Pedestal having at least one photovoltaic element and use of photovoltaic element on pedestal

Abstract

To effectively use, in particular, a pedestal for the generation of energy, in particular without compromising the effectiveness of a wind turbine structure, the pedestal having photovoltaic elements and the use of photovoltaic elements on the pedestal.SOLUTION: At least one photovoltaic element 3 is disposed on a pedestal 1. The photovoltaic element 3 is a flexible photovoltaic element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to at least one flexible photovoltaic element for converting the radiant energy of light into electrical energy, in particular a solar cell, provided on a column, a wind turbine structure for converting the fluid energy of wind into electrical energy using at least one flexible photovoltaic element for converting the radiant energy of light into electrical energy, in particular a solar cell, and the use of at least one flexible photovoltaic element, in particular a solar cell, on the column or on the wind turbine structure.

Background Art

[0002] The generation of electrical energy from renewable sources is playing an increasingly important role, and in particular the generation of electrical energy from solar energy and wind energy is particularly important.

[0003] The generation of electrical energy from light using solar cells is known from the prior art. Solar cells are known in various embodiments. Solar cells are made from a photovoltaic layer, which is usually incorporated into a frame. Such solar panels can be mounted on buildings, in particular on roofs, or in open spaces.

[0004] The generation of electrical energy from wind using a wind turbine structure is likewise known from the prior art. A wind turbine structure is formed from a vertically standing column and a turbine provided with a rotor blade arranged at one end of the column.

[0005] The use of a wind turbine structure and a solar cell together to generate electrical energy is likewise known. Various rotor blades for a wind turbine structure with solar cells are known from the prior art.

[0006] US Patent Application No. 5,254,876 A discloses a combination of a wind turbine structure and a solar cell arranged on the rotor blade of the wind turbine structure.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. 7,045,702 discloses a windmill equipped with solar panels, and the solar panels are arranged on the blades of the windmill.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8,288,884 B1 discloses a wind turbine structure incorporating solar panels, and the solar panels are attached to the tower of the wind turbine structure. The solar panels are attached to the tower by additional structures, and the solar panels are displaceable and / or tiltable.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a column provided with at least one photovoltaic element and a wind turbine structure provided with such a column, without the following-described drawbacks occurring. In particular, the surface of the column, especially the surface of the column of the wind turbine structure, can be used more effectively for energy generation, and in particular, higher efficiency is achieved when individual cells are partially and / or completely shaded.

[0010] However, in the prior art, there are drawbacks in a configuration in which solar cells are directly arranged on the surface of the column. In particular, solar panels arranged on a frame attached to the surface of the column project from the column for most of its surface. As a result, the solar panels are particularly vulnerable to damage by weather, especially strong winds, and affect the wind flow in the rotor blades, and as a result, the effectiveness of the wind turbine structure is significantly reduced. Similarly, solar cells attached to the rotor blades or solar panels attached to the blades are exposed to much stronger forces due to rotation and also affect the wind flow in the rotor blades.

[0011] Therefore, a combination of a wind turbine structure and a photovoltaic system known in the prior art is disadvantageous as long as the effectiveness of the wind turbine structure is impaired. However, in the prior art, there is no disclosure of a column in which a photovoltaic element is integrally arranged without a gap on the surface of the column and is particularly bonded thereto with an adhesive.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is based on the object of providing a column provided with at least one photovoltaic element for converting the radiant energy of light, in particular sunlight, into electrical energy and / or a wind turbine structure provided with such columns, in which the aforementioned disadvantages do not occur, and in particular the columns can be effectively used for energy generation and in particular the effectiveness of the wind turbine structure is not impaired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims of the patent claims. Advantageous refinements become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0014] This object is achieved in particular by providing a column provided with at least one photovoltaic element for converting the radiant energy of light, in particular sunlight, into electrical energy, the at least one photovoltaic element being arranged on the column and the at least one photovoltaic element being a flexible photovoltaic element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic element is connected in a form-fitting manner along the shape of the support column and is attached substantially without gaps, in particular complementary to the surface shape of the support column. In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element is integrally connected without gaps to the surface of the support column along the surface shape of the support column, and at least one photovoltaic element is fixed in such a way that at least most of it is protected from the effects of weather, in particular sleet, hail, snow or wind. This is particularly advantageous when installing at least one photovoltaic element on a wind turbine structure, since the wind turbine structure is intentionally, frequently and more strongly installed in windy areas. The support column according to the invention with at least one photovoltaic element has advantages over the prior art. An effective combination of the generation of electrical energy from wind energy and the generation of electrical energy from solar energy is possible as an advantage. The surface of the support column is advantageously used effectively, since the installation of another photovoltaic element is not obstructed, in particular by a frame such as a conventional photovoltaic element. As an advantage, in particular by a gapless integral attachment of the photovoltaic element directly along the surface shape of the support column, the photovoltaic element can be stabilized and / or other components such as a frame or framework for attachment can be dispensed with. The solar cell is advantageously attached along the surface shape of the support column and is thus less susceptible to damage caused by wind and other weather effects. The noise generated by the wind is advantageously reduced compared to a normally protruding solar panel. As an advantage, the existing surface of the support column is used to arrange the photovoltaic element and thus no additional surface is required. The photovoltaic element is advantageously adapted to the shape of the support column, and as a result, higher stability with respect to strong winds and damage caused thereby is achieved. The flexible photovoltaic element is advantageously particularly lightweight, and as a result, more photovoltaic elements can be attached to the support column without exceeding a certain weight.

[0016] The pedestal is also to be understood as meaning, in particular, a pillar, in particular a bridge pillar or a support column, a tower, in particular a chimney, a flue, a transmission or power transmission column, or a television tower, or a silo, or a telephone, telegraph, or overhead line, or a street lamp post, or an iron tower. In a preferred embodiment, the pedestal is the pedestal of a wind turbine structure.

[0017] The photovoltaic element is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a photoelectric cell or a solar cell. The photovoltaic element is, in particular, a module composed of a plurality of cells that can be connected in series or in parallel, and preferably, the longest dimension of one cell extends over the length or the width of the module.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible photovoltaic element is a flexible solar cell, in particular a CIS, CIGS, GaAs or Si cell, a perovskite-type cell, or an organic photovoltaic element (OPV), in particular a polymer organic photovoltaic element, or an organic photovoltaic element based on small molecules. The photovoltaic element is particularly preferably a flexible organic photovoltaic element (OPV) based on small molecules.

[0019] The organic photovoltaic element (OPV) is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a photovoltaic element having at least one organic photoactive layer.

[0020] Small molecules are to be understood as meaning, in particular, non-polymeric organic molecules with a monodisperse molar mass of 100 to 2000 g / mol, which are in the solid phase at room temperature under normal pressure (the air pressure of the ambient atmosphere). In particular, small molecules have photoactivity, and photoactivity means that when light is introduced, the molecule changes its charged state and / or its polarization state.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the organic optoelectronic device is formed from at least one battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery is designed as a single cell, a tandem cell, or a multi-cell. Tandem cells and multi-cells consist of at least two batteries stacked on top of each other between the electrodes, and each battery includes at least one photoactive layer. The term photoactive layer is understood to mean a layer or laminate within the battery that contributes to the generation of charge carriers in the organic optoelectronic device. Thus, the organic optoelectronic device can also have additional layers, such as charge carrier transport layers, which may be doped. One possible design of the organic optoelectronic device is disclosed in WO 2004 / 083958 A2, WO 2011 / 013219 A1, WO 2011 / 138021 A2, and WO 2011 / 161108 A1.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the photoactive layer has small molecules.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plurality of batteries are arranged side by side with respect to each other as strips having contacts and are connected in series. Each battery has its own base electrode and top electrode. The series connection is achieved, for example, by electrically connecting the base electrode of one battery to the top electrode of the next battery. In one embodiment, each battery or a set of batteries is assigned a bypass diode incorporated therein or an element for avoiding losses when in the shadow.

[0024] In one embodiment, the photoactive layer comprises a light-absorbing material, which is volatile and deposited on the carrier film by vapor deposition. For this purpose, materials belonging to the group of "small molecules" are used, which are described in particular in WO 2006 / 092134 A1, WO 2010 / 133208 A1, WO 2014 / 206860 A1, WO 2014 / 128278 A1, EP 3187496 A1, and EP 3188270 B1.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element is further provided with at least one deposited barrier layer and / or encapsulated therein to minimize degradation due to external influences. Furthermore, a passivation layer can be deposited to protect at least one photoactive layer and / or a planarization layer can be deposited.

[0026] It should be understood that a flexible photovoltaic element means a photovoltaic element that can be bent and / or stretched in a specific area.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the bending radius of the flexible photovoltaic element is less than 50 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, or preferably less than 10 cm, or preferably less than 5 cm. The flexibility of the flexible photovoltaic element is preferably characterized by this bending radius. This ensures that the flexible photovoltaic element can conform to the surface shape of the column.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible photovoltaic element has a positive temperature coefficient. As a result, the flexible photovoltaic element can be placed directly on the surface of the column without a gap along its shape. This is because no distance is required for the rear ventilation of the flexible photovoltaic element.

[0029] The length direction is understood to particularly mean the direction of the longest range of the leg post or the photovoltaic element. In particular, the length direction is the longest range of the leg post on which the photovoltaic element is arranged in the wind turbine structure. The length direction is particularly the direction in which the leg post is properly installed, that is, the vertical direction.

[0030] The transverse direction is understood to particularly mean the direction perpendicular to the length direction, that is, the horizontal direction.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element is arranged vertically and / or horizontally on the leg post based on the longest range of the photovoltaic element and / or the arrangement of the cells of the photovoltaic element.

[0032] According to a developed form of the present invention, at least one flexible photovoltaic element is arranged vertically and / or horizontally and / or obliquely with respect to the longest range of the leg post. At least one photovoltaic element can here be arranged on leg posts of different designs.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element extends over at least a majority of the entire length of the leg post.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the leg post is 2 m, preferably 3 m, preferably 5 m, preferably 10 m, preferably 20 m, preferably 30 m, preferably 50 m, preferably 80 m, preferably 100 m, preferably 120 m, or longer.

[0035] According to a developed form of the present invention, the leg post is made to have at least two rows of flexible photovoltaic elements. At least two rows of flexible photovoltaic elements are arranged vertically and / or horizontally and / or obliquely with respect to the longest range of the leg post, and one row preferably has at least two flexible photovoltaic elements.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element is arranged vertically and / or horizontally with respect to the length direction of the leg post.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the width of at least one photovoltaic element is greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 30 cm, preferably greater than 50 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, preferably greater than 80 cm, or preferably greater than 1 m.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the length of at least one photovoltaic element is longer than 2 m, preferably longer than 5 m, preferably longer than 6 m, or preferably longer than 10 m.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of at least one photovoltaic element is adapted to the range of the column, whereby at least most of the surface of the length of the column is used. In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of the plurality of photovoltaic elements attached to the column are different.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of photovoltaic elements are arranged on the column, and in particular, the photovoltaic elements are arranged flat with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic elements are arranged parallel to each other on the column. In a preferred embodiment, the column is completely or almost completely covered by the photovoltaic elements.

[0041] According to a developed form of the invention, the column is made to have a conical shape, and the diameter of the column decreases at least partially from the bottom to the top (in the longitudinal direction of the column). In an alternative embodiment, the column is cylindrical. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the column is represented by an area surrounded by a curve.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element is designed as a flexible film coated with at least one photoactive layer, and the flexible film is preferably conformable to the surface and in particular stretchable within certain limits, whereby differences in length and / or width can be compensated for.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the leg post is smaller than its extent in the longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the leg post is at least 8 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 70 cm, preferably at least 1 m, or preferably at least 2 m.

[0044] According to a development of the invention, at least one flexible photovoltaic element is made to be attached to the leg post integrally, in particular by bonding with an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, at least one flexible photovoltaic element is fixed on the leg post.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element has an adhesive coating on the back surface, so that as a result, at least one photovoltaic element can be attached to the surface, in particular can be bonded by an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive coating extends over the entire back surface of the photovoltaic element or at least over most of the entire back surface. As a result, no additional framework and / or frame is required to attach at least one photovoltaic element, and as a result, the installation of at least one photovoltaic element is easier and less expensive.

[0046] According to a development of the invention, the flexible photovoltaic element is made to be attached without a gap so as to complementarily follow the surface shape of the leg post.

[0047] The arrangement of the photovoltaic elements on the leg post, in particular the installation of the photovoltaic elements on the leg post, consists in particular of connecting the photovoltaic elements in series and / or in parallel.

[0048] According to the developed type of the present invention, the interconnection of the photovoltaic elements is made to be regionally separated from each other. Preferably, the photovoltaic elements aligned in the first compass direction on the pillar are separated from the interconnection part on that pillar in the second compass direction. Preferably, each interconnection part operates within the electrical operating area, and in particular in each case, an inverter, in particular a three-phase inverter, is assigned. As a result, the generation of electrical energy by the photovoltaic elements at different times of the day depending on the solar radiation accordingly is particularly effective.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the cables of the interconnection parts run horizontally or vertically between the photovoltaic elements.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the interconnection part of the photovoltaic elements aligned in the southeast / east direction on the pillar is separated from the interconnection part of the photovoltaic elements aligned in the southwest / west direction on the pillar. The compass direction refers to the position in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. The polar state in the Southern Hemisphere is the opposite of that in the Northern Hemisphere. In a preferred embodiment, the interconnection part, in particular the cable of the interconnection part, is at least partially fixed by a magnetic attachment and / or cable duct incorporated in particular on the surface of the pillar. The pillar preferably has at least one hole leading into the interior of the pillar, and the cable of the interconnection part is led into the interior of the pillar. In a preferred embodiment, the interconnection parts of a plurality of photovoltaic elements pass through one hole. In a preferred embodiment, the pillar has a plurality of holes leading into the interior of the pillar. For each row of photovoltaic elements, preferably one hole is provided through which the cable of the interconnection part is led into the interior of the pillar.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic elements are arranged according to the radiation of the sunlight incident on the surface of the pillar, and the photovoltaic elements are preferably arranged on the side of the pillar facing the strong incident solar radiation.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the support column has a power storage unit for storing electrical energy, in particular an accumulator, which is operatively connected to at least one photovoltaic element, so that the electrical energy generated by the at least one photovoltaic element can be stored.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the support column has at least one cavity, and cables, converters, and / or power storage units, in particular accumulators, can be arranged in at least one cavity.

[0054] The photovoltaic element, in particular a solar cell, includes at least one layer of organic battery and at least two contacts. The contact close to the substrate is called the base contact or base electrode, and the contact far from the substrate is called the upper contact or upper electrode.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic element is installed, which may be partially shaded during use. In particular, improved efficiency and longer service life of the photovoltaic element can be obtained regardless of being partially shaded.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element has an integrated bypass diode, and the bypass diode is printed or vapor-deposited on the battery of the photovoltaic element. The bypass diode is sandwiched between a common base electrode and an upper electrode. In particular, when an individual photovoltaic element is partially shaded, for example, by the rotor blade of a wind turbine structure, this prevents the shaded battery from becoming a diode reverse-biased with respect to the non-shaded or less shaded batteries connected in series with it, thus preventing the outflow of electrical energy that would have an adverse effect on the efficiency of the module.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the bypass diode is arranged in parallel with the plurality of photovoltaic cells. As a result, when (partially) shaded, as the current in the cells decreases, the reverse current of the cells at a certain voltage can be increased more.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the bypass diode is arranged in parallel with the strip of photovoltaic cells or incorporated into the strip of photovoltaic cells.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic element is connected via an inverter.

[0060] The object of the present invention is also achieved by providing a wind turbine structure for converting the fluid energy of wind into electrical energy, comprising a column according to the present invention with at least one photovoltaic element for converting the radiant energy of light into electrical energy, in particular according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above. The wind turbine structure has a column and a turbine part comprising rotor blades, the turbine part being arranged at one end of the column, the generator being drivable by the turbine part, and at least one flexible photovoltaic element being arranged on the column. Thereby, the advantages already described in connection with the column with at least one photovoltaic element are obtained for the wind turbine structure.

[0061] The prior art does not disclose any wind turbine structure having a flexible photovoltaic element arranged directly on the surface of the column of the wind turbine structure without gaps so as to complement its shape.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic element is designed as a system for generating energy from the radiant energy of light. In a preferred embodiment, the wind turbine structure is designed as a system for generating electrical energy from wind power. In a preferred embodiment, the system for generating energy by at least one photovoltaic element is connected to the system for generating energy by the wind turbine structure.

[0063] It is possible to concurrently generate electrical energy from a wind turbine structure and a photovoltaic element, which has the advantage that the photovoltaic element mounted without a gap with respect to the surface so as to complementarily follow the surface shape of the column does not cause any turbulent flow of wind that would impair the generation of energy by the turbine part equipped with rotor blades. In particular, due to the mirror surface and / or color effect on the photovoltaic element, birds are advantageously prevented from approaching the wind turbine structure. The function of the rotor blades of the wind turbine structure is advantageously not impaired. The effectiveness of the wind turbine structure is advantageously increased by combination with the photovoltaic element. The electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic element can be advantageously used to operate the wind turbine structure, particularly during a windless state.

[0064] The wind turbine structure is understood to particularly mean a windmill, a wind turbine, or a wind energy converter. The wind turbine structure converts wind energy, i.e., the fluid energy of the wind, into electrical energy, which can then be supplied to the power grid. The wind turbine structure can be installed at an appropriate location in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the energy generated by at least one photovoltaic element can be used to operate the wind turbine structure, particularly to start the turbine part, support the turbine part, and for lighting and / or control devices.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the turbine part is arranged on the column so as to be rotatable with respect to the column.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the turbine part is operatively connected to a generator, so that wind energy can be converted into electrical energy as a result.

[0068] According to the developed type of the present invention, at least one photovoltaic element is arranged at least regionally laterally around the longitudinal axis of the column, preferably around the entire longitudinal axis of the column. At least one photovoltaic element, in particular a photovoltaic element arranged laterally around the longitudinal axis of the column, is preferably bonded to the surface of the column by an adhesive.

[0069] According to the developed type of the present invention, the wind turbine structure is made to have a plurality of flexible photovoltaic elements. In particular, the first interconnecting part of the flexible photovoltaic element attached to the surface of the column in the first compass direction is separated from the second interconnecting part of the flexible photovoltaic element attached to the surface of the column in the second compass direction. In particular, they are not operatively connected to each other. The two interconnecting parts are preferably each operated within an electrical operating region, and in particular an inverter, in particular a three-phase inverter, is assigned to each of them.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, at least one photovoltaic element, in particular a solar cell, is further arranged on the rotor blade of the wind turbine structure.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the wind turbine structure is installed on land or on water, is floating, or is firmly fixed to the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the wind turbine structure is installed on a plain or hilly terrain, in particular in a mountain range.

[0072] The object of the present invention is also achieved by providing the use of at least one flexible photovoltaic element on a column or the use of at least one flexible photovoltaic element on a wind turbine structure, in particular according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above. By using at least one flexible photovoltaic element on the column and the use of at least one flexible photovoltaic element on the wind turbine structure, the advantages already described in connection with the column and / or the wind turbine structure are obtained in particular.

[0073] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0074]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0075] Exemplary Embodiment Figure 1 shows schematic diagrams in the front view (Figure 1B) and two side views (Figure 1A and 1C) of the first embodiment of a wind turbine structure 7 according to the present invention having a column 1 with a flexible photovoltaic element 3.

[0076] In this exemplary embodiment, the column 1 is the column 1 of the wind turbine structure 7. However, the column 1 can also be a column 1 independent of the wind turbine structure 7. The column 1 can be made of wood, steel, particularly a steel framework, and / or concrete.

[0077] The column 1 has a photovoltaic element 3, particularly a solar cell 21, for converting radiant energy of light, particularly sunlight, into electrical energy, and the photovoltaic element 3 is arranged on the column 1. The photovoltaic element 3 is a flexible photovoltaic element 3, particularly an organic photovoltaic element 3 based on small molecules. In this exemplary embodiment, the photovoltaic element 3 is bonded to the surface of the column 1 with an adhesive. For this purpose, the back surface of the photovoltaic element 3 can be coated with an adhesive.

[0078] There is shown in Fig. 1 a wind turbine structure 7 having a support column 1 provided with a photovoltaic element 3 for converting the fluid energy of wind into electrical energy, for converting the radiant energy of light into electrical energy. The wind turbine structure 7 has a support column 1 and a turbine portion 9 provided with rotor blades 11, and the turbine portion 9 is arranged at one end of the support column 1. The generator is drivable by the turbine portion 9 and converts wind energy into electrical energy. The generator can be arranged within the turbine portion 9 or within the cavity of the support column 1. The photovoltaic element 3 is a flexible photovoltaic element 3.

[0079] In this exemplary embodiment, the flexible photovoltaic element 3, i.e., the solar cell 21, is a flexible organic photovoltaic element (OPV) based on small molecules, but the use of other flexible photovoltaic elements 3 is also conceivable.

[0080] In this exemplary embodiment, the height of the support column 1 of the wind turbine structure 7 is 80 m, but other heights are also conceivable. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the solar cells 21 are arranged on the support column 1 up to a height of 50 m, and the installation of the solar cells 21 starts at a height of about 3 m.

[0081] The dimensions of the solar cell 21 (HeliaSol® 308 - 5986) are 5,986×0.308 m, and for example, a total of 120 such solar cells 21 are arranged on the support column 1. However, the dimensions of the solar cells 21 can be adapted to the dimensions of the support column 1. Each of the HeliaSol® has two connection parts on the front of the module. The azimuth of the module is variable, and the inclination of the module on the surface of the support column 1 is 90°. The widths of the individual solar cells 21 arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are the same, but it is also conceivable to arrange solar cells 21 of different widths adjacent to each other. In this exemplary embodiment, 8 rows of solar cells 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the support column 1.

[0082] In this exemplary embodiment, the solar cell 21 is arranged horizontally around the support column 1, that is, in the horizontal direction of the solar cell elements with respect to the length direction of the support column 1.

[0083] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the solar cell 21 is arranged longitudinally on the support column 1, that is, parallel to the length direction of the support column 1.

[0084] In an improved version of the present invention, the flexible photovoltaic element 3 is arranged horizontally and / or longitudinally, especially obliquely, with respect to the longest range of the support column 1.

[0085] In another improved version of the present invention, the support column 1 has a plurality of rows of flexible photovoltaic elements 3, and the plurality of rows of flexible photovoltaic elements 3 are arranged horizontally and / or longitudinally, especially obliquely, with respect to the longest range of the support column 1, and one row has at least two flexible photovoltaic elements 3.

[0086] In this exemplary embodiment, the support column 1 has a conical shape, and the diameter 5 of the support column 1 decreases at least partially from the bottom to the top.

[0087] In such a conical profile of the diameter of the support column 1 in this exemplary embodiment, the number of photovoltaic elements 3 arranged adjacent to each other horizontally decreases from the bottom to the top in the length direction of the support column 1. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to adapt the dimensions of the photovoltaic elements 3 to the diameter of the support column 1.

[0088] In another improved version of the present invention, the flexible photovoltaic element 3 is arranged horizontally at least regionally around the longitudinal axis of the support column 1, preferably around the entire longitudinal axis of the support column 1.

[0089] In another improved version of the present invention, the flexible photovoltaic element 3 is attached without gaps so as to complementarily follow the surface shape of the support column 1 by bonding the flexible photovoltaic element 3 to the surface of the support column 1 with an adhesive.

[0090] In this exemplary embodiment, the first interconnecting portion 13 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the flexible photovoltaic element 3 attached to the surface of the column 1 at the first compass bearing 15 is separated from the second interconnecting portion 17 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C) of the flexible photovoltaic element 3 attached to the surface of the column 1 at the second compass bearing 19. The two interconnecting portions 13, 17 each operate within the electrical operating region, and in particular, an inverter is assigned in each case.

[0091] In this exemplary embodiment, the interconnecting portion 17 of the solar cell 21 arranged in the southeast / east direction is separated from the interconnecting portion 13 of the solar cell 21 arranged in the southwest / west direction. Due to the separate interconnecting portions 13, 17 that depend on the compass bearings 15, 19, the column 1 is divided into two regions, one region facing the southeast / east direction and one region facing the southwest / west direction (based on the compass bearings at a position in the northern hemisphere of the earth). The inverters assigned to each of these regions are connected to 60 solar cells 21. The inverters are two MPPT (maximum power point tracking) inverters having three phases. The maximum output of the inverters is 4.68 kW. The voltage range is from a minimum of 200 V to a maximum of 495.6 V, and the maximum current intensity is 16.3 A for one inverter and 9.78 A for one MPPT.

[0092] In an improved type of the present invention, the interconnecting portions 13, 17, in particular, the cable paths of the interconnecting portions 13, 17 are arranged at least partially horizontally and vertically between the photovoltaic elements 3.

[0093] In another improved type of the present invention, a cable duct through which the cable is guided is arranged within the surface of the column 1.

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment, the solar cells 21 are arranged on the support posts 3 in the east (FIG. 1A), south (FIG. 1B), and west (FIG. 1C) of the compass direction, and no solar cells 21 are arranged in the north direction. As a result, the solar cells 21 are particularly well aligned according to the incident radiation of sunlight. This is because in the north direction, a lower sunlight input is expected. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, it is conceivable that the solar cells 21 are additionally arranged in the north direction, especially to make the most use of and protect as much of the surface of the entire support post 1 as possible.

[0095] The connection of the solar cells 21 extends through cables that are guided externally in a lateral direction with respect to the support post 1 between the solar cells 21, and one cable is guided between every other row of solar cells 21 (when viewed in the longitudinal direction with respect to the support post 1). In each case, one connection to which the cables of the interconnects 13, 17 are connected is arranged in front of the solar cells 21. For example, an MC4 connector (a multi-contact TwinBox with an integrated MC4 connector) can be used as the connection.

[0096] The support post 1 has holes 23 that lead into the interior of the support post 1, through which the interconnects 13, 17 are guided into the interior of the support post 1. The cables of the interconnects 13, 17 are guided through the holes 23 into the interior of the support post 1 (left in FIG. 2), where they can be connected to a converter and / or a power storage unit. In an improved version of the invention, in each case, one hole 23 for the interconnects 13, 17 is provided for each row of solar cells 21.

[0097] In an improved version of the invention, the support post 1 has cavities in which a converter and / or a power storage unit is arranged.

[0098] In an improved version of the invention, the interconnects 13, 17, especially the cables of the interconnects 13, 17, are at least partially fixed by magnetic attachments and / or cable ducts especially incorporated into the surface of the support post 1.

[0099] In another improved type of the present invention, the leg post 1 has a power storage unit for storing electric energy, particularly an accumulator, and the power storage unit is connected to at least one solar cell 21.

[0100] In yet another improved type of the present invention, the power storage unit and / or the converter is arranged in the cavity within the leg post 1.

[0101] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the wind turbine structure 7 provided with the flexible photovoltaic element 3 in a side view (left in Figure 2) and the arrangement of the photovoltaic element 3 attached thereto (right in Figure 2). The same and functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus reference may be made to the above description in this regard.

[0102] The installation of the photovoltaic element 3, that is, the solar cell 21 (in this exemplary embodiment, the installation of HeliaSol (registered trademark 6000) on the leg post 1 starts from a height of about 3 m of the leg post 1 and ends at a height of about 50 m of the leg post 1 (right in Figure 2). Depending on the height of the leg post 1, it is also conceivable to install the solar cell 21 to a higher height.

[0103] Due to the conical shape, the diameter 5 of the leg post 1 decreases from the bottom to the top. As a result, the available surface area in the form of a ring around the leg post 1 in the longitudinal direction decreases. Therefore, the number of solar cells 21 arranged horizontally on the leg post 1 also decreases from the bottom to the top in this exemplary embodiment. Eight rows of solar cells 21 are arranged on the surface of the leg post 1, and every two adjacent rows have the same number of solar cells 21. In the first and second rows, 18 solar cells 21 are arranged respectively, and the individual solar cells 21 are preferably positioned on opposite sides of each other in each case. 16 solar cells 21 are arranged in the third and fourth rows respectively, 14 solar cells 21 are arranged in the fifth and sixth rows respectively, and 12 solar cells 21 are arranged in the seventh and eighth rows respectively. By using flexible solar cells 21, a gapless attachment along the surface shape of the object to which the solar cells 21 are attached is possible for the conical leg post 1 as well, despite the diameter 5 decreasing towards the top and the associated decrease in surface area.

[0104] The solar cells 21 are operatively connected to an electrical subsystem, in particular a converter and / or a power storage unit, via the interconnecting parts 13, 17. The cables of the interconnecting parts 13, 17 are connected to the solar cells 21 via the connections and guided into the interior of the leg post 1 through the holes 23, where they are connected to the converter and / or the power storage unit.

[0105] In an improved version of the invention, two rows of solar cells 21 arranged adjacent to each other horizontally with respect to the leg post 1 in each case have the same number of solar cells 21. Such an arrangement of pairs of solar cells 21 makes it possible to guide the cables of the interconnecting parts 13, 17 only between every other row, and as a result, the installation of the solar cells 21 becomes easier. The solar cells in every other row are preferably rotated 180° with respect to each other. Furthermore, for two rows of solar cells 21 in each case, only one hole 23 through which the interconnecting parts 13, 17 are guided into the interior of the leg post 1 is required.

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a wind turbine structure 7 including a flexible photovoltaic element 3. Identical and functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus reference may be made to the foregoing description for this point.

[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, the interconnection 17 of the solar cells 21 arranged in the southeast / east direction 19 is separated from the interconnection 13 of the solar cells 21 arranged in the southwest / west direction 15.

[0108] In an improved version of the present invention, the solar cells 21 are arranged over at least most of the entire surface of the support column 1. It is also conceivable that the surface of the support column 1 is divided into more than two regions, in particular depending on the compass bearing and / or the way any shadow is formed, and an interconnection is assigned to each region, which means that there may be another interconnection in addition to the first interconnection 13 and the second interconnection 17.

Claims

[Claim 1] A pedestal (1) comprising at least one photovoltaic element (3) for converting light, in particular solar radiant energy, into electrical energy, The at least one photovoltaic element (3) is arranged on the pedestal (1), characterized in that the at least one photovoltaic element (3) is a flexible photovoltaic element (3).

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