Deployable solar power plant

Abstract

TITLE: Deployable solar power plant The present invention relates to a deployable accordion-style solar power plant (1), comprising a plurality of solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) movable between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration, these panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) being assembled in pairs (21, 22, 23), by a hinge (2) connecting the upper edges of each of the panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), the lower edges of each of the panels of each pair (21, 22, 23) being associated with wheels (51, 52, 53, 54). According to the invention, each of the wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with one of the lower edges of the panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming a pair (21, 22, 23) is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with the lower edges of the panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming this pair (21, 22, 23) are placed. (Shorthand figure: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Deployable solar power plant Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a deployable solar power plant.

[0002] It relates in particular to a solar power plant comprising a plurality of solar panels articulated with each other in such a way as to allow the accordion-like deployment of these solar panels. Previous art

[0003] Solar power plants collect solar radiation and convert it into electrical and / or thermal energy. They utilize solar panels, which may include photovoltaic cells in the case of photovoltaic solar power plants that convert solar radiation into electrical energy, or pipes filled with heat transfer fluid in the case of thermal solar power plants. Solar power plants generally comprise a plurality of such solar panels, positioned on a site to collect a large amount of radiation.

[0004] Many solar power plants are installed in a permanent manner, with the solar panels that compose them being positioned in a fixed manner.

[0005] There are also so-called "deployable" solar power plants comprising a plurality of solar panels that are mobile between a deployed position, in which the solar panels cover a large area of ​​ground to collect a large amount of solar radiation, and a folded position in which the solar panels are gathered close together.

[0006] In such deployable power plants, it is generally advantageous for the solar panels to occupy the smallest possible volume when folded. Indeed, in their folded position, these solar panels can be stored in a shelter or in a container such as a shipping container. It is preferable that the shelter or container be able to accommodate a large number of these solar panels. Therefore, the aim is to position the solar panels as close together as possible in their folded position, minimizing wasted space between or around the solar panels.

[0007] We also generally seek to simplify as much as possible the manipulations allowing the solar power plant to be switched from a deployed configuration, in which its solar panels are in their deployed position, to its folded configuration, in which its solar panels are in their folded position, and vice versa.

[0008] It thus became apparent that it was effective to create deployable solar power plants composed of a set of solar panels, in which the solar panels are assembled in pairs of two solar panels joined to each other by a hinge connecting the upper edges of the panels, each of these pairs of solar panels being joined to at least one other pair of solar panels by a hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels in each pair.

[0009] In such solar power plants, the deployment and folding of the different solar panels is done by a so-called "accordion" movement.

[0010] In the folded position of the solar panels, all the solar panels are placed against each other, the lower edges of each of the solar panels being substantially horizontal, parallel and close to each other, and the upper edges of each of the solar panels being parallel and close to each other.

[0011] During the deployment of this solar power plant, the lower edges of the various solar panels that are not assembled to each other by hinges are moved away from each other, generally keeping these lower edges in the same horizontal deployment plane.

[0012] Due to this movement, the angles formed by the various solar panels with respect to the horizontal decrease, as the upper edges of these solar panels move closer to the horizontal deployment plane of the lower edges until the solar panels are placed in their deployment positions, in which they form only a small angle, generally less than 30°, with the horizontal. This deployment position allows them to collect a large amount of solar radiation.

[0013] Several examples of such accordion-style deployable solar power plants are known. Various means are known for moving the lower edges of the different panels in a horizontal plane during the deployment or folding of the solar power plant.

[0014] Among these guiding means, horizontally arranged rails in the direction of panel deployment are known. These rails guide sliding pads or wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels. In such cases, as described, for example, in documents EP3449566A1, FR3077361A1, or CN109510571A, the wheels or pads associated with the lower edges of the solar panels are small so as not to hinder the compact folding of the solar panels against each other in their folded position. Deploying or folding such a solar power plant requires lengthy and delicate handling for installing or removing the horizontal rails. Furthermore, these rails increase the weight and size of the solar power plant when it is in its folded position.

[0015] Other solutions are also known for moving the lower edges of the different solar panels in a horizontal plane, such as the one described in the Document EP2843320A1, in which the horizontal guidance of the lower edges of each solar panel is achieved by a pantograph system, or document EP3391533A1, in which deployment is carried out by a vehicle that supports the lower edges of the solar panels during their deployment, before placing them on the ground in their deployed position. However, such solutions can only be implemented for relatively small-scale solar power plants.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a solution allowing the accordion-style deployment of solar panels forming a deployable solar power plant, which is easier to implement than prior art solutions, adapted to large-scale solar power plants, and allowing the panels to be stored very close to each other in their folded position. Description of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0018] In particular, the invention aims to provide deployable solar power plants whose deployment and folding operations can be carried out particularly easily.

[0019] A particular objective of the invention is to provide such solar power plants capable of covering, in their deployed configuration, a very large area.

[0020] Another particular objective of the invention is to provide such solar power plants that can be folded in a very compact manner, allowing for example their storage and / or transport in a transport container.

[0021] These objectives, as well as others which will become clearer later, are achieved using a solar power plant, comprising a plurality of solar panels movable relative to each other between a deployed configuration of the solar power plant, in which the solar panels are relatively far apart from each other, and a folded configuration of the solar power plant in which the solar panels are relatively close together, each of the solar panels having a lower edge and an upper edge opposite and substantially parallel to the lower edge, the upper edge being higher than the lower edge, at least in the folded configuration of the solar power plant, at least part of the solar panels being assembled in pairs of two solar panels joined to each other by at least one hinge connecting the upper edges of each of these two solar panels,The lower edges of each of these two solar panels, forming one of the pairs of solar panels, are associated with wheels whose axes are substantially parallel to these lower edges. According to the invention, each of the wheels associated with one of the lower edges of the two solar panels forming one of the pairs of solar panels is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which are placed the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the two solar panels forming the pair of solar panels.

[0022] Such a distribution of the wheels on the solar power plant ensures that the wheels associated with the lower edges of adjacent solar panels do not hinder the compact folding of these panels, even if these wheels are large. It is thus possible to associate wheels with the lower edges of the solar panels whose diameter is several times greater than the thickness of the solar panels, without this hindering the folding of the solar panels, which are very close together. The use of such large-diameter wheels allows the panels to be deployed and folded without the use of rails, even on uneven ground, which considerably simplifies the deployment and folding of the solar power plant.

[0023] Advantageously, each of the wheels associated with one of the lower edges of the two solar panels forming one of the pairs of solar panels is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the two solar panels forming the pair of solar panels are placed, by a distance greater than the width of one of these wheels.

[0024] This distance between the planes ensures that there is no collision between the wheels when folding the solar power plant.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the solar panels of the solar power plant are assembled so as to form at least two pairs of solar panels, each of these pairs of solar panels being assembled to at least one other pair of solar panels, by a hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels of each of the pairs of solar panels assembled to each other.

[0026] Such an assembly of pairs of solar panels allows the accordion-style deployment of the power plant.

[0027] Advantageously, the hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels of each of the pairs of solar panels assembled together is coaxial to at least one of the wheels, which is associated with each of the lower edges of these solar panels connected by the hinge.

[0028] In this advantageous embodiment, the wheel axles also form the axes of the hinges connecting the lower edges of the solar panels. This configuration simplifies the assembly of the solar panels. It also allows these wheels to be assembled simultaneously to the lower edges of two solar panels, to support these lower edges and enable their movement for the deployment or folding of the solar power system.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming one of the pairs of solar panels are placed respectively in planes parallel to each other forming a set of planes, and the wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming the other pairs of solar panels are placed in planes belonging to the same set of planes.

[0030] According to this embodiment, it is possible to implement pairs of substantially identical solar panels in the solar power plant by assembling them together in such a way as to avoid contact between the wheels in the folded configuration of the plant. This embodiment allows for the standardization of the components used to build the power plant. However, it only allows the use of wheels with a relatively small diameter, generally less than four times the thickness of the solar panels.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, each of the wheels associated with one of the lower edges of the solar panels forming two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which are placed the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming these two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other.

[0032] Such an embodiment allows the use of large diameter wheels. Indeed, the wheels associated with the lower edge of a solar panel can extend, in the folded configuration of the solar power plant, under a large number of solar panels close to each other.

[0033] Preferably, the wheels are associated with the lower edges of the solar panels by means of cleats holding the axles of the wheels, each of the cleats being integral with a reinforcing piece itself fixed to the lower edge of one of the solar panels, the reinforcing piece extending along a portion of the lower edge over a length greater than ten times the width of the wheel.

[0034] The presence of such a reinforcing piece makes it possible to distribute the mechanical forces from the wheels over a larger portion of the lower edge of the solar panel. It is thus possible to transfer these forces to a reinforced area of ​​the solar panel, regardless of the wheel's position on the lower edge of the solar panel.

[0035] Advantageously, each pair of two solar panels includes reversible locking means for the hinge connecting the upper edges of the two solar panels of the pair of solar panels, in an angular position corresponding to a deployed configuration of the solar power plant.

[0036] These reversible locking means can be progressively withdrawn from the hinges during the folding of the solar power plant, so that a pair of solar panels can only be folded after the adjacent pair has been folded. This allows for an orderly folding of the solar panels. Description of the figures

[0037] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures, among which: - Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a solar power plant according to an embodiment of the invention, in its deployed configuration. - Fig. 2 is a side view of the solar power plant in Fig. 1, in its deployed configuration. - Fig. 3 is a top view of the solar power plant in Fig. 1, in its deployed configuration. - Fig. 4 is a side view of the solar power plant in Fig. 1, in its folded configuration. - Fig. 5 is a view from below of the solar power plant in Fig. 1, in its folded configuration. Description of the implementation methods

[0038] Figure 1 schematically represents a solar power plant 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. This solar power plant 1 consists of a plurality of solar panels, in this case six solar panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. A solar panel, or panel, as used in this description, is a substantially rigid plate, one of whose faces, hereafter referred to as the upper face, has means adapted to receive solar radiation and transform it into another form of energy. This upper surface is the surface of the panel that faces upwards when the panel is in its deployed position.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, these solar panels are photovoltaic panels. In this case, the upper surfaces of each panel can be covered with photovoltaic cells. Thus, each panel can, for example, consist of a metal frame, providing the panel with the necessary mechanical characteristics, this metal frame supporting one or more photovoltaic cell plates.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, each of the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 has two substantially parallel opposite edges, referred to respectively as the lower edge and the upper edge of the panel. In use, the lower and upper edges of each panel are intended to be substantially horizontal, with the upper edge being intended to be higher than the lower edge, at least in the folded position of the panel.

[0041] In the solar power plant 1, the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are hinged to one another, one after the other. A first panel 11 and a The last panel 16, forming the ends of the solar power plant 1, are each hinged to another panel at their upper edge. The other panels 12, 13, 14 and 15 are each hinged to two other panels, respectively at their upper and lower edges.

[0042] The joints between the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 constituting the solar power plant 1 allow this solar power plant 1 to be deformed between a deployed configuration, which is represented by figures 1, 2 and 3, in which the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are oriented in a deployed position to collect solar radiation, and a folded configuration, which is represented by figures 4 and 5, in which the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are oriented in a folded position so that the solar power plant 1 occupies a reduced volume.

[0043] This solar power plant 1 can thus, in its deployed configuration, cover a large area of ​​land to collect a large amount of solar radiation and, in its folded configuration, occupy a minimal volume allowing it to be easily stored or transported. According to an advantageous embodiment, this solar power plant 1 can therefore be sized so that it can be contained in a shipping container, when it is in its folded configuration, in order to ensure its easy storage or transport.

[0044] The various panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 constituting the solar power plant 1 are arranged in pairs, each pair of panels consisting of two panels hinged to each other along their substantially horizontal upper edges. Thus, panels 11 and 12 are hinged to form the pair of panels 21, panels 13 and 14 are hinged to form the pair of panels 22, and panels 15 and 16 are hinged to form the pair of panels 23.

[0045] The joints between the upper edges of each panel are formed by hinges 2 whose horizontal axis runs along the upper edges of the two panels in each pair of panels. These joints allow these two panels to move relative to each other, like the arms of a compass, between their folded position, in which the two panels are substantially parallel to each other, and their extended position, in which the panels form an angle with each other preferably between 90° and 180°. In a preferred embodiment, the panels thus form an angle of 155° + / - 10° with each other. Suitable means, known to those skilled in the art and not shown in the figures, can be used to maintain the panels in this angular position.

[0046] Preferably, the lower edge of each panel 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 is associated with wheels. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower edge of each panel is equipped with two brackets 4, which respectively carry The coaxial rotation shafts 40 of two wheels of identical size are connected. The axis of rotation of the wheels associated with the lower edge of each panel is substantially horizontal and parallel to this lower edge. For example, in the pair of panels 21, the lower edge of panel 11 is connected, via clevises 4, to wheels 51, and the lower edge of panel 12 is connected, via clevises 4, to wheels 52.

[0047] The brackets 4 can advantageously be secured to the lower edges of the panels by means of a reinforcing piece extending along a portion of the lower edge of the panel. Such a reinforcing piece makes it possible to distribute the mechanical forces from the wheels over a larger portion of the lower edge of the solar panel. It is thus possible to transfer these forces to a reinforced area of ​​the solar panel, regardless of the position of the wheel on the lower edge of the solar panel. Preferably, the reinforcing piece extends over a length of the lower edge of the panel that is much greater than the width of the wheel. This length can thus be more than ten times the width of the wheel, or even more than twenty times the width of the wheel.

[0048] The wheels, rolling on the ground in a direction called the deployment direction, which is horizontal and perpendicular to the lower edge of the panels, allow for easy movement of the lower edges of the panels constituting a pair of panels, bringing them closer together to place the panels in their folded position, or conversely, moving them apart to place the panels in their deployed position. They also allow the pair of panels to move easily by rolling on the ground in the deployment direction, particularly when the panels are in their deployed position.

[0049] Advantageously, the solar power plant 1 consists of several pairs of panels 21, 22, and 23, aligned one after the other along the deployment direction, each pair of panels being joined to at least one other pair of panels by a hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels of each of these pairs of panels joined to each other. In other words, the lower edge of at least one of the panels of each pair is hinged to the lower edge of one of the panels of an adjacent pair by a hinge forming a joint whose axis is substantially horizontal and substantially parallel to the lower edge of the plates hinged together.

[0050] These hinges allow all the plates forming the solar power plant 1 to unfold or fold like an accordion. Thus, when the solar power plant 1 is in its folded position shown in [Fig. 4], it can be easily unfolded by holding the lower edge of the first panel 11, forming one end of the solar power plant 1, and pulling the edge in the direction of unfolding. lower edge of the last panel 16, forming the second end of the solar power plant 1, in order to move it away from the lower edge of the first panel 11. This deployment can in particular be achieved by pulling the lower edge of the last panel 16 with a vehicle.

[0051] The wheels, allowing easy movement of each of the lower edges of the panels, facilitate the deployment of the solar power plant 1. Preferably, each pair of panels can be locked in the folded position by reversible locking means, such as a pin (not shown) placed in a hole passing through different movable parts of the hinge connecting the upper edges of the two solar panels in the pair of solar panels, to immobilize them in an angular position corresponding to the folded configuration of the solar power plant. The successive removal of these locking means then allows the solar power plant 1 to be deployed in an orderly fashion, each pair of panels being deployed only after the complete deployment of the pair adjacent to it.

[0052] Folding the solar power plant 1 can be accomplished by a reverse movement, by pushing on the lower edge of the last panel 16 to bring it closer to the lower edge of the first panel 11. Again, each pair of panels can advantageously be locked in the deployed position by reversible locking means, such as a pin (not shown) placed in a hole passing through various movable parts of the hinge connecting the upper edges of the two solar panels in the pair, to immobilize them in an angular position corresponding to the deployed configuration of the solar power plant. The successive withdrawal of these locking means during folding ensures that the folding is carried out in an orderly manner, with each pair of panels being folded only after the adjacent pair has been fully folded.

[0053] Thus, there is an advantage in implementing a solar power plant, comprising a plurality of solar panels movable relative to each other between a deployed configuration of the solar power plant, in which the solar panels are relatively far apart from each other, and a folded configuration of the solar power plant in which the solar panels are relatively close together, each of the solar panels having a lower edge, and an upper edge opposite and substantially parallel to its lower edge, the upper edge being higher than the lower edge, at least in the folded configuration of the solar power plant, at least a part of the solar panels being assembled in pairs of two solar panels joined to each other by a hinge connecting the upper edges of each of said two solar panels,in which each pair of two solar panels includes reversible locking means for the hinge connecting the upper edges of the two solar panels of the pair of solar panels, in a position, angular corresponding to a deployed configuration of the solar power plant.

[0054] Such a solar power plant can indeed be folded in an orderly manner, by pushing one end of the power plant towards its other end, while the locking means are successively unlocked.

[0055] It is preferable that the lower edges of each of the two solar panels forming each of these pairs of solar panels be associated with wheels.

[0056] There is also an advantage to implementing a folding method for such a solar power plant, according to which the solar power plant is folded by pushing the lower end of a solar panel forming one end of the solar power plant towards the solar panel forming the other end of the power plant, while successively unlocking the locking means of each of the pairs of solar panels, to allow the folding of one pair of solar panels after the folding of the neighboring pair.

[0057] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment represented by the figures, the hinge forming the articulation between the lower edge of one of the panels of one of the pairs of panels and the lower edge of a panel of a neighboring pair of panels is formed by the rotation shafts of the wheels associated with the lower edges of the two panels.

[0058] Thus, for example, the lower edges adjacent to panels 12 and 13 are each attached to yokes 4 designed to support the wheel rotation shafts 40. Two yokes 4, respectively attached to panels 12 and 13, each support the same rotation shaft 40, which carries a single wheel 52. This rotation shaft 40 therefore allows both the rotation of the wheel 51 relative to each of the yokes 4, and thus relative to each of the panels 12 and 13 supporting the yokes 4, and the rotation of the two yokes 4 relative to each other, and thus the rotation of panels 12 and 13 relative to each other. This rotation shaft 40 thus forms the axis of a hinge between panels 12 and 13, whose yokes 4, respectively attached to panels 12 and 13, form the cams.

[0059] The wheel 51 is thus associated with the lower edge of each of the two neighboring panels 12 and 13, and rotates around a horizontal axis parallel to the lower edge of the two panels 12 and 13, which is also the axis of the articulation between these two panels 12 and 13. Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lower edge of at least one of the panels of each pair is associated with the lower edge of a neighboring panel by means of two coaxial rotation shafts 40, each of these rotation shafts 40 being held by a clevis 4 attached to one of the panels, and carrying a wheel 52, 53 or 54.

[0060] Preferably, the wheel-bearing brackets 4 have a shape adapted to allow the panels, in their folded position, to assume a sen- possibly parallel to each other and close to each other.

[0061] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the wheels associated with the lower edge of a first panel of each pair of panels and the wheels associated with the lower edge of the second panel of that pair of panels are not aligned with each other. On the contrary, each of these wheels is located in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the two solar panels forming said pair of solar panels are located.

[0062] In the present application, a wheel is considered to be placed in a plane which is the median plane of the wheel, perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The intersection between this median plane and the ground constitutes the trajectory of the wheel, as defined in this application. Thus, the planes in which the wheels associated with the lower edges of the panels of the same pair of panels are placed are parallel to each other but separate from each other, such that each of the wheels associated with the lower edges of the panels of a pair of panels rolls along a distinct trajectory, parallel to the direction of deployment.

[0063] Thus, for example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, panels 11 and 12 of the first pair of panels 21 are respectively associated with wheels 51 and wheels 52. The two wheels 51 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 61 and 66, and the two wheels 52 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 63 and 64, distinct from trajectories 61 and 66. Similarly, panels 13 and 14 of the second pair of panels 22 are respectively associated with wheels 52 and wheels 53. The two wheels 52 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 63 and 64, and the two wheels 53 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 62 and 65, distinct from trajectories 61 and 64. Finally, panels 15 and 16 of the third pair of panels 23 are respectively associated with wheels 53 and wheels 54.The two wheels 53 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 62 and 65, and the two wheels 54 roll respectively on the distinct trajectories 61 and 66, distinct from the trajectories 62 and 65.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown, the two wheels associated with the lower edge of each panel are advantageously distributed so that the weight of the panel is distributed equally over these two wheels.

[0065] Preferably, the distances between the median planes of two wheels associated with the lower edges of the panels in the same pair of panels, and therefore between the trajectories of these wheels, are greater than the width of one wheel. Thus, when the panels are in their folded position, the wheels associated with the lower edge of the two panels in a pair are unlikely to come into contact with each other, even if they have a diameter greater than the panel thickness. It is therefore possible to fold the panels constituting the central unit 1 compactly in their position folded, while connecting the lower edges of the panels with large diameter wheels. Despite their large size, the wheels do not hinder folding, as shown in [Fig. 5], which represents solar power plant 1 in its folded configuration, viewed from below.

[0066] The use of such wheels which are not aligned with each other, and which consequently can have a large diameter, is clearly distinguished from prior art solutions in which the lower edges of the panels could be associated with sliders or wheels of small diameter, aligned with each other to slide in rails.

[0067] Indeed, wheels that are not aligned with each other are not suitable for running on common rails. However, their large diameter allows them to roll more easily on terrain not specifically designed for rolling, and which has imperfections. Such large-diameter wheels can thus roll on concrete, sand, gravel, or grass, which has sufficient flatness to avoid deforming the panels constituting the solar power plant 1 beyond predetermined tolerances.

[0068] These large wheels therefore make it very easy to deploy the solar power plant 1 on a wide variety of terrains, without the need to place rails or carry out complex preparation.

[0069] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming one of the pairs of solar panels are placed respectively in planes forming a set of planes, and the wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming the other pairs of solar panels are placed in planes belonging to the same set of planes. Such a configuration makes it possible to standardize the components used to build the power plant. However, it only allows the use of wheels with a relatively small diameter.

[0070] On the contrary, in the embodiment represented by the figures, each of the wheels associated with one of the lower edges of the solar panels forming two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which are placed the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming these two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other.

[0071] Thus, the wheels associated with the solar power plant 1 are distributed over three sets of trajectories: a first set comprising trajectories 61 and 64, which receives wheels 52; a second set comprising trajectories 62 and 65, which receives wheels 53; and a third set comprising trajectories 63 and 66, which receives wheels 51 and 54. The wheels associated with two pairs of panels articulated with each other are not aligned with each other. Such a configuration advantageously allows The use of larger diameter wheels and compact panel folding eliminates the risk of wheel contact. This allows for the use of large diameter wheels. In fact, the wheels attached to the bottom edge of a panel can extend, in the folded configuration of the solar power plant, under a large number of closely spaced solar panels.

[0072] It is of course possible to distribute the wheels of the solar power plant 1 along a greater number of paths, for example so that the wheels associated with three, or even four pairs of panels articulated with each other are not aligned with each other. Such embodiments advantageously allow the use of larger diameter wheels, without these wheels hindering the compact folding of the panels.

Claims

Claims

1. A solar power plant (1), comprising a plurality of solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) movable relative to each other between a deployed configuration of said solar power plant (1), in which said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are relatively distant from each other, and a folded configuration of said solar power plant (1) in which said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are relatively close to each other, each of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) having a lower edge, and an upper edge opposite and substantially parallel to said lower edge, said upper edge being higher than said lower edge, at least in said folded configuration of said solar power plant (1), at least a portion of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) being assembled in pairs (21, 22,23) of two solar panels assembled to each other by at least one hinge (2) connecting the upper edges of each of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), the lower edges of each of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming one of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels being associated with wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) whose axes are substantially parallel to said lower edges, characterized in that each of the wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with one of the lower edges of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming one of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with said lower edges of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming said pair (21, 22, 23) of solar panels are placed.,

2. Solar power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with one of the lower edges of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming one of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with the lower edges of said two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming said pair (21, 22, 23) of solar panels are placed, by a distance greater than the width of one of said wheels (51, 52, 53, 54).

3. A solar power plant according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of said solar power plant (1) are assembled so as to form at least two of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels, each of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels being assembled to at least one other of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels, by a hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of each of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels assembled to each other.

4. Solar power plant according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of each of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels is coaxial with at least one of said wheels (51, 52, 53, 54), which is associated with each of said lower edges of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) connected by said hinge.

5. Solar power plant according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that said wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with the lower edges of the solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming one of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels are placed respectively in planes parallel to each other forming a set of planes, and in that the wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with the lower edges of the solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming the other pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels are placed in planes belonging to the same set of planes.

6. Solar power plant according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that each of the wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with one of the lower edges of the solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming two of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels assembled with each other is placed in a plane distant from the planes in which the other wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with the lower edges of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) forming said two pairs (21, 22, 23) of solar panels assembled with each other are placed.

7. Solar power station according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wheels (51, 52, 53, 54) are associated with said lower edges of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) by means of yokes (4) holding the axes of said wheels (51, 52, 53, 54), each of said yokes (4) being integral with a reinforcing piece itself fixed to said lower edge of one of said solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), said reinforcing piece extending along a portion of said lower edge over a length greater than ten times the width of said wheel.

8. Solar power plant according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said pairs (21, 22, 23) of two solar panels comprises reversible locking means of said hinge (2) connecting the upper edges of the two solar panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of the pair (21, 22, 23) of solar panels, in an angular position corresponding to a deployed configuration of said solar power plant (1).

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