Three-dimensional photovoltaic module

Abstract

The invention relates to a three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) having a cental axis and comprising photovoltaic coatings (3) that comprise a plurality of subsets of photovoltaic coatings (3), which are distributed around the central axis (A) and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coatings (3), each photovoltaic coating (3) extending substantially along a respective plane of extension and comprising a positive terminal, a negative terminal and at least one photovoltaic cell, the planes of extension of the two photovoltaic coatings (3) belonging to the same subset converging upwards and intersecting along a respective line of intersection, which is inclined with respect to the central axis and which extends upwards away from the central axis; and an electrical connection base (5), which is located beneath the photovoltaic coatings (3) of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) and which is configured to electrically connect the photovoltaic coatings (3) to one another.

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] - photovoltaic coatings comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies of photovoltaic coatings which are distributed around the central axis and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coatings, each photovoltaic coating extending substantially along a respective extension plane and comprising a positive terminal, a negative terminal and at least one photovoltaic cell, the extension planes of the two photovoltaic coatings belonging to the same sub-assembly 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, and

[0026] - an electrical connection base which is located under the photovoltaic coverings of said three-dimensional photovoltaic module and which is configured to electrically connect said photovoltaic coverings to each other.

[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 course of a 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 until 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 can produce, not only instantaneously, but especially annually, more energy per unit area than a conventional photovoltaic panel and also than a conventional three-dimensional photovoltaic module. The three-dimensional photovoltaic module can also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0032] 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.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base is substantially flat.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base comprises conductive tracks configured to electrically connect said photovoltaic coatings to each other.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base is formed by a printed circuit board.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base is configured to electrically connect, in parallel, the photovoltaic coatings of said three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic covering comprises two electrically conductive pins electrically connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of said photovoltaic covering, the two electrically conductive pins of each photovoltaic covering being electrically connected to the electrical connection base, and for example to a respective conductive track provided on the electrical connection base.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, each electrically conductive pin is configured to extend substantially vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is arranged on a horizontal surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two electrically conductive pins of the same photovoltaic covering are configured to support and hold said photovoltaic covering in position, in particular during the assembly of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module. In other words, the two electrically conductive pins of the same photovoltaic covering are configured such that each photovoltaic covering is self-supporting relative to the electrical connection base.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base comprises a plurality of connection holes, each of the connection holes being configured to allow at least partial insertion of a respective electrically conductive pin. According to one embodiment of the invention, each electrically conductive pin is of circular cross-section, and thus has the shape of a rod.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module comprises a positive main terminal and a negative main terminal to which the positive and negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings are electrically connected, the positive main terminal and the negative main terminal being provided on the electrical connection base.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positive terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings are electrically connected to the main positive terminal, and the negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings are electrically connected to the main negative terminal.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base comprises a first conductive track configured to connect the positive terminals of said photovoltaic coatings to each other, and a second conductive track configured to connect the negative terminals of said photovoltaic coatings to each other.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second conductive tracks is provided on a lower face of the electrical connection base.

[0045] 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 which is located opposite the respective active face and which is provided with the respective negative and positive terminals.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection base has a polygonal shape, and for example generally hexagonal.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intersection lines are regularly distributed around the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, each intersection line intersects with the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0049] 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°.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, all the extension planes of the photovoltaic coatings have different orientations. According to one embodiment of the invention, the two photovoltaic coatings of each subassembly define a vertex zone, said vertex zones being distributed around the central axis, and for example regularly distributed, around the central axis.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vertex zones defined by the photovoltaic coatings are equidistant from the central axis.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one photovoltaic coating, and for example each of the photovoltaic coatings, is flexible.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one photovoltaic coating, and for example each of the photovoltaic coatings, is rigid.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic covering comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in parallel and / or in series.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the photovoltaic coatings has a generally triangular shape.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 15 and 25 mm, and advantageously between 18 and 22 mm, and for example of approximately 19.3 mm.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second edge of each photovoltaic coating has a length of between 20 and 35 mm, and advantageously between 25 and 30 mm, and for example approximately 28.5 mm.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third edge of each photovoltaic coating has a length of between 10 and 20 mm, and advantageously between 12 and 17 mm, and for example approximately 14.6 mm.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the number of photovoltaic coatings is between 6 and 12.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjacent photovoltaic coverings belonging to two adjacent sub-assemblies are located opposite each other.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third edge of each photovoltaic covering 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. According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module to a 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective cap is formed by hardening a transparent resin.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module has a polygonal, and for example hexagonal, cross-section.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection bases belonging to the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules are formed by a single printed circuit board.

[0082] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each electrical connection base is formed by a respective printed circuit board. According to one embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic device extends along an extension plane.

[0083] Brief description of the figures

[0084] 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.

[0085] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view from above of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module according to the present invention.

[0086] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view from below of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1.

[0087] Figure 3 is a partial top perspective view of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1 being assembled.

[0088] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1.

[0089] Figure 5 is a schematic side perspective view of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1.

[0090] Figure 6 is a schematic top perspective view of a protective cap and anti-reflective surface coating belonging to the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of Figure 1.

[0091] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a photovoltaic device comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules according to the present invention.

[0092] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the photovoltaic device of Figure 7.

[0093] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a printed circuit board belonging to an alternative embodiment of the photovoltaic device of Figure 7.

[0094] Detailed description

[0095] 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. Figures 1 to 6 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.

[0096] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 comprises photovoltaic coatings 3 which are distributed around the central axis A. At least one photovoltaic coating 3, and for example each of the photovoltaic coatings 3, can be flexible or rigid.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the number of photovoltaic coatings 3 is equal to 12, and each photovoltaic coating 3 is generally triangular in shape. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the number of photovoltaic coatings 3 could be equal to 6, 8 or 10, and each photovoltaic coating 3 could have a different shape. According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic coating 3 has a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0098] Each photovoltaic coating 3 advantageously comprises several photovoltaic cells connected in parallel and / or in series. The photovoltaic cells of each photovoltaic coating 3 may for example be supported by a base substrate layer. Each photovoltaic coating 3 further comprises an active face 3.1 configured to capture photons of incident light rays, and a passive face 3.2 which is located opposite the respective active face 3.1 and which is provided with a negative terminal and a positive terminal.

[0099] Each photovoltaic covering 3 extends substantially along a respective extension plane, and all the extension planes of the photovoltaic coverings 3 have different orientations.

[0100] The photovoltaic coatings 3 more particularly 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 3. Advantageously, the adjacent photovoltaic coatings 3 belonging to two adjacent sub-assemblies are located opposite one another.

[0101] The extension planes of the two photovoltaic coverings 3 belonging to the same subassembly intersect along a respective intersection line Li which is rectilinear, 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 inclination angle 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 are intersecting at an intersection point located substantially on the central axis A of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2.

[0102] The two photovoltaic coatings 3 of each subassembly are substantially symmetrical with respect to a respective plane of symmetry P passing through the respective intersection line Li. Advantageously, the planes of symmetry P of the different subassemblies are intersecting along a straight line of intersection which coincides with the central axis A.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two photovoltaic coatings 3 of each subassembly define a vertex zone 4, and the vertex zones 4 defined by the photovoltaic coatings 3 are regularly distributed around the central axis A and are equidistant from the central axis A.

[0104] Each of the photovoltaic coatings 3 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 4 and a third edge B3 connecting the respective first and second edges. Thus, the first edges B1 of two photovoltaic coatings 3 belonging to the same subset extend near and along each other.

[0105] Advantageously, the second edge B2 of each photovoltaic covering 3 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.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two photovoltaic coatings 3 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 3 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.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the developed surface area of ​​the photovoltaic coverings 3 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.

[0108] According to one embodiment of the invention:

[0109] - a ratio of the first edge B1 of each photovoltaic coating 3 to a side C of the equilateral triangular shape 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, - a ratio of the second edge B2 of each photovoltaic coating 3 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,

[0110] - a ratio of the third edge B3 of each photovoltaic coating 3 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,

[0111] - 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.

[0112] Advantageously, each photovoltaic covering 3 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 3, by an angle of inclination of between 5 and 10°, and for example of approximately 7°.

[0113] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 also comprises an electrical connection base 5 which is located under the photovoltaic coverings 3 and which is configured to electrically connect the photovoltaic coverings 3 to each other. The electrical connection base 5 more particularly comprises conductive tracks configured to electrically connect, in parallel, the photovoltaic coverings 3.

[0114] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electrical connection base 5 is formed by a printed circuit board, and comprises a first conductive track 6 configured to connect together the positive terminals of the photovoltaic coatings 3, and a second conductive track 7 configured to connect together the negative terminals of the photovoltaic coatings 3. Advantageously, each of the first and second conductive tracks 6, 7 is provided on a lower face of the electrical connection base 5.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each photovoltaic covering 3 comprises two electrically conductive pins 8 electrically connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of said photovoltaic covering 3, and the two electrically conductive pins 8 of each photovoltaic covering 3 are electrically connected to the electrical connection base 5, and more particularly respectively to the first and second conductive tracks 6, 7 provided on the electrical connection base 5. Advantageously, each electrically conductive pin 8 is of circular cross-section, and thus has the shape of a rod.

[0116] Each electrically conductive pin 8 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 rests, by its electrical connection base 5, on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the two electrically conductive pins 8 of the same photovoltaic covering 3 are configured to support and hold said photovoltaic covering 3 in position, in particular during the assembly of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2. Thus, the two electrically conductive pins 8 of the same photovoltaic covering 3 are configured such that each photovoltaic covering 3 is self-supporting relative to the electrical connection base 5.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electrical connection base 5 comprises a plurality of connection orifices 9, each of the connection orifices 9 being configured to allow at least partial insertion of a respective electrically conductive pin 8.

[0118] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises a positive main terminal 11 to which the positive terminals of all the photovoltaic coverings 3 are electrically connected via the respective electrically conductive pins 8, and a negative main terminal 12 to which the negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coverings 3 are electrically connected via the respective electrically conductive pins 8. Advantageously, the positive main terminal 11 and the negative main terminal 12 are provided on the electrical connection base 5, and more particularly on the underside of the electrical connection base 5.

[0119] As shown in Figure 1, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises a protective cap 14 (see Figure 6), also called an encapsulation cap, which covers and protects the photovoltaic coatings 3. 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 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective cap 14 comprises an upper face which extends perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The present invention further relates to a photovoltaic device 16 comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 according to the present invention which are arranged adjacently, such that the photovoltaic device 16 extends along an extension plane and therefore has an external shape similar to that of a conventional photovoltaic panel. The three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 may for example be connected in series and / or in parallel by connecting their positive and negative main terminals 11, 12.

[0122] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection bases 5 of the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 could be distinct from one another and therefore be formed by separate printed circuit boards. According to such an embodiment, for each pair of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 of the photovoltaic device 16, the electrical connection bases 5 of the two adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are juxtaposed, i.e. are in contact with one another, at their adjacent sides. Such a photovoltaic device 16 advantageously comprises a support or support frame delimiting a compartment in which the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are arranged.The fact that the base 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 16.

[0123] According to another embodiment of the invention (see figures 7 and 8), the electrical connection bases 5 of the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 could be formed by a single printed circuit board which could for example be rectangular in shape.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the photovoltaic device 16 could comprise, along each of its edges, additional three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 17 which differ from the aforementioned three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 essentially in that each additional three-dimensional photovoltaic module 17 corresponds to a “half” of a three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2, and c.

[0125] A photovoltaic device 16 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 16 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.

[0126] A photovoltaic device 16 according to the present invention can also be installed on all means of locomotion existing to date and to come, and this is due to the fact that such a photovoltaic device 16 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.

[0127] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, each three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 could for example comprise a support member, for example of conical or truncated cone shape, configured to rest on the electrical connection base and to support the photovoltaic coverings. The support member could for example be configured such that the lower edge of each photovoltaic covering 3 is pasted to rest on the support member. Such a support member ensures in particular optimal positioning of the photovoltaic coverings 3 during the assembly of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2.

[0128] The support member could for example be provided with through passages configured to allow the passage of electrically conductive pins for connection to the electrical connection base.

[0129] 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) having a central axis (A) and comprising: - photovoltaic coatings (3) comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies of photovoltaic coatings (3) which are distributed around the central axis (A) and which each comprise two adjacent photovoltaic coatings (3), each photovoltaic coating (3) extending substantially along a respective extension plane and comprising a positive terminal, a negative terminal and at least one photovoltaic cell, the extension planes of the two photovoltaic coatings (3) 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), and - an electrical connection base (5) which is located under the photovoltaic coverings (3) of said three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) and which is configured to electrically connect said photovoltaic coverings (3) to each other.

2. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 1, in which the electrical connection base (5) is substantially planar.

3. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical connection base (5) comprises conductive tracks (6, 7) configured to electrically connect said photovoltaic coatings (3) together.

4. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical connection base (5) is formed by a printed circuit board.

5. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each photovoltaic covering (3) comprises two electrically conductive pins (8) electrically connected respectively to the negative and positive terminals of said photovoltaic covering (3), the two electrically conductive pins (8) of each photovoltaic covering (3) being electrically connected to the electrical connection base (5).

6. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the two electrically conductive pins (8) of the same photovoltaic covering (3) are configured to support and hold said photovoltaic covering (3) in position.

7. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a positive main terminal (11) and a negative main terminal (12) to which the positive and negative terminals of all the photovoltaic coatings (3) are electrically connected, the positive main terminal (11) and the negative main terminal (12) being provided on the electrical connection base (5).

8. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each photovoltaic coating (3) comprises an active face (3.1) configured to capture photons of incident light rays, and a passive face (3.2) which is located opposite the respective active face (3.1) and which is provided with the respective negative and positive terminals.

9. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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).

10. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the two photovoltaic coatings (3) of each subassembly define a vertex zone (4), said vertex zones (4) being distributed around the central axis (A).

11. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which each of the photovoltaic coatings (3) has a generally triangular shape.

12. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 11, wherein each photovoltaic covering (3) 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).

13. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the number of photovoltaic coatings (3) 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 (3) of each subassembly are substantially symmetrical with respect to a respective plane of symmetry (P) passing through the respective line of intersection (Li).

15. Three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the adjacent photovoltaic coverings (3) 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, which comprises a protective cap (14) which covers the photovoltaic coatings (3), the protective cap (14) being made of a material transparent to light radiation.

17. Photovoltaic device (16) comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, said three-dimensional photovoltaic modules (2) being arranged adjacently.

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