Photovoltaic panel device and photovoltaic energy production installation comprising at least one such device

Abstract

Title: Photovoltaic panel device and photovoltaic energy production installation comprising at least one such device. The invention relates to a photovoltaic panel device 1 comprising at least two support structures, such as poles, including an upstream 2 and a downstream 3 between which are extended support means 5 for photovoltaic panels 6, 6a. Advantageously, these support means 5 are defined by at least two cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched parallel and spaced apart from each other between two support consoles 8, 9 each of which surmounts one of the support structures 2, 3, on these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c being fixed the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a. The invention relates to a photovoltaic energy production installation comprising at least one such photovoltaic panel device. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic panel device and photovoltaic energy production installation comprising at least one such device

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic panel device, as well as a shade-type photovoltaic energy production installation comprising at least one such device.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of photovoltaic solar energy production and relates, more particularly, to a photovoltaic panel device capable of being extended in height so as to free up the space below for various uses. Thus, such a photovoltaic panel device, according to the invention, will find an application particularly in the field of agrivoltaics.

[0003] For example, document FR 3 110 325 discloses an agrivoltaic installation delimiting a closed enclosure intended for livestock farming. It comprises a series of tables aligned along a general longitudinal axis, preferably between 5 and 15 tables, having a ridge height of 3 to 10 m. Two adjacent tables are separated by a ground width of 6 to 11 m. The supporting structure of each table comprises equidistant posts supporting a framework formed of inclined porticos and horizontal porticos defining an upper inclined plane covered with fixed photovoltaic panels of identical orientation.

[0004] Also known from document FR 3 099 861 is a system of photovoltaic panels and a photovoltaic power plant comprising such a system. This essentially comprises several pairs of guyed poles aligned in a longitudinal direction. At their upper end and between the two poles of a pair of poles, a cable is stretched transversely. Support tubes are fixed in rotation, parallel, equidistant and in a longitudinal direction, to the cables of two successive pairs of poles. Photovoltaic panels are secured to these support tubes. These are attached in pairs radially along these support tubes. These photovoltaic panels extend, substantially, in the same plane and can be oriented by rotation of the support tube to which they are secured.In this regard, at their ends the support tubes are made integral with the cables by fixing means comprising a first part adapted to be fixed to the cable and a second part adapted to be assembled so as to be mobile in rotation relative to said first part.

[0005] Similarly, it is known, from documents WO 2018 / 193 390 and WO 2022 / 029600, a photovoltaic energy production installation for application agricultural, consisting of several longitudinal rows of equidistant poles, these rows extending parallel to each other. Each row of poles supports a rotating support tube from which photovoltaic panels extend radially, themselves pivoting around an axis perpendicular to this support tube. Like a mesh, cables connect the poles of the different rows transversely. In addition, the poles at the periphery of the installation are guyed.

[0006] In each of these solutions described in the state-of-the-art documents cited above, the photovoltaic panels are systematically made integral with a tube or rigid profiles extending between two support posts or between two carrier cables. Such tubes or rigid profiles necessarily have a determined section to avoid their permanent deformation under the simple weight of the photovoltaic panels that they support or the stresses imposed by these photovoltaic panels under the effect of the wind for example. Also, the assembly, tubes or rigid profiles plus photovoltaic panels, represents a significant weight above the support structures making it possible to maintain the photovoltaic panels at height, several meters above the ground.

[0007] Indeed, the interest of such photovoltaic panel devices lies in the possibility of exploiting the ground surface for livestock farming, or even agricultural crops, or other.

[0008] It is understood, obviously, that this weight to be supported has consequences on the characteristics of the support structures which, not only, must be dimensioned accordingly, but, in addition, require significant civil engineering work to ensure their anchoring to the ground.

[0009] The invention aims to provide a photovoltaic panel device of simpler design and implementing means which make it possible to considerably reduce its weight, while providing numerous advantages.

[0010] Thus, it is within the framework of a first inventive approach that we have imagined means of supporting photovoltaic panels in the form of cables which have considerable mechanical resistance and whose flexibility can be used to reduce the constraints imposed on the support structures between which these photovoltaic panels extend.

[0011] Thus the invention relates to a photovoltaic panel device comprising at least two support structures, such as posts, between which are extended photovoltaic panel support means, characterized in that these support means are defined by at least two cables stretched parallel and spaced apart from each other between two support consoles, each of which surmounts one of the support structures, the photovoltaic panels being fixed to these cables.

[0012] The invention also relates to a photovoltaic energy production installation of the shade type, comprising at least one row composed of at least one device of photovoltaic panels according to the invention.

[0013] Advantageously, this installation comprises at least two photovoltaic panel devices arranged parallel to each other and / or one of which constitutes the extension of the other.

[0014] The advantages arising from the present invention consist, essentially, in that the photovoltaic panel device according to the invention is of simple and lightweight design resulting in easy installation conditions, without any significant real constraint, of the civil engineering type, above a ground surface left free for any type of use, in particular for agricultural operations, whether livestock or cultivation.

[0015] In addition, thus stretched between the support structures, the cables and the support consoles at their ends, design a cable beam capable of supporting the photovoltaic panels in a flat manner, while limiting the chain effect.

[0016] Other advantageous aims of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to different embodiments illustrated in the figures of the attached drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of an example of production of a photovoltaic panel device according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detail view of [Fig.l];

[0019] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial representation, seen from above, of the photovoltaic panel device according to a second embodiment;

[0020] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] another representation similar to [Fig.3], illustrating a third embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation and top view of an example of an installation in accordance with the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0022] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5] illustrating the installation according to a second embodiment. ;

[0023] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic and lateral representation of a photo panel voltaic comprising means intended to ensure its attachment to the cables of the photovoltaic panel device according to the invention.

[0024] As shown, in particular in [Fig.l], the present invention relates to a photovoltaic panel device 1. This comprises at least two support structures, one upstream 2 and one downstream 3, which, as illustrated in the figures, can take the form of posts, depending on the case, single or double in the shape of an inverted V, as shown in figures 1 and 2. In short, a support structure 2, 3 is formed, in this case, by two posts 2a, 2b; 3a, 3b spaced apart at their lower end at which they are anchored to the ground and joining at their upper end 4. Obviously, such support structures 2, 3 can take many other forms of embodiment, without departing, however, from the object of the present invention.

[0025] The height of such support structures 2, 3 will be chosen according to the conditions of installation and application of the photovoltaic panel device 1. Similarly, the distance between these support structures 2, 3 of a photovoltaic panel device 1 is variable. For example, it can be 10 meters, or even less, up to 25 meters, or even more.

[0026] Between these two support structures, upstream 2 and downstream 3, are extended support means 5 for photovoltaic panels 6.

[0027] According to the invention, these support means 5 are defined by at least two cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched, parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, between two support consoles 8, 9 each of which surmounts a support structure 2, 3.

[0028] According to another feature of the invention, these support consoles 8, 9 shown in the form of crosspieces 12 in the figures, are mounted in rotation on the support structures 2, 3 in a manner capable of subjecting the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched between these support consoles 8, 9 to a rotation around an axis A parallel to these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0029] If we consider that the support structures 2, 3 extend substantially vertically from the ground and that the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c are stretched substantially horizontally above the ground, we can estimate that the support consoles 8, 9 are mounted in rotation on the support structures 2, 3 around an axis substantially perpendicular to the latter and substantially parallel to the axis of the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0030] The photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are fixed to the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c using suitable fixing means 10. Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a extend in a transverse arrangement, with or without spacing, between the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0031] It should be noted that such photovoltaic panels 6, 6a may be rigid or flexible.

[0032] Depending on the number of cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched between the support brackets 8, 9 and their spacing, one or more photovoltaic panels 6, 6a can be fixed transversely on these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c as visible as examples in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0033] Thus, in figures 1 and 2 illustrating an exemplary embodiment, three cables 7, 7a, 7b are stretched between the support consoles 8, 9, above these cables being fixed, transversely and in pairs 11, the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a. The two photovoltaic panels 6, 6a extend transversely in the extension of one another while being joined at the height of the central cable 7a on which they are fixed jointly.

[0034] In the embodiment corresponding to [Fig. 3], the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a extend, again, transversely and in the extension of one another above the cables, here four in number, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched between the support brackets 8, 9. Each panel 6; 6a of a pair of panels 11 is individually fixed on two cables respectively 7, 7a; 7b, 7c.

[0035] If, in these embodiments corresponding to these figures 1, 2 and 3, the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a or pair of panels 11 are fixed along the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c with systematically a spacing E between them, they can obviously be fixed in a contiguous or quasi-contiguous manner along these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, just as certain panels can be fixed closer to each other, when other photovoltaic panels respect a greater spacing between them along these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0036] The advantage of such a spacing E consists of allowing solar radiation to diffuse between these photovoltaic panels 6, 6a to promote possible ground crops, for example.

[0037] The embodiment example corresponding to [Fig.4] differs from the previous embodiments in that the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are fixed in a staggered pattern above the cables 7, 7a, 7b, here three in number, an arrangement which can be chosen to facilitate the individual fixing of each of the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a on these cables 7, 7a, 7b, but also to create this spacing E promoting the passage of solar radiation.

[0038] According to yet another embodiment not illustrated, transversely above the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, at least two in number, rigid support structures can be fixed on which at least two photovoltaic panels are mounted in a fixed manner. Such a rigid support structure can take the form of at least two metal or synthetic material profiles on which these photovoltaic panels are fixed by designing a table of photovoltaic panels which are attached to the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0039] The support consoles 8, 9 essentially comprise a crosspiece 12 extending substantially perpendicularly to the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c and to which one of the ends 13, 14 of these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c is connected. Such a crosspiece 12 is mounted in rotation about the axis A on a support structure 2, 3 by means of a bearing 15 which these support consoles 8, 9 also comprise.

[0040] At least one 8 of said support consoles 8, 9 is equipped with means drive means 16, preferably motorized, to control the rotation of the associated crosspiece 12 around the axis A and thus ensure the pivoting of the latter. This makes it possible to orient the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a supported by the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c in inclination. The crosspiece 12 of the opposite support console 9 is, depending on the case, mounted freely in rotation by means of the bearing 15 on the support structure 3 concerned, just as this support console 9 can also receive similar drive means 16, preferably operating synchronized with those 16 acting on the crosspiece 12 of the opposite support console 8.

[0041] Note that such drive means 16 can be connected wired or wirelessly, via the internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or otherwise to a control unit which is able to manage the orientation of the photovoltaic panels.

[0042] This orientation can thus be ensured as a function of the position of the sun and the incident angle of the solar radiation and / or the need for photovoltaic energy production and / or the activity to be maintained under a photovoltaic energy production installation according to the invention.

[0043] As an example to which the invention is in no way limited, by suitable orientation of the photovoltaic panels it is possible to promote the passage of solar radiation to irrigate the crops below at certain times of the day and, on the contrary, protect these crops at other times of the day so as to prevent them from drying out.

[0044] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the bearing function can be associated with a connection fitting 15 at the upper end 4 of a double post 2a, 2b in an inverted V defining a support structure 2, 3, the invention obviously not being limited to such an embodiment.

[0045] The invention also relates to a shade-type photovoltaic energy production installation 17, comprising at least one row 18, 18a composed of at least one photovoltaic panel device 1, 1a according to the invention.

[0046] Advantageously, a row 18, 18a comprises substantially in the same longitudinal alignment several photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a.

[0047] Preferably, such an installation 17 comprises several substantially parallel rows 18, 18a of several photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment shown schematically in [Fig.5], two photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a following each other can share, in this case, the support structure 32, at the height of their junction. In short, this defines both the downstream support structure 3 of an upstream photovoltaic panel device 1 and the upstream support structure 2 of a downstream photovoltaic panel device 1a.

[0049] On this support structure 32 can be mounted the downstream support console 9 of the upstream device 1 and the upstream support console 8 of the downstream device 1a. These support consoles 9, 8 can share the same bearing 15 receiving in rotation around the axis A the crosspiece 12 of the downstream support console 9 of the upstream device 1 and that 12 of the upstream support console 8 of the downstream device 1a.

[0050] This shared bearing 15 may be associated with drive means 16, preferably motorized, to control rotation around the axis A of each of the crosspieces 12 of said downstream 9 and upstream 8 support consoles for the simultaneous orientation of the photovoltaic panels 6; 6a of the upstream device 1 and those of the downstream device 1a.

[0051] According to another variant that [Fig.6] wishes to represent, two photovoltaic panel devices 1, following one another can share at the height of their junction a support console 98 comprising a crosspiece 12 to which are fixed the downstream ends 14 of the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c of the upstream device 1 and the upstream ends 13 of the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c of the downstream device 1a.

[0052] Such a crosspiece 12 is then pivotally mounted around a horizontal axis A by means of a bearing 15 surmounting the support structure 32, shared between the upstream device 1 and the downstream device 1a. This bearing 15 can, here again, be associated with drive means 16, preferably motorized, to control rotation around the axis A of this crosspiece 12 for the simultaneous orientation of the photovoltaic panels 6; 6a of the upstream device 1 and those of the downstream device 1a.

[0053] In short, this support console 98 defines both the downstream console 9 of the upstream device 1 and the upstream console 8 of the downstream device 1a.

[0054] According to the invention, each photovoltaic panel device 1,1a can have its own drive means 16, just as single drive means 16 can contribute to the rotational control of the photovoltaic panels of two or more photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a of a row 18; 18a of an installation 17.

[0055] At least the support structures 2, 3 at the ends of each row 18, 18a of photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a are guyed. Advantageously, all the support structures 8, 9 at the periphery of an installation 17 are guyed.

[0056] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates an embodiment of fixing means 10 of a photovoltaic panel 6, 6a on cables 7, 7a, 7b. Such fixing means 10 are in the form of cable clamps 19 fitted on one of the sides or on the periphery of a photovoltaic panel 6, 6a, or even a table of photovoltaic panels. Advantageously, these cable clamps 19 are mounted in a pivoting manner and / or mobile in translation under a photovoltaic panel 6, 6a or a table of photovoltaic panels.

[0057] The invention makes it possible to solve the technical problem of rotating a set of photovoltaic panels 6, 6a fixed on suspended cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c by doing away with any intermediate rigid support. The photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are installed high up on tensioned cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c acting like a beam, limiting the chain effect and the mechanical stresses which can result from it during rotational movements.

[0058] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce ground anchoring and related earthworks. It also opens up the possibility of being installed on existing crops while limiting their degradation.

[0059] The main field of application of an installation according to the invention is its installation on agricultural land. It can be implemented above existing crops, making it possible to protect and improve the yield of these crops, while producing electricity.

[0060] The invention can also be deployed as a shade structure on artificial surfaces such as parking lots or outdoor storage areas.

Claims

Claims

1. Photovoltaic panel device 1 comprising at least two support structures, such as posts, one upstream 2 and one downstream 3 between which are extended support means 5 for photovoltaic panels 6, 6a, characterized in that these support means 5 are defined by at least two cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c stretched parallel and spaced apart from each other between two support consoles 8, 9 each of which surmounts one of the support structures 2, 3, on these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c being fixed the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a.

2. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 1, characterized in that the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a extend in a transverse arrangement with or without spacing between them on the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

3. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 2, characterized in that the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are fixed transversely and in pairs 11 above these cables, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c.

4. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 2 or 3, the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a or pair of panels 11 are fixed along the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c with a spacing E between them.

5. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 2, characterized in that the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are fixed in a staggered pattern above the cables 7, 7a, 7b.

6. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 2, characterized in that transversely above the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, photovoltaic panel tables are fixed, comprising rigid support structures on which at least two photovoltaic panels are mounted in a fixed manner.

7. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support consoles 8, 9 essentially comprise a crosspiece 12 extending substantially perpendicular to the cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c and to which one of the ends 13, 14 of these cables 7, 7a, 7b, 7c is connected, this crosspiece 12 being mounted in rotation around the axis A on an upstream 2 or downstream 3 support structure by means of a bearing 15 which these support consoles 8, 9 also comprise.

8. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to claim 7, ca- characterized in that at least one of said support consoles 8, 9 is equipped with drive means 16, preferably motorized, for controlling the rotation around the axis A of the associated crosspiece 12.

9. Photovoltaic panel device 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic panels 6, 6a are rigid or flexible.

10. Installation 17 for producing photovoltaic energy of the shade type, comprising at least one row 18, 18a composed of at least one device of photovoltaic panels 1, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Installation 17 according to claim 10, characterized in that a row 18, 18a comprises, substantially in the same longitudinal alignment, several photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a.

12. Installation 17 according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises several substantially parallel rows 18, 18a of several photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a.

13. Installation 17 according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least the support structures 2, 3 at the ends of each row 18, 18a of photovoltaic panel devices 1, 1a are guyed and / or the support structures 8, 9 at the periphery of an installation 17 are guyed.

Images