Support device for installing solar power generation module

Abstract

To provide a support device for installing a solar power generation facility that improves mechanical strength and durability.SOLUTION: A support device comprises: a base section 21; a first support column 22; a second support column 23; reinforcing means 24; and a holding beam 25. The first support column 22 has one end connected to the base section 21 and includes a first outer wall 221 and two first side walls 222. The two first side walls 222 extend from both side edges of the first outer wall 221. The first outer wall 221 and the two first side walls 222 define a first groove 223. The second support column 23 has one end connected to the base section 21, is spaced apart from the first support column 22, and includes a second outer wall 231 and two second side walls 232. The two second side walls 232 extend from both side edges of the second outer wall 231 toward the first support column 22. The second outer wall 231 and the two second side walls 232 define a second groove 233 facing the first groove 223. The reinforcing means 24 is elongated, and both ends of the reinforcing means 24 are connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device, and more specifically, to a support device for installing a solar power generation module.

Background Art

[0002] To install a large-scale solar power generation system, a large facility site is required. However, it is difficult to secure land acquisition. For this reason, solar power generation technology that generates electricity in vast water areas such as the sea or lakes far from the shore is being developed.

[0003] As a conventional floating solar power generation device, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 can be mentioned. Hereinafter, the configuration of the conventional floating solar power generation device will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional floating solar power generation device 1.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional floating solar power generation device 1 includes a pedestal 11 that can float on the water surface, a support frame 12 provided on the pedestal 11, and a solar power generation panel 13 obliquely arranged on the support frame 12.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 1, the support frame 12 includes four support columns 121 and two holding beams 122. The four support columns 121 are respectively erected on the pedestal 11 and are configured to have two types of lengths. Each holding beam 122 is obliquely arranged so as to be bridged over the upper ends of the support frames 12 having different lengths.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, the solar power generation panel 13 is held by the two holding beams 122 in the support frame 12.

[0007] In actual application, by combining a plurality of floating solar power generation devices 1, a floating solar power generation system can be constructed in a water area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in water areas such as the sea or lakes, strong winds and large waves often occur. For example, since the support frame is likely to be impacted by water currents such as waves, the support columns of the support frame in conventional floating solar power generation devices are highly likely to be damaged or deformed by the impact force. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the design of conventional floating solar power generation devices.

[0010] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a support device for installing a solar power generation module that can solve the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] As means for achieving the above object, the present invention is configured to have a length direction, a height direction orthogonal to the length direction, and a width direction orthogonal to both the length direction and the height direction, and includes a base portion, a first support column, a second support column, a reinforcing means, and a holding beam. The base portion is configured to extend along the length direction. The first support column extends along the height direction, one end of which is connected to the base portion, and has a first outer wall and two first side walls. The first outer wall is configured such that the height direction is the longitudinal direction and the width direction is the lateral direction. The two first side walls extend from both side edges of the first outer wall in the width direction in one direction of the length direction, and are arranged to be spaced apart along the width direction while facing each other. The first outer wall and the two first side walls together define a first groove extending along the height direction. The second support pillar extends along the height direction, one end thereof is connected to the base portion, and it is arranged so as to be separated from the first support pillar in the length direction, and has a second outer wall and two second side walls. The second outer wall has the height direction as the longitudinal direction and the width direction as the short direction, and is arranged and configured to be parallel to the first outer wall. The two second side walls extend from both side edges of the second outer wall in the width direction toward the first support pillar in the length direction, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction while facing each other. The second outer wall and the two second side walls together define a second groove extending along the height direction and facing the first groove. The reinforcing means is configured in a long shape with both ends, and both ends of the reinforcing means are respectively connected to the first support pillar and the second support pillar so as to be in the first groove of the first support pillar and the second groove of the second support pillar. The connection location between the reinforcing means and the first support pillar is lower in the height direction than the connection location between the reinforcing means and the second support pillar. The holding beam is arranged to be spanned across the other end of the first support pillar and the other end of the second support pillar, and has a top wall portion and two side wall portions. The top wall portion is arranged to face the base portion. The two side wall portions extend from both side edges of the top wall portion in the width direction toward the base portion, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction while facing each other. The top wall portion and the two side wall portions together define a groove portion, and the other end of the first support pillar and the other end of the second support pillar are both connected to the holding beam so as to be in the groove portion. A support device for installing a solar power generation module is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to the present invention, the cross-sections along the height directions of the first support column and the second support column are each in a U-shaped or C-shaped form by an outer wall and two side walls, so that the bending resistance of the first support column and the second support column can be improved.

[0013] Also, the bending resistance of the support device for installing a photovoltaic module can be further improved by the long reinforcing means connected to the first support column and the second support column. Therefore, the support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to the present invention has mechanical strength and durability superior to those of the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] To more clearly explain the objectives, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, hereinafter, in combination with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. It will be apparent that the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the present invention, but merely shows the selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Before explaining the present invention in more detail, it should be noted that, if considered appropriate, reference numerals or the terminal portions of reference numerals are repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and these can optionally have similar characteristics.

[0017] In the description of the present invention, terms indicating orientation and positional relationships such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. are based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the drawings or the orientation and positional relationships customarily assumed when using the products of the present invention for the purpose of more simply and clearly explaining, and do not teach or imply that the corresponding devices or apparatuses have specific orientations, structures, operations, etc. in a specific orientation, and are not limitations to the present invention.

[0018] Also, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of distinction and do not teach or imply relative importance.

[0019] The support device for installing a solar power generation module according to the present invention is for supporting a solar power generation panel while floating on the water surface in a floating type of water surface solar power generation system.

[0020] Hereinafter, the support device for installing a solar power generation module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] The configuration of the support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration shown in FIG. 2 from another angle, and FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to the embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to have a length direction A, a height direction B orthogonal to the length direction A, and a width direction C orthogonal to both the length direction A and the height direction B, and includes a base portion 21, a first support column 22, a second support column 23, a reinforcing means 24, and a holding beam 25.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the base portion 21 is configured to extend along the length direction A.

[0024] The first support column 22 is configured to extend along the height direction B, and one end (i.e., the lower end) thereof is connected to the base portion 21.

[0025] The second support column 23 is configured to extend along the height direction B, and one end (i.e., the lower end) thereof is connected to the base portion 21 and is arranged so as to be separated from the first support column 22 in the length direction A.

[0026] The reinforcing means 24 is configured to be long and has both ends. Both ends of the reinforcing means 24 are respectively connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23. The holding beam 25 is arranged so as to be bridged over the other end (i.e., the upper end) of the first support column 22 and the other end (i.e., the upper end) of the second support column 23.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 21 has an enclosing wall 212, a plurality of partition walls 213, and two connecting portions 214.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the surrounding wall 212 is configured to surround an internal space 211 that opens to both sides along the width direction C. A plurality of partition walls 213 are each disposed in the internal space 211 at intervals along the length direction A, and both ends of each partition wall 213 in the height direction B are respectively connected to portions spaced apart along the height direction B of the surrounding wall 212.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the internal space 211 is divided by a plurality of partition walls 213 into a plurality of through holes 215. That is, each through hole 215 extends with openings at both ends along the width direction C. In this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction C, the shape of each through hole 215 is capsule-shaped, but it is not limited thereto, and may have other shapes in other embodiments.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the two connecting portions 214 are spaced apart along the length direction A and protrude upward in the height direction B from the upper surface of the surrounding wall 212. And one connecting portion 214 is engaged and connected with the first support column 22 so as to be in a later-described first groove 223 of the first support column 22, and the other connecting portion 214 is engaged and connected with the second support column 23 so as to be in a later-described second groove 233 of the second support column 23.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first support column 22 has a first outer wall 221 and two first side walls 222.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first outer wall 221 is configured with the height direction B as the longitudinal direction and the width direction C as the transverse direction. More specifically, the lower end of the first outer wall 221 is connected to the upper surface of the base portion 21, and the normal direction is parallel to the length direction A.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the two first side walls 222 extend from both side edges in the width direction C of the first outer wall 221 in one direction of the length direction A, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction C while facing each other. Here, each first side wall 222 is configured such that the height direction B is the longitudinal direction and the length direction A is the short direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the first outer wall 221 and the two first side walls 222 together define a first groove 223 that extends along the height direction B.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second support column 23 has a second outer wall 231 and two second side walls 232.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the second outer wall 231 has the height direction B as the longitudinal direction and the width direction C as the short direction, and is arranged and configured to be parallel to the first outer wall 221. More specifically, the lower end of the second outer wall 231 is connected to the upper surface of the base portion 21, and the normal direction is parallel to the length direction A.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the two second side walls 232 extend from both side edges in the width direction C of the second outer wall 231 toward the first support column 22 in the length direction A, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction C while facing each other. That is, the two first side walls 222 and the two second side walls 232 extend so as to face each other.

[0038] Here, each second side wall 232 is configured such that the height direction B is the longitudinal direction and the length direction A is the short direction, similar to the first outer wall 221.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second outer wall 231 and the two second side walls 232 together define a second groove 233 that extends along the height direction B and faces the first groove 223.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, when viewed from the height direction B, the cross-sections of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 are both U-shaped (or C-shaped), but it is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, they may have other shapes.

[0041] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first support column 22 is configured to be longer than the second support column 23, but it is not limited thereto.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, both ends of the reinforcing means 24 are located in the first groove 223 of the first support column 22 and the second groove 233 of the second support column 23, and are locked and fixed to the two first side walls 222 of the first support column 22 and the two second side walls 232 of the second support column 23. In this way, both ends of the reinforcing means 24 are respectively connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the connection portion D between the reinforcing means 24 and the first support column 22 is lower than the connection portion E between the reinforcing means 24 and the second support column 23 in the height direction B. In this way, the reinforcing means 24 is obliquely connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23. In addition, in the present embodiment, the cross-section of the reinforcing means 24 is L-shaped, but it is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, it may have other shapes.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the holding beam 25 has a top wall portion 251 and two side wall portions 252.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the top wall portion 251 is arranged to face the base portion 21. The two side wall portions 252 extend from both side edges in the width direction C of the top wall portion 251 toward the base portion 21, and are arranged at intervals along the width direction C while facing each other.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top wall portion 251 and the two side wall portions 252 together define a groove portion 253. The upper ends of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 are both in the groove portion 253 and are connected to the holding beam 25 so as to be locked and fixed to the two side wall portions 252 of the holding beam 25.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the connection location F between the upper end of the first support column 22 and the holding beam 25 is higher in the height direction B than the connection location G between the upper end of the second support column 23 and the holding beam 25. In this way, the holding beam 25 is obliquely connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the inclination direction of the reinforcing means 24 and the inclination direction of the holding beam 25 are opposite directions. Of course, it is not limited thereto here, and in other embodiments, they may be inclined in the same direction.

[0049] Hereinafter, the usage state of the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The usage state of the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Here, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the support device 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to this embodiment.

[0051] In actual application, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of the support devices 2 for installing a photovoltaic module according to this embodiment are prepared, and these support devices 2 are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction (that is, the direction parallel to the width direction C described above) by a plurality of hollow tubular floating bodies 31. Specifically, each floating body 31 is arranged to extend along the above-described arrangement direction and pass through the base portion 21 of each support device 2.

[0052] A plurality of solar power generation panels 33 are arranged on their support devices 2. Specifically, each of the solar power generation panels 33 can be held on the top wall portion 251 of their holding beams 25 so as to be spanned across the holding beams 25 of two adjacent support devices 2.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of long groove portions 254 are formed in the top wall portion 251 of the holding beam 25. The plurality of long groove portions 254 are respectively arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the holding beam 25, and are all configured to extend along the width direction C. Each solar power generation panel 33 is locked and fixed to the holding beam 25 through the long groove portion 254 formed in the top wall portion 251 of the holding beam 25.

[0054] Here, the purpose of setting the long groove portion 254 to extend along the width direction C is that when installing a plurality of solar power generation panels 33 on the holding beams 25 in a plurality of support devices 2, even if there are tolerances or errors in the sizes of those solar power generation panels 33, they will not be affected by the adjustment of the installation positions.

[0055] Moreover, a plurality of support devices 2 are arranged at intervals along the above-described arrangement direction, and a plurality of through holes 215 with openings at both ends along the width direction C are formed in the base portion 21 of each support device 2. With such a configuration, the solar power generation system constituted by a plurality of support devices 2 for installing solar power generation modules according to this embodiment can effectively suppress the influence of waves and improve the stability of the solar power generation modules floating on the water surface.

[0056] In actual applications, since the support devices 2 according to this embodiment are arranged in a plurality along the above-described arrangement direction, the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 are mainly affected by the impact of waves from a direction parallel to the above-described length direction A.

[0057] The first side wall 222 and the second side wall 232 extend along the length direction A. That is, the cross-section along the height direction B of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 is in a U-shaped or C-shaped configuration, which can improve the moment of inertia of area of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23, and thus improve the flexural resistance, i.e., the bending strength, of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23.

[0058] Further, the long reinforcing means 24 arranged in an inclined manner can further improve the flexural resistance of the support device 2 according to this embodiment in the length direction A. In this way, the rigidity, mechanical strength, and durability of the support device 2 for installing the solar power generation module according to this embodiment can be improved.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the support device 2 for installing the solar power generation module according to this embodiment further includes at least one connecting rod 26.

[0060] When there is one connecting rod 26, the connecting rod 26 extends along the width direction C. And one end of the connecting rod 26 is fixed to either the first outer wall 221 of the first support column 22 or the second outer wall 231 of the second support column 23.

[0061] On the other hand, when there are a plurality of connecting rods 26, all of the plurality of connecting rods 26 extend along the width direction C. And one end of each of the plurality of connecting rods 26 is fixed to either the first outer wall 221 of the first support column 22 or the second outer wall 231 of the second support column 23, or one end of at least one connecting rod 26 is fixed to the first outer wall 221 and one end of at least one connecting rod 26 is fixed to the second outer wall 231.

[0062] More specifically, one end of all the connecting rods 26 is fixed to the first outer wall 221 of the first support column 22, or one end of all the connecting rods 26 is fixed to the second outer wall 231 of the second support column 23. Alternatively, these connecting rods 26 are divided into two groups, and one end of the connecting rods 26 in one group is fixed to the first outer wall 221 of the first support column 22, and one end of the connecting rods 26 in the other group is fixed to the second outer wall 231 of the second support column 23.

[0063] Also, the other end of the connecting rod 26 is fixed to the first outer wall 221 or the second outer wall 231 of the adjacent support device 2. In this way, two connecting rods 26 can be connected to the first outer wall 221 (or the second outer wall 231) of the support device 2 other than the first and the last ones among the arranged plurality of support devices 2.

[0064] Also, the two connecting rods 26 can be arranged side by side so as to overlap each other on the first outer wall 221 or the second outer wall 231.

[0065] By connecting each support device 2 along the arrangement direction of the connecting rods 26, the bending resistance in the longitudinal direction A of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 can be further improved, and the first and the last support devices 2 can be effectively resistant to the impact caused by water flow such as waves from the arrangement direction.

[0066] In summary, according to the support device 2 for installing a solar power generation module according to the present invention, the cross-section along the height direction B of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 is in a U-shaped or C-shaped form by the first outer wall 221 and the two first side walls 222 or the second outer wall 231 and the two second side walls 232 respectively, so that the bending resistance of the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 can be improved.

[0067] Not only that, the long reinforcing means 24 connected to the first support column 22 and the second support column 23 can further improve the bending resistance of the support device 2 in the longitudinal direction A. In this way, excellent mechanical strength and durability of the support device 2 according to this embodiment can be achieved.

[0068] In the above, many specific details have been shown to facilitate the overall understanding of the present invention. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments can be implemented without showing specific details.

[0069] As described above, the preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and includes all modifications and equivalent configurations as various configurations included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation.

Industrial Applicability

[0070] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a support device for installing a solar power generation module that can improve mechanical strength and durability. Therefore, it has industrial applicability.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1 Conventional floating solar power generation device 11 Pedestal 12 Support frame 121 Support column 122 Holding beam 13 Solar power generation panel 2 Support device for installing a solar power generation module 21 Base portion 211 Internal space 212 Enclosing wall 213 Partition wall 214 Connecting portion 215 Through hole 22 First support column 221 First outer wall 222 First side wall 223 First groove 23 Second support column 231 Second outer wall 232 Second side wall 233 Second groove 24 Reinforcing means 25 Holding beam 251 Top wall portion 252 Side wall portion 253 Groove portion 254 Long groove portion 26 Connecting rod 31 Floating body 33 Solar power generation panel A Length direction B Height direction C Width direction D Connection point E Connection point F Connection point G Connection point

Claims

1. It is configured to have a length direction, a height direction orthogonal to the length direction, and a width direction orthogonal to both the length direction and the height direction, and includes a base portion, a first support column, a second support column, reinforcing means, and a holding beam. The base portion is configured to extend along the length direction. The first support column extends along the height direction, one end of which is connected to the base portion, and has a first outer wall and two first side walls. The first outer wall is configured with the height direction as the longitudinal direction and the width direction as the short transverse direction. The two first side walls extend from both side edges of the first outer wall in the width direction in one direction of the length direction, and are arranged at intervals along the width direction while facing each other. The first outer wall and the two first side walls together define a first groove extending along the height direction. The second support column extends along the height direction, one end of which is connected to the base portion, and is arranged to be spaced apart from the first support column in the length direction, and has a second outer wall and two second side walls. The second outer wall has the height direction as the longitudinal direction and the width direction as the short transverse direction, and is arranged and configured to be parallel to the first outer wall. The two second side walls extend from both side edges of the second outer wall in the width direction toward the first support column in the length direction, and are arranged at intervals along the width direction while facing each other. The second outer wall and the two second side walls together define a second groove extending along the height direction and facing the first groove. The reinforcing means is configured in a long shape with both ends, and both ends of the reinforcing means are respectively connected to the first support column and the second support column so as to be in the first groove of the first support column and the second groove of the second support column. The connection position of the reinforcing means and the first support column is lower in the height direction than the connection position of the reinforcing means and the second support column. The holding beam is arranged to span the other ends of the first support column and the second support column, and has a top wall portion and two side wall portions. The top wall portion is arranged to face the base portion. The two side wall portions extend from both side edges of the top wall portion in the width direction toward the base portion, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the width direction while facing each other. The top wall portion and the two side wall portions together define a groove portion, and the other ends of the first support column and the second support column are both connected to the holding beam so as to be in the groove portion. A support device for installing a photovoltaic module, characterized by the above.

2. The base portion has an enclosing wall and a plurality of partition walls. The enclosing wall is configured to surround an internal space that is open to both sides along the width direction. The plurality of partition walls are arranged in the internal space so as to be spaced apart from each other along the length direction, and both ends of each partition wall in the height direction are respectively connected to portions of the enclosing wall that are spaced apart along the height direction. The internal space is divided by the plurality of partition walls into a plurality of through holes. The support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The base portion further has two connecting portions. The two connecting portions are spaced apart along the length direction and protrude upward in the height direction from the upper surface of the enclosing wall. One of the connecting portions is engaged with and connected to the first support column so as to be in the first groove of the first support column, and the other connecting portion is engaged with and connected to the second support column so as to be in the second groove of the second support column. The support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The connection point between the other end of the first support column and the holding beam is higher in the height direction than the connection point between the other end of the second support column and the holding beam. The support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. A plurality of long groove portions are formed in the top wall portion of the holding beam. The plurality of long groove portions are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the extending direction of the holding beam, and are all configured to extend along the width direction. The support device for installing a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

6. The support device for installing the solar power generation module further includes a connecting rod extending along the width direction. One end of the connecting rod is fixed to the first support column or the second support column. The support device for installing the solar power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

7. The support device for installing the solar power generation module further includes a plurality of connecting rods respectively extending along the width direction. One end of each of the plurality of connecting rods is fixed to either the first support column or the second support column, or one end of at least one of the connecting rods is fixed to the first support column and one end of at least one of the connecting rods is fixed to the second support column. The support device for installing the solar power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

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