REMOVABLE GROUND-MOUNTED SUPPORT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

Abstract

The invention relates to a ground support for photovoltaic panels (18) comprising at least one support frame (9, 10, 15, 16) for at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base (2). The base (2) comprises at least four panels (3 to 6) connected to each other by a removable link and defining, in the connected configuration, a receiving volume for ballast of said base (2), said panels (3 to 6) of the base (2) supporting in their upper part and at different heights (9, 10), at least two parallel rails (15, 16) for fixing at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said rails (15, 16) constituting the support frame of at least one photovoltaic panel (18), and in that the rails (15, 16) have ends (21, 22) of complementary shapes. The invention also relates to a kit including all the elements necessary for mounting the support. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: REMOVABLE GROUND SUPPORT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

[0001] The invention relates to a removable ground support for photovoltaic panels.

[0002] Hereinafter, the term panel will be used preferentially to designate a photovoltaic panel. Photovoltaic panels for the production of electricity are generally installed on the roofs of buildings or on canopies installed, for example, on public or private parking lots. There are also large areas of land, called solar farms, occupied by photovoltaic panels placed on the ground on fixed supports. The majority of so-called ground-mounted panels are found for professional uses and occupy large areas, while panels for domestic use or at least for use not requiring high power are found on roofs or on facades.In all cases, whether for domestic or professional use, regardless of the installation area, photovoltaic panels are generally permanently installed. However, it may be that there is a temporary need for electricity production, for example in a temporary accommodation structure, a second home, a campsite, during an event or other, or that one wishes to have a photovoltaic installation while minimizing the work and installation costs or when installation on an existing building is not possible for architectural reasons for example. FR-A-3 079 090 discloses a support for photovoltaic panels comprising a foldable base on which a frame for holding a photovoltaic panel, adjustable in inclination, folds and unfolds.US-A-4 421 943 describes a box-shaped base whose upper part unfolds, with an adjustable inclination, the upper part receiving a photovoltaic panel. While these solutions allow for a photovoltaic panel to be installed simply and moved on the ground, the fact remains that, once the panel and the support are folded, these solutions are relatively bulky and heavy. Furthermore, they are deliberately limited in terms of usable photovoltaic panel surface area in order to provide minimal wind resistance. There is therefore a need for photovoltaic panels that are simple to install on the ground and move, provide sufficient power and are wind-resistant.

[0003] It is to these needs that the invention proposes to respond by offering a removable ground support for photovoltaic panels that is easy to install, lightweight while offering high electrical power and resistant to wind, all at a controlled cost.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a removable support for photovoltaic panels comprising at least one support frame for at least one photovoltaic panel photovoltaic panel, said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base, characterized in that the base comprises at least four panels connected to each other by a removable connection and defining, in the connected configuration, a volume for receiving ballast from said base, said panels of the base in the so-called connected configuration supporting in the upper part and at different altitudes, at least two parallel rails for fixing at least one photovoltaic panel, said rails constituting the support frame of at least one photovoltaic panel and in that the rails have ends of complementary and abutting shapes.

[0005] Thus, thanks to the invention, there is a ground support for photovoltaic panels that is easy to install and move, wind-resistant, stable and comprises few parts, which ensures a controlled cost while having an easy solution for fixing panels on the support using the rails. The rails being abuttable by their ends of complementary shapes, it is possible to connect several rails supported by several bases and therefore to have several associated photovoltaic panels in order to adapt, in a modular manner, the electrical power produced according to the needs.

[0006] According to advantageous, but not obligatory, aspects of the invention, such a ground support for photovoltaic panels may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

[0007] The base is a parallelepiped formed by folding a plate and in that once shaped, the base defines a volume for receiving ballast.

[0008] The base comprises at least one pair of vertical and parallel angles constituting the support frame.

[0009] The base comprises at least two pairs of vertical and parallel angles of different lengths and constituting the support frame.

[0010] The difference in length of the angles defines, at least partially, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels.

[0011] The inclination of the photovoltaic panels is adjustable between 7° and 40° by adjusting the length of the angles.

[0012] The free ends of each pair of angles support a rail by means of a connecting member.

[0013] The rails are of U-shaped cross-section.

[0014] The rails have a Z-shaped cross-section.

[0015] The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two photovoltaic panels, an unfolded base, at least two rails, at least two angle irons and electronic elements necessary for connecting the panels and managing the production of electricity as well as the accessories for mounting a ground support conforming to at least one of the preceding characteristics.

[0016] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly upon reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig.l] is a perspective view, from three-quarters rear, of two ground supports for associated photovoltaic panels and conforming to an embodiment of the invention

[0018] [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l], on a larger scale and without the panels photovoltaic of two associated ground supports

[0019] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, partial and on a larger scale, of a part of the base

[0020] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.2] in three-quarter front perspective, under a another angle, on another scale and without the photovoltaic panels of the two associated ground supports,

[0021] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from above and on another scale of the two supports associated ground illustrated in figures 2 and 4,

[0022] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.l] according to another embodiment of the invention and

[0023] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.2] according to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0024] [Fig. 1] illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which two ground supports 1 according to the invention are associated. Alternatively, a single ground support 1 is used or more than two ground supports 1 are used depending on the needs of the user and / or the space available and / or the sunlight conditions. Here, the ground supports 1 are identical. Alternatively, they are different. Hereinafter, the terms “ground support” or “support” will be used interchangeably.

[0025] In most cases the floor supports 1 are placed side by side and parallel to each other along their largest dimensions, this in at least one row. As noted in [Fig.l], each floor support 1 comprises a base 2 formed by four panels 3 to 6. Advantageously the four panels 3 to 6 are metallic, for example galvanized steel or aluminum or composite materials, provided that the materials used are insensitive to environmental conditions. According to a preferred embodiment, the panels are preformed in a pre-cut plate, not shown, so as to carry out the shaping by folding, this manually.

[0026] The bases 2 of the two ground supports 1 are identical here. They are parallelepipeds with a rectangular base. Alternatively, they are parallelepipeds with a square base and / or they are not identical. Each base 2 has a bottom 7, possibly removable. In all cases, whatever their dimensions and / or their geometric configurations and / or their embodiments, the bases 2 each define a volume V2, advantageously open upwards. Alternatively, a solid or openwork cover is provided on the upper opening of the base.

[0027] Maintaining the configuration to form a volume V2 of each base by connection between the different panels 3 to 6 and the bottom 7, whether these elements are independent or defined by folding a plate, is carried out in a manner known per se, for example by welding, gluing, bolting, screwing or other. Preferably, but not obligatorily, the connection between the different elements is carried out in a removable manner, by bolting or screwing, this in order to facilitate the disassembly of the support 1, therefore of the base 2, if necessary.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], all of the constituent elements of each base 2, whether the panels 3 to 6 or the bottom 7, comprise members 8 for guiding and temporarily holding them in position, while they are being fixed by screwing or bolting. These members 8, which de facto constitute foolproof devices preventing any error during assembly, are of the male / female type. More particularly, they are cutouts 8A of particular geometric shapes which define receiving housings for reliefs 8B of complementary shapes. The cutouts 8A and the reliefs 8B have no sharp angles and no straight edges, like the connecting members found on the pieces of a puzzle. The positioning of the constituent elements of a base 2 is thus facilitated and guided, which ensures rapid and error-free assembly.

[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, angle irons 9, 10, here metallic and configured in an L shape with equal branches, are fixed to the outside of each base 2, at each of the angles thereof. Advantageously, the fixing of the angle irons 9, 10 is carried out simultaneously with the securing of the panels 3 to 6 and the bottom 7, by bolts or screws connecting all the elements together. In an embodiment not illustrated, reliefs on the external face of the panels 3 to 6, at the angles of the base 2, are provided and are inserted into housings of complementary shapes provided in the angle irons. In this way, guidance and holding in position are ensured during the fixing of the angle irons 9, 10. These are therefore guide members, similar to the members 8 and dedicated to the mounting of the angle irons 9, 10 on each base 2.Advantageously, these reliefs and housings are of complex shapes, like the puzzle-type guiding and position-holding members 8. The angles 9, 10 contribute to maintaining the position and rigidity of each base 2 by reinforcing the latter at the corners.

[0030] The angles 9, 10 extend vertically upwards from each corner of the base 2 on which they are mounted, covering the entire height of each corner of the base 2. The angles 9, 10 are here identical in pairs. A pair of angles is called front angles 9 and is of shorter length than the pair of angles called rear angles 10. According to an advantageous embodiment, the length of the front 9 and rear 10 angles is either adjustable when they are telescopic for example, or modifiable by adding or removing elements, the angles 9, 10 then being formed from several butted elements.

[0031] At least in the upper part of the angles 9, 10, that is to say at the level of their free ends 11 respectively 12 located above the base 2, a plate defines a connecting member or shoe 13, respectively 14 arranged parallel to the short sides 4 respectively 6 of the base 2 makes it possible to connect the angles 9, 10 of the same pair while keeping them parallel and thus limiting the buckling of these angles 9, 10. An upper edge of the shoes 13, 14 is inclined. In another embodiment, other connecting plates are placed at other locations depending on the height of the angles 9, 10 and / or in the lower part, resting on the opening of the base 2.

[0032] The upper ends 11, 12 of the angles 9, 10 connected by the plates 13, 14 define, for each pair of angles 9, 10, a zone for supporting and holding a rail 15, respectively 16 as noted in particular in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Similarly, the upper edge of the connecting members or shoes 13, 14 participates in the support and holding of the rails 15, 16.

[0033] The rails 15, 16 are identical and, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, have a right-angled Z-shaped cross-section, which allows at least one photovoltaic panel 18 to be fixed reversibly on a branch 17 of the Z, as shown in [Fig. 1]. The other branch 19 and the central part 20 of the Z are fixed angularly on the end 11, 12 of the angles 9, 10. In addition, the central part 20 rests on the plate 13 or 14 of the support, which allows the branch 17 receiving the photovoltaic panel 18 to be inclined. Furthermore, the branch 19 of the Z rests on the rear of the angles 9, 10, thus making it possible to create a strut and bracing when the photovoltaic panel 18 is in place on the rails 15, 16.

[0034] As noted in the various figures 1 to 5, each pair of angles 9, 10 supports a rail 15, 16, substantially in a central position, the ends 21, 22 of each rail 15, 15 extending on either side of the base 2. The two rails 15, 16 supported by each pair of angles 9, 10 are parallel to each other and located at different altitudes, this depending on the respective heights of the front 9 and rear 10 angles. The rails 15, 15 are advantageously horizontal or, more generally, parallel to the plane of the opening of the base 2. Each rail 15, 16 is in one piece, adjustable or not in length, or obtained by several butted elements. Each base 2 thus comprises at least two rails 15, 16 on which are fixed at least one, preferably two, photovoltaic panels 18, advantageously with a unit length of around 1.80m and a unit width of around 1.2m and a nominal power of around 415Wc.Such panels 18 allow, for each ground support 1 of. have, with a minimum floor area, namely that of base 2, of approximately 0.34 m2 with a power of more than 800Wc, knowing that the projected area on the floor of support 1 with panels 18 is approximately 3.3 m2.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the ends 21, 22 of complementary shapes of the two rails 15, 16 thus facilitate their connection in a simple and removable manner, for example by a fishplate, by bolting or any other connection means known per se, in order to obtain a desired rail length. As noted in [Fig.l], the photovoltaic panels 18 are fixed on the rails 15, 16 with an inclination defined by the difference in altitude of the rails 15, 16 defined by the respective lengths of the front 9 and rear 10 angles as well as by the inclination of the rails 15, 16 on the angles 9, 10 and by the inclination of the upper edges of the shoes 13, 14. The inclination of each photovoltaic panel 18 is thus adjustable, either at will or only once depending on the adjustment means chosen, between generally 7° and 40° relative to the horizontal.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 18, therefore the height of the angles 9, 10 and / or the inclination of the rails 15, 16 and / or the inclination of the members 13, 14, is defined in the factory taking into account the location of installation in order to optimize the sunlight of the photovoltaic panels 18 and therefore their yields.

[0037] As is apparent from Figures 1 to 5, at least two bases 2 are aligned and arranged parallel to each other along their greatest length. The rails 15, 16 fixed to the front 9 and rear 10 angles of the two bases 2 are aligned and abutted. In a variant not shown, two single-piece rails 15, 16 of great length are used, held by the two bases 2. It is thus possible to obtain by coupling two ground supports 1 an electrical power supplied of more than 1600 Wc. It is easily understood that the number of bases 2 each supporting two photovoltaic panels 18 that can be associated may be greater than two depending on the needs and / or the space available. Similarly, it is possible to position bases in an angular manner, or even in a square or rectangle, depending on the needs and / or the space available.

[0038] The electronic part, namely at least the control module, an inverter and other elements necessary for connecting the photovoltaic panels 18 and for managing them, is advantageously housed in at least one box, not illustrated, fixed between the corner pieces 9, 10 or at the level of the base 2, it being understood that the assembly is advantageously of the “plug and play” type: it is sufficient to connect a single electrical outlet to the domestic network to benefit from the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels 18.

[0039] The interior volume V2 of each base 2 is completely clear and accessible, which makes it possible to ballast the base with various elements known per se: sand, stones, cement, ballast bags, slabs or other. Wind tunnel tests have determined that a ballast of approximately 180 kg in a base 2 allows the ground support 1 to withstand winds of 100 km / h coming from the front onto the photovoltaic panels 18.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a support 100 according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention. Here, the same elements are designated by the same references and similar elements are designated by the reference multiplied by one hundred. It is noted that the side walls 300 to 600 of the bases 200 are higher than the walls 3 to 6 of the bases 2. In this way the volume V200 of the bases 200 is greater, which allows greater ballast for the base 200 allowing greater stability and / or resistance to winds. It is also noted that only the angles 10 are present, therefore angles of greater height. Thus the rails 1500 rest directly on the free end of the wall 400 of each base 200. The connection is ensured by a fixing part known per se.Such a configuration makes it possible on the one hand to limit the number of constituent elements of the support 100, therefore its weight and also the overall height between the ground and the highest point of the photovoltaic panels 18 in place on the support 100, while maintaining the same inclination of the panels 18 as for the first embodiment.

[0041] There is also a simplification in the construction of the rails 1500, 1600. These have a U-shaped cross-section, which makes it possible to use rails readily available on the market. In addition, such a configuration reinforces the rigidity of each rail 1500, 1600 and its resistance to crushing when the panels 18 are in place.

[0042] All of the constituent elements of a ground support 1 or 100 of photovoltaic panels 18, namely the rails 15, 16, 1500, 1600 the base 2, 200 before its shaping, the photovoltaic panels 18, the angles 9, 10, the electronic elements and all the accessories such as the bolts, are supplied in the form of a palletizable kit, preferably delivered in cardboard. Such a kit is relatively compact since its maximum dimensions are generally those of the photovoltaic panels, namely approximately 1.85 m long, 1.14 m wide and 0.2 m thick for a weight of approximately 70 kg. Such a kit facilitates the storage and transport of the assembly, the support 2, 200 being easy and quick to assemble with a minimum of tools by one person.

[0043] According to another embodiment when the photovoltaic panels 18 are larger and / or heavier, it is possible to have at least one additional pair of angles, substantially placed, depending on the embodiment, between the front 9 and rear 10 angles or between the angles 10 and the upper ends of the walls 300 to 600 constituting the base 200 and at an intermediate height. These additional angles then support an additional rail, which allows to have an additional support and fixing area for the photovoltaic panel.

[0044] In another embodiment, one or more storage batteries are advantageously arranged sheltered in the base 2, 200. In this case the batteries participate in the ballast of the base, the latter then being equipped with a cover in order to protect the batteries from bad weather.

Claims

Claims

1. Removable ground support (1, 100) for photovoltaic panels (18) comprising at least one support frame (9, 10, 15, 16, 1500, 1600) for at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base (2, 200), characterized in that the base (2, 200) comprises at least four panels (3 to 6, 300 to 600) connected together by a removable connection and defining, in the connected configuration, a volume (V2, V200) for receiving ballast for said base (2, 200), said panels (3 to 6, 300 to 600) of the base (2, 200) in the so-called connected configuration supporting in the upper part and at different altitudes (9, 10), at least two rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) parallel for fixing at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) constituting the support frame of at least one photovoltaic panel (18) and in that the rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) have ends (21,22) of complementary and abutting forms.,

2. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2, 200) is a parallelepiped formed by folding a plate and in that once shaped, the base (2, 200) defines a volume (V2, V200) for receiving ballast.

3. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2, 200) comprises at least one pair of vertical and parallel angles (9, 10) constituting the support frame.

4. Support according to claim 3, characterized in that the base (2) comprises at least two pairs of vertical and parallel angles (9, 10) of different lengths and constituting the support frame.

5. Support according to claim 4, characterized in that the difference in lengths of the angles (9, 10) defines, at least partially, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels (18).

6. Support according to claim 5, characterized in that the inclination of the photovoltaic panels (18) is adjustable between 7° and 40° by adjusting the length of the angles (9, 10).

7. Support according to claim 3, characterized in that the free ends (11, 12) of each pair of angles (9, 10) support a rail (15, 16, 1500, 1600).

8. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the rails (1500, 1600) are U-shaped in cross-section.

9. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the rails (15, 16) have a right-angled Z-shaped cross-section.

10. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two photovoltaic panels (18), an unfolded base (2), at least two rails (15, 16), at least two angle irons (9, 10) and electronic elements necessary for connecting the panels (18) and for managing the production of electricity as well as the accessories for mounting a ground support (1) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims.

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