axis A, such that the lower end of said second edge B2 is closer to the central axis A than the upper end of said second edge B2.

[0125] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two photovoltaic coatings 7 of each subassembly define, seen from above, a triangular shape, and for example an equilateral triangular shape. In other words, an orthogonal projection of all the points of the two photovoltaic coatings 7 belonging to the same subassembly on a reference plane perpendicular to the central axis A defines a surface of triangular shape, and preferably of equilateral triangular shape.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the developed surface area of ​​the photovoltaic coverings 7 to the ground surface area occupied by the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 is greater than 3, and for example between 4 and 6, and advantageously between 4.5 and 5.5.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the invention:

[0128] - a ratio of the first edge B1 of each photovoltaic covering 7 to a side C of the equilateral triangular shape (defined by each support element 4 seen from above) is between 1.7 and 2.2, advantageously between 1.8 and 2, still advantageously between 1.90 and 1.95, and for example equal to approximately 1.94 or approximately 1.92,

[0129] - a ratio of the second edge B2 of each photovoltaic coating 7 to a side C of the aforementioned equilateral triangular shape is between 2.7 and 3, advantageously between 2.8 and 2.9, and for example approximately 2.86,

[0130] - a ratio of the third edge B3 of each photovoltaic coating 7 to a side C of the aforementioned equilateral triangular shape is between 1.2 and 1.8, advantageously between 1.3 and 1.7, and even more advantageously between 1.4 and 1.6, and for example equal to approximately 1.47 or approximately 1.58,

[0131] - a ratio of the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 to a side C of the aforementioned equilateral triangular shape is between 2.5 and 3.5, advantageously between 2.8 and 3.3, and even more advantageously between 3 and 3.1, and for example equal to approximately 3.06.

[0132] Advantageously, each photovoltaic covering 7 is inclined, relative to a respective reference plane which is parallel to the central axis A and which passes through the third edge B3 of said photovoltaic covering 7, by an angle of inclination of between 5 and 10°, and for example of approximately 7°.

[0133] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 also comprises a base 9 which is located below the three-dimensional support structure 3 and which has a polygonal shape, and for example generally hexagonal. The base 9 delimits, at least in part, an internal housing 10 in which the electrical connection wires 8.1 connected to the photovoltaic coverings 7 are housed at least in part.

[0134] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises a positive main terminal to which the positive terminals of all the photovoltaic coverings 7 are electrically connected, and a negative main terminal to which the negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coverings 7 are electrically connected.

[0135] As shown in Figure 1, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises a protective cap 14, also called an encapsulation cap, which covers and protects the photovoltaic coatings 7. The protective cap 14 is made of a material transparent to light radiation, and is for example formed by hardening a transparent resin. The protective cap 14 is more particularly configured to fill an internal space located between the photovoltaic coatings 7.

[0136] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective cap 14 comprises an upper face which extends beyond the vertices 5 of the support elements 4, and which extends perpendicular to the central axis A. Advantageously, the protective cap 14 is configured such that the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 has a general prism shape, each of the bases of which has a generally hexagonal shape.

[0137] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 also comprises an anti-reflective surface coating 15 arranged on the upper face of the protective cover 14. However, if the protective cover 14 is made of a material having anti-reflective properties, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 could be devoid of the anti-reflective surface coating 15.

[0138] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the top 5 of each support element 4 could be truncated, and the two photovoltaic coverings 7 belonging to the same subassembly could protrude beyond the top 5 of the respective support element 4.

[0139] Several three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 according to the present invention could be assembled so as to form a photovoltaic device extending along an extension plane, and therefore having an external shape similar to that of a conventional photovoltaic panel. For this purpose, the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are arranged adjacently, and are connected in series and / or in parallel by connecting their main positive and negative terminals. Advantageously, for each pair of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 of the photovoltaic device, the bases 9 of the two adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are juxtaposed, that is to say are in contact with each other, at their adjacent sides. Such a photovoltaic device advantageously comprises a support or support frame delimiting a compartment in which the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are arranged.

[0140] The fact that the base 9 of each three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 has a hexagonal shape advantageously makes it possible to obtain an optimized network arrangement of the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 of said photovoltaic device.

[0141] A photovoltaic device according to the present invention can be installed in a greater number of locations than a photovoltaic device formed from three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the prior art, and with fewer orientation and inclination constraints. A photovoltaic device according to the present invention can in particular be installed on inclined roofs facing East, South or West, on horizontal roofs or on the ground without additional support, on facades facing East, South or West (and therefore in a substantially vertical orientation), or even as a replacement for all existing photovoltaic devices coated with photovoltaic material with identical technical characteristics with at least three times more annual electricity production for the same surface area.

[0142] A photovoltaic device according to the present invention can also be installed on all means of locomotion existing today and in the future, due to the fact that such a photovoltaic device has an annual energy production at least three times greater than that of photovoltaic devices of the prior art coated with photovoltaic material with identical technical characteristics and is free from most orientation constraints.

[0143] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) provided with a central axis (A) and comprising: - a three-dimensional support structure (3) comprising a plurality of support faces (6) distributed around the central axis (A), - photovoltaic coverings (7) attached to the three-dimensional support structure (3), each photovoltaic covering (7) being arranged on a respective support face (6) and at least partially covering the respective support face (6), each photovoltaic covering (7) extending substantially along a respective extension plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic coverings (7) comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies of photovoltaic coverings (7) which are distributed around the central axis (A) and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coverings (7), the extension planes of the two photovoltaic coverings (7) belonging to the same sub-assembly converging upwards and intersecting along a respective intersection line (Li) which is inclined relative to the central axis (A) and which extends upwards away from the central axis (A).

2. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 1, wherein each photovoltaic coating (7) comprises an active face (7.1) configured to capture photons of incident light rays, and a passive face (7.2) configured to be oriented towards the respective support face (6) and provided with a negative terminal and a positive terminal.

3. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 2, which comprises electrical connection devices (8) each configured to be electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of a respective photovoltaic covering (7), each support face (6) being perforated and comprising at least one through opening (6.1) configured to allow an electrical connection between the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering (7) and the respective electrical connection device (8).

4. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 3, wherein each electrical connection device (8) comprises two electrical connection wires (8.1) which extend through the respective through opening (6.1) and which are connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of the respective photovoltaic covering (7).

5. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 3 or 4, which further comprises a base (9) which is located below the three-dimensional support structure (3) and which defines, at least in part, an internal housing (10) in which the electrical connection devices (8) are housed at least in part.

6. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 5, in which the base (9) has a polygonal shape.

7. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the intersection lines (Li) intersect at an intersection point located substantially on the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2).

8. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which all the extension planes of the photovoltaic coatings (7) have different orientations.

9. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two photovoltaic coatings (7) of each subassembly define a vertex zone (12), said vertex zones (12) being distributed around the central axis (A).

10. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which each of the photovoltaic coatings (7) has a generally triangular shape.

11. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 10, wherein each photovoltaic covering (7) comprises a first edge (B1) extending near and along the respective intersection line (Li), a second edge (B2) located opposite the central axis (A) and a third edge (B3) connecting the respective first and second edges (B1, B2).

12. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which each of the intersection lines (Li) is inclined relative to the central axis (A) by an angle of inclination of between 10 and 40°.

13. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the number of support faces (6) is between 6 and 12.

14. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the two photovoltaic coatings (7) of each subassembly are substantially symmetrical with respect to a respective plane of symmetry passing through the respective intersection line (Li).

15. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the adjacent photovoltaic coverings (7) belonging to two adjacent sub-assemblies are located opposite each other.

16. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the three-dimensional support structure (3) comprises a plurality of support elements (4) distributed around the central axis (A), each support element (4) comprising a vertex (5) and two support faces (6) which are substantially planar and which are connected to each other along a crest zone, the crest zone of each of the support elements (4) being inclined relative to the central axis (A) and extending to the vertex (5) of the respective support element (4) away from the central axis (A).

17. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which comprises a protective cap which covers the photovoltaic coatings (7), the protective cap being made of a material transparent to light radiation.

18. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 17, which comprises an anti-reflective surface coating arranged on an upper face of the protective cap.

19. Photovoltaic device comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules according to any one of the preceding claims, said three-dimensional photovoltaic modules being arranged adjacently.

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