Photovoltaic plant

Abstract

Photovoltaic plant comprising: -a first row (11) of photovoltaic panels comprising a first panel (110); -a second row (12) of photovoltaic panels comprising a second panel (120); -a first support (3) for supporting both the first panel (110) and the second panel (120); said first support (3) extending between the first and the second row (11, 12) and being a ballast at least partly made of concrete or cementitious material connected to the first and to the second panel (110, 120). A rectilinear channel (9) being present between the first and the second row (11, 12). The first support (3) comprises a first portion (31) for supporting the first panel (110) and a second portion (32) for supporting the second panel (120); the first and the second portion (31, 32) are part of the same body; the first support (3) extends mainly along a first direction (30) that connects the first and the second row (11, 12). The first panel (110) extends towards the second row (12), going beyond the first portion (31) and / or the second panel (120) extends towards the first row (11), going beyond the second portion (32).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic plant.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Photovoltaic plants of the type described in EP3688381 are known. In such a case there are concrete ballasts that support and connect two rows of photovoltaic panels. Such ballasts cross a lane interposed between the two rows of panels.

[0007] The ballasts have a first and a second end, one for supporting a panel of the first row and one for supporting a panel of the second row. At both the first end and at the second end, there is a corresponding step. A pair of steps is thus defined which abuts two opposite sides of the photovoltaic panel, allowing to retain them in place.

[0008] The use of photovoltaic panels of different sizes is also known. In particular, there are large modules on the market having a main length comprised between 190 and 250 centimetres.

[0009] The photovoltaic panel manufacturers in turn also stipulate specific requirements that the supports must meet. In order to meet such requirements in the case of large panels, the use of metal extensions or intermediate supports is necessary. However, this complicates installation or makes it necessary to provide additional pieces customised for these specific applications.

[0010] Object of the invention

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic plant that allows to facilitate installation.

[0012] The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a photovoltaic plant comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0013] Brief description of the drawings

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a photovoltaic plant as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0015] -figure 1 shows a plan view of a photovoltaic plant according to the present invention;

[0016] -figure 2 shows a detail of figure 1 ;

[0017] -figure 3 shows a side view of the plant of figure 1 ;

[0018] -figure 4 shows a sectional view of a detail of the plant.

[0019] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0020] A photovoltaic plant is denoted in the attached drawings by reference number 1. It enables the production of electricity by harnessing solar energy. The plant 1 comprises a first row 11 of photovoltaic panels comprising a first panel 110. The photovoltaic panels in the technical field are also known as photovoltaic modules. In fact, they are repeated side by side modularly.

[0021] The plant 1 also comprises a second row 12 of photovoltaic panels comprising a second panel 120.

[0022] Advantageously, other rows are also present (e.g., there could be a third row 13 comprising a plurality of panels including a third panel 130). Both the first and the second row 11 , 12 typically consist of a plurality of photovoltaic panels. The panels of the first row 11 extend mutually side by side. The panels of the first row 11 preferably have the same inclination. An imaginary plane can thus be identified by the panels of the first row 11 . The same applies to the panels of the second row 12.

[0023] The plant 1 further comprises a first support 3 for supporting both the first panel 110 and the second panel 120. It therefore contributes to the support of the first and the second panel 110, 120. The first support 3 extends between the first and the second row 11 , 12. The first support 3 is a ballast at least partly made of concrete or cementitious material connected to the first and to the second panel 110, 120. In particular, the first support 3 is not a metal frame. It defines a body having a suitably homogeneous density. Concrete provides both the structural features that the first support 3 must have, and also performs the function of ballast. In fact, the first support 3 helps to partly support the first panel 110 and partly the second panel 120.

[0024] The ballast is integrated in the first support 3 and defines a single body therewith, it is not an additional element. The ballast is therefore monolithically integrated in the first support 3.

[0025] The ballast is therefore not removable from the first support 3. The first support 3 is therefore a self-ballasting structure.

[0026] The first support 3 fulfils a plurality of functions: it is a monoblock supporting the first and the second panel 110, 120, it defines a ballast and is a joining element and structural reinforcement between the first and the second row 11 , 12.

[0027] A rectilinear channel 9 is present between the first and the second row 11 , 12. This reduces shading and facilitates maintenance. Suitably, the minimum distance between the first and the second panel 110, 120 is greater than 20 centimetres. The rectilinear channel 9 is interspersed with elements that are functionally / geometrically identical to the first support 3.

[0028] The first support 3 strengthens the plant 1 , significantly increasing wind resistance.

[0029] The first support 3 comprises a first portion 31 for supporting the first panel 110 and a second portion 32 for supporting the second panel 120.

[0030] The first and the second portion 31 , 32 are part of a same body. Therefore, they are part of the same monolithic body.

[0031] The first support 3 has a main extension along a first direction 30 that connects the first and the second row 11 , 12. The first support 3 is therefore an elongated and narrow body.

[0032] The first panel 110 extends towards the second row 12 (in particular the second panel 120), going beyond the first portion 31 and / or the second panel 120 extends towards the first row 11 (in particular the first panel 110), going beyond the second portion 32. The first portion 31 lies completely below the first panel. 110. In particular, the first portion 31 lies inside a fictitious volume generated by a vertical downward projection of the first panel 110.

[0033] The second portion 32 lies completely below the second panel 120. In particular, the second portion 32 lies inside a fictitious volume generated by a vertical downward projection of the second panel 120.

[0034] With respect to the first direction 30, the first panel 110 extends towards the second row 12 (in particular towards the second panel 120) beyond the first portion 31 . In addition to or as an alternative to the first direction 30, the second panel 120 extends towards the first row 11 (in particular towards the first panel 110) beyond the second portion 32.

[0035] Suitably, the first direction 30 is horizontal. The first panel 110 is inclined with respect to the horizontal by less than 35° (the first panel 110 therefore identifies a plane that forms an acute angle of less than 35° with respect to a horizontal plane). The first panel 110 has a face intended to intercept the sun's rays which faces upwards. Similarly, the remaining panels of the first row 11 and possibly the second row 12 also have such an inclination.

[0036] The first support 3 is therefore constrained to a support, typically a horizontal plane. Such a wall extends between the top and the bottom, preferably it is vertical.

[0037] The first support 3 comprises an arm 33 for connecting the first and the second portion 31 , 32. The connecting arm 33 extends along the first direction 30. The first and the second portion 31 , 32 define (or rather coincide with), respectively, a first and second projection that extend transversely and away from said connecting arm 33. Preferably, the first and the second projection 31 , 32 extend orthogonally to the first direction 30. Suitably, they extend orthogonally with respect to the arm 33. In particular, the first and the second portion 31 , 32 are located at opposite ends of the arm 33. The arm 33 is suitably in a monolithic body with the first and the second portion 31 , 32. The arm 33 and the first and the second portion 31 , 32 define a concavity facing upwards. They are therefore shaped like a letter U (with the two vertical arms of different lengths).

[0038] The first panel 110 has a rectangular plan with a first, second, third, fourth side 111 , 112, 113, 114. The first and the third side 111 , 113 are of greater length than the second and the fourth side 112, 114. The first and the third side 111 , 113 extend inclined with respect to the horizontal. The second and the fourth side 112, 114 are horizontal. The fourth side 114 is less far from the first portion 31 than the second side 112 is from the first portion 31. The distance of the fourth side 114 from the second portion 32 is less than the distance of the second side 112 from the second portion 32. The distances are to be understood as minimum distances. There is no support extending the first portion 31 and the fourth side 114. In particular, there is no support between the fourth side 114 and the first support 3.

[0039] Any vertical projection of the second and the fourth side 112, 114 occurs without intercepting the first or the second portion 31 , 32. A vertical projection of the fourth side 114 towards the arm 33 intercepts the arm 33. Vertical projections of the first and the second panel 110, 120 towards the arm 33 intercept the arm 33 (intercept a section of the first support 3 interposed between the first and the second portion 31 , 32).

[0040] Similarly, a vertical projection of the second and the fourth side 112, 114 towards a support plane of the first support 3 occurs without intercepting the first and the second portion 31 , 32.

[0041] The plant 1 comprises a first system 41 for holding the first panel 110 associated with the first portion 31. The first holding system 41 grips the first side 111 of the first panel 110.

[0042] The first holding system 41 comprises a first hook (in technical jargon also called a "clip"). The first hook is constrained to the first support 3, in particular this occurs at the first portion 31 . The first hook is constrained to the first support 3 preferably by threaded connection means or a push-fit coupling. The first hook thus retains the first panel 110.

[0043] The plant 1 comprises a second system 42 for holding the second panel 120 associated with the second portion 32 and which grips a side of the second panel 120.

[0044] The second holding system 42 comprises a second hook (in technical jargon also called a "clip"). The second hook is constrained to the first support 3, in particular this occurs at the second portion 32. The second hook is constrained to the first support 3 preferably by threaded connection means or a push-fit coupling. The second hook thus retains the second panel 120.

[0045] The first and / or the second hook can be shaped like the hook exemplified in figure 4.

[0046] The first and the second portion 31 , 32 respectively comprise a first and a second end 310, 320, distanced from the arm 33. Suitably, the first end 310 lies entirely below the first panel 110. The first end 310 is contained in an imaginary solid generated by the vertical downward projection of the first panel 110. The first end 310 does not protrude outward from such a solid generated by the downward vertical projection of the first panel 310. Suitably, the second end 320 lies entirely below the second panel 120. The second end 320 is contained in an imaginary solid generated by the vertical downward projection of the second panel 120. The second end 320 does not protrude outward from such a solid generated by the downward vertical projection of the second panel 320. Suitably, the first and / or the second end 310, 320 are completely flat. Suitably, the first and the second system 41 , 42 for gripping the first panel 110 extend from the first and from the second end 310, 320.

[0047] The second portion 32 extends to a greater distance from the arm 33 with respect to how far the first portion 31 extends from the arm 33. This allows to incline the first panel 110 with respect to a vertical plane.

[0048] The plant 1 comprises a second support 7 which connects the first and the second panel 110, 120. The first support 3 serves as a support for one side of the first panel 110 and for one side of the second panel 120. The second support 7 serves as a support for one side of the first panel 110 and for one side of the second panel 120. In particular, the first and the second panel 110, 120 have a rectangular plan; the first support 3 connects two longer sides of the first and the second panel 110, 120; the second support 7 connects the other two longer sides of the first and the second panel 110, 120).

[0049] Between each row of the photovoltaic panels, there is a number of supports equal to the number of photovoltaic panels, increased by one. Appropriately, each photovoltaic panel of the first row 11 is connected to a photovoltaic panel of the second row 12 by means of a support having one or more of the features described above for the first support 3.

[0050] What was indicated above for the first support 3 can be repeated for the second support 7 or for any other support connecting a panel of the first and the second row 11 , 12. The plant 1 comprises a plurality of supports, identical to each other, extending between panels 10 of the first and the second row 11 , 12. For example, there could be a third support 8 connecting the first and the third panel 110, 130.

[0051] Referring to the attached figures, advantageously the second support 7 helps to support an additional photovoltaic panel 100 adjacent to the first panel 110 and placed along the first row 11. Connection means 6 is involved in this regard.

[0052] In such a case, in fact, the connection means 6 comprises an additional hook 61 that connects the second support 7 with both the first panel 110 and the additional panel 100 (see figure 4). In such a case, the additional hook 61 can comprise:

[0053] - a first flap 611 which holds the first panel 110;

[0054] - a second flap 612 which holds the additional panel 100.

[0055] Suitably, the weight of the first panel 110 (or the second panel 120) is distributed only and exclusively on the first support 3, the second support 7 and two other supports identical to the first and the second support 3, 7. Suitably, a plurality of photovoltaic panels of the plant 1 is supported exclusively by four supports identical to the first support 3. Or the second panel 120 in addition to the first support 3 and the second support 7 is supported by two plinths 91 , 92 of different geometry with respect to the first and the second support 3, 7. This occurs when they find themselves only supporting the panels of the second row 12 and not also those of the adjacent row; this occurs at two opposite ends of the plant 1 (typically at two opposite sides of the plant 1 ).

[0056] The present invention achieves important advantages.

[0057] It allows the connection of "large" panels without the need for metal extensions or non-standard supports. This allows for easy warehouse management and simple installation.

[0058] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. All the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may in practice be any whatsoever according to needs.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A photovoltaic plant comprising:-a first row (11 ) of photovoltaic panels comprising a first panel (110);-a second row (12) of photovoltaic panels comprising a second panel (120);-a first support (3) for supporting both the first panel (110) and the second panel (120); said first support (3) extending between the first and the second row (11 , 12) and being a ballast at least partly made of concrete or cementitious material connected to the first and to the second panel (110, 120); a rectilinear channel (9) being present between the first and the second row (11 , 12); the first support (3) comprising a first portion (31 ) for supporting the first panel (110) and a second portion (32) for supporting the second panel (120); the first and the second portion (31 , 32) being part of a same body; the first support (3) extends mainly along a first direction (30) that connects the first and the second row (11 , 12); the first panel (110) extends towards the second row (12), going beyond the first portion (31 ) and / or the second panel (120) extends towards the first row (11 ), going beyond the second portion (32).

2. The plant according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first support (3) comprises an arm (33) for connecting the first and the second portion (31 , 32); said connecting arm (33) extending along the first direction (30); the first and the second portion (31 , 32) respectively defining a first and a second projection that extend transversely and away from said connecting arm (33).

3. The plant according to claim 2, characterised in that the first and the second portion (31 , 32) respectively comprise a first and a second end (310, 320) distanced from the arm (33); the first end (310) being below the first panel (31 ) and / or the second end(320) being below the second panel (32).

4. The plant according to claim 3, characterised in that the first and the second end (310, 320) are completely flat.

5. The plant according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, characterised in that the second portion (32) extends to a greater distance from the arm (33) compared to how far the first portion (31 ) extends from the arm (33).

6. The plant according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first panel (110) has a rectangular plan with a first and a third side (111 , 113) of greater length than a second and a fourth side (112, 114); the second and the fourth side (112, 114) being horizontal.

7. The plant according to claim 6, characterised in that the first and the third side (111 , 113) are inclined with respect to the horizontal.

8. The plant according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the first side (111 ) extends in a plane orthogonal to the extension of the first row (11 ) and the third side (113) is parallel to the first side (111 ).

9. The plant according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that a vertical downward projection of the fourth side (114) takes place without intercepting the first portion (31 ).

10. The plant according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that it comprises a first system (41) for holding the first panel (110) associated with the first portion (31 ) and which grips the first side (111 ) of the first panel (110); a second system (42) for holding the second panel (120) associated with the second portion (32) and which grips a side of the second panel (120); means for holding the first panel (110) along the second and / or the fourth side (112, 114) being absent.

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