Solar panel shade structure optimized for orientation

Abstract

A solar panel canopy with optimized orientation, comprising: - a supporting structure (1) composed of vertical posts (1a) and horizontal beams (1b), allowing the solar panel installation to be raised to a sufficient height considering the intended use of the covered area; - an orientation structure (2) composed of one or more elements called "ladder beams (2a)" that can be oriented relative to the supporting structure at an azimuth angle specific to the site, so as to align in the direction corresponding to the optimization of energy production; - a set of adjustable connecting parts (4) allowing the orientation structure to be fixed to the supporting structure; - a set of solar panels (3) mounted on the orientation structure at a predefined angle, adapted to the latitude of the site. (See diagram: Figure 4)

Description

Title of the invention: Shade structure with orientation-optimized solar panels

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar panel shade structure (thermal and / or photovoltaic) whose orientation towards the south can be optimized, regardless of the constraints of installation related to the configuration of the site. Previous technique

[0002] It is known to cover artificial surfaces such as parking lots, railway or road rights-of-way, or industrial sites with solar panels (thermal and / or photovoltaic) in order to ensure energy production, in addition to the primary use of the surface thus covered. Such an installation incidentally casts a shadow on the surface concerned, thereby providing it with some cooling during sunny periods and serving as a secondary shade structure.

[0003] Conversely, the practice is sometimes to cover artificial surfaces with shelters in order to protect them from inclement weather and sunlight, and to install solar panels on all or part of these shelters. In this case, we should speak of shade structures with a secondary function of producing solar energy.

[0004] However, the primary purpose of the artificial surfaces concerned (parking, traffic, industrial activity, etc.) imposes a layout pattern which is rarely compatible with the orientation necessary to optimize the performance of solar panels.

[0005] This results in less energy production, or conversely the deployment of a larger number of panels to ensure the same production.

[0006] Indeed, in mid-latitudes, it is common practice to tilt solar panels at a certain angle to the horizontal. For example, in France, the optimal angle is around 30°.

[0007] Such an inclination necessitates orienting the panels towards the south (in the Northern Hemisphere, conversely in the Southern Hemisphere) in order to best cope with the solar radiation. In certain cases, it may be advantageous to orient the panels towards the southwest (or southeast) rather than strictly towards the south, in order to achieve maximum production after (or before) noon, depending on the peak consumption time that one wishes to offset (either by selling the energy or by self-consumption). In all cases, orientation along a defined direction is an essential factor in optimizing the installation.

[0008] However, this orientation rarely coincides with the grid imposed by the main use of the surface in question; in the case of a car park (existing or to be created), the traffic lanes and parking spaces will be located according to the geography of the site, access to the road and the buildings to be served; in the case of a railway right-of-way, the railway tracks and the catenary support network will dictate the configuration of the solar energy production installation; in an industrial site, in addition to these constraints, there will be those of existing networks, possible reservations for future extensions of the site, etc.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to leave the entire ground surface dedicated to its primary function (parking lot, train traffic, industrial installation, etc.), the solar panels must be installed at a sufficient height so as not to interfere with the activity on the ground, relying on vertical supports whose nature and location are extremely constrained by the specific characteristics of the site and the activity carried out there.

[0010] Also, it is only exceptionally that these constraints and the geography of the place will correspond to a layout framework allowing the optimal orientation of the solar panels. Description of the invention

[0011] It is therefore necessary to provide a solution to overcome these difficulties and to overcome the constraints of a site in order to install a solar panel installation optimized in orientation.

[0012] The invention consists of separating the structure that supports the solar panels into two substructures: a. one ensuring the support function of the solar installation, based on the installation framework constrained by the site characteristics b. one ensuring the orientation function, by drawing a second grid independent of the first, allowing for the optimized placement of solar panels

[0013] [Fig-1] represents the basic principle of the 2 structures allowing the optimization of the orientation of the shade structure

[0014] [Fig.2] represents the 2 differentiated orientations of the grid on the ground and the surface solar panels Summary of the invention

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a solar panel shade structure comprising: a. A load-bearing structure (1) composed of vertical posts (la) and horizontal beams (1b), allowing the solar panel installation to be raised to a sufficient height with regard to the use which is to be made of the covered area. b. An orientation structure (2) composed of one or more elements called "ladder beams (2a)" themselves formed of horizontal stringers (2b) and crossbeams (2c), which can be oriented relative to the supporting infrastructure at an azimuth angle specific to the site concerned, so as to align in the direction corresponding to the optimization of energy production. This orientation structure is fixed to the supporting structure by means of adjustable connecting pieces (4). c. A set of solar panels (3) mounted on the orientation structure, at a predefined angle adapted to the latitude of the site. The solar panels will be spaced so as not to shade each other during the hours of strongest sunlight.

[0016] [Fig.3] represents the different structural elements and their orientations

[0017] [Fig.4] Exploded view - Identification of the different elements

[0018] [Fig.5] Exploded view - Placement of the superstructure on the infrastructure

[0019] [Fig. 6] View of the assembled work - Aerial view

[0020] [Fig.7] View of the assembled work - View from below the work

[0021] [Fig.8] shows the placement of the vertical posts Detailed description of the infrastructure

[0022] On the surface to be covered (parking lot, road or railway right-of-way, industrial site, etc.), vertical posts (la) are arranged according to a grid defined according to the geographical and / or operational constraints of the surface concerned.

[0023] For example, in the case of a parking lot, these posts will be installed on the boundaries of each parking space, so as not to interfere with vehicle maneuvers, the opening of doors, or, where applicable, the connection to electric vehicle charging stations.

[0024] These posts (la) rise to a sufficient height to allow the continued exploitation of the surface concerned according to its original use.

[0025] These posts are anchored in concrete blocks whose dimensions will be calculated taking into account the various constraints to which the whole installation will be subjected, according to the mechanical load that will be applied to it (depending on the number and size of the solar panels installed and their ancillary equipment) and the conditions prevailing on the site considered (wind, earthquake, snow, etc.).

[0026] [Fig.8] illustrates this implementation

[0027] The upper ends of the posts forming a single line are connected to each other by horizontal beams (1b), so as to create a set of parallel horizontal beams. This set of parallel crossbeams is oriented either in the direction of the longest column alignment, or, conversely, perpendicular to it; the choice of this orientation being made according to the topographical orientation of the column grid, as will be explained later.

[0028] [Fig.9] illustrates the horizontal beams

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the posts (la) can be arranged in 2 rows, so as to support two parallel horizontal beams (1b) oriented along the longitudinal axis of the ground grid

[0030] [Fig. 10] illustrates the longitudinal axis

[0031] Alternatively, the posts (la) of each row will be arranged in pairs so as to support a horizontal beam (1b) oriented along the transverse axis of the grid on the ground.

[0032] [Fig. 11] illustrates the transverse axis

[0033] According to a 3rd arrangement, in certain application cases it will suffice to have only one row of posts (la), located in the center of the ground grid and each supporting a single horizontal beam (1b) oriented along the transverse axis of the ground grid.

[0034] [Fig. 12] presents a variant of the transverse axis

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the beams (1b) shall be arranged horizontally. Alternatively, they may be arranged with a certain inclination to the horizontal, in order to accommodate, where appropriate, the inclination of the grid on the ground.

[0036] [Fig. 13] presents a variant with inclination relative to the horizontal

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the infrastructure can develop along its longitudinal axis without any limit other than that fixed by the available ground space.

[0038] [Fig. 14] shows the development along the longitudinal axis (X-axis)

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, the infrastructure can develop along its transverse axis, without any limit other than that fixed by the available ground space.

[0040] [Fig. 15] represents the development along the transverse axis (Y-axis)

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vertical posts (la) and beams (1b) are made of metal profiles. They can be clad with wood, concrete, stone, etc., or any other cladding that allows them to be dressed up and better integrated architecturally.

[0042] Alternatively, the vertical posts (la) and beams (1b) can also be made of wood, concrete, glued laminated timber, composite materials or a mixture of these technical solutions.

[0043] The assembly formed by the vertical posts (la) and the supporting beams (1b) constitutes the infrastructure (1) of the shade structure with oriented solar panels, the subject of the present invention. Detailed description of the superstructure

[0044] A second framework (2) is placed on several (at least two) lines of horizontal load-bearing beams (1b).

[0045] [Fig. 16] shows the superposition of the 2 structures

[0046] This framework consists of several assemblies called "ladder beams" (2a), themselves composed of 2 stringers (2b) connected by crossbeams (2c) in order to form a sufficiently rigid frame The width of this ladder beam corresponds to the largest dimension of the solar panels (3a) Its length is defined by the number of panels it is equipped with.

[0047] [Fig. 17] represents the ladder beam

[0048] The superstructure consists of several ladder beams with a variable grid pitch.

[0049] [Fig. 18] represents the alignment of the different ladder beams

[0050] The ladder beams can be mechanically joined together by connecting pieces. This arrangement may prove necessary for the ladder beams located at the two lateral ends of the superstructure

[0051] [Fig. 19] represents the assembly with connecting parts

[0052] Solar panels are mounted on the ladder beams according to a given grid spacing. The ladder beam stringers (2a) allow the passage of the connecting cables for the solar panels.

[0053] [Fig.20] illustrates the installation of the solar panels on the ladder beam

[0054] Several ladder beams (2a) equipped with solar panels (3a) are arranged parallel side by side on the infrastructure (1) The assembly formed by these ladder-beams (2a) and the solar panels (3) which they support constitutes the superstructure (2) of the shade structure with oriented solar panels, the subject of the present invention.

[0055] [Fig.21] illustrates the complete assembly of the superstructure

[0056] According to another aspect of the present invention, the surface covered by the superstructure (2) is not limited to the surface circumscribed by the grid of vertical columns (la): the ladder beams (2a) may extend beyond the crossbeams of the substructure on either side, within the limits of the cantilever acceptable with regard to the mechanical constraints (loads, wind, snow, earthquake, etc.). Thus, in the case of a In a parking lot, it may be possible to cover not only the parking spaces, but also the traffic lanes.

[0057] [Fig. 22] illustrates the overhang of the superstructure relative to the substructure.

[0058] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ladder beams are made of metal profiles. They can be clad with wood, concrete, stone, etc., or any other cladding that allows them to be dressed up and better integrated architecturally.

[0059] The superstructure consists of ladder-like beams equipped with inclined solar panels. The superstructure is placed on the load-bearing beams of the infrastructure. Description of the solar panel mounting.

[0060] The solar panels are fixed by means of accessories (angle brackets (3b) and brace (3c) allowing the solar panels (3a) to be arranged and held one behind the other on the ladder beam, with an inclination relative to the horizontal, between 20 and 60° and defined according to the latitude of the site and the energy production objectives (for the same latitude, a low inclination will favor a peak in production at the times of the day when the sun is highest in the sky, while a higher inclination will favor a more regular production throughout the day).

[0061] [Fig.23] illustrates the solar panel mounting accessories

[0062] Solar panels of varying dimensions can be implemented in French or Italian style formats

[0063] [Fig.24] illustrates the French or Italian style layout

[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, it is possible to combine several solar panels so as to form a larger assembly, supported by a wider ladder beam.

[0065] [Fig.25] summarizes the French-style layout

[0066] [Fig.26] summarizes the Italian-style layout

[0067] The solar panels (3a), whether of thermal and / or photovoltaic type, are installed on the ladder beams (2a), using right-angle supports (3b) and braces (3c) or any other system allowing their inclination relative to the horizontal at an angle adapted to the latitude of the site.

[0068] [Fig.27] illustrates the adjustment of the tilt of the solar panel

[0069] Similarly, the distance between two solar panels on the same ladder beam will be such that the shadow cast at the beginning and end of the day by one panel on the panel located immediately behind it will be minimized.

[0070] [Fig.28] illustrates the distance between 2 solar panels

[0071] According to another aspect of the present invention, the solar panels (3a) can be installed either "in a column" one behind the other perpendicularly on the ladder beam (2a), or "in a line" one next to the other along the ladder beam, each solar panel (3) being supported on one side by one of the longitudinal beams constituting the ladder beam by means of bracket supports (3b) and, on the other side, by the other longitudinal beam constituting the ladder beam by means of a bracket support + brace system (3b + 3c). This alternative configuration will optimize the number of ladder beams (2a) and adjustable connecting pieces (4) needed to orient the solar panels (3a) in the direction best suited to the site constraints.

[0072] [Fig.29] illustrates the column arrangement

[0073] [Fig.30] illustrates the online layout Detailed description of the assembly of the structures

[0074] Each ladder beam (2a) rests on the infrastructure via adjustable connecting pieces (4). These connecting pieces allow the angle formed by the axis of each ladder beam and that of the horizontal beams (1b) of the infrastructure (1) to be adjusted, so as to allow the superstructure (2) to be oriented in the desired direction (generally south in the northern hemisphere) in order to optimize energy production.

[0075] [Fig. 31] illustrates the angle of positioning of the ladder beam on the infrastructure

[0076] The connecting pieces (4) consist of: a. A stirrup called "lower" (4a) allowing attachment to the beams (la) of the infrastructure (1). b. A horizontal plate (4b) c. A so-called “upper” stirrup (4a) allowing attachment to the spars (2b) of the ladder beam (2a).

[0077] [Fig.32] illustrates the connecting piece

[0078] The lower bracket (4a) is drilled with at least 4 holes allowing the insertion of studs which ensure the fixing of the bracket (4a) with the horizontal plate (4b). The upper bracket (4c) is drilled with at least 2 oblong holes allowing the insertion of screws which secure the bracket (4c) with the horizontal plate (4b). The stirrups (4a and 4c) are fixed to the beams (la) of the substructure and to the stringer (2b) of the ladder beam (2a) using the so-called "crap-fastening" technique. Alternatively, other fixing techniques may be used (bolting, welding, etc.).

[0079] [Fig.33] illustrates the assembly of the connecting piece and the beams

[0080] The horizontal plate (4b) is drilled with 8 holes regularly spaced in a circle with an angular spacing of 45°. These holes are tapped to allow the upper bracket (4c) to be fixed by the screws passing through the oblong holes in the latter. The combination of the 8 holes in the plate (4b) and the oblong shape of the holes in the upper bracket (4c) allows adjustment of the angle between the axis of the superstructure and that of the ladder beam and, thus, adjustment of the orientation of one relative to the other.

[0081] [Fig.34] illustrates the different orientations of the assemblies

[0082] According to another aspect of the present invention, the design of the holes in the upper bracket allows for continuous adjustment from 0 to 45°. When the angle required for proper orientation of the solar panels is greater than 45°, the crossbeams (1b) forming the infrastructure (1) with the vertical posts (la), instead of connecting them along the axis of the longest post alignment, are positioned perpendicular to this axis. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the post grid, it is possible to align the axis of the ladder beams in the desired direction.

[0083] [Fig.35] illustrates the orientations of the different structures

[0084] [Fig.36] illustrates the attachment for double-spars

[0085] [Fig.37] illustrates the fixing with elongated plates Description of structure combinations

[0086] According to another aspect of the invention, a. the principle of separating the infrastructure and the superstructure b. the use of load-bearing beams oriented alternately along the longitudinal axis or the transverse axis for the construction of the infrastructure c. the use of ladder beams, equipped with solar panels oriented alternately parallel to the axis of the ladder beam or perpendicular to the axis of the ladder beam d. the use of the adjustable and orientable connecting piece to ensure the mechanical connection of the superstructure oriented onto the infrastructure,

[0087] allows 4 generic "infrastructure-superstructure" combinations.

[0088] Combination No. 1 is defined by the assembly of: a. an infrastructure whose load-bearing beams (1b) are placed on the columns (la) along its longitudinal axis b. a steerable superstructure, whose ladder beams (2a) are equipped with solar panels arranged perpendicular to the axis of the ladder beam

[0089] [Fig.38] illustrates the orientation of combination No. 1

[0090] [Fig.39] illustrates the positioning of the structures in combination No. 1

[0091] If the use of this combination is particularly suitable for sites where the infrastructure orientation is between an azimuth of 270° to 315° and 45° to 90° and associated with a superstructure whose orientation axis is North-South, its use is not limited to these orientations alone.

[0092] Combination No. 2 is defined by the assembly of: a. an infrastructure whose load-bearing beams (1b) are placed on the columns (la) along its transverse axis b. a steerable superstructure, whose ladder beams (2a) are equipped with solar panels, arranged perpendicular to the axis of the ladder beam

[0093] [Fig. 40] illustrates the orientation of combination No. 2

[0094] [Fig.41] illustrates the positioning of the structures in combination No. 2

[0095] While the use of this combination is particularly suitable for sites where the infrastructure orientation is between an azimuth of 270° to 315° and 45° to 90° and associated with a superstructure whose orientation axis is North-South, its use is not limited to these orientations alone.

[0096] Combination No. 3 is defined by the assembly of: a. an infrastructure whose load-bearing beams (1b) are placed on the columns (la) along its longitudinal axis b. a steerable superstructure, whose ladder beams (2a) are equipped with solar panels arranged parallel to the axis of the ladder beam

[0097] [Fig.42] illustrates the orientation of combination No. 3

[0098] [Fig.43] illustrates the positioning of the structures in combination No. 3

[0099] While the use of this combination is particularly suitable for sites where the infrastructure orientation is between an azimuth of 270° to 315° and 45° to 90° and associated with a superstructure whose orientation axis is North-South, its use is not limited to these orientations alone.

[0100] Combination No. 4 is defined by the assembly of: a. an infrastructure whose load-bearing beams (1b) are placed on the columns (la) along its transverse axis b. a steerable superstructure, whose ladder beams (2a) are equipped with solar panels arranged parallel to the axis of the ladder beam

[0101] [Fig.44] illustrates the orientation of combination No. 4

[0102] [Fig.45] illustrates the positioning of the structures in combination No. 4

[0103] While the use of this combination is particularly suitable for sites where the infrastructure orientation is between an azimuth of 315°- 0° 45° and associated with a superstructure whose orientation axis is North-South, its use is not limited to these orientations alone. Advantages of the invention

[0104] The advantages of the present invention are as follows: a. Whatever the installation constraints related to the characteristics or activity carried out on the surface (parking lot, storage site, railway right-of-way, etc.) concerned, the solar panels can be oriented in the direction that is most suitable with regard to the energy production objectives. b. When optimally oriented, solar panels will have a faster return on investment; symmetrically, the same energy production target can be achieved by implementing fewer solar panels. c. The load-bearing infrastructure / superstructure orientation arrangement offers the possibility of covering with solar panels not only the usable surfaces of the site (parking spaces, storage area, etc.) but also ancillary surfaces such as traffic lanes. d. The design principle of the load-bearing infrastructure, like that of the orientation superstructure, allows for its standardized manufacture in a workshop. e. The simplicity of the supporting infrastructure, composed simply of vertical posts (la) and longitudinal beams (1b), makes it possible to consider its implementation with limited technical means, in successive phases, without interruption of the main activity of the site. f. The design principle of the load-bearing superstructure with its ladder beams allows for the assembly of the latter on the ground, in the workshop or on the work area, integrating all the necessary equipment (solar panels, inverters if photovoltaic panels, hydraulic system if thermal panels, wiring and control equipment, etc.), and carrying out the various checks and tests necessary before lifting by crane and installation on the load-bearing structure. g. The principle of solar panels installed on a metal frame type structure generates discontinuous shading on the ground, similar to that created by a pergola, avoids the lead-line effect of a continuous roof, allows rainwater to flow through and facilitates access to the solar panels and their ancillary equipment which can be ensured for maintenance thanks to simple platforms. h. These characteristics, along with the modular design, are conducive to more harmonious architectural integration and a reduction in mechanical stresses (wind resistance), and consequently, in the dimensions of the structure. i. The simplicity of the design and the reduced nomenclature of parts and elements necessary for the construction of a structure, with regard to the number of possible infrastructure / superstructure combinations (a minimum of 2 combinations per azimuth of orientation)

[0105] [Fig.46] presents the simplified nomenclature

[0106] [Fig.47] illustrates the recommended configurations according to the orientation

Claims

Demands

1. An orientation-optimized solar panel canopy comprising: a. A supporting structure (1) composed of vertical supports (1a) and horizontal beams (1b), enabling the solar panel installation to be raised to a sufficient height in relation to the intended use of the covered area. b. An orientation superstructure (2) composed of at least one, but more often several, ladder beams (2a), themselves composed of horizontal stringers (2b) and crossbeams (2c), which can be oriented relative to the supporting structure at an azimuth angle specific to the site concerned, so as to align in the direction corresponding to the optimization of energy production. c. Adjustable connecting pieces (4) enabling the fixing and orientation of the ladder beams on the supporting structure. These connecting pieces may be single, double, or widened. d.A set of solar panels (3), of thermal or photovoltaic types, mounted on the orientation structure, according to a predefined inclination adapted to the latitude of the site concerned.

2. Solar panel shade structure according to claim 1 in which the load-bearing and orientation structures are metal frames.

3. Solar panel shade structure according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the load-bearing (1) and orientation (2) structures comprise standard profiles of the "I" beam type, of standardized "IPN" profile and / or of European standardized "IPE" beam type.

4. Solar panel shade structure according to claim 1 in which the load-bearing (1) and orientation (2) structures comprise elements made of wood, concrete, glued laminated timber, composite materials or a mixture of these technical solutions.

5. A solar panel canopy according to the preceding claims comprising a superstructure (2) formed of at least one but more often several ladder beams (2a), on which are solar panels (3) mounted at a predefined angle adapted to the latitude of the site concerned: a. Either, one behind the other, perpendicular to the axis of the ladder beam, spaced far enough apart to minimize the shadow cast at the beginning and end of the day by one panel on the panel directly behind it. b. Or, one next to the other, along the axis of the ladder beam

6. Solar panel canopy according to the preceding claims comprising adjustable connecting pieces (4), allowing the orientation of the solar panels to be independent of the orientation of the supporting infrastructure (1)

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