Fixed supporting structure for solar panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixed supporting structure for solar panels comprising: - a metal structure for supporting the solar panels, the metal structure extending longitudinally in a main direction of extension, and - two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground for supporting the metal structure, each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground comprising a foot, a first and a second brace forming a V and a third and a fourth brace forming a V. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fixed supporting structure for solar panels Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixed supporting structure for solar panels, a method of installing said fixed supporting structure, a fixed solar structure comprising said fixed supporting structure, and a solar field comprising said fixed solar structure. Technological background

[0002] Fixed supporting structures for solar panels, unlike mobile supporting structures (also called solar trackers), do not allow the inclination of the solar panels to change depending on the variation in sunlight during the day.

[0003] Thus, when solar panels are installed on fixed supporting structures, the inclination of the solar panels is fixed, that is to say it does not vary depending on the sunshine during the day.

[0004] However, depending on the geographical area in which the solar panels are installed, their inclination can vary. It can generally range from 0° when the solar panels are installed at the equator to approximately 35° towards the south or north.

[0005] Although the efficiency of solar panels installed on fixed supporting structures is generally lower than that of solar panels installed on solar trackers, fixed supporting structures are still of interest because they do not include a motorized element or a mobile element allowing the inclination of the solar panels to be varied according to the sunshine during the day. Thus, fixed supporting structures have a lower manufacturing cost and require less maintenance compared to solar trackers.

[0006] Furthermore, in certain cases, in particular when moving away from the equator and the solar panels installed on fixed supporting structures are inclined towards the south or north, their efficiency can be equivalent or even higher than that of solar panels installed on 1-axis solar trackers (i.e. solar trackers aligned in the North / South direction and mobile in rotation around an East / West axis). This is explained by the fact that the inclination towards the south or north of the solar panels installed on fixed supporting structures can make it possible to compensate for or even surpass the gain linked to the East / West tracking of the 1-axis solar trackers. Thus, in these cases, the fixed supporting structures present a real advantage compared to the 1-axis solar trackers. axis.

[0007] Current fixed supporting structures for solar panels comprise a large number of ground anchoring structures, such as piles or concrete blocks, generally distributed every 1 to 5 meters.

[0008] This leads to an increase in the manufacturing cost of these fixed supporting structures.

[0009] Furthermore, this complicates their installation. Indeed, it is necessary for the ground anchoring structures of a fixed supporting structure to be aligned, and depending on the type of soil, the installation of the anchoring structures in the ground is a relatively long and complex operation, which can also cause pollution or deterioration of the soil.

[0010] An aim of the present invention is to improve existing fixed supporting structures for solar panels, and in particular to reduce their manufacturing cost and simplify their installation without affecting their stability and robustness. Summary of the invention

[0011] Fixed supporting structure for solar panels

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a fixed supporting structure for solar panels, in particular thermal and / or photovoltaic, comprising: - a metal structure for supporting the solar panels, the metal structure extending longitudinally in a main direction of extension, the metal structure comprising: ❖ a lower spar and an upper spar parallel to each other and extending in the main direction of extension, and ❖ one or more crosspieces connecting the lower and upper side members; - two fixed metal structures anchored to the ground to support the metal structure, each fixed metal structure anchored to the ground comprising: ❖ a foot having a first end fixed, in particular directly or indirectly, to the lower spar and a second end intended to be fixed or secured, in particular directly or indirectly, to the ground, ❖ a first and a second brace forming a V, each of the first and second braces having an upper end fixed to the upper spar and a lower end forming the tip of the V, and ❖ a third and a fourth brace forming a V, each of the third and fourth braces having an upper end fixed to the lower spar and a lower end forming the tip of the V, the tip of the V formed by the lower ends of the first and second braces and the tip of the V formed by the lower ends of the third and fourth braces being connected together to form an octopus.

[0013] The fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention is particularly advantageous insofar as it makes it possible to minimize the number of ground anchoring structures. This is made possible thanks to the metal structure which is sufficiently mechanically resistant. Thus, the fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention may, for example, comprise only two ground anchoring structures to support the metal structure.

[0014] Compared to current fixed supporting structures for solar panels, the fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention comprises, for the same length, 2.5 to 4 times fewer ground anchoring structures.

[0015] Due to its reduced number of ground anchoring structures, the fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention can have a reduced manufacturing, assembly and installation cost.

[0016] Its assembly and installation is also simpler and faster, and causes less pollution and deterioration of the ground.

[0017] Due to its reduced number of ground anchoring structures, the fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention also has the advantage of being able to be installed on land with complex geometry, while avoiding the problems of aligning the ground anchoring structures encountered in the case of fixed supporting structures comprising a high number of ground anchoring structures.

[0018] The fixed supporting structure according to the invention can advantageously have a reduced weight.

[0019] The fixed supporting structure according to the invention also has the advantage of minimizing shading on the rear face of the solar panels and therefore increasing the overall efficiency of the solar panels by increasing the efficiency on the rear face of the solar panels. This is made possible by the fact that the fixed supporting structure according to the invention comprises a reduced number of elements on the rear face of the solar panels.

[0020] The main direction of extension preferably corresponds to the East / West direction.

[0021] The fixed supporting structure, in particular the metal structure, may be configured to support two or three rows of vertical solar panels (configurations also referred to as "2V" or "3V" respectively).

[0022] Alternatively, the fixed supporting structure, in particular the metal structure, is configured to support four, five or six rows of horizontal solar panels (configurations also called “4H”, “5H” or “6H”).

[0023] By "upper spar" and "lower spar" is meant that the upper spar is located at a height above the ground which is greater than that of the lower spar.

[0024] The fixed supporting structure may comprise only two metal structures fixed ground anchors.

[0025] The metal structure may comprise only two side members, namely the lower side member and the upper side member.

[0026] The two fixed metal ground anchoring structures are preferably distributed along the main direction of extension.

[0027] The foot and the octopus of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground are preferably inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the main direction of extension, called the median plane of the fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0028] The second end of the foot and the octopus of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure can be fixed directly to the ground.

[0029] Alternatively, the second end of the foot and the octopus of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground is indirectly fixed to the ground.

[0030] In a first embodiment of this variant, the second end of the foot and the octopus of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground are fixed to a concrete block, preferably installed on the ground.

[0031] In a second embodiment of this variant, the second end of the foot and the octopus of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground are each fixed to a pile, preferably installed in the ground.

[0032] The pile can be drilled, driven or of any other type.

[0033] The pile may be a metal construction profile, in particular of the IPN type or HEA, or can be an open metal profile, in particular type C, Omega, W or UPAF.

[0034] The foot of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground may be a metal tube, in particular of square section, or may each be an open metal profile, in particular of type C, Omega, W or UPAF.

[0035] The first and second braces are preferably symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0036] The third and fourth braces are preferably symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the fixed metal structure anchored to the ground.

[0037] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure may comprise a crosspiece connecting the lower and upper side members together, this crosspiece extending in the median plane of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure.

[0038] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure may comprise a fifth brace connecting the upper spar to the octopus, this fifth brace extending in the median plane of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure.

[0039] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure may comprise a sixth brace connecting the lower spar to the octopus, this sixth brace extending in the median plane of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure.

[0040] The metal structure may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six or seven crosspieces connecting the lower and upper side members together.

[0041] The crosspiece(s) connecting the lower and upper side members preferably extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the main direction of extension.

[0042] When the metal structure comprises several crosspieces connecting the lower and upper side members together, in particular two, three, four, five, six or seven crosspieces, the latter are preferably parallel to each other.

[0043] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a crosspiece connecting the upper ends of the first and third braces of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0044] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a crosspiece connecting the upper ends of the second and fourth braces of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0045] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a crosspiece extending in a median plane of the metal structure.

[0046] The metal structure may have a length ranging from 10 to 30 meters, preferably from 10 to 27 meters, more preferably from 10 to 18 meters, and even more preferably from 12 to 16 meters.

[0047] The distance between the two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground, in particular the distance between the feet of the two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground, is preferably between 40% and 60%, preferably between 45% and 55%, of the length of the metal structure.

[0048] The distance between the two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground, in particular the distance between the feet of the two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground, can range from 4 to 18 meters, preferably from 4 to 16 meters, more preferably from 4 to 11 meters, and even more preferably from 5 to 10 meters.

[0049] This is particularly advantageous in comparison with existing fixed load-bearing structures which comprise ground anchoring structures spaced between 1 and 5 metres apart.

[0050] The metal structure may comprise rails extending between the lower and upper side members and extending on either side of the lower and upper side members, these rails making it possible to support the solar panels.

[0051] These rails preferably extend in a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension.

[0052] These rails can have a length ranging from 2 to 8 meters.

[0053] These rails can be configured to support two or three rows of vertical solar panels (“2V” or “3V” configurations respectively). By For example, the rails can have a length ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 meters in the case of a “2V” configuration or a length ranging from 4.5 to 6 meters in the case of a “3V” configuration.

[0054] Alternatively, these rails are configured to support four, five or six rows of horizontal solar panels (“4H”, “5H” or “6H” configurations respectively). For example, the rails may have a length ranging from 3.5 to 5 meters in the case of a “4H” configuration, a length ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 meters in the case of a “5H” configuration or a length ranging from 5.5 to 8 meters in the case of a “6H” configuration.

[0055] The metal structure may comprise a rail extending in the median plane of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0056] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a rail connecting the upper ends of the first and third braces of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0057] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a rail connecting the upper ends of the second and fourth braces of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0058] Preferably, the metal structure comprises a rail extending in the median plane of the metal structure.

[0059] The metal structure may comprise one or more braces connecting the lower and upper side members, in particular one, two, three, four, five or six braces, preferably four braces, these braces extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the main direction of extension.

[0060] The metal structure may comprise a brace connecting the upper spar to the upper end of the third brace of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground and / or a brace connecting the upper spar to the upper end of the fourth brace of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0061] Alternatively, the metal structure comprises a brace connecting the lower spar to the upper end of the first brace of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground and / or a brace connecting the lower spar to the upper end of the second brace of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground.

[0062] The metal structure and the two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground are preferably made of steel, in particular S235 or S350GD steel.

[0063] Method of installing a fixed supporting structure for solar panels

[0064] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a structure fixed carrier as defined above, the method comprising the steps of: a) assemble the fixed supporting structure in a workshop area or directly in a final installation area; b) moving the fixed supporting structure thus assembled from the workshop area to the final installation area in the case where step a) is carried out in the workshop area; c) mount the fixed supporting structure on piles or concrete blocks previously installed in the ground in the final installation area.

[0065] By “final installation zone” is meant an area located on the construction site, and corresponding to the area in which the fixed supporting structure will ultimately be installed.

[0066] By “workshop area” we mean an area also located on the construction site but at a distance from the final installation area, and specially fitted out to allow the assembly of the fixed supporting structure.

[0067] It is particularly advantageous to be able to carry out step a) in the workshop area because this can allow assembly of the fixed supporting structure under optimal conditions, particularly from a quality and safety point of view.

[0068] However, in certain cases, step a) is carried out directly in the final installation area, in particular when the topography of the site is complex.

[0069] Step b) is made possible because the fixed supporting structure is sufficiently mechanically strong and has a reduced weight.

[0070] During step a), the fixed supporting structure can be assembled in a single section.

[0071] Alternatively, it is assembled in at least two sections. In this variant, the method may include, before step c), a step of connecting the sections to each other, preferably carried out in the final installation zone, so as to form the fixed supporting structure in a single section.

[0072] The choice of an assembly in a single section or in at least two sections can be made for example according to the final length of the fixed supporting structure and / or the topography of the final installation zone.

[0073] Step c) may include a step Ci) in which the mounting of the fixed supporting structure on the piles or concrete blocks installed in the ground is carried out without tightening. This may allow mobility of the fixed supporting structure relative to the piles or concrete blocks, and therefore allow the fixed supporting structure to adapt to the possible slope of the final installation area.

[0074] Step c) may include a step c2), following step Ci), in which the assembly of the fixed supporting structure on the piles or concrete blocks installed in the ground is finalized by tightening.

[0075] The method may include a step d) consisting of mounting solar panels, in particular thermal and / or photovoltaic, on the metal structure.

[0076] Step c) is preferably carried out after step a) or after step b).

[0077] Step d) is preferably carried out after step c).

[0078] Fixed solar structure

[0079] The present invention also relates to a fixed solar structure comprising: - a fixed supporting structure as defined above, and - solar panels supported by the metal structure of the fixed supporting structure.

[0080] The solar panels may be thermal and / or photovoltaic solar panels, preferably photovoltaic solar panels.

[0081] The fixed solar structure may comprise two or three rows of vertical solar panels (“2V” or “3V” configurations respectively) supported by the metal structure of the fixed supporting structure.

[0082] Alternatively, the fixed solar structure comprises four, five or six rows of horizontal solar panels (“4H”, “5H” or “6H” configurations respectively) supported by the metal structure of the fixed supporting structure.

[0083] The ground clearance can be up to 4 meters, and is notably between 40 centimeters and 4 meters. This is made possible by the fact that the fixed metal structures anchoring the fixed supporting structure to the ground have significant mechanical strength.

[0084] A ground clearance of up to 4 meters is particularly advantageous in terms of applications. Indeed, this can, for example, allow the fixed solar structure according to the invention to be installed above parking areas (i.e. parking canopies), above roads, above livestock farms or crops (i.e. agrivoltaics), or even above canals (i.e. photovoltaic canals).

[0085] By “ground clearance” we mean the distance between the lowest point of the solar panels and the ground.

[0086] Solar field

[0087] The present invention also relates to a solar field comprising a plurality of fixed solar structures as defined above.

[0088] At least some fixed solar structures can be arranged parallel to each other, in particular in the East / West direction. Brief description of the figures

[0089] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, a non-limiting example of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0090] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents, schematically and in perspective, an example of a fixed supporting structure for solar panels according to the invention,

[0091] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a detail of [Fig.l],

[0092] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents another view of the example of a fixed load-bearing structure for solar panels according to the invention illustrated in [Fig.l], and

[0093] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a detail of [Fig.3]. Description of embodiment(s)

[0094] In the figures, and unless otherwise provided, identical elements will bear the same reference signs.

[0095] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of a fixed supporting structure 1 for solar panels 2 comprising: - a metal structure 3 for supporting the solar panels 2, the metal structure 3 extending longitudinally along a main direction of extension 4, the metal structure 3 comprising: ❖ a lower spar 5 and an upper spar 6 parallel to each other and extending in the main direction of extension 4, and ❖ several crosspieces 7 connecting the lower 5 and upper 6 side members together; - two fixed metal structures anchored to the ground 8 for supporting the metal structure 3, each fixed metal structure anchored to the ground 8 comprising: ❖ a foot 9 having a first end 9a fixed to the lower side member 5 and a second end 9b intended to be fixed or secured to the ground, ❖ a first 10 and a second 11 braces forming a V, each of the first 10 and second 11 braces comprising an upper end 10a, 11a fixed to the upper spar 6 and a lower end 10b, 11e forming the tip of the V, and ❖ a third 12 and a fourth 13 braces forming a V, each of the third 12 and fourth 13 braces comprising an upper end 12a, 13a fixed to the lower spar 5 and a lower end 12b, 13b forming the tip of the V, the tip of the V formed by the lower ends 10b, 11b of the first 10 and second 11 braces and the tip of the V formed by the lower ends 12b, 13b of the third 12 and fourth 13 braces being connected together to form an octopus 14.

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the second end 9b of the foot 9 and the octopus 14 of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8 are fixed to a concrete block 15.

[0097] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8 comprises a fifth brace 16 connecting the upper spar 6 to the octopus 14, this fifth brace 16 extending in the median plane P of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8.

[0098] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8 comprises a sixth brace 17 connecting the lower spar 5 to the octopus 14, this sixth brace 17 extending in the median plane P of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8.

[0099] Each fixed metal ground anchoring structure 8 comprises a crosspiece 18 connecting the lower 5 and upper 6 side members together, this crosspiece 18 extending into the median plane P of each fixed metal structure anchored to the ground 8.

[0100] The metal structure 3 comprises a bracing 19 extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the main direction of extension 4 and connecting the upper spar 6 to the upper end 12a of the third brace 12 of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground 8

[0101] The metal structure 3 comprises a bracing 20 extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the main direction of extension 4 and connecting the upper spar 6 to the upper end 13a of the fourth brace 13 of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground 8.

Claims

Claims

1. Fixed supporting structure (1) for solar panels (2) comprising: - a metal structure (3) for supporting the solar panels (2), the metal structure (2) extending longitudinally in a main direction of extension (4), the metal structure (2) comprising: - a lower spar (5) and an upper spar (6) parallel to each other and extending in the main direction of extension (4), and - one or more crosspieces (7) connecting the lower (5) and upper (6) spars together; - two fixed metal structures for anchoring to the ground (8) for supporting the metal structure (3), each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground (8) comprising: - a foot (9) having a first end (9a) fixed to the lower spar (5) and a second end (9b) intended to be fixed or fixed to the ground, - a first (10) and a second (11) brace forming a V,each of the first (10) and second (11) braces comprising an upper end (10a, 11a) fixed to the upper spar (6) and a lower end (10b, 11b) forming the tip of the V, and - a third (12) and a fourth (13) braces forming a V, each of the third (12) and fourth (13) braces comprising an upper end (12a, 13a) fixed to the lower spar (5) and a lower end (12b, 13b) forming the tip of the V, the tip of the V formed by the lower ends (10b, 11b) of the first (10) and second (11) braces and the tip of the V formed by the lower ends (12b, 13b) of the third (12) and fourth (13) braces being connected together to form an octopus (14).,

2. Structure according to claim 1, the two fixed metal ground anchoring structures (8) being distributed along the main direction of extension (4).

3. Structure according to claim 1 or 2, the foot (9) and the octopus (14) of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8) being inscribed in a plane (P) perpendicular to the main direction of extension, called the median plane (P) of the fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8).

4. Structure according to claim 3, each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8) comprising a crosspiece (18) connecting the lower (5) and upper (6) side members, this cross member (18) extending in the median plane (P) of each fixed metal structure anchored to the ground (8).

5. Structure according to claim 3 or 4, each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8) comprising a fifth brace (16) connecting the upper spar (6) to the octopus (14), this fifth brace (16) extending in the median plane (P) of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8).

6. Structure according to any one of claims 3 to 5, each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8) comprising a sixth brace (17) connecting the lower spar (5) to the octopus (14), this sixth brace (17) extending in the median plane (P) of each fixed metal ground anchoring structure (8).

7. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the metal structure (3) comprising one or more braces (19, 20) connecting the lower (5) and upper (6) side members, these braces (19, 20) extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the main direction of extension 4.

8. Structure according to claim 7, the metal structure (3) comprising a bracing (19) connecting the upper spar (6) to the upper end (12a) of the third brace (12) of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground and / or a bracing (20) connecting the upper spar (6) to the upper end (13a) of the fourth brace (13) of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground (8).

9. Structure according to claim 7, the metal structure (3) comprising a bracing connecting the lower spar (5) to the upper end (10a) of the first brace (10) of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground and / or a bracing connecting the lower spar (5) to the upper end (11a) of the second brace (11) of each fixed metal structure for anchoring to the ground (8).

10. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the metal structure (3) having a length ranging from 10 to 30 meters, preferably from 10 to 27 meters, more preferably from 10 to 18 meters, and even more preferably from 12 to 16 meters.

11. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the distance between the two fixed metal ground anchoring structures (8), in particular the distance between the feet (9) of the two fixed metal ground anchoring structures (8), ranging from 4 to 18 meters, preferably primarily from 4 to 16 meters, more preferably from 4 to 11 meters, and even more preferably from 5 to 10 meters.

12. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the metal structure (3) comprising rails extending between the lower (5) and upper (6) side members and protruding on either side of the lower (5) and upper (6) side members, these rails making it possible to support the solar panels (2).

13. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the crosspiece(s) (7) connecting the lower (5) and upper (6) side members together extending in a direction perpendicular to the main direction of extension (4).

14. A method of installing a fixed load-bearing structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a) assembling the fixed load-bearing structure (1) in a workshop area or directly in a final installation area; b) moving the fixed load-bearing structure (1) thus assembled from the workshop area to the final installation area in the case where step a) is carried out in the workshop area; c) mounting the fixed load-bearing structure (1) on piles or concrete blocks (15) previously installed in the ground in the final installation area.

15. Fixed solar structure comprising: - a fixed supporting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and - solar panels (2) supported by the metal structure (3) of the fixed supporting structure (1).

16. Fixed solar structure according to claim 15, the solar panels (2) being thermal and / or photovoltaic solar panels, preferably photovoltaic solar panels.

17. Solar field comprising a plurality of fixed solar structures according to claim 15 or 16, at least certain fixed solar structures being in particular arranged parallel to each other, in particular in the East / West direction.

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