foldable solar installation with simplified assembly.

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable solar installation (1) comprising: two frames (12) each supporting a photovoltaic panel (11), said frames being positioned side-by-side when the installation is in the unfolded position, at least one hinge (13) joining said frames together so as to allow the installation (1) to pass between the unfolded and folded positions, and two supports (14) each positioned near an outer edge (12D) of each frame (12) when the installation (1) is in the unfolded position, each support (14) comprising a longitudinal portion (14A) with a central cavity, the cavity of one of said portions supporting electrical and / or electronic devices configured to transfer electrical energy. Abstract figure: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: foldable solar installation with simplified assembly. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable solar installation. The invention further relates to a method for assembling said installation, a method for exchanging data between the installation and a mobile device application, and a specific use of said installation.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of solar installations, and more particularly to additional solar installations that can be directly installed at an end user's premises, in addition to an electrical installation supplied by an energy provider. State of the art.

[0003] Currently, the costs associated with electricity production from fossil fuels are increasingly high and are not popular with the general public due to their harmful environmental effects. Similarly, while nuclear power generation is efficient and less expensive, the storage of waste generated by this process remains a problem. Therefore, the study of other alternatives for electricity production is particularly sought after, especially those considered more environmentally friendly and economical. Among these alternatives are solar installations, which convert sunlight into electrical energy.

[0004] Solar power plants are known to include installations consisting of a large number of photovoltaic panels, enabling significant energy production. The electricity thus produced is used to supply the electrical grid. Some buildings may also include smaller solar installations that supply them individually with electricity. This applies in particular to commercial buildings, as well as single-family homes, apartment buildings, and agricultural buildings. These solar installations are preferably installed on roofs, but their positioning and size make their installation complex, generally requiring intervention by specialized companies, and can be costly.

[0005] Portable solar installations are also known for powering electrical or electronic devices, such as auxiliary heaters, cooking appliances, or mobile devices, for example. These installations can be used to provide electricity outside the electrical grid, which is why this This type of installation is particularly useful when traveling, such as while camping. However, because these installations are smaller, they can be less efficient and are therefore less suitable for use in a home.

[0006] Published patent document CN 218 783 756 U shows a solar installation comprising two frames supporting two separate photovoltaic panels, the frames being configured to be closed against each other. The opening and closing of said panels is achieved by means of hinges. The installation also has four supports positioned at each corner of the installation and configured to fold under the frame of said panels, the supports also bearing said panels once the installation is unfolded. However, these supports are unstable and fragile, making it difficult to secure the installation to the ground.

[0007] Published patent document CN 204 089 712 U discloses a foldable solar installation consisting of two frames supporting two photovoltaic panels. The two frames are held together by hinges and can fold onto one another. The installation also includes two supports positioned at each of the outer edges of the installation. However, the described supports appear unstable and fragile, making it difficult to secure the installation to the ground.

[0008] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to facilitate the assembly of foldable and portable solar installations, while reducing their size.

[0009] The invention also aims to facilitate the use of the solar installation and to provide new applications for said installations. Presentation of the invention.

[0010] The solution proposed by the invention is a foldable solar installation comprising: two frames each supporting a photovoltaic panel, said frames being positioned side-by-side when the installation is in the unfolded position, at least one hinge attaching said frames together so as to allow passage of the installation between the unfolded position and a folded position, and two supports positioned, each, near an outer edge of each frame when the installation is in the unfolded position, each support comprising a longitudinal portion with a central cavity, the cavity of one of said portions supporting electrical and / or electronic devices configured to transfer electrical energy.

[0011] The solar installation is small in size when in the unfolded position, preferably with a length between 1m and 3m and a height Preferably between 50cm and 2m in height. Advantageously, this installation weighs between 20kg and 40kg and comprises two photovoltaic panels that can be folded one above the other for easy transport and storage. The solar installation is also easy to install, preferably requiring only a single connection via a plug for connection to the electrical grid. Advantageously, the installation requires very few, if any, tools.

[0012] Preferably, each frame comprises a first and a second edge and extends along a longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the hinges allow for easy unfolding and folding of the installation.

[0013] The supports serve to support the installation in the unfolded position and also allow for the storage of some of the electrical and / or electronic devices that perform the transfer of electrical energy. These supports are therefore versatile. Advantageously, the great length of the supports allows for better distribution of the mass of the photovoltaic panels over the longitudinal portions and improves the stability of the solar installation. Advantageously, each support extends over at least 75% of the length of the corresponding frame.

[0014] Other advantageous features of the installation that is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where applicable, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the notable features defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may, where applicable, be the subject of one or more divisional patent applications.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, each photovoltaic panel is bi-glass and / or bifacial.

[0016] Preferably, photovoltaic panels are double-glazed, which improves their strength. These panels comprise two glass panes surrounding the photovoltaic cells; the glass can be replaced by polymerized glass, such as organic or epoxy glass, for example. Polymerized glasses have the advantage of being lighter.

[0017] Preferably, the photovoltaic panels can be bifacial. Thus, the photovoltaic cells constituting said panels can operate on both sides: the side exposed to sunlight can directly convert solar energy into electrical energy, while the opposite, unexposed side uses the light reflected by the surrounding surfaces to convert solar energy. These bifacial panels have an improved electrical energy production of approximately 20% compared to single-sided panels. This efficiency is also improved due to the placement of electrical and / or electronic devices on the support(s), thus maximizing the exposure of the unexposed side of the photovoltaic panels to reflected rays.

[0018] In a particularly preferred manner, the photovoltaic panels are double-glass and bifacial, which improves both the efficiency and the robustness of the installation.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the installation comprises two hinges extending respectively near first edges and second edges of the two frames of the installation, each hinge comprising at least one beam.

[0020] The two hinges are preferably positioned at a distance from each other and, more preferably, on each of the first and second edges of the frames. Positioning the hinges on these two edges improves the stability of the installation and also allows for better functionality and durability of said hinges.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one hinge beam extends at least partially along one of the first edges of the frames, or along one of the second edges of said frames. The beam improves the stability and strength of the hinge. Preferably, the beam extends over at least 70%, and more preferably, over at least 80%, of the width of the frame on which it is mounted. The greater the length of the beams, the more the strength and stability of the hinge are improved, by more effectively supporting the mass of the photovoltaic panels resting on these hinges.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, each hinge comprises two beams and a rotating portion, the beams extending respectively on either side of said portion and extending along the first edges or along the second edges of the two frames.

[0023] The presence of the two beams facilitates the folding and unfolding of the installation, improving the movement of the hinge. This also improves the robustness of the hinge.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the beams of the two hinges are positioned opposite each other along the first and second edges of one of the frames, the longitudinal portion of a support being attached to said beams by at least one joint so as to allow said portion to be folded down against the corresponding photovoltaic panel, when the installation is in the folded position.

[0025] At least one joint reduces the overall size of the installation during transport and storage by folding the support against the corresponding photovoltaic panel. Preferably, two joints attach the longitudinal portion of a support to the two hinges. The joints are therefore preferably positioned at a distance from each other, in order to improve the efficiency, strength and stability of the installation, particularly when unfolding or folding down the longitudinal portions.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each longitudinal portion comprises two lateral segments configured to be able to serve as a support for the installation and attached to each other by a lower segment.

[0027] At least two different orientations of the photovoltaic panels are possible thanks to the lateral segments, these orientations being able to improve the efficiency of the installation or to vary its assembly.

[0028] Preferably, each longitudinal portion comprises two lateral segments which are oriented approximately at 90° to each other. The expression "approximately 90°" means that the lateral segments are oriented perpendicularly to each other, with a possible margin of error of plus or minus 5°, due in particular to manufacturing variations. The longitudinal portion thus has an L-shape.

[0029] Furthermore, the lengths of the two lateral segments of the same longitudinal portion are advantageously different. Thus, the length of one of the segments is at least twice, and more preferably at least three times, the length of the other lateral segment of the same longitudinal portion. Preferably, in the same solar installation, the two supports are positioned so that the lateral segments of the same length are oriented towards the same side of the installation. The length of the lateral segments is particularly well-suited to improve the stability of the installation in each of the orientations of the photovoltaic panels.

[0030] This variation in length allows for wall mounting of the solar installation, with the photovoltaic panels oriented at an angle between 40° and 80°, and more preferably, at an angle between 60° and 70°, relative to the ground. For ground mounting, the panels are oriented at an angle between 20° and 60°, and more preferably at an angle between 25° and 40°, relative to the ground. The orientation of the panels must be ideally determined to maximize exposure to sunlight.

[0031] Alternatively, the length of the two lateral segments of each longitudinal portion may be identical.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, said installation further comprises at least one lateral portion supporting a ballast, each of said portions being associated with one of the photovoltaic panels and attached to the beam of the corresponding hinge and / or to the longitudinal portion of the support corresponding to said panel, the lateral portion being configured to be positioned against the ground and under the photovoltaic panel.

[0033] A ballast is used to effectively secure the solar installation to the ground, particularly during adverse weather conditions such as windy periods. A ballast can also help stabilize the installation on uneven ground. Preferably, the lateral portion of the installation extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 85% of the width of the frame under which it extends. The greater the width of the lateral portion, the better the installation's stability on the ground. Preferably, the lateral portion can be made in the form of a plate or a grid, for example, the grid helping to limit its weight.

[0034] Alternatively, a ground fixing system could also be considered instead of the ballast. However, this alternative is not preferred as it requires the use of additional tools, making it more expensive and complex to assemble. A wall mounting system for the solar installation could also be considered.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the installation is in the unfolded position and supported on two of the lateral segments, storage devices extend transversely between the longitudinal portions of the supports and substantially perpendicular to the ground, said devices being configured to receive planters.

[0036] Alternatively, storage devices can extend between the supports of the installation, these devices serving, for example, to position planters. Positioning these devices can therefore eliminate the need for ballast, as the soil placed in the planters serves the same function. The storage devices are only usable when the installation is supported on the lateral segments, so that these devices are advantageously positioned substantially perpendicular to the ground and at the rear of the installation. By "substantially," it is meant that the storage devices are preferably oriented perpendicular to the ground, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5° depending on manufacturing and assembly variations.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a locking device is associated with each hinge and each joint, each of said devices being configured to hold said hinges and joints open or closed depending on the position of the installation.

[0038] A locking device is preferably provided for each hinge and joint, or, alternatively but not preferably, the devices may be common to several hinges or joints and be actuated, for example Simultaneously. The installation can thus be locked in the extended position or, if necessary, locked in the folded position. These locking devices prevent the installation from opening unexpectedly and / or closing unintentionally, thereby improving its safety.

[0039] Each locking device may consist, for example, of a retractable element, a pin, a tab, or a hook positioned on one of the beams or on a portion of the rotating part of the hinge, and configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole on the other beam or on another part of the rotating portion, in order to temporarily fix the hinge in the desired position. A similar device may be used for the joints. Alternatively, a single hinge and / or a single joint may include such a locking device.

[0040] By keeping the hinges open or closed "depending on the installation position," it is understood that the locking devices associated with the hinges allow the two photovoltaic panels to be held side-by-side when the installation is in the extended position, and optionally, to be held one on top of the other when the installation is in the folded position. By keeping the joints open or closed "depending on the installation position," it is understood that the locking devices associated with the joints allow the longitudinal portions of the supports to be held in the extended or folded position, so as to allow the installation to maintain its extended or folded position, respectively.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the supports further comprises an internal portion supporting the electrical or electronic devices and positioned in the central cavity of the longitudinal portion, said internal portion being configured to be folded down simultaneously with the longitudinal portion.

[0042] Preferably, the internal portion should be large enough to effectively support most of the electrical or electronic devices. However, this portion must remain small enough to allow maximum opening of the longitudinal portion and facilitate the passage of light from the surfaces surrounding the installation to the side not exposed to the rays of the photovoltaic panels. This design improves the efficiency of the installation by increasing its electrical energy production.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical and / or electronic devices of said installation comprise: at least one micro-inverter, at least one cable including connecting cables and a power cable configured to transmit electrical energy to an electrical network, and a microcontroller mounted on said power cable and configured to exchange data.

[0044] Electrical and / or electronic devices can perform various functions in the solar installation: some of these devices transfer electrical energy From the solar installation to the electrical grid, this includes, for example, the power cable. Connecting cables allow the transmission of current from each solar panel to the micro-inverter.

[0045] Other devices, such as microinverters, are used for current conversion, enabling better management of electrical energy and the potential integration of the solar installation into other electrical systems or networks. The use of a microinverter is preferred because it optimizes panel efficiency while being easy to install. Furthermore, using a single microinverter minimizes the number of components and simplifies the installation. However, multiple microinverters can also be used. Alternatively, one or more inverters can replace the microinverters.

[0046] Finally, microcontrollers are used to exchange data between the installation and a mobile device application. Preferably, only one microcontroller is provided per installation, preferably mounted remotely from the microinverter, on the power cable. However, other microcontroller positions can be considered. Alternatively, but not preferably, one or more controllers, one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), or a building management system (BMS) can be used instead of or in addition to the microcontroller(s).

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection cables linking each of the photovoltaic panels to the micro-inverter are positioned near each of the frames of said panels.

[0048] Positioning the connecting cables near or on the installation frames increases the surface area of ​​the photovoltaic panels that can receive reflected light. For bifacial photovoltaic panels, this improves the amount of solar energy converted into electrical energy and increases the overall efficiency of the installation.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower segment of each longitudinal portion is configured to extend along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding frame, the lower segments of the supports being configured to optionally serve as a support when the installation is in the unfolded position.

[0050] In this embodiment, the longitudinal portion of a support is in the form of a polygon, and more preferably in the form of a hexagon. Advantageously, the lower segment is shorter than the length of one of the lateral segments. Preferably, the lower segment of the longitudinal portion is shorter than the length of the frame of the installation on which said portion is mounted. Particularly preferably, the length of the lower segment is less than 30% of the total length of the frame. The reduced length of the lower segment helps to limit both the mass of the supports and the complexity of the installation. However, it is necessary that the length of the lower segment be sufficient to ensure the stability of the installation when it is supported by said segments.

[0051] In this variant, the installation has three different supports depending on the lower or lateral segments of the longitudinal portions on which it rests. Thus, the photovoltaic panels can also have three different orientations. This variant allows the installation to be positioned on the ground or on a wall.

[0052] The first orientation of the photovoltaic panels implies that the installation rests on the lower segments of the longitudinal sections. The photovoltaic panels are then oriented horizontally and parallel to the ground. In this configuration, the lower segments and the photovoltaic panels are preferentially extended substantially parallel to each other, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5° depending on manufacturing and assembly variations.

[0053] The second orientation of the photovoltaic panels implies that the installation rests on one of the lateral segments of each longitudinal portion, the photovoltaic panels then being oriented at an angle between 20° and 80° relative to the ground.

[0054] Finally, the photovoltaic panels can have a third orientation opposite to the second orientation, with the installation then supported by the two other lateral segments of the longitudinal portions. These different orientations improve the flexibility of the installation, particularly by enhancing its energy production capacity and offering better adaptation of the panel positioning to the sun's rays.

[0055] Preferably, the lower segment of the longitudinal portion is positioned centrally along the total length of said portion, improving the stability of the installation when it is supported by said segments. Alternatively, the lower segment of each longitudinal portion can be offset from the total length of the longitudinal portion, allowing for variations in the possible orientations of the photovoltaic panels.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lateral segments are preferably of identical lengths. More specifically, the lateral portion of the support is fixed to one of the lateral segments or to the lower segment of the corresponding longitudinal portion, depending on the segments on which the installation rests.

[0057] Alternatively, the lateral segments may be of different lengths.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a solar installation according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps.

[0059] Opening of the photovoltaic panels of said installation, then locking said open panels.

[0060] Lifting each longitudinal portion of the corresponding photovoltaic panel, then locking said lifted portions.

[0061] Reversing the installation to position it resting on the supports.

[0062] Then connect the installation to an electrical outlet.

[0063] The solar installation assembly process is quick and easy to implement, requiring no tools for deployment or connection to the electrical grid. Connecting to the grid is also quick and easy. This process also reduces installation costs.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking of open panels and the locking of raised longitudinal portions is achieved by means of locking devices for hinges and joints.

[0065] The locking devices can help to stabilize the installation when it is in the unfolded or folded position.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes an additional step of fixing a lateral portion to the longitudinal portion of the support and / or to the corresponding hinge beam of at least one of the photovoltaic panels, and then positioning the ballast on said lateral portion.

[0067] Adding ballast during the assembly of the installation improves the stability of the installation on the ground.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the solar installation is in the unfolded position: the two frames supporting the photovoltaic panels are joined by their inner edges by means of at least one hinge, the longitudinal portions of the installation are positioned at right angles to a plane formed by said panels, the locking devices of the hinges and joints helping to maintain the installation in the unfolded position.

[0069] The installation is easy to deploy and preferably assembled without the use of tools. In addition, the installation exhibits increased stability, notably due to its structural rigidity.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the installation is in the folded position: the two frames and the corresponding photovoltaic panels are positioned one above the other, each longitudinal portion is folded down between the hinge beams and against the corresponding photovoltaic panel, so as to reduce the size of said installation.

[0071] The installation in the folded position has a minimal footprint. It is simple to handle, which facilitates its transport.

[0072] The invention also relates to the use of a solar installation according to the invention, as a coffee table, the photovoltaic panels of the installation being positioned horizontally and parallel to the ground, the installation being configured to be supported on the lower segments of the two supports of said installation.

[0073] Advantageously, a method for exchanging data between a solar installation according to the invention and a mobile device application is also described, the method comprising the following steps.

[0074] First, there is a collection of performance data by at least one microcontroller associated with the installation, said data including at least the intensity so as to track the power generated by the installation.

[0075] Then there is a transmission of performance data to a server via a wireless network connection, the transmission being carried out by at least one microcontroller.

[0076] Next, there is access to the performance data stored on the server by the mobile device application via an internet connection.

[0077] And finally, there is a display of performance data on a user interface of the mobile device application.

[0078] Using a minimal number of components in the design of the solar installation also simplifies data exchange between the installation and the mobile device application. Preferably, this application is specific to use with this installation and is configured to be compatible with any microinverter or inverter on the market. Preferably, the components of the solar installation also allow for its real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

[0079] Advantageously, the data collection step further includes the collection of environmental data from at least one environmental sensor coupled to the solar installation.

[0080] Adding environmental data collection makes it possible to potentially adapt the operation of the installation according to its environment, thus managing it more efficiently based on the data acquired and transferred to the application. This collection can also provide additional functionalities to the installation.

[0081] Advantageously, the mobile device application remotely controls the microinverter through at least one microcontroller, this control including the modification of the operating parameters of the microinverter.

[0082] The use of a mobile device application allows the end user to remotely access information on the operation of the installation and possibly to be able to to control it. The operation of the installation and the application can also be customized. Brief description of the figures.

[0083] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which: - [Fig. 1] shows a perspective and front view of a solar installation in unfolded position according to a first variant of the invention. - [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view and a rear view of the solar installation of the [Fig. 1]. - [Fig. 3] shows a view of the solar installation of figures 1 and 2, in position folded. - [Fig. 4] shows a rear and perspective view of an installation solar according to a second embodiment of the invention, in unfolded position and including weights for ground positioning. - [Fig. 5] shows a rear and perspective view of the solar installation of the [Fig.4] in unfolded position and for mounting on a wall. - [Fig. 6] shows a view from below of the solar installation in figures 4 and 5, in a partially unfolded position. - [Fig.7] shows an enlargement of an internal portion of a support of the solar installation according to the second variant of figures 4 to 6. Description of the implementation methods.

[0084] As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, etc. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading. The terms "upper" and "lower," "exterior" and "interior" are used to define the spatial position of components of a solar installation according to their placement when said installation is in its deployed position.

[0085] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show different views of a solar installation according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show the first embodiment in the unfolded position and including a ballast, while Figure 3 shows said embodiment without ballast and in the folded position.

[0086] A foldable solar installation 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is configured for easy installation and transport. The installation 1 therefore preferably comprises two photovoltaic panels 11 mounted, each, on a frame 12, said panels being configured to be folded one above the other in order to reduce the size of the installation 1 during transport.

[0087] These photovoltaic panels 11 are preferably bifacial panels, which improves their energy production. Indeed, these panels 11 comprise one side directly exposed to sunlight and an opposite, unexposed side configured to receive sunlight reflected by the surfaces surrounding the installation 1. Each side of the photovoltaic panels 11 can therefore convert the received solar energy into electrical energy. Advantageously, these panels 11 can be double-glazed, improving their strength. Particularly preferred, the photovoltaic panels 11 are both double-glazed and bifacial.

[0088] The frame 12 of each photovoltaic panel 11 is preferably made of composite materials, plastics (such as polyvinyl chloride) or plant-based materials (such as wood). Particularly preferred, the material chosen for manufacturing the frame 12 is a metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0089] The photovoltaic panels 11 and the frames 12 preferably have a parallelepiped shape. Each frame 12 extends between a first edge 12A and a second edge 12B and along a longitudinal axis (x) oriented perpendicularly to said edges (12A, 12B). These edges are configured to be positioned either in contact with the ground or at a distance from the ground when the installation 1 is in the unfolded position, their positioning depending on the orientation of the photovoltaic panels 11.

[0090] Each frame 12 also includes an inner edge 12C and an outer edge 12D, each extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (x) and between the first and second edges (12A, 12B). When the installation 1 is in the unfolded position, the frames 12 are positioned side-by-side and their respective inner edges 12C are in contact with each other; the photovoltaic panels 11 are then adjacent and extend in a plane. In the unfolded position, the outer edges 12D of the two frames 12 of the installation 1 are configured to be positioned at a distance from each other.

[0091] When the installation 1 is in the unfolded position, each frame 12 also includes an upper face 12E oriented towards an environment external to the installation 1, said face being configured to be in contact with the photovoltaic panel 11 mounted on the frame. This frame 12 also includes a lower face 12F oriented towards the ground and configured to support at least one hinge 13.

[0092] Preferably, two hinges 13 connect the two frames 12 of the assembly 1 together to allow the assembly 1 to move between its extended and folded positions. These hinges 13 are preferably positioned at a distance from each other, therefore near the first or second edges (12A, 12B) of said frames 12, and, more preferably, on said edges. This distance between the hinges ensures efficient deployment and folding of the assembly.

[0093] Each hinge 13 advantageously comprises at least one beam 13A, and more preferably, each hinge 13 comprises two beams 13A. These beams 13A extend either along the first edges 12A or along the second edges 12B of the frames 12 of the installation 1. Preferably, each beam 13A extends over at least 50%, and more preferably, over at least 75% of the width of the first or second edge (12A, 12B) of the corresponding frame 12.

[0094] The two beams 13A of a hinge 13 are joined at a rotating portion 13B preferably positioned near the inner edges 12C of the frames 12. Preferably, each hinge 13 includes at least one locking device configured to hold it open or closed, and thus hold the installation 1 in the unfolded or folded position, the locking device not being shown in these figures.

[0095] The solar installation 1 further includes two supports 14 positioned on the lower face 12F and near each of the outer edges 12D of the two frames 12. The supports 14 therefore support the frames 12 and the photovoltaic panels 11, and allow wall or ground positioning of the installation 1.

[0096] Each support 14 may optionally extend over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the length of the outer edge 12D of the frame 12. The support 14 is attached to the frame 12 by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as welding, bonding, or the use of fasteners. The support 14 is advantageously made of materials similar to those used to manufacture the frame 12 in order to facilitate their attachment together. Preferably, each support 14 is attached laterally to the two beams 13A positioned opposite the two hinges 13, which are positioned respectively on the first and second edges (12A, 12B) of the two frames 12.

[0097] Each support 14 further comprises a longitudinal portion 14A extending along the entire length of the corresponding frame 12. This portion 14A comprises a central cavity with an internal portion 14B mounted within the cavity. The longitudinal portions 14A are preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the photovoltaic panels 11, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5% depending on manufacturing and assembly risks of installation 1.

[0098] Preferably, in this first embodiment, each longitudinal portion 14A has a substantially polygonal shape, and more specifically, a substantially hexagonal shape. Each longitudinal portion 14A may comprise two lateral segments 14A.1 and a lower segment 14A.2 configured to be positioned between the lateral segments 14A.1 and optionally to be in contact with the ground when the installation 1 is in its unfolded position. This ground contact is advantageously achieved when the photovoltaic panels 11 are oriented parallel to the ground. Advantageously, each lower segment 14A.2 has a length less than 50%, and more preferably, less than 30%, of the total length of the longitudinal portion 14A and the frame 12.

[0099] Preferably, in a longitudinal portion 14A, the length of each lateral segment 14A.1 is at least twice, or even at least three times, the length of the lower segment 14A.2. The lateral segments 14A.1 can also serve as supports for the solar installation 1 to allow for two additional orientations of the photovoltaic panels 11. Advantageously, the photovoltaic panels 11 are then oriented at an angle between 30° and 80°, and more preferably at an angle between 40° and 60°, with respect to the horizontal. The two new orientations are opposite to each other.

[0100] For each support 14 of the solar installation 1, the longitudinal portion 14A is attached to the corresponding frame 12 by at least one joint 14C. Preferably, at least two joints 14C attach the longitudinal portion 14A to the frame 12, and are advantageously positioned at a distance from each other to obtain better stability when raising or lowering said portion against the corresponding panel 11.

[0101] More preferably, the longitudinal portion 14A is attached to the beams 13A of the two hinges 13 positioned opposite each other along the first and second edges (12A, 12B) of the same frame 12, by means of the two joints 14C. These two joints 14C serve to fold the longitudinal portion 14A against the corresponding photovoltaic panel 11 when the installation 1 is in the folded position. Thus, the longitudinal portion 14A is also folded between the hinges 13.

[0102] Preferably, each joint 14C also includes a locking device which allows it to be kept open or closed, and thus allows either the longitudinal portion 14A to be kept down during the manufacture or assembly of the installation 1, or to be kept up when the installation 1 is in the unfolded position.

[0103] Optionally, the installation 1 may also include at least one lateral portion 16 configured to be positioned under the corresponding photovoltaic panel 11 and against the ground. Each lateral portion 16 is attached to the longitudinal portion 14A of the support 14, and / or to the beam 13A of the hinge 13 positioned near the ground. Preferably, each lateral portion 16 extends over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75%, and even more preferably over at least 85% of the width of the corresponding frame 12, in order to easily and effectively support a ballast 16A.

[0104] The ballast 16A helps to keep the solar installation 1 on the ground and can be made of any material capable of supporting a ballast 16A of several kilograms. Advantageously, the ballast is at least 10 kg, and more preferably, at least 15 kg per lateral portion 16. In the installation 1, two lateral portions 16 are preferably positioned side by side under each photovoltaic panel 11, each portion supporting a ballast 16A. Advantageously, the ballast 16A extends over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 80% of the surface of the corresponding lateral portion 16, said portion being advantageously able to be fixed to a lateral segment 14A.1 or lower 14A.2 according to the segments (14A.1, 14A.2) on which the installation 1 is supported, and according to the orientation given to the photovoltaic panels 11.

[0105] Preferably, the ballast 16A is made of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as sand, gravel, or concrete. Particularly preferred, ceramic is the material of choice for manufacturing the ballast 16A because it is particularly effective in improving its resistance to the high temperatures produced by the photovoltaic panels 11. Particularly advantageously, the ballast 16A can be made of reflective material or coated with such a material in order to improve the electrical energy production of the solar installation 1.

[0106] Alternatively, the ballast can be made in one piece with the lateral portion, and include integrated fixing means for mounting on the installation.

[0107] The lateral portion 16 can be mounted to the longitudinal portion 14A of a support 14 using fastening methods known to those skilled in the art. This fastening is preferably temporary, so that the orientation of the photovoltaic panels 11 of the installation 1 can be changed if necessary, and thus the lateral portion 16 and the ballast 16A can be easily moved. In particular, fastening elements such as screws or bolts can be used. An alternative rail system can also be considered for sliding the lateral portion 16, with or without ballast 16A, at the level of the lateral segments 14A.1 or lower 14A.2 serving as support for the installation.

[0108] The cavity of at least one of the longitudinal portions 14A can support one or more electrical and / or electronic devices 15, configured in particular to transfer electrical energy. The two longitudinal portions 14A can support all or part of the electrical and / or electronic devices 15. Preferably, said devices are positioned on a single internal portion 14B, therefore on a single support 14.

[0109] Preferably, the electrical and / or electronic devices 15 comprise at least one micro-inverter 15A or optionally an inverter for converting the direct current produced by the photovoltaic panels 11 into alternating current, which can be fed back into the electrical grid of a building, for example, via a power cable. Other cables, such as connecting cables 15B, can be used to connect the various electrical and / or electronic devices 15 to each other and to the photovoltaic panels 11, and can also be mounted against said panels of the installation 1.

[0110] The electrical and / or electronic devices 15 also include at least one microcontroller. More preferably, a single microcontroller is provided for the two photovoltaic panels 11 of the installation 1. Alternatively, two microcontrollers may be provided, one per photovoltaic panel 11. This microcontroller or these microcontrollers perform data exchanges between the photovoltaic panel(s) 11 and a mobile device application. This microcontroller or these microcontrollers may optionally be used to provide feedback control over the operation of the installation 1.

[0111] More specifically, in [Fig. 3], the solar installation 1 is shown in its folded position. It comprises the two frames 12 and the two photovoltaic panels 11 shown positioned one above the other. These panels 11 are held apart by means of the hinges 13 mounted on the frames 12, and in particular, by means of the beams 13A and shims preferably positioned on the rotating portion 13B of said hinge 13. These shims are not shown in these figures and prevent the beams 13A of the hinge 13 from overlapping. Maintaining this distance also allows the supports 14 to be folded between the hinges 13 and against their respective photovoltaic panels 11, thus reducing the overall size of the installation, particularly during transport. Electrical and / or electronic devices are also fixed to one of the supports 14 but are not visible in figures 1 to 3.

[0112] Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 show different views of the solar installation according to a second embodiment. This embodiment is particularly preferred because it is less expensive and lighter than the first variant. Figure 4 shows a rear view of the solar installation of the second variant, in its unfolded position on the ground and with ballast. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the solar installation of Figure 4, in its unfolded position and in its wall-mounting position. Figure 6 shows a view of the solar installation of Figures 4 and 5 in its partially folded position. Finally, Figure 7 shows a view of the internal portion of the support with the electrical and / or electronic components.

[0113] In this second embodiment of the invention, the solar installation 1 comprises the two hinges 13, each comprising the two beams 13A associated with the rotating portion 13B. The hinges 13, and, more specifically, the beams 13A of said hinges 13, extend over the first or second edges (12A, 12B) of the frames 12 of the installation 1. Alternatively, but not shown in these figures, the installation may comprise only one hinge.

[0114] The two supports 14 of the installation 1 are also shown and each includes the longitudinal portion 14A made up of the two lateral segments 14A.1 joined by the lower segment 14A.2. In this variant, the longitudinal portion is substantially in the form of an L, the lower segment 14A.2 being preferably curved and not able to serve as a support for the solar installation 1.

[0115] More specifically, the lateral segments 14A.1 of the same longitudinal portion 14A have two different lengths, one of the segments being at least twice the length of the other segment. This variation in length allows the photovoltaic panels 11 of the solar installation 1 to have two different orientations depending on the desired positioning of the installation, on the ground or on a wall.

[0116] Thus, the solar installation 1 has a first ground positioning (represented in [Fig.4]), in which the panels 11 are oriented at an angle between 20° and 60° to the ground, more preferably at an angle between 25° and 40°. The installation is then supported on the longest lateral segments 14A.1.

[0117] The solar installation 1 also has a second wall-mounted positioning (shown in [Fig. 5]), in which the orientation angle of the solar panels 11 relative to the ground is between 40° and 80°, and more preferably between 60° and 70°. The installation 1 then rests on the longer lateral segments 14A.1 of the supports 14, said segments being configured, in this positioning, to be fixed to the wall. The lateral segments 14A.1 can be mounted and fixed to the wall using fixing methods known to those skilled in the art, such as fasteners of the screw or bolt type, for example. Holes can therefore be provided on the lateral segments 14A.1 to allow for such fixing.

[0118] In this second variant, the solar installation 1 may comprise one, more preferably two, lateral portions 16. Each lateral portion 16 is configured to be mounted on one of the hinges 13, and more specifically, on one of the beams 13A of the hinge 13, and / or on the lateral segment 14A.1 of the longitudinal portion 14A corresponding to the beam 13A. Thus, the mounting of the lateral portions 16 is carried out on the hinge 13 positioned near the longest lateral segment 14A.1 of the longitudinal portion 14A. This mounting can be achieved using magnetic elements or fasteners. The dual mounting of the lateral portions 16 on the hinge 13 and on the longitudinal portions 14A allows for more effective securing of the installation to the ground.

[0119] The ballast 16A used to keep the solar installation 1 on the ground is a ballast as defined in the first variant. The lateral portion 16 on which the ballast 16A is mounted can also be made in the form of a grid, which reduces its mass, thus reducing the total mass of the installation.

[0120] Figure 6 shows the solar installation 1 according to the second variant during unfolding. The longitudinal portions 14A of the supports 14 are shown folded against their respective photovoltaic panel 11 and between the beams 13A of the hinges 13.

[0121] Figure 7 shows an enlargement of the internal portion 14B of the support 14 on which the electrical and / or electronic devices 15 are mounted. This internal portion 14B is installed within the longitudinal portion 14A and is preferably small to allow for better efficiency when the photovoltaic panels 11 are bifacial. The electrical and / or electronic devices 15 include, in particular, the micro-inverter 15A and two sockets 15C, both of which serve to connect the installation 1 to the electrical grid via an additional wall outlet, and / or to connect it to another solar installation 1, allowing several installations to be connected in series. In this second case, only one power supply to the electrical grid is required at one end of the series of installations, the second socket serving for connection to other solar installations 1.Ideally, each of the 15C sockets can be used for connection to the electrical network or for connection to another installation.

[0122] In these figures, the positioning of the various connection cables 15B is also shown on the underside 12F of the photovoltaic panels 11. This positioning is preferably carried out on the edges (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) of the frames 12 in order to minimize the overlap of said panels by the cables 15B and improve their efficiency. This also limits the risk of damage to said cables during the installation.

[0123] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the solar installation according to the invention. This method is described in correlation with Figures 1 to 7, and comprises the following steps.

[0124] Initially, the photovoltaic panels 11 of the solar installation 1 are opened, and then the open panels are locked. This locking is achieved by actuating the locking device of at least one hinge 13. Preferably, during opening, the upper face 12E of the frames 12 is positioned against the ground. Preferably, when the installation 1 includes two hinges 13, the locking devices of both hinges 13 are actuated.

[0125] In a second step, each longitudinal portion 14A of the corresponding photovoltaic panel 11 is lifted. The longitudinal portions 14A are then preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by said panels. The term "substantially" means that each longitudinal portion 14A forms a 90° angle with the plane of said panels, this angle being subject to variations in the manufacturing and / or assembly of said portions 14A.

[0126] Then, there is a locking of said portions to keep them raised, this locking being achieved by actuation of the locking device of at least one joint 14C. Preferably each support comprises two joints 14C, each having a locking device, the actuation of one, or even preferably both, of the locking devices helping to keep the joints 14C open and to keep the longitudinal portions 14A raised.

[0127] In a third step, the solar installation 1 is reversed so that it rests on the supports 14, and more specifically, on the longitudinal portions 14A of said supports. The positioning of the installation 1 is then determined according to the chosen installation (wall-mounted or ground-mounted) or according to the desired orientation for the photovoltaic panels 11. The orientation of the panels depends on the lower segments 14A.2 or lateral segments 14A.1 on which the installation 1 rests.

[0128] Optionally, an additional step of fixing the lateral portion(s) 16 to the solar installation 1 is carried out, this fixing being achieved using the aforementioned fixing methods. The ballast 16A is then positioned on the lateral portion 16, with or without fixing said ballast.

[0129] More specifically, in the case of the first variant of the invention, the mounting of each lateral portion 16 is carried out on the lower segments 14A.2 or on the lateral segments 14A.1 of the longitudinal portions 14A on which the installation 1 rests, and / or on the corresponding beam 13A of the hinge 13 located closest to said portion.

[0130] In the case of the second embodiment of the invention, the mounting of each lateral portion 16 is carried out on two of the lateral segments 14A.1 of the two longitudinal portions 14A on which the installation 1 rests, and / or on the corresponding beam 13A of the hinge 13. Preferably, the hinge 13 on which the lateral portion 16 is supported by the one positioned near the longest lateral segments 14A.1 of the longitudinal portions 14A, because it will be positioned as close as possible to the ground to allow the orientation between 25° and 40° relative to the ground of the photovoltaic panels 11.

[0131] Finally, the installation 1 is connected to a mains power outlet by means of a power cable. Optionally, other connections may be provided, depending on the desired functionalities and / or the level of ease of use. Advantageously, at least two 15C outlets are provided, each allowing either connection to the mains power supply or connection for series wiring of several installations. These outlets are interchangeable.

[0132] Thus, when the solar installation 1 is in the unfolded position, the two frames 12 supporting the photovoltaic panels 11 are joined to each other by their inner edges 12C, thanks to at least one hinge 13. Furthermore, these supports 14 are positioned substantially at a right angle to a plane formed by said panels, and the locking devices for the hinges 13 and the joints 14C allow the installation 1 to be held in the unfolded position. The supports 14 therefore support the installation 1.

[0133] Conversely, when the installation 1 is in the folded position, the two frames 12 and the corresponding photovoltaic panels 11 are positioned one above the other, and the supports 14 are folded down between the hinges 13 and against the corresponding panels, thus reducing the footprint of the installation 1 to a minimum.

[0134] The invention also relates to a method for exchanging data between a solar installation according to the invention and an application for a mobile device. This method is described in correlation with the aforementioned Figures 1 to 7, and comprises the following steps.

[0135] Initially, performance data is collected, preferably by at least one microcontroller, or possibly by one or more controllers. The microcontroller(s) may be associated with one or more photovoltaic panel(s) 11. This data includes at least the power generated by the installation 1, deduced from the voltage and / or current measurements. Optionally, this data collection may also include environmental data collected from at least one environmental sensor coupled to the solar installation 1.

[0136] In a second step, there is a transmission of the installation's performance data to a server via a wireless network connection (Wifi or Bluetooth for example) provided for example by a router, the transmission being preferably carried out by a microcontroller, and in a non-preferred manner, by at least two microcontrollers (one for each photovoltaic panel 11).

[0137] In a third step, there is access to the performance data stored on the server via the mobile device application using an internet connection. This data can be accessed, for example, by the customer, an energy supplier, or the company in charge of distributing the installations 1. The mobile device can therefore be a tablet, a computer, or a mobile phone (such as a smartphone).

[0138] Finally, there is a display of performance data on a user interface of the mobile device application. Optionally, the mobile device application remotely controls the micro-inverter or inverter via at least one microcontroller, this control including, for example, modifying the operating parameters of the inverter or micro-inverter.

[0139] The invention can also relate to using the installation 1 as a coffee table, when the surface formed by the photovoltaic panels 11 is positioned horizontally and parallel to the ground. The installation 1 is in the unfolded position and rests on the lower segments 14A.2 of the supports 14. This use is only possible in the first embodiment of the invention.

[0140] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0141] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

[0142] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

Demands

1. A foldable solar installation (1) comprising: - two frames (12) each supporting a photovoltaic panel (11), said frames being positioned side-by-side when the installation is in the unfolded position, - at least one hinge (13) joining said frames together so as to allow the installation (1) to pass between the unfolded and folded positions, and - two supports (14) each positioned near an outer edge (12D) of each frame (12) when the installation (1) is in the unfolded position, characterized in that each support (14) comprises a longitudinal portion (14A), which portion comprises: - two lateral segments (14A.1) configured to support the installation (1) and attached to each other by a lower segment (14A.2), and - a central cavity, the cavity of one of said portions supporting electrical and / or electronic devices (15) configured to transfer electrical energy.

2. Foldable solar installation (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each photovoltaic panel (11) is double-glass and / or bifacial.

3. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the installation comprises two hinges (13) extending respectively near first edges (12A) and second edges (12B) of the two frames (12) of the installation (1), each hinge (13) comprising at least one beam (13A).

4. Foldable solar installation (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each hinge (13) comprises two beams (13A) and a rotating portion (13B), the beams (13A) extending respectively on either side of said portion and extending along the first edges (12A) or along the second edges (12B) of the two frames (12).

5. Foldable solar installation (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the beams (13A) of the two hinges (13) are positioned opposite each other along the first and second edges (12A, 12B) of one of the frames (12), the longitudinal portion (14A) of a support (14) being attached to said beams by at least one joint (14C) so as to allow said portion to be folded down against the corresponding photovoltaic panel (11), when the installation (1) is in the folded position.

6. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said installation further comprises at least one lateral portion (16) supporting a ballast (16A), each of said portions being associated with one of the photovoltaic panels (11) and attached to the beam (13A) of the corresponding hinge (13) and / or to the longitudinal portion (14A) of the support (14) corresponding to said panel, the lateral portion (16) being configured to be positioned against the ground and under the photovoltaic panel (11).

7. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the installation is in the unfolded position and supported on two of the lateral segments (14A.1), storage devices extend transversely between the longitudinal portions (14A) of the supports (14) and substantially perpendicular to the ground, said devices being configured to receive planters.

8. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a locking device is associated with each hinge (13) and each joint (14C), each of said devices being configured to hold said hinges (13) and joints (14C) open or closed depending on the position of the installation (1).

9. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the supports (14) further comprises an internal portion (14B) supporting the electrical or electronic devices (15) and positioned in the central cavity of the longitudinal portion (14A), said internal portion (14B) being configured to be folded down simultaneously with the longitudinal portion (14A).

10. A foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical and / or electronic devices (15) of said installation comprise: - at least one micro-inverter (15A), - at least one cable including connecting cables (15B) and a power cable configured to transmit electrical energy to an electrical network, and -a microcontroller mounted on the power cable and configured to exchange data.

11. Foldable solar installation (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting cables (15B) linking each of the photovoltaic panels (11) to the micro-inverter (15A) are positioned close to each of the frames (12) of said panels.

12. Foldable solar installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower segment (14A.2) of each longitudinal portion (14A) is configured to extend along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (x) of the corresponding frame (12), the lower segments (14A.2) of the supports (14) being configured to optionally serve as a support when the installation is in the unfolded position.

13. Method of mounting a solar installation (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, said method comprising the following steps: - opening the photovoltaic panels (11) of said installation, then locking said panels (11) open, - raising each longitudinal portion (14A) of the corresponding photovoltaic panel (11), then locking said raised portions, - turning the installation (1) over to position it resting on the supports (14), then - connecting the installation (1) to a socket of the electrical network.

14. Assembly method according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking of the open panels (11) and the locking of the raised longitudinal portions (14A) is achieved by means of the locking devices of the hinges (13) and joints (14C).

15. Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the method includes an additional step of fixing a lateral portion (16) to the longitudinal portion (14A) of the support (14) and / or to the beam (13A) of the corresponding hinge (13) of at least one of the photovoltaic panels (11), and then positioning the ballast (16A) on said lateral portion.

16. A mounting method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, when the solar installation (1) is in the unfolded position: - the two frames (12) supporting the photovoltaic panels (11) are joined by their inner edges (12C) by means of at least one hinge (13), - the longitudinal portions (14A) of the installation (1) are positioned at right angles to a plane formed by said panels, the locking devices of the hinges (13) and the joints (14C) helping to maintain the installation (1) in the unfolded position.

17. Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, when the installation (1) is in the folded position: - the two frames (12) and the corresponding photovoltaic panels (11) are positioned one above the other, - each longitudinal portion (14A) is folded between the beams (13A) of the hinges (13) and against the corresponding photovoltaic panel (11), so as to reduce the size of said installation.

18. Use of a solar installation (1) according to claim 12, as a coffee table, the photovoltaic panels (11) of the installation (1) being positioned horizontally and parallel to the ground, the installation (1) being configured to be supported on the lower segments (14A.2) of the two supports (14) of said installation.

Images