Solar energy harvesting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar energy harvesting system comprising a pillar (22) and at least one solar module (23) supported by said pillar (22), and being notable in that it further comprises an inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure, said inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure having lateral surfaces forming an inverted pyramidal or inverted cone-shaped trunk (21), an apex and a base (20), said apex being fixed to said pillar (22), the at least one solar module (23) comprising a plurality of solar (23) and / or photovoltaic modules spaced apart from one another; said plurality of solar (23) and / or photovoltaic modules extending along the base (20) of the inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure, and the lateral surface being shaped to collect the water to be harvested and to guide it towards a conduit formed in the pillar (22). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Solar energy harvesting system Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar energy harvesting system. It is applicable in the field of renewable energies. Previous technique

[0002] A solar energy harvesting system is a technology that captures and converts sunlight into usable energy. Harnessing a renewable and inexhaustible energy source, these systems use photovoltaic panels or solar thermal collectors.

[0003] These systems are generally installed in residential, commercial and industrial infrastructures.

[0004] The surface of the photovoltaic panels or solar thermal collectors receives rainwater which is not collected.

[0005] One of the problems we are trying to solve is how to collect rainwater from a solar energy recovery system while ensuring solar energy production. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0007] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a solar energy recovery system that also allows efficient rainwater collection unlike solar energy recovery systems.

[0008] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a solar energy recovery system comprising a pillar and at least one solar module supported by said pillar and being notable in that it further comprises an inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure, said inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure comprising lateral surfaces forming an inverted pyramidal or inverted cone, an apex and a base, said apex being fixed with said pillar, the at least one solar module comprising a plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic modules spaced apart from each other, and configured to allow water to pass through to be recovered;said plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic modules extending along the base of the structure in the shape of an inverted pyramid or inverted cone, and the lateral surface being shaped to collect the water to be recovered and to guide it towards a pipe made in the pillar.

[0009] The base provides support and a large surface area to be exposed to sunlight to generate electricity.

[0010] The combination of spaced solar modules not only allows solar energy to be captured but also allows rainwater to pass through. This means that the system can simultaneously generate electricity and collect water, thus increasing the overall utility of the device and the efficiency of the resources.

[0011] The inverted pyramidal or inverted conical shape of the structure creates water recovery across the entire surface of the solar energy recovery system. The water is directed towards the center of the structure, where it is collected. This configuration allows the water to be efficiently channeled to a centralized pipe within the pillar, thus reducing water losses and maximizing the amount of water recovered.

[0012] It should also be noted that this inverted pyramidal or inverted conical shape also provides a function of dressing up the solar energy recovery system, the recovery system thus presenting a more aesthetic appearance than those of the prior art solar energy recovery systems which have only one support pillar to support the solar module(s).

[0013] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0014] In one embodiment, said lateral surface of the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure comprises a web positioned between the base and the pillar.

[0015] Thanks to these arrangements, the added fabric between the base and the pillar provides structural reinforcement by distributing wind loads more evenly over the lateral surface. This improves the overall stability of the structure and reduces the risk of damage in extreme weather conditions. It also provides efficient water recovery across the entire surface of the solar energy recovery system while redirecting this water to the center of the structure for collection in the conduit within the pillar.

[0016] In one embodiment, said canvas is a Polyvinyl chloride canvas, better known by the acronym PCV, and advantageously includes a personalized area.

[0017] Thanks to these provisions, the fabric benefits from good waterproofing and can have a personalization of its covering.

[0018] In one embodiment, the polyvinyl chloride fabric has a layer of polyvinyl chloride coating on one face of the fabric opposite the base.

[0019] Thanks to these arrangements, the fabric benefits from optimized sealing on the side intended to guide water towards the conduit provided in the pillar.

[0020] In one embodiment, the conduit provided in the pillar is connected to an external water redistribution network.

[0021] Thanks to these provisions, rainwater is collected and reused in other sectors.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure includes a horizontal position and / or at least one inclined position; said inclined position being a position in which the base forms an angle other than 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar; said horizontal position being a position in which the base forms an angle substantially of 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar.

[0023] Thanks to these arrangements, the inclined base position allows for greater efficiency in solar energy harvesting. The horizontal position, on the other hand, provides more homogeneous rainwater collection.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system has the horizontal position and at least one inclined position, and in which the system is mobile between the horizontal position and at least one inclined position, the system further advantageously comprising a displacement device shaped to move it from the horizontal position to the inclined position.

[0025] Thanks to these provisions, the displacement device makes it possible to adapt the system to lighting conditions and in particular to the orientation of solar radiation.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure has curved edges.

[0027] In one embodiment, the base includes metal crossbars on which the solar modules are fixed.

[0028] Thanks to these arrangements, the metal crossbeams make it possible to define the shape of the structure and to provide support for the solar modules.

[0029] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a shelter device for a vehicle or for people comprising a solar energy recovery system.

[0030] The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this device being similar to those of the solar energy recovery system which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a shelter assembly for vehicles or for people comprising a plurality of energy recovery systems, said energy recovery systems being preferably juxtaposed two by two by one of the sides of the base of one with at least one side of another base of the other.

[0032] The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this assembly being similar to those of the solar energy recovery system which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures

[0033] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Fig. 1 represents a solar energy recovery system;

[0035] Fig. 2 represents the solar energy recovery system with a projection view;

[0036] The [Fig.3] represents the variant of the inverted pyramidal trunk;

[0037] Fig. 4 represents the solar energy recovery system from a top view;

[0038] Figure 5 represents a juxtaposition of several solar energy recovery systems. Description of the implementation methods

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a solar energy recovery system.

[0040] It should be noted that, according to an example of application of the invention, the system of Solar energy recovery can be used as a vehicle shelter. This shelter thus provides, in addition to its functions of solar energy and rainwater harvesting, a protective function for vehicles, shielding them from solar radiation and / or inclement weather.

[0041] According to another application example, the solar energy recovery system can be a shelter for people, such as a school playground shelter, a restaurant terrace cover or a shelter for spectators around a sports field.

[0042] This device comprises an inverted pyramid-shaped structure, and a pillar 22.

[0043] This inverted pyramid-shaped structure comprises a base 20, a trunk 21, and a vertex.

[0044] According to an unillustrated variant, the structure has an inverted conical shape.

[0045] The top of the structure being fixed in a rigid manner to the pillar 22.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the base 20 of the structure is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0047] Base 20 includes a solar energy recovery system comprising a plurality of solar modules 23.

[0048] The solar energy recovery system is arranged over the entire base 20.

[0049] The base 20 includes metal crossbars 24 on which the solar modules 23 are fixed.

[0050] According to one variant, the cross members 24 are made of galvanized steel.

[0051] According to another variant, the crossbars 24 are made of stainless steel.

[0052] According to an example produced, each solar module 23 is separated by a predefined space. There is also a predefined space between the periphery of the base and the solar modules 23.

[0053] According to a realized example, the water flows between the solar modules according to the predefined space. This prevents the water from stagnating on base 20.

[0054] The pyramidal trunk 21 includes a web connecting the base 20 to the pillar 22.

[0055] According to a completed example, the canvas is made of PVC. The acronym PVC stands for " Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer produced from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. PVC has the advantage of being waterproof.

[0056] Similarly, such a PVC-based fabric, that is, one containing PVC, offers significant advantages over other types of waterproof fabrics or materials. Indeed, a PVC-based fabric generally exhibits: - good resistance to tearing and breakage, - relatively high fire resistance, - good dimensional stability over time, - resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and - good resistance to weathering, particularly to low temperatures and snow.

[0057] Therefore, within the framework of this embodiment, such a PVC-made canvas is particularly advantageous compared to other alternatives, notably those mentioned later in this document.

[0058] The PVC fabric may, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, comprise a polyester yarn fabric and a polyvinyl chloride coating. According to another embodiment, the PVC fabric may comprise a natural fiber fabric and a polyvinyl chloride coating. According to an advantageous embodiment, the PVC fabric may have the polyvinyl chloride coating layer on one face of the fabric opposite the base 20 of the structure. Such a coating layer on the face opposite the base 20 of the structure ensures complete waterproofing of the fabric against water flowing from the solar modules 23.

[0059] The PVC canvas can be neutral, i.e. have a solid color, or advantageously be personalized, i.e. have patterns printed on its surface.

[0060] Pillar 22 includes a conduit that is connected to an external water distribution network. Alternatively, the conduit in pillar 22 can be connected to a rainwater storage system to allow for subsequent use, for example for watering.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure has curved edges.

[0062] According to one variant, the canvas is waxed and customizable. This allows for personalization of the fabric's finish or color. According to other variants, the canvas can be made of water-repellent polyester (PES) or polyamide (or nylon).

[0063] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows the solar energy recovery system with a projection view.

[0065] The inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped trunk 21 has a horizontal position and / or at least one inclined position. The inclined position is one in which the base 20 forms an angle other than 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar 22. The horizontal position is one in which the base 20 forms an angle of approximately 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar 22. In one example, the inclination is approximately 30°.

[0066] The inclined position is a trunk position option 21.

[0067] During system installation, the inclination can be adapted to the installation location and is irreversible after assembly.

[0068] This allows the solar modules 23 to be calibrated according to the position of the sun.

[0069] According to one variant, the system includes a displacement device shaped to move it from the horizontal position to the inclined position, tilting the base 20 relative to the pillar 22.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows the variant of the inverted pyramidal trunk.

[0071] The inverted pyramidal trunk 21 covers the entire surface of the base 20. The apex of the non-curved inverted pyramidal shape is fixed to the pillar 22.

[0072] This figure shows a base 20 in a horizontal position. The solar modules 23 are positioned horizontally.

[0073] Figure 4 shows the solar energy harvesting system from a top view.

[0074] The solar modules 23 are positioned on the crossbeams 24 of the base 20.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the space between each solar module 23 measures between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a juxtaposition of several solar energy recovery systems.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the solar energy recovery systems are juxtaposed on one side of the base with at least one other solar energy recovery system.

[0078] The solar modules 23 and the inverted pyramidal trunks 21 are juxtaposed.

[0079] This juxtaposition allows vehicles or people to be sheltered around each pillar 22 in the context of the present application example of the invention.

[0080] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0081] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 Base 21 Trunk 22 Pillar 23 Solar Module 24 Crossbeam

Claims

Demands

1. A solar energy recovery system comprising a pillar (22) and at least one solar module (23) supported by said pillar (22) and characterized in that it further comprises an inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure, said inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure comprising lateral surfaces forming an inverted pyramidal or inverted cone-shaped trunk (21), an apex and a base (20), said apex being fixed with said pillar (22), the at least one solar module (23) comprising a plurality of solar (23) and / or photovoltaic modules spaced apart from each other, and configured to allow water to be recovered to pass through; said plurality of solar (23) and / or photovoltaic modules extending along the base (20) of the inverted pyramid or inverted cone-shaped structure and the lateral surface being shaped to collect the water to be recovered and to guide it to a conduit formed in the pillar (22).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said lateral surface of the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure comprises a web positioned between the base (20) and the pillar (22).

3. System according to claim 2, wherein said fabric is a Polyvinyl Chloride fabric, better known by the acronym PCV, and advantageously comprises a customized area.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the Polyvinyl Chloride fabric has a layer of Polyvinyl Chloride coating on one face of the fabric opposite the base (20).

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conduit provided in the pillar (22) is connected to an external water redistribution network.

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure has a horizontal position and / or at least one inclined position; said inclined position being a position in which the base (20) forms an angle other than 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar (22); said horizontal position being a position in which the base (20) forms an angle substantially of 90° with a longitudinal axis of the pillar (22).

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the system has the horizontal position and at least one inclined position, and wherein the system is mobile between the horizontal position and at least one inclined position, the system further advantageously comprising a displacement device shaped to move it from the horizontal position to the inclined position.

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inverted pyramid or inverted conical structure has curved edges.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (20) comprises metallic crossbars (24) on which the solar modules are fixed.

10. A shelter device for a vehicle or for persons comprising a solar energy recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A shelter assembly for vehicles or for persons comprising a plurality of energy recovery systems according to claim 10, said energy recovery systems being preferably juxtaposed two by two by one of the sides of the base of one with at least one side of another base of the other.

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