Deployable solar power plant

Abstract

TITLE: Deployable solar power plant The present invention relates to an accordion-like deployable 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. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

[0003] Solar power plants make it possible to collect solar radiation in order to convert it into electrical and / or thermal energy. It uses solar panels, which may include photovoltaic cells, in the case of photovoltaic solar power plants converting 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, placed on land so as to collect a large quantity of radiation.

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

[0005] There are also so-called "deployable" solar power plants comprising a plurality of solar panels which are movable between a deployed position, in which the solar panels cover a large area of ​​land to collect a large amount of solar radiation, and a folded position in which the solar panels are grouped close to each other.

[0006] In such deployable power plants, it is generally useful for the solar panels to occupy as small a volume as possible in their folded position. Indeed, in their folded position, these solar panels can be stored in a shelter or in a container such as a transport container. It is preferable for the shelter or container to be able to accommodate a large number of these solar panels. We therefore seek, as much as possible, to place the solar panels against each other in their folded position, minimizing the wasted spaces between the solar panels or around the solar panels.

[0007] It is also generally sought to simplify as much as possible the manipulations allowing the solar power station to be moved 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 has thus appeared that it was effective to produce 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 of each pair.

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

[0010] In the folded position of the solar panels, all of 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] When deploying this solar power plant, the lower edges of the different solar panels which 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] As a result of this movement, the angles formed by the various solar panels with respect to the horizontal decrease, with the upper edges of these solar panels moving 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 quantity of solar radiation.

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

[0014] Among these guiding means, rails are known which are arranged horizontally in the direction of deployment of the panels, these rails guiding sliding pads or wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels. In such cases, presented for example by documents EP3449566A1, FR3077361A1, or CN109510571A, the wheels or pads associated with the lower edges of the solar panels have small dimensions so as not to hinder the compact folding of the solar panels against each other, in their folded position. The deployment or folding of such a solar power station requires long and delicate manipulations for the installation or removal of the horizontal rails. Furthermore, these rails increase the weight and size of the solar power station, when it is in the folded position.

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

[0016] There is therefore a need for a solution allowing the accordion-like deployment of solar panels forming a deployable solar power plant, which is easier to implement than the solutions of the prior art, suitable for large solar power plants, and allowing the panels to be stored very close to each other in their folded position. Statement 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 which can cover, in their deployed configuration, a very large surface area.

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

[0021] These objectives, as well as others which will become more clearly apparent hereinafter, 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 distant from each other, and a folded configuration of the solar power plant in which the solar panels are relatively close to each other, 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 a portion of the solar panels being assembled in pairs of two solar panels assembled 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 being 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 of the solar power plant allows the wheels associated with the lower edges of neighboring solar panels not to hinder the compact folding of these panels, even if these wheels are large. It is thus possible to associate with the lower edges of the solar panels wheels whose diameter is several times greater than the thickness of the solar panels, without this hindering the folding of the solar panels, very close to each other. The use of such large diameter wheels can allow the deployment and folding of the panels without using rails, even on terrain whose flatness is not perfect, 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 the solar power station is folded up.

[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 of the pairs 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 deployment of the power station in an accordion fashion.

[0027] Advantageously, the hinge connecting the lower edges of one of the solar panels of each of the pairs of solar panels assembled to each other is coaxial with 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 axles of the hinges connecting the lower edges of the solar panels. This conformation makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the solar panels. It also allows these wheels to be assembled, at the same time, to the lower edges of two solar panels, to carry these lower edges and allow their movement, for the deployment or folding of the solar power station.

[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, in the solar power plant, pairs of solar panels which are substantially identical, by assembling them together so as to avoid contact between the wheels in the folded configuration of the power plant. Such an embodiment makes it possible to standardize the components used to make the power plant. However, it only allows the use of wheels whose diameter is fairly small, 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 the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming these two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other are placed.

[0032] Such an embodiment allows the implementation 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 station, under a large number of solar panels adjacent to each other.

[0033] Preferably, the wheels are associated with the lower edges of the solar panels by means of yokes holding the axles of the wheels, each of the yokes 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 coming 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, independently of the position of the wheel on the lower edge of the solar panel.

[0035] Advantageously, each of the pairs of two solar panels comprises 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 station.

[0036] These reversible locking means can be gradually removed from the hinges, when folding the solar power station, to allow the folding of a pair of solar panels only after the folding of the neighboring pair of solar panels. It is thus possible to obtain an orderly folding of the solar panels. Description of figures

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

[0038] [Fig.l] schematically represents a solar power plant 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. This solar power plant 1 is constituted by a plurality of solar panels, in this case six solar panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. A solar panel, or panel, within the meaning of the present description, is a substantially rigid plate one of the faces of which, hereinafter called the upper face, has means capable of receiving solar radiation to transform it into another form of energy. This upper surface is the surface of the panel which is oriented 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 faces of each of the panels can be covered with photovoltaic cells. Thus, each of the panels can for example be constituted by a metal frame, providing the panel with the necessary mechanical characteristics, this metal frame carrying one or more plates of photovoltaic cells.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, each of the panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 has two substantially parallel opposite edges, called respectively the lower edge and the upper edge of the panel. In use, the lower edge and the upper edge of each panel are intended to be substantially horizontal, 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 relative to each other, one after the other. A first panel 11 and a 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 edge and at their lower edge.

[0042] The articulations 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 such 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 quantity 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 thus be dimensioned so as to be able to be contained in a transport container, when it is in its folded configuration, in order to easily ensure its storage or transport.

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

[0045] The articulations between the upper edges of each panel are made by hinges 2 whose horizontal axis runs along the upper edges of the two panels of each pair of panels. These articulations allow these two panels to move relative to each other, like the branches of a compass, between their folded position in which the two panels are substantially parallel to each other and their deployed position in which the panels form, relative to each other, an angle preferably between 90° and 180°. In a preferred embodiment, the panels thus form, relative to each other, an angle of 155° + / - 10°. Suitable means, known to those skilled in the art and not shown in the figures, can be implemented 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 yokes 4, which bear respectively tively the coaxial rotation shafts 40 of two wheels of identical size. 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 the panel 11 is associated, by means of yokes 4, with the wheels 51, and the lower edge of the panel 12 is associated, by means of yokes 4, with the wheels 52.

[0047] The yokes 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 coming 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 zone of the solar panel, independently 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 which is much greater than the width of the wheel. This length can thus be greater than ten times the width of the wheel, or even greater than twenty times the width of the wheel.

[0048] The wheels, by rolling on the ground in a direction called the deployment direction, horizontal and perpendicular to the lower edge of the plates, allow easy movement on the ground of the lower edges of the panels constituting a pair of panels, in order to bring them closer together to place the panels in their folded position, or on the contrary to move 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, in particular when the panels are in their deployed position.

[0049] Advantageously, the solar power plant 1 is constituted by several pairs of panels 21, 22 and 23, aligned one after the other along the direction of deployment, each of the pairs of panels being assembled 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 assembled to each other. In other words, the lower edge of at least one of the panels of each pair is articulated to the lower edge of one of the panels of a neighboring pair, by a hinge forming an articulation whose axis is substantially horizontal, and substantially parallel to the lower edge of the plates articulated to each other.

[0050] These hinges allow the set of plates forming the solar power plant 1 to be deployed or folded in the manner of an accordion. Thus, when the solar power plant 1 is in its folded position shown in [Fig. 4], it is possible to deploy it easily by holding the lower edge of the first panel 11, forming a first end of the solar power plant 1, and pulling the edge in the deployment direction 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 obtained by pulling the lower edge of the last panel 16 using a vehicle.

[0051] The wheels, allowing easy movement of each of the lower edges of the panels, allow easy 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 of 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 manner, each pair of panels being deployed only after the complete deployment of the pair adjacent to it.

[0052] The folding of the solar power plant 1 can be done 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. Here again, each pair of panels can be advantageously locked in the deployed 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 of the pair of solar panels, 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, allows this folding to be done in an orderly manner, each pair of panels being folded only after the complete folding of the pair adjacent to it.

[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 distant from each other, and a folded configuration of the solar power plant in which the solar panels are relatively close to each other, 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 portion of the solar panels being assembled in pairs of two solar panels assembled to each other by a hinge connecting the upper edges of each of said two solar panels,wherein each of the pairs of two solar panels comprises 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 station can in fact be folded in an orderly manner, by pushing one end of the power station 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 are associated with wheels.

[0056] There is also an advantage in implementing a method for folding such a solar power station, according to which the solar power station is folded by pushing the lower end of a solar panel forming one end of the solar power station towards the solar panel forming the other end of the power station, 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 neighboring lower edges of the panels 12 and 13 are each secured to yokes 4 intended to carry the rotation shafts 40 of the wheels. Two yokes 4 respectively secured to the panels 12 and 13 however carry 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 therefore relative to each of the panels 12 and 13 carrying the yokes 4, and the rotation of the two yokes 4, one relative to the other, and therefore the rotation of the panels 12 and 13 relative to each other. This rotation shaft 40 thus forms the axis of a hinge between the panels 12 and 13, of which the yokes 4 respectively secured to the panels 12 and 13 form the chamons.

[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 yoke 4 secured to one of the panels, and carrying a wheel 52, 53 or 54.

[0060] Preferably, the yokes 4 carrying the wheels have a shape adapted to allow the panels, in their folded position, to take a sens- possibly parallel to each other and close to each other.

[0061] According to a particularly advantageous characteristic 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 this pair of panels are not aligned with each other. On the contrary, each of these wheels 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 said pair of solar panels are placed.

[0062] In the present application, it is considered that a wheel is 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, within the meaning of the present 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 distant from each other, such that each of the wheels associated with the lower edges of the panels of a pair of panels rolls on a distinct trajectory, parallel to the direction of deployment.

[0063] Thus, for example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the panels 11 and 12 of the first pair of panels 21 are respectively associated with the wheels 51 and the wheels 52. The two wheels 51 roll respectively on the separate trajectories 61 and 66, and the two wheels 52 roll respectively on the separate trajectories 63 and 64, separate from the trajectories 61 and 66. Similarly, the panels 13 and 14 of the second pair of panels 22 are respectively associated with the wheels 52 and the wheels 53. The two wheels 52 roll respectively on the separate trajectories 63 and 64, and the two wheels 53 roll respectively on the separate trajectories 62 and 65, separate from the trajectories 61 and 64. Finally, the panels 15 and 16 of the third pair of panels 23 are respectively associated with the wheels 53 and the 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 such 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 of the same pair of panels, and therefore between the trajectories of these wheels, are greater than the width of a wheel. Thus, when the panels are in their folded position, the wheels associated with the lower edge of the two panels of a pair are not likely to come into contact with each other, even if they have a diameter greater than the thickness of the panel. It is thus possible to compactly fold the panels constituting the central unit 1, in their position folded, while associating the lower edges of the panels with large diameter wheels. Despite their large dimensions, the wheels are not likely to hinder folding, as shown in [Fig.5], which represents solar power plant 1 in the folded configuration, seen 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 the solutions of the prior art 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 rolling on common rails. On the other hand, their large diameter allows them to roll more easily on terrain that is not specifically suited to rolling, and that has imperfections. Such large diameter wheels can thus roll on concrete, sandy, gravelly or grassy terrain, which has sufficient flatness characteristics 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 it being necessary to place rails there or carry out complex preparation.

[0069] According to a 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 produce the power station. However, it only allows the use of wheels whose diameter is fairly small.

[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 the other wheels associated with the lower edges of the solar panels forming these two pairs of solar panels assembled with each other are placed.

[0071] Thus, the wheels associated with the solar power plant 1 are distributed over three series of trajectories: a first series comprising the trajectories 61 and 64, which receives the wheels 52, a second series comprising the trajectories 62 and 65, which receives the wheels 53, and a third series comprising the trajectories 63 and 66, which receives the 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 folding of the panels, without the risk of contact between the wheels. This makes it possible to use large diameter wheels. In fact, the wheels associated with the lower edge of a panel can extend, in the folded configuration of the solar power plant, under a large number of neighboring solar panels.

[0072] It is of course possible to distribute the wheels of the solar power plant 1 along a greater number of trajectories, 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 wheels of larger diameter, without these wheels hindering the compact folding of the plates.

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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