Solar System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar system (1), a solar shade (3) configured to be placed in a crop area (5), the solar shade (3) comprising at least one solar panel (7) designed to generate energy; The present invention relates to a solar system (1) comprising a storage unit (9a, 9b) for the energy produced by the solar panel (7).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to solar systems, and more particularly to solar systems intended to be installed in crop areas, such as fields. [Background technology]

[0002] Photovoltaic farms, comprising a large number of photovoltaic panels configured to supply the power grid, are highly developed, especially in rural or desert areas. However, such photovoltaic farms tend to compete with other uses of the soil, especially crops, and the transmission of electrical energy generated by these farms to populated areas can be difficult and lead to significant losses.

[0003] In addition, rural areas and especially farms may have significant energy needs, especially to power agricultural equipment, local industries (such as the food industry), local communities or local charging stations. With climate change, it is also important to protect crops from weather-related costs such as cold or extreme heat to avoid significant losses in production during severe weather conditions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To at least partially overcome these drawbacks, the present invention aims to allow the installation of solar panels in agricultural areas without the removal of crops, limiting the transmission of the energy generated by the solar panels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To this end, the present invention comprises: a solar shade configured to be placed in a crop area, the solar shade comprising at least one solar panel configured to generate energy; and a storage unit for the energy generated by the solar panel.

[0006] The use of solar shades in crop areas allows for the generation of energy while at least partially protecting the crop areas, and in addition, the use of storage units associated with the solar shades allows for the use of the generated energy at any desired time, thus expanding the possible uses of the generated energy.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar panel is a hybrid solar panel configured to produce thermal energy and electrical energy, and the solar system also includes a fluid circuit in fluid communication with the hybrid solar panel.

[0008] Hybrid solar panels make it possible to produce both thermal energy, which can be used in particular to grow crops, and electrical energy, which can be supplied, for example, to agricultural equipment.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar system also includes a thermal circuit configured to provide thermal regulation to the crop area. According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal circuit is a hydraulic thermal circuit, the hydraulic thermal circuit being in fluid contact with the fluid circuit to allow fluid to pass from the fluid circuit to the hydraulic thermal circuit.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the storage unit is a tank located at the interface between the fluid circuit and the hydraulic thermal circuit. According to another aspect of the invention, the tank is an underground tank.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar system also comprises a heat exchanger in the hydraulic-thermal circuit or in the fluid circuit, the heat exchanger allowing the use of different fluids in the fluid circuit and in the hydraulic-thermal circuit.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar panel generates electrical energy and the thermal circuit is an electric thermal circuit configured to provide thermal conditioning to the crop area from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the electro-thermal circuit comprises the following equipment: heating resistors or electric convectors placed within the crop area; -Conditioned air circulation system.

[0014] - at least one of the heating elements configured to blow air onto the crops; According to another aspect of the invention, the storage unit comprises the following means: -Electrochemical storage means such as batteries, - thermochemical storage means, - gas compression means, -Heat storage hub, at least one of the thermomechanical storage means.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar system also comprises an apparatus for drying agricultural stock, the drying apparatus being powered from electrical energy stored in the storage unit.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar system also includes a charging station for the agricultural equipment, the charging station being powered from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a solar system comprises an electric appliance intended to be placed in an agricultural building, the electric appliance being powered from electric energy stored in a storage unit.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a solar shade includes a movable element and an electric motor configured to move the movable element, the electric motor being powered from electrical energy stored in a storage unit.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the movable element allows for modifying the orientation of the solar panels as well as the shadow cast from the solar shade onto the crop area. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description and the accompanying drawings, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a solar system according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a diagram of the fluid and thermal circuits. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a fluid circuit comprising a heat exchanger and a thermal circuit. [Figure 3b] 1 shows a diagram of a thermal circuit comprising a thermal fluid circuit and an exchanger. [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a solar system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a solar system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In these figures, identical elements are given the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment or that a feature applies only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or exchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a solar system 1 according to the invention. The solar system 1 comprises at least one solar shade 3 configured to be arranged in a crop area 5. The solar shade 3 is, for example, arranged above the crop area 5. Alternatively, the crop area 5 may comprise alternating rows of crops and rows of solar shades 3.

[0024] The solar shade 3 comprises at least one solar panel 7. In the case of Fig. 1, the solar shade 3 comprises ten solar panels 7, but of course a different number of solar panels 7 can be arranged on the solar shade 3. The solar panels 7 can be configured to produce electrical energy (photovoltaic panels) or to produce thermal energy by heating a heat transfer fluid, e.g. water. The solar panels 7 can also be hybrid solar panels configured to produce both electrical and thermal energy.

[0025] The solar system 1 also comprises at least one storage unit 9a, 9b for the energy generated by the solar panel 7. The solar system 1 may comprise several storage units 9a, 9b for the generated energy, in particular a first storage unit 9a configured to store the thermal energy generated by the solar panel 7 and a second storage unit 9b configured to store the electrical energy generated by the solar panel 7.

[0026] Thus, different technologies can be used for the storage units 9a, 9b, whether for storing thermal or electrical energy. The various technologies include, inter alia, electrochemical storage means such as batteries, thermochemical storage means, gas compression means, thermal storage hubs, thermomechanical storage means.

[0027] In addition, the type of storage units 9a, 9b selected also depends on the duration of the storage, especially the heat storage, considered. In fact, different storage periods can be defined depending on the requirements. For example, so-called seasonal storage, in which heat is stored during a first season, for example the hot season (summer), and then returned in a second season, for example the cold season (winter). Such seasonal storage can be carried out via underground storage, for example by an aquifer that is provided with at least two wells connecting a deep aquifer (for example 1000-2000 m). One or more wells are used for the extraction of water, the other wells for the reinjection of water, whereby the aquifer is always in a state of hydraulic equilibrium. In this case, it is the water itself that ensures the storage of heat. Underground storage can also be carried out via geothermal probes placed at a depth of 50-300 m. Heat pumps can be used to extract the heat from the geothermal probes. Storage can also be carried out in the form of geothermal wells. Phase change materials or thermochemical reactions employing hydrated salts can also be used, especially for seasonal storage.

[0028] In other applications daily heat storage can be used by storing heat during the day and regenerating at night; these applications can use water tanks or phase change materials such as paraffin.

[0029] The techniques described above are generally used for heat transfer fluid temperatures below 100° C. At temperatures above 100° C., oil bath storage or solid path storage, e.g., on rock, concrete or ceramic, can also be used.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, the first storage unit 9a may be a tank of a heat transfer fluid, for example a water or oil tank (especially if the temperature exceeds 100°C), for example buried. The tank 9a in Fig. 1 can therefore be replaced by one of the storage technologies cited above. It is even possible to combine different storage technologies distributed over several storage units 9a. In the case of Fig. 1, the second storage unit 9b is a battery or a set of batteries making it possible to store the electrical energy generated by the solar panel 7.

[0031] The solar system 1 may also comprise a fluid circuit 11 in fluid connection with the solar panel 7. The fluid circuit 11 makes it possible to circulate a heat transfer fluid, for example water, behind the solar panel 7 and to allow at least a part of the heat generated by the solar panel 7 to be recovered. The fluid circuit 11 may comprise a reservoir 9a in which the heated heat transfer fluid is stored after passing behind the solar panel 7, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The fluid circuit 11 therefore forms a loop for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the tank 9a and the solar panel 7. The heat transfer fluid is circulated, for example, via a pump 15 in the fluid circuit 11. The pump 15 is controlled, for example, by a processing unit of the solar system 1, which is configured to activate the pump 15 when the heat transfer fluid has to be circulated in the fluid circuit 11. This circulation can take place all the time or only at certain given times or during certain given seasons, for example during the day and off at night or during summer and off in winter. The operation of the pump 15, and therefore the circulation, can also be determined as a function of the external temperature, for example the temperature measured at the solar panel 7 and / or the measured temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the tank 9a. The solar system 1 can also comprise a thermal circuit configured to provide thermal conditioning to the crop area 5. In the case of Figs. 1 and 2, the thermal circuit is a hydraulic thermal circuit 13, which is in fluid contact with the fluid circuit 11, for example via the reservoir 9a. The fluid circuit 11 therefore makes it possible to heat the heat transfer fluid in the tank 9a and the hydraulic thermal circuit 13 makes it possible to circulate the heated heat transfer fluid in the crop area 5, for example to allow the crop to grow or to prevent the crop from freezing. The hydraulic thermal circuit 13 is formed, for example, by a tube 16 arranged at the root of the crop or buried close to the crop. The hydraulic thermal circuit 13 comprises, for example, a pump 17, independent of the pump 15 of the fluid circuit 11, for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the tank 9a and the crop area 5. The pump 17 is controlled, for example, by a processing unit of the solar system 1 which is configured to operate the pump 17 when the heat transfer fluid has to be circulated in the hydraulic heat circuit 13 .This circulation can take place constantly or only at certain defined times or during certain defined seasons, for example during the night or in winter and off during the day or in summer. The operation of the pump 17, and thus the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the hydraulic heat circuit 13, can also take place in response to a measured temperature, for example the external temperature measured at the crop and / or the measured temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the tank 9a.

[0032] According to a first particular embodiment, shown in figure 3a, a heat exchanger 19 is arranged in the fluid circuit 11 so that the heat transfer fluid circulating behind the solar panel 7 can be different from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the storage unit 9a. The different heat transfer fluids can be water, aqueous solutions, oil or air.

[0033] According to a second particular embodiment, shown in figure 3b, a heat exchanger 19 is arranged in the hydraulic heat circuit 13 so that the heat transfer fluid circulating in the storage unit 9a can be different from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the crop area 5. The different heat transfer fluids can be water, an aqueous solution, oil or air.

[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the solar panel is a hybrid 7, photovoltaic and heat transfer solar panel, but the solar panel 7 can be a purely thermal solar panel 7 as in FIG. 2. In this case, the solar system 1 only comprises a first storage unit 9a (without a second storage unit 9b or an equipment associated with the second storage unit 9b). Alternatively, the solar panel can also be purely photovoltaic and associated with a second storage unit 9b, as shown in FIG. 6 (in this case, there is neither a first storage unit 9a nor an equipment associated with the first storage unit 9a, or alternatively, the first storage unit 9a, where the stored heat is obtained by converting the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic panel 7, can replace or supplement the storage unit 9b). For example, an electric heat circuit 25 can be used, comprising a heating resistor placed on the crop and supplied via the storage unit 9b.

[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second storage unit 9b makes it possible to store the electric energy generated by the solar panels 7. The second storage unit 9b is, for example, made by one or more batteries. The solar system 1 may also comprise a charging station 21 for the agricultural equipment 27. The charging station 21 is powered from the electric energy stored in the storage unit 9b or directly by the solar panels 7. The second storage unit 9b can also be used for other uses, in particular for a thermal circuit 13 used to grow crops, instead of or in addition to a hydraulic thermal circuit as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. In this case, the thermal circuit is an electric thermal circuit 25 comprising a heating resistor 23, an electric convector, a conditioned air circulation device or a heating element arranged in the crop area 5, such as a heating element arranged to blow air on the crops or arranged to heat a fluid intended to be stored or circulated in the crops.

[0036] Several second storage units 9b can be used for different applications. For example, in Fig. 4, the second storage units 9b are used to supply the electrical equipment of the agricultural building 50, for example the lighting or heating of the agricultural building 50. The fluid circuit 11 can then be used for thermal conditioning of the agricultural building, as shown in Fig. 4. The hydraulic heat circuit 13 associated with the fluid circuit 11 can also be used for thermal conditioning of crops in combination with the electric heat circuit 25.

[0037] According to an embodiment not shown, the solar system 1 comprises a device for drying agricultural stocks, which is powered from a second storage unit 9b, which can therefore be used to power various electric devices of an agricultural operation, for example electric pumps of an irrigation or watering circuit.

[0038] According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the solar shade 3 comprises a movable element. In this case, the solar shade 3 comprises a support 30 configured to move, the solar shade 3 being arranged, for example, on a rolling device 31, and a first electric motor 41 configured to drive the rolling device 31 to allow the movement of the solar shade 3. In addition, the solar panel 7 can be mounted to pivot on the support 30, and the second electric motor 43 can be configured to allow the tilt of the solar panel 7 to be adjusted. The tilt of the solar panel 7 can be controlled during the day, for example, as a function of the angle of incidence of the sun's rays, in order to obtain an optimal efficiency of the solar panel 7. Alternatively, the solar panel 7 can have a fixed tilt or the support 30 can be fixed with respect to the floor. The first electric motor 41 and the second electric motor 43 are then powered from the electric energy stored in the second storage unit 9b. Such a motorized solar shade 3 makes it possible to control the shadow cast on the crop area 5 adjacent to the solar shade 3 and thus to minimize or maximize this shadow depending on, for example, the season and / or the temperature.

[0039] In the embodiment of figures 1 and 4 the solar panel is a hybrid solar panel 7, but the solar panel 7 can also be a pure photovoltaic panel 7 as in figure 5. Alternatively, the solar panel 7 can also be a pure thermal solar panel 7 with a fluid circuit 11 and a hydraulic heat circuit 13, making it possible to regulate the temperature of the crops or even of the agricultural building.

[0040] As mentioned above, the different features of the different embodiments can be combined or rearranged to provide new configurations of the solar system 1 according to the needs of the farm. Thus, the size and number of the solar panels 7 and storage units 9a, 9b can be adjusted to obtain the desired energy production.

[0041] Therefore, the use of a solar system 1 comprising a solar shade 3 placed in a crop area 5 and associated with storage units 9a, 9b for the energy generated by the solar shade 3 makes it possible to install the solar system 1 without removing the crop area 5 and to provide thermal regulation of the crops through the thermal circuits supplied by the storage units 9a, 9b, in particular to allow the crops to grow or not freeze. The solar shade 3 also limits drying out in high heat by providing shade to the crops, and thermal control can be used to limit heating of the crops by circulating a heat transfer fluid at temperatures below the outdoor temperature, for example through the use of buried tanks.

[0042] In addition, the use of the solar panels 7 also makes it possible to provide a power source that can be used by the solar shade 3 itself or by agricultural equipment located close to the solar shade 3, which makes it possible to limit the distance between the solar panels 7 and the place where the generated electrical energy is used. Such a system makes it possible to obtain a power source in the crop area 5, which can be located in rural areas off the power grid, and provides energy autonomy for the agricultural operation, since the electrical equipment can be supplied by the energy generated by the solar shade 3 and stored in the storage unit 9b.

Claims

1. A solar system (1), - A solar shade (3) configured to be disposed within a crop area (5), the solar shade (3) comprising at least one solar panel (7) designed to generate energy, A storage unit (9a, 9b) for the energy generated by the solar panel (7), the solar system (1).

2. The solar panel (7) is a hybrid solar panel configured to produce thermal energy and electrical energy, and the solar system (1) also comprises a fluid circuit (11) fluidly connected to the hybrid solar panel (7), the solar system (1) according to claim 1.

3. The solar system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a thermal circuit (13, 25) configured to provide thermal regulation to the crop area (5).

4. The thermal circuit (13, 25) is a hydraulic thermal circuit (13), and the hydraulic thermal circuit (13) is in fluid contact with the fluid circuit (11) so as to allow the passage of fluid from the fluid circuit (11) to the hydraulic thermal circuit (13), the solar system (1) according to claim 3.

5. The storage unit (9a, 9b) is a reservoir (9a) disposed at the interface between the fluid circuit (11) and the hydraulic thermal circuit (13), the solar system (1) according to claim 4.

6. The reservoir (9a) is an underground tank, the solar system (1) according to claim 5.

7. The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a heat exchanger (16) within the hydraulic thermal circuit (13) or the fluid circuit (11).

8. The solar panel (7) generates electrical energy, and the thermal circuit (13, 25) is an electrical thermal circuit (25) configured to provide thermal regulation to the crop area (5) from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit (9b), the solar system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

9. The electrical thermal circuit (25) has the following equipment: - A heating resistor (23) or an electric convection device disposed within the crop area (5), - A regulating air circulation device, The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one heating element configured to blow air onto the crop.

10. The storage unit (9a, 9b) has the following means: - Electrochemical storage means such as a battery, - Thermochemical storage means, - Gas compression means, - Heat storage hub, - The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one of thermomechanical storage means.

11. The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a device for drying agricultural stock, the drying device being powered from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit (9a, 9b).

12. The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a charging station (21) for agricultural equipment (27), the charging station (21) being powered from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit (9b).

13. The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising electrical equipment intended to be arranged within an agricultural building (50), the electrical equipment being powered from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit (9b).

14. The solar shade (3) comprises a movable element and an electric motor (41, 43) configured to move the movable element, the electric motor (41, 43) being powered from the electrical energy stored in the storage unit (9b). The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. The movable element enables correction of the orientation of the solar panel and the shadow projected onto the crop area (5) from the solar shade (3). The solar system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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