Photovoltaic energy production system and method for controlling such a system

Abstract

Photovoltaic energy production system and method for controlling such a system. Photovoltaic energy production system, comprising a plurality of panels (P1 to P2), each panel (P1 to P2) comprising a photovoltaic module (6), and being mounted for rotation on a supporting structure (2 to 4) about an axis of rotation (A), a winding device (10) carried by a first attachment zone (Z1) of a first panel (P1), a fabric (14) configured to be attached by one of its ends (E1) to the winding device (10) and by a second of its ends (E2) to a second attachment zone (Z2) of a second panel (P2) so as to cover at least part of an area (ZS) of the ground located vertically below the fabric (14), the system being configured so that the fabric (14) winds up in the winding device (10) according to a relative position of the first and second fixation zones (Z1, Z2).Figure for the abridged version: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic energy production system and method for controlling such a system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of photovoltaic energy, in particular the production of photovoltaic energy from photovoltaic panels, and more particularly photovoltaic panels intended to be placed above agricultural crops. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Currently, photovoltaic panels are used to convert solar energy into electrical energy. In applications such as agrivoltaics (or agriphotovoltaics or agrovoltaics), the arrangement of the photovoltaic panels must be adapted to the needs of the different types of plants. Agrivoltaics refers to the production of electricity using photovoltaic modules placed above agricultural crops.

[0003] Agriphotovoltaic installations are currently booming, in a context where the effects of global warming are increasingly being felt and are causing growing damage to agricultural crops. Their development is being carried out with several objectives: - limit the artificialization of soils; - to protect crops in the ground from the effects of global warming (increased evapotranspiration due to high temperatures, drying out, late frosts, etc.) and thus preserve current yields; - generate additional revenue through the sale of electricity; - to introduce new features (anti-hail or anti-insect nets, " cover » antifreeze, controlled rainwater harvesting and spraying...).

[0004] There are agrivoltaic systems where the photovoltaic panels are placed vertically and installed in a parallel row configuration. While such a system allows agricultural machinery to pass between the rows of panels, it does not protect crops, particularly from hail.

[0005] Other systems include photovoltaic panels mounted high on a gantry, so as to allow passage for agricultural machinery. The panels can be fixed or mobile, for example, operated by a sun tracking system called a "tracker," which means pursuit, in order to follow the sun's movement. Some of these systems can be equipped with Hail nets are attached to the gantry posts below the panels. However, this requires manual or motorized removal of the nets when agricultural machinery needs to pass underneath the panels. The nets can be made traditionally from mesh ropes or from plastic braiding. These hail nets, which serve a protective agricultural function, cover the entire area beneath the photovoltaic panels. One drawback is that the nets create a certain amount of constant shade on the vegetation, depending on the mesh size. The more protection the crops need against hail, the finer the mesh must be, and therefore the more significant the shade.

[0006] There are also photovoltaic aviaries equipped with nets stretched between the edges of two photovoltaic panels located above the ground. However, these nets can be very thin to best protect the plants from hail and provide significant shade. It is also necessary to remove them manually when it is desired to increase the light on the plants, for example, to improve the growth of agricultural crops.

[0007] One object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages, and more particularly to provide means to improve the production of photovoltaic energy while protecting agricultural crops.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide simple and robust means.

[0009] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a photovoltaic energy production system is proposed, comprising at least two panels, each panel comprising at least one photovoltaic module, each panel being supported at a distance from the ground by at least one supporting structure and being mounted movably in rotation on the supporting structure around an axis of rotation.

[0011] The system includes a winding device carried by a first fixing zone of a first panel, a canvas configured to be hung by one of its ends on the winding device and by a second of its ends on a second fixing zone of a second panel so as to cover at least part of an area of ​​the ground located vertically below the canvas, the system being configured so that the canvas winds up in the winding device according to a relative position of the first and second fixing zones.

[0012] Thus, a system equipped with mobile panels capable of tracking the sun's movement is provided to improve photovoltaic energy production while at least partially protecting crops located beneath the fabric. Such a system It is particularly easy to use. Furthermore, the fabric adapts perfectly to the movement of the panels. This system prevents the fabric from tearing when the panels are moved.

[0013] According to another aspect, a method for controlling a photovoltaic energy production system as defined above is proposed, comprising winding the fabric in the winding device during a change in the relative position of the first and second fixing zones. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of embodiments and implementations of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] [Fig.1] the [Fig.1], schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0016] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a top view of another mode of implementation of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0017] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mode of implementation of a photovoltaic energy production system in which the fabric is wound in the winding device;

[0018] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system illustrated in the [Fig.2], in which the canvas is unrolled in the winding device;

[0019] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of another mode of implementation of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0020] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a perspective view of another mode implementation of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0021] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a top view of another mode of implementation of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0022] [Fig.8] the [Fig.8], schematically illustrates another embodiment of a photovoltaic energy production system;

[0023] [Fig.9] Fig.9 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system shown in the [Fig.8];

[0024] [Fig. 10] the [Fig. 10], schematically illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a photovoltaic energy production system in which the canvas is detached from the second fixing zone;

[0025] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11], schematically illustrates a top view of the system illustrated in [Fig. 10], in which the canvas is hung on the second fixing area;

[0026] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system illustrated in [Fig. 10];

[0027] [Fig. 13] the [Fig. 13], schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system illustrated in the [Fig. 11];

[0028] [Fig. 14] the [Fig. 14], schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a photovoltaic energy production system in which the fabric is wound in the winding device;

[0029] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the system illustrated in [Fig. 14], in which the fabric is unrolled in the winding device;

[0030] [Fig. 16]

[0031] [Fig. 17] Figures 16 and 17 schematically illustrate perspective views of other embodiments of a photoelectric power generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments and implementations of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in association or alternatively are stated below.

[0033] According to one example, the system is configured so that, alternatively, the fabric winds up in the winding device when the first and second fixing zones move closer together, and so that the fabric unwinds in the winding device when the first and second fixing zones move away from each other.

[0034] According to one example, each panel includes a frame supporting said at least one photovoltaic module of the panel, and the first fixing area corresponds to an edge of the frame of the first panel.

[0035] According to one example, each panel comprises a frame supporting at least one photovoltaic module of the panel, and the second attachment area corresponds to an edge of the frame of the second panel. Thus, the winding device can wind the fabric to tension it according to the relative position of the edges of the first and second panels.

[0036] According to one example, the canvas extends over a length at least equal to 80%, preferably 100%, of a distance separating the first and second fixing zones.

[0037] According to one example, the system includes an actuator configured to rotate the panels according to parameters relating to the sun's path, and the winding device is configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric into the winding device, said force being calibrated to allow relative free rotation of the panels.

[0038] According to one example, the winding device includes a return element configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric into the winding device.

[0039] According to one example, the fabric is flexible so as to deform under the action of its own weight.

[0040] According to one example, the fabric is perforated at least in part so as to allow rainwater to pass through.

[0041] According to one example, the canvas is configured to be removably hung from the second fixing area.

[0042] According to one example, the web includes at least one of the hooks and complementary rings of the hooks, and the second attachment area includes the other of the hooks and complementary rings of the hooks.

[0043] According to one example, the canvas includes at least one first magnet and the second attachment zone includes at least one second magnet configured to cooperate with said at least one first magnet so as to hang the canvas to the second attachment zone of the second panel in a removable manner.

[0044] According to one example, at least one of said at least one first and second magnets is electromagnetic such that an electrical activation of the magnet eliminates the cooperation of the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0045] According to one example, the actuation device includes a winder mounted on the first movable fixing zone rotating around an axis, called the winding axis, parallel to the axis of rotation of the first panel.

[0046] According to one example, the winding device includes a motor configured to wind and unwind the fabric according to a relative position of the first and second fixing zones.

[0047] Figures 1 to 17 show a photoelectric power generation system 1. System 1 comprises at least one support structure 2 to 4, at least two PI to P3 panels, and at least one fabric 14. A support structure 2 to 4 is configured to support one or more PI to P3 panels at a distance from the ground. A support structure 2 to 4 generally comprises two feet for placement on the ground and a beam, or a supporting frame, connecting the two feet. The feet may be fixed to the ground, or alternatively, each may include wheels for moving the support structure 2 to 4 relative to the ground. Each PI to P3 panel is mounted on at least one support structure 2 to 4, for example, on the beam or supporting frame of the support structure. Preferably, each PI to P3 panel is mounted on its respective support structure 2 to 4. Furthermore, each PI to P3 panel comprises at least one photovoltaic module 6.A photovoltaic module 6 is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

[0048] In particular, each panel PI to P3 is mounted for rotational mobility on the supporting structure 2 to 4 about an axis of rotation A. Preferably, the axis of rotation A is parallel to the ground. Preferably, each panel PI to P3 is mounted on at least A supporting structure, preferably on each supporting structure 2 to 4, is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation A. For example, each axis of rotation A of a panel PI to P3 is parallel to the ground. Thus, the panels can be oriented so that the photovoltaic modules 6 are positioned facing the sun during the day in order to increase photovoltaic energy production compared to panels that would remain stationary relative to the ground. Preferably, the axes of rotation A of panels PI to P3 are parallel to each other but not coaxial.

[0049] For example, each panel PI to P3 comprises a frame 5 supporting the photovoltaic module(s) 6 of the panel PI to P3. Generally, each frame 5 has a main edge BP extending longitudinally along a main direction DP and a secondary edge BS extending longitudinally along a secondary direction DS parallel to the main direction DP. For example, the main direction DP is parallel to the ground. In another example, the main direction DP and the secondary direction DS are parallel to the axis of rotation A of the panel PI to P3.

[0050] Generally, the system 1 comprises at least one winding device 10 to 13. In particular, at least one panel PI to P3 comprises at least one winding device 10 to 13. More specifically, a winding device 10, referred to as the main winding device, is supported by a first attachment zone ZI of a first panel PI. The fabric 14 is configured to be attached by one of its ends E1 to the main winding device 10 and by a second of its ends E2 to a second attachment zone Z2 of a second panel P2. Advantageously, the fabric 14 is configured to cover at least a portion of a zone ZS of the ground located vertically below the fabric 14.

[0051] Thus, the canvas 14 can protect crops located in said ZS zone from the soil.

[0052] The system 1 is further configured so that the canvas 14 winds up in the device main winding 10 depending on a relative position of the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2.

[0053] Thus, when the first and second panels PI, P2 are rotated around their respective axes of rotation A, the fabric 14 can remain attached to the fixing points Z1, Z2 to continue protecting the ground zone ZS. In other words, the fabric 14 can be wound or unwound in the main winding device 10 depending on the rotation of the first and second panels PI, P2 around their axis of rotation A during the day. The fabric 14 provides thermal cover and protection against rain and hail for the crops located in the ZS zone, i.e., the area of ​​the ground directly below the fabric 14.

[0054] The system is configured so that the fabric 14 winds into the main winding device 10 when the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2 move closer together. Alternatively, system 1 is configured so that the fabric 14 unwinds in the main winding device 10 when the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2 move away from each other. For example, the first fixing zone Z1 corresponds to the main edge BP of the frame 5 of the first panel PI. For example, the second fixing zone Z2 corresponds to the secondary edge BS of the frame 5 of the second panel P2. Thus, the main winding device 10 can wind the fabric 14 to tension it according to the relative position of the edges BP, BS of the first and second panels PI, P2.

[0055] In particular, the first and second panels PI, P2 are movable between a first position in which the first and second panels PI, P2 are oriented parallel to the ground, as illustrated in Figures 3, 5, 14, 16 to 17, and a second position in which the first and second panels PI, P2 are displaced relative to the first position, as illustrated in Figures 1, 4, 6, and 15. In other words, in the first position, the frames 5 of the first and second panels PI, P2 extend, each, in a horizontal plane parallel to the ground. In the second position, the panels PI, P2 are inclined relative to the ground, that is to say, their frame 5 extends in a plane inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an example in which the winding device 10 comprises a winder 40 mounted on the first mounting zone Z1, which is movable and rotates about an axis B, called the winding axis, parallel to the axis of rotation A of the first panel PI. The winder 40 has a cylindrical shape and extends longitudinally along the winding axis B. For example, the winder 40 is mounted on the frame 5 of the first panel PI, for example on the main edge BP of the first panel PI.

[0057] The winding device 10 may further include a motor 60 configured to wind and unwind the fabric 14 according to the relative position of the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2. In this case, the fabric 14 is able to wind itself around the winding axis B. Figure 14 shows an example in which the motor 60 allows the tension of the fabric 14 to be varied. This prevents the fabric from hanging too low, depending on the nature of the plants located in the zone ZS below, for example:

[0058] Advantageously, to facilitate the rolling and unrolling of the fabric 14, the fabric 14 is flexible so as to deform under its own weight. The fabric 14 may be perforated, at least partially, to allow the passage of liquid, in particular rainwater. Thus, the fabric 14 includes openings shaped to allow water to pass through, in particular from its skyward face to its groundward face. The openings in the fabric 14 may be shaped so that some drops pass through the openings without contacting the fabric 14. Alternatively, The perforations in the fabric 14 can be shaped so that any raindrops passing through them impact the fabric before penetrating it. This can help disperse rainwater in the form of microdroplets. Furthermore, a perforated fabric 14 prevents the formation of water pockets that would weigh it down. A perforated fabric 14 also prevents rainwater from accumulating at the ends E1 and E2 of the fabric 14, which could hinder the rolling and unrolling of the fabric 14, or allow water to pass onto the modules 6, thus reducing photovoltaic energy production. Advantageously, the fabric 14 can incorporate a mesh to allow air to pass through while preventing hailstones from entering.

[0059] Furthermore, when the web 14 is attached to the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2, the web 14 extends over a length Lt at least equal to 80%, preferably 100%, of a distance DI separating the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2. The length Lt and the distance DI can be measured along a direction C perpendicular to the principal direction DP and secondary direction DS and contained in a plane containing the principal direction DP and secondary direction DS.

[0060] The web 14 can occupy different deployed configurations. It is said that the web 14 occupies a deployed configuration

[0061] For example, the main winding device 10 is configured to tension the fabric 14 so that the fabric 14 forms a flat sheet, as illustrated in [Fig. 15], or a cup, as illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The fabric 14 can be kept taut between the two attachment zones Z1, Z2. Furthermore, an area St of the fabric 14 covering the area ZS of the ground varies when the relative position of the first and second attachment zones Z1, Z2 varies. The area St of the fabric 14 extends from the main winding device 10 to the second attachment zone Z2.

[0062] Advantageously, the system 1 may include an actuator 80 configured to drive the panels P1 to P3 in rotation about their respective axes of rotation A. The actuator 80 may be configured to drive the panels P1 to P3 according to parameters relating to the sun's path. The parameters relating to the sun's path include at least one of the following: a parameter relating to the date and time, a parameter relating to the weather, or a parameter relating to the sun's position. The main winding device 10 is configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric 14 into the main winding device 10. The force is calibrated to allow free relative rotation of the panels P1, P2. When the system 1 includes a motor 60 for winding and unwinding the fabric 14, the motor 60 and the actuator 80 may be controlled by an electronic control unit, not shown for the sake of simplicity.The electronic control unit may include a microprocessor or a programmable logic controller. The electronic control unit can control the motor 60 according to the positions of the PI panels. P2. In other words, the control of motor 60 can be slaved to the control of actuator 80 so as not to interfere with the movements of panels PI, P2.

[0063] For example, the main winding device 10 may include a return element configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric 14 into the main winding device 10.

[0064] For example, the fabric 14 is configured to be removably attached to the second attachment zone Z2. In this case, the fabric 14 can be detached from the second attachment zone Z2, for example, when it is desired to allow maximum sunlight to reach the ground zone ZS. The fabric 14 can be detached from the second attachment zone Z2 and rolled up in the main winding device 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the web 14 can include at least one of the hooks 21 and rings 20 complementary to the hooks 21, and the second fixing zone Z2 includes the other of the hooks 21 and rings 20 complementary to the hooks 21.

[0066] Figures 10 to 13 illustrate another embodiment in which the web 14 comprises at least one first magnet 30 and the second attachment zone Z2 comprises at least one second magnet 31 configured to cooperate with said at least one first magnet 30. Thus, the web 14 can be attached to the second attachment zone Z2 of the second panel P2 in a removable manner. Advantageously, one of said at least one first and second magnets 30, 31 is electromagnetic. Preferably, the magnets 31 of the second attachment zone Z2 are electromagnetic. The electromagnetic magnets 31 can be powered by the modules 6 of the second panel P2. The power supply unlocks the magnets and releases the web 14 from the second attachment zone Z2 of the second panel P2.Thus, the fabric 14 can be wound into the main winding mechanism 10 of the first PL panel. Since winding the fabric 14 is an action performed to increase the penetration of sunlight to the plants, it is an action carried out during the day. Power can therefore be supplied by the current generated by the photovoltaic modules 6, via an electrical circuit (not shown for the sake of simplicity) that draws a portion of the current generated by the modules 6. Preferably, when current flows through the second magnets 31, the second magnets 31 no longer cooperate with the first magnets 30, and the fabric 14 can be detached. Conversely, when current does not flow through the second magnets 31, the second magnets 31 cooperate with the first magnets 30, and the fabric 14 remains attached to the second zone Z2. Several magnets 31 can be evenly distributed along the secondary edge BS of the second panel P2.For example, magnets 31 can be mounted on an attached bar 16. to frame 5 of modules 6. The magnets 31 can be electrically coupled to the same electrical circuit to be actuated simultaneously. Figures 5, 6, 10 and 12 show the web 14 detached from the second fixing zone Z2. Figures 1 to 4, 8, 9, 11 and 13 to 15 show the web 14 attached to the second fixing zone Z2.

[0067] Figure 16 shows a variant in which the first panel PI includes an additional winding device 11 mounted on the secondary edge BS of the first panel PI. The additional winding device 11 is configured to unwind and wind an additional canvas 15 when the first and second panels PI, P2, are in the first position. Each additional canvas 15 has a first end E1 mounted on the additional winding device 11 and the other end E2 can be secured to the ground, for example, by means of hooks attached to a ground-fixed fastening element.The first panel PI may further include additional winding devices 12, 13 mounted respectively on lateral edges of the frame 5 of the first panel PL. Each additional winding device 11 to 13 is configured to unwind and wind an additional canvas 15, when the first and second panels PI, P2 are in the first position.

[0068] Furthermore, a method for controlling the photovoltaic energy production system 1 which has just been described includes the following main step: winding the fabric 14 in the winding device 10 during a change in the relative position of the first and second fixing zones Z1, Z2.

Claims

Demands

1. Photovoltaic power generation system, comprising at least two panels (PI to P2), each panel (PI to P2) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (6), each panel (PI to P2) being supported at a distance from the ground by at least one support structure (2 to 4) and being mounted movably in rotation on the support structure (2 to 4) about an axis of rotation (A), the system comprising a winding device (10) carried by a first attachment zone (Z1) of a first panel (PI), a fabric (14) configured to be hung by a first of its ends (E1) to the winding device (10) and by a second of its ends (E2) to a second attachment zone (Z2) of a second panel (P2) so as to cover at least a part of an area (ZS) of the ground located vertically below the fabric (14),The system is configured so that the fabric (14) winds into the winding device (10) according to the relative position of the first and second attachment zones (Z1, Z2), and alternatively, the fabric (14) winds into the winding device (10) when the first and second attachment zones (Z1, Z2) move towards each other, and the fabric (14) unwinds into the winding device (10) when the first and second attachment zones (Z1, Z2) move away from each other, characterized in that the system comprises an actuator (80) configured to rotate the panels (PI, P2) according to parameters relating to the sun's path, and the winding device (10) is configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric (14) into the winding device (10), said force being calibrated to allow free relative rotation of the panels (PI, P2).,

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein each panel (PI, P2) comprises a frame (5) supporting said at least one photovoltaic module (6) of the panel (PI, P2), and the first fixing zone (Zl) corresponds to an edge (BP) of the frame (5) of the first panel (PI).

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each panel (PI, P2) comprises a frame (5) supporting said at least one photovoltaic module (6) of the panel (PI, P2), and the second fixing zone (Z2) corresponds to an edge (BS) of the frame (5) of the second panel (P2).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web (14) extends over a length (Lt) at least equal to 80%, preferably 100%, of a distance (Dl) separating the first and second fixing zones (Zl, Z2).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding device (10) includes a return element configured to apply a force tending to wind the fabric (14) into the winding device (10).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric (14) is flexible so as to deform under the action of its own weight.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric (14) is perforated at least in part so as to allow rainwater to pass through.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canvas (14) is configured to be removably hung from the second attachment zone (Z2).

9. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the web (14) comprises at least one of hooks (21) and rings (20) complementary to the hooks (21), and the second attachment zone (Z2) comprises the other of hooks (21) and rings (20) complementary to the hooks (21).

10. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the web (14) comprises at least one first magnet (30) and the second attachment zone (Z2) comprises at least one second magnet (31) configured to cooperate with said at least one first magnet (30) so as to hang the web (14) to the second attachment zone (Z2) of the second panel (P2) in a removable manner, preferably at least one of said at least one first and second magnet (30, 31) is electromagnetic such that an electrical activation of the magnet (30, 31) eliminates the cooperation of the first magnet (30) and the second magnet (31).

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation device (10) comprises a winder (40) mounted on the first mounting zone (Zl) movable in rotation around of an axis (B), called winding axis, parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the first panel (PI).

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding device (10) includes a motor (60) configured to wind and unwind the fabric (14) according to a relative position of the first and second fixing zones (Z1, Z2).

13. Method of controlling a photovoltaic energy production system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising winding the fabric (14) in the winding device (10) during a change in relative position of the first and second fixing zones (Z1, Z2).

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