solar energy system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar energy system (11) with a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row, with an innermost solar panel and an outermost solar panel (19), and at least one holding element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar energy system (11) by which the solar panels (19) are held one behind the other and by engagement means the solar panels (11) can move from an extended working position into a retracted protected position and vice versa, adjacent solar panels (19) being articulated to one another so that pushing or pulling forces can be transmitted from one solar panel (19) to the adjacent solar panel (19). In the protected position, the outermost solar panel and the innermost solar panel (19) are pressed against one another by a mechanical force to form a stable package of solar panels (19) that allows the solar panels (19) to protect themselves from the weather.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar energy system as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and to a use of a solar energy system as defined in claim 14. [Background technology]

[0002] According to the current state of the art in solar energy systems, solar panels are known that can move back and forth along a cable system between an extended working position and a retracted, protected position. EP 2669594 (B1) discloses an enclosure that houses solar panels in their protected positions. A cover plate is attached to the outermost solar panel. When the solar panels are retracted through an opening in the enclosure, the cover plate necessarily closes this opening when the solar panels are in their protected position.

[0003] However, the enclosure occupies space or area of the solar energy system, preventing the solar panels from being used for sound. In addition, providing the enclosure is costly, which correspondingly increases the investment cost of the solar energy system. The enclosure also inevitably casts a shadow and blocks visibility, which is particularly inconvenient when the solar energy system is installed above a road. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2669594(B1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The shortcomings of the current state of the art mentioned above have led to the problem of proposing a solar energy system that ensures protection of the solar panels in adverse weather conditions (wind, snow, hail, sand, dust, ice, etc.) without the need for an enclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The solution to the set problem is achieved in a solar energy system using the features recited in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0007] The present invention is characterized by the fact that the outermost and innermost solar panels are mechanically pressed together in a protective position, resulting in a stable package of solar panels that protects them from the weather. The generated compressive force and the VVVV shape of the solar panel folding roof assembly mean that the solar panel package is extremely stable against the effects of weather and the resulting forces. The package provides a narrow contact surface and cannot be accidentally pulled apart by weather, ensuring that the risk of individual panels vibrating open or even being torn off is avoided. Because there is no enclosure, the solar energy system can have solar panels along its entire length, with no enclosure surface to cast shadows. As a result, efficiency increases by 10% to 15%. Eliminating the need for an enclosure also reduces manufacturing costs.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical force in the protective position is realized by a tensioning element pulling the outermost panel and a compressive force from, for example, an elastic buffer element, in particular a spring, acting on the innermost solar panel. Preferred tensioning elements can be tension ropes, chains or self-propelled drives. This solution is particularly simple and therefore reliable. It also allows for automatic alignment of solar panels tilted at an angle.

[0009] It has proven useful to have a first hinge on each solar panel and an upper beam with a second hinge, which articulates adjacent solar panels and the upper beam holds the solar panels on at least one holding element, which gives the array a VVVV shape and allows the solar panels to move in a blind manner between a protected position and an operating position, with adjacent solar panels rotating relative to each other.

[0010] In the protected position, the tension ropes are attached to the outermost upper beams and the compressive force is applied to the innermost upper beams. This means that the solar panels can be compressed using the tension ropes that would otherwise be required to store them in the protected position. The solar package is particularly stable due to the force being applied on both sides.

[0011] The invention is also characterized by the fact that roof panels are arranged on each of the upper beams, with adjacent roof panels contacting each other in the protective position, thereby forming a protective roof that protects the panel package from the vertical effects of weather in the protective position without creating any obstructive shadows in the operational position. Even better vertical weather protection is obtained when adjacent roof panels not only contact but also overlap.

[0012] The roof panels are designed as sacrificial elements: in case of very severe mechanical damage, for example due to hail, it is acceptable to deliberately destroy the roof panels in order to protect the other elements of the solar energy system. The destroyed roof panels are easily accessible and can be replaced with new ones with little effort.

[0013] In another embodiment, the roof panels and / or solar panels can be heated. This means that there is no snow load on the solar energy system, as the roof panels have a permanent temperature of 3°C to 6°C and snow that falls on the roof panels melts instantly. As an alternative to heatable roof panels, snow can also be melted by passing an electric current through the solar panels, which heat up due to the electrical resistance created.

[0014] It is advisable to mount at least one holding element on two opposing support columns that are bent outwards in the longitudinal direction, which means that the usable area of the solar panel in the operating position can be larger than the floor area limited by the support column legs.

[0015] It is preferable to have an air leakage gap between the hinges of adjacent solar panels, which prevents air pressure from building up underneath the solar panels, thus reducing pressure waves generated by, for example, trucks, through the solar panels.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the transition between adjacent roof panels is water permeable, thereby protecting the panel package from the mechanical stresses of precipitation, but allowing the water to drain away without forming puddles and further cleaning the surface of the solar panels.

[0017] For practical reasons, the innermost and outermost solar panels are fitted with first and second protective plates on the outside, which ensure that the panel package is shielded from wind and storms.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the solar panel packages are not covered on the sides in the protected position and are therefore open to the wind. This means that wind forces can be dissipated in the folding roof group rather than being applied across the sides of the package from the sides. In this way, the folding roof group is stable against winds from the sides.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a collection culvert is arranged below the solar panels, where water flowing through the package, if it does not need to fall onto the area below the solar energy system, is collected and centrally discharged.

[0020] Changes between operating and protective positions are preferably made by a control system that evaluates local sensor signals and / or regional or national weather data via a network.

[0021] Solar energy system control systems can also be used to actively regulate heat balance in urban areas, buildings, building complexes, and above transportation or agricultural areas. The solar folding roof cools the space by (a) shading the space during the day, (b) assisting thermal radiation at night by moving into a protected position, and (c) generating electricity to operate local air conditioning units exactly when and where needed. The entire system can be optimized to meet the needs of the user and / or municipality through intelligent control. For example, extending the solar folding roof can reduce night radiation from a certain temperature or time.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the application of solar energy systems spanning traffic areas for moving or stationary traffic. Solar energy systems are ideal for traffic areas because they require large areas of land, which are already built. Additionally, solar energy systems with self-protected solar panel packages are particularly safe, reliably preventing components from falling on road users. Solar energy systems or solar-powered folding roofs can be spread over long distances (up to 30 to 50 meters) without supports. This means that, for example, a central support can be dispensed with on highways. The solar panels are suspended at a high position, allowing light to reach them from above. For these two reasons, and thanks to the fact that the folding roofs are retracted at dusk, there is no need for additional lighting on the road premises. Pressure waves generated by trucks are reliably dissipated as described above and cannot cause any damage to the solar energy system. Using a solar energy system spanning traffic areas for moving traffic offers the added benefit of noise protection. When extended, the folding roof of the solar energy system or photovoltaic cell reduces noise propagation upwards, which is particularly advantageous for transport routes in hilly or mountainous areas.

[0023] The solar energy system can be aligned longitudinally, transversely, or parallel to the traffic flow. Accordingly, the width of the road or the path of the road can be optimally utilized by orienting the solar energy system.

[0024] Other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to schematic drawings, which are not to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a solar energy system in which solar panels can be moved between a protected position and an operating position. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a solar energy system in a protected position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a solar energy system in an embodiment where the solar energy system extends across a multi-lane roadway. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a side view of the solar energy system of FIG. 4. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a solar energy system in an embodiment where the solar energy system extends along a multi-lane roadway. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the solar energy system of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The figures show a solar energy system of the invention generally designated by the reference number 11. Two substantially parallel guide ropes or rods 13 are provided as holding elements. The guide ropes or rods 13 are tensioned or guided between two supports 15. It is also conceivable to fix the rods 13 to a flat surface, for example a roof or a wall, without using supports 15.

[0027] A plurality of solar panels 19 arranged one behind the other are held by guide ropes or guide rods 13. When the present application refers to a solar panel 19, the solar panel 19 preferably means a plate with two substantially parallel flat sides, with a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged on at least one flat side. Figures 1, 2, and 6 show that adjacent solar panels 19 are articulated together at their side edges. The articulated connection can be designed, for example, as a first hinge 21 and an upper beam 23 with a second hinge 25. The upper beam 23 holds the solar panels 19 in a sliding manner on the holding element 13. The solar panels 19 are articulated to each other so that they can be pushed together and separated in a fan-like manner. Accordingly, the entire solar panel 19 can be moved from an extended operating position to a retracted, protected position, and vice versa, or to an intermediate position (Figure 1).

[0028] In the operating position, the solar panels 19 form an angle preferably greater than 75° with respect to the vertical. In the retracted, protected position, the solar panels 19 are pulled or pushed as close as possible to each other by mechanical force. The solar panels can form a stable package, which means that the solar panels can protect themselves against weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain, or hail. The package provides only a small contact surface for storms and no horizontal surface for rainfall that could cause damage. This means that costly enclosures, which take up a significant amount of space, are not required to protect the solar panels.

[0029] A preferred method of tensioning the solar panels is to use a combination of tension ropes and springs, as shown in Figure 2. Tension ropes 27, preferably attached to the outermost top beams 23, pull the solar panels 19 into a protective position, forming a compressed panel package. Resilient compressible cushioning elements in the form of springs 29 or rubber blocks act on the innermost top beams 23, pressing the panels together until all of the top beams 23 are in contact.

[0030] The roof panels 31 are arranged on the upper beams 23. In the protective position, where the solar panels 19 form a stable package, the roof panels 31 touch or overlap. Overlapping roof panels 31 can be used to form a closed protective roof. The transitions and overlaps are preferably permeable to allow water to flow over the entire surface of the solar panels. This prevents water accumulation and simultaneously washes the solar panels. Water obtained from the solar panels in the protective position can be collected in a catch ditch and gradually drained in the center. The roof panels 31 can be designed as sacrificial elements, so that hail, for example, can only destroy the roof panels. Destroyed roof panels 31 can be replaced individually with little effort.

[0031] The solar panel 19 can also be heated to ensure that no snow remains on it. It is also conceivable to apply an electric current to the solar panel and for the solar panel 19 to act as an electrical resistor. This would also make it possible to melt snow so that it does not remain on the solar panel 19. The electricity required for this could be generated by the solar energy system itself.

[0032] The lower beam 21 and the upper beam 23 are permeable to air. Therefore, air leaks between adjacent hinges. This effectively reduces pressure waves generated by road traffic, particularly trucks 33, located below the solar energy system (FIG. 6). Therefore, the solar panel 19 is protected against sudden pressure loads.

[0033] First and second protective plates can be attached to the innermost and outermost solar panels 19, protecting the solar panel package from horizontal weather conditions. The solar package is open at the sides, meaning that the wind has no contact surface. The solar package is open at the bottom, allowing water to drain freely and collect, for example, in a catch ditch.

[0034] The support pole 15 may be curved (FIGS. 3 and 4), which means that the area covered by the solar panel 19 in its operating position may be larger than the footprint of the support pole 15.

[0035] An ideal application area for a solar energy system is in traffic areas where road space is obstructed anyway. Strong pressure waves, especially those generated by trucks 33, cannot damage the solar energy system, as explained above. The solar panels 19 can be spread across or along the road. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 11. Solar Energy Systems 13 Retaining elements, guide ropes, rods 15 Posts 19. Solar Panels 21 First hinge 23 Top beam 23a Outermost top beam 23b Innermost top beam 25 Second hinge 27 Tensile elements, tension ropes 29 Spring 31 Roof Panel 33 Tracks

Claims

1. A solar energy system (11), comprising: - a plurality of solar panels (19) arranged in a row, in which there is an innermost solar panel and an outermost solar panel (19); at least one holding element (13) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the solar energy system (11) on which the solar panels (19) are held one behind the other and on which the solar panels (11) can be displaced by engagement means from an extended working position into a retracted protective position and vice versa, wherein adjacent solar panels (19) are articulated to one another so that pushing or pulling forces of the solar panels (19) can be transmitted to adjacent solar panels (19); A solar energy system (11) comprising: The outermost solar panel and the innermost solar panel (19) are pressed together by mechanical force in the protective position, thereby forming a stable package of the solar panels (19) that allows the solar panels (19) to protect themselves from the effects of weather. A solar energy system (11) characterized in that:

2. 2. Solar energy system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical force in the protective position is realised by a tension element pulling the outermost solar panel (19) and a compression force acting on the innermost solar panel, for example by means of an elastic cushioning element, in particular a spring (29).

3. 3. A solar energy system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an upper beam (23) with a first hinge (21) and a second hinge (25) is arranged above each solar panel (19), the hinges (21, 25) connecting adjacent solar panels (19) to each other in an articulated manner, and the upper beam (23) holds the solar panels (19) with the at least one holding element (13).

4. 4. A solar energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the protective position the tension ropes (27) engage the outermost upper beams (23a) and the compressive force is exerted on the innermost upper beams (23b).

5. 5. A solar energy system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a roof panel (31) is arranged on each of said upper beams (23), and adjacent said roof panels (31) contact each other in said protective position, thereby forming a protective roof.

6. Solar energy system according to claim 5, characterized in that said roof panel (31) is designed as a sacrificial element.

7. 7. Solar energy system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the roof panel (31) and / or the solar panel (19) can be heated.

8. 8. Solar energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one holding element (13) is held by two struts (15) located opposite each other and bent outwards in the longitudinal direction.

9. 9. A solar energy system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that a gap exists between the hinges (21, 25) of adjacent solar panels (19) through which air can escape.

10. Solar energy system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the transitions between adjacent roof panels (31) are permeable to water.

11. 11. A solar energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a first protective plate and a second protective plate are attached to the outermost solar panel (19) outside of its innermost and outermost sides, respectively.

12. 12. A solar energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the packaging of the solar panels (19) is laterally uncovered and accordingly open to the wind in said protected position.

13. Solar energy system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a catchment culvert is arranged below the package of solar panels (19).

14. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for covering a traffic area for moving or stationary traffic.

15. 15. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that the solar energy system (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction transverse to the traffic flow.

16. 15. Use of a solar energy system (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that the solar energy system (11) is oriented with its longitudinal direction parallel to the flow of traffic.

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