Support structure for a photovoltaic device

Abstract

In order to simplify the assembly of the components to be manufactured for a support structure (1) of a photovoltaic power plant (25) having PV modules (24) suspended upright on the support structure (1), and also to increase the mechanical stability of the connections between the vertically extending columns (2) and the horizontally extending beams (3), it is proposed that the connections between each column (2) and each associated beam (3) be formed by separate adapter elements (4), which are inserted preferably from the inside out into through-openings (5) formed in the columns (2) and / or which are supported in a planar manner on at least two outer faces (9b, 9c) of the columns (2) that extend in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis (30) of the beams (3).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a photovoltaic (PV) device, in particular a support structure that can be configured to support upright, preferably bifacial, photovoltaic modules (bifacial PV modules can receive sunlight from both their front and rear sides and convert it into electrical current, respectively), in which the support structure comprises a plurality of support posts that are mounted, in particular fixed, on or in the ground, and to which beams are attached that connect each two adjacent support posts to one another.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a PV installation comprising a plurality of preferably double-sided PV modules arranged in an upright position on such a support structure, where an arrangement in which the PV modules are installed at an angle of 80° or even only 70° to the horizontal may also be understood as "upright".

[0003] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for assembling an adapter element as described above to columns of a support structure of a PV installation, the support structure again comprising a number of columns mounted, in particular fixed, on or in the ground, with beams attached to the columns, by means of which two adjacent columns are connected to one another, each beam being attached to one of the columns by means of at least one separate, i.e. preferably independent, adapter element from the PV modules of the PV installation.

[0004] Support structures consisting of vertically extending columns and horizontally extending beams have already been used to construct PV installations with upright PV modules that are configured on both sides and thus can receive sunlight on both the front and rear sides.

[0005] A possible approach, described in EP 3560098, is to form tongues for attaching the beams directly on the posts, in which case the tongues may be formed, for example, in openings in the posts that serve as insertion openings for the beams, so that the beams can be inserted more or less deeply into each post.

[0006] However, it is also known to use separate adapter sheet metals that attach each beam to a support post at the point of use. For example, there is already an approach in which simple angle irons are used as such adapter elements, which are screwed to each support post. These angle irons can then be screwed, for example, into tongues formed on the beam, thereby forming the desired connection between the beam and the support post.

[0007] Starting from the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a support structure for a PV device that can reliably absorb the high wind loads that occur when using upright PV modules, even with very large module sizes, while at the same time allowing for high electrical efficiency of the PV device and an efficient configuration of the PV device.

[0008] To achieve this goal, the present invention provides a support structure for a PV device, as described in claim 1. Therefore, the present invention proposes that, in a support structure of the type described in the introduction, each beam is attached to one of the columns by at least one separate adapter element, with each adapter element being supported on at least two faces of the column, each extending in a different direction transverse to the column's longitudinal axis (vertical z-direction). In this configuration, the faces on which each adapter element is supported may be the outer and / or inner faces of the column (as will be further elucidated in the examples). This solution approach results in, on the one hand, efficient transfer of wind-induced moments to each column via the adapter elements, and, on the other hand, an arrangement that optimizes the non-shadowing of the PV modules.

[0009] Alternatively, however or in addition to the above-mentioned features, the problem set out at the beginning is also solved by the combination of the features of independent claim 2: Therefore, in order to solve this problem, it is proposed according to the invention to provide a support structure of the type set out at the beginning, in which the beams are each attached to one of the supports by means of at least one separate adapter element, each support having at least one through-opening, and in which at least one adapter element is inserted or guided through each through-opening. Such a support structure can be used, i.e., to support or hold bifacial PV modules in an upright position.

[0010] In other words, the present invention proposes guiding the adapter elements through the wall of the support column before connecting them to the associated beam. In this case, separate adapter elements can be connected to the support column and beam, preferably detachably, for example, via screw fastening and / or toothing. This approach is advantageous, especially in contrast to known approaches in which the adapter elements form the connection between the module frame of the PV module and the support column. The beam and support column can first be connected to each other via the adapter elements, i.e., independently of the assembly of the PV module, thereby providing a substantially rectangular assembly area for the support structure (for example, if the support column is assembled at an angle into the ground, a parallelogram-shaped assembly area is also possible). The PV module can then be inserted into the assembly area and connected to the respective beam and / or support column, completely independent of the assembly of the adapter elements. The PV module can then have its own module frame, by means of which the PV module can be / is assembled to the respective beam and / or support column. Beams, on the other hand, extend exclusively horizontally, ie they do not surround the PV module (as a module frame does).

[0011] Each adapter element may in this case have a slot (preferably extending in the z-direction) by means of which the beam can be mechanically coupled, preferably screwed, to the adapter element at various z-heights.

[0012] Each adapter element can provide at least one support surface, to which the associated beam can be attached. That is, it can be specified in particular that each adapter element forms or provides at least one support surface for holding one of the beams on at least one side, preferably both sides, of the support to which the adapter element is attached (relative to the longitudinal direction of the beam). That is, each of the beams can be held at each end by at least one such (or even two such) support surface formed by the adapter element.

[0013] According to one possible configuration, each adapter element can form (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the beam) at least one holding surface for holding one of the beams on both sides of the (belonging to) support to which the adapter element is attached.

[0014] Preferably, the support surfaces in this case extend along the length of each beam, so that the beams can be attached to the support surfaces at various x-positions along their length. Such an arrangement is advantageous in order to be able to compensate for variations in the spacing between the posts (e.g. due to the tilting orientation of the posts).

[0015] The support structure may include a number of beams and columns, each connected to one another by a respective adapter element, so that the support structure may include a large number of adapter elements. Preferably, all adapter elements used in the support structure may be configured identically. However, for example, various inventive configurations and / or various inventive arrangements of adapter elements may be combined with one another in the same support structure. Accordingly, the columns may also be different in each configuration, for example, there may be left and right columns configured differently. The same applies to the beams, in particular their ends, which may also be configured identically, although this is not required.

[0016] The adapter elements are therefore individual components that may be configured to be removably connectable, preferably screwable, to the associated beams and columns. A particularly simple configuration envisages each adapter element being configured as a bent sheet metal or in the form of an elongated profile with a constant cross section. Obviously, not all adapter elements used in the support structure need necessarily be configured as described or claimed herein. For example, adapter elements configured and / or arranged according to the invention can also be combined with conventional simple angle irons or equivalent known adapter elements.

[0017] An advantage of such a support structure according to the invention is that it can be used in particular in PV installations in which the PV modules are bifacial and in particular mounted vertically / upright on the support structure, however the support structure according to the invention can also be used to support other commercially available PV modules, such as for example monofacial PV modules.

[0018] The support columns of the support structure can be arranged in a row (particularly each), although several rows spaced apart from one another may also be provided. Each mounting area between two columns can then define a module plane in which a PV module can be arranged. The PV modules can then be attached to the beams and / or columns. This can be achieved in particular by a separate module holder that surrounds the outer edge of the PV module and is itself attached to one of the columns and / or beams. Such a module holder can be in particular in the form of a module frame or can also be a separate component.

[0019] The columns and beams may preferably be constructed as elongated sections, particularly preferably as bent sheet metal elements, in particular from galvanized steel.

[0020] The support column may have, in at least one holding section, an elongated, particularly open, profile having a C-, U-, Z-, or S-shaped basic shape. The ends of the profile may then have mounting or support surfaces formed as flanges. The adapter element may be supported on such a support surface in a planar manner or may be attached to such a mounting surface, preferably by screw fastening, riveting, and / or by means of a plug-in device.

[0021] In all the support structures described here that have through-holes in the columns, the beams do not necessarily have to be inserted into the associated through-holes as though they were inserting holes, with each beam being inserted more or less deeply. Rather, the ends of the beams may be more or less far removed from the associated column in the final assembly position. However, when using semi-open elongated profiles for the columns, for example, the beams may also be inserted more or less deeply into the openings on one side of these profiles, i.e., for example, into the openings on one side of C- or U-shaped sections of the columns.

[0022] All of the features of the support structure described herein may be realized in particular at the final assembly point of the adapter element.

[0023] According to the invention, the problem is also solved by further advantageous configurations according to the dependent claims. The various configurations of adapter elements and / or through-openings described below can be combined with one another in various ways in one support structure. Thus, the support structure may have, for example, various columns with different profiles and / or columns with variously shaped through-openings and / or variously shaped adapter elements.

[0024] For example, it may be specified that each support column is formed by an elongated section and that each adapter element is inserted into each through-opening from the inside out. However, this does not relate to the assembly direction, but rather to the final assembly position in which the adapter element can be applied to the elongated section of the support column from the inside (i.e. against the inner surface of the section) and in so doing protrudes / protrudes outward from the support column. This allows the adapter element to provide at least one holding surface protruding outward from the support column.

[0025] In this case, it is expedient if each adapter element is guided along the inner contour of the elongate profile and / or is supported, preferably face-wise, on the elongate profile from the inside. Preferably, at least one of the inner faces of the support post, on which the adapter element is face-wise and / or face-wise supported at the end, is oriented transversely to the insertion direction in which the adapter element can be inserted into the through-opening.

[0026] In general, the term "inner" here may be understood to mean the inner contour or inner side of the elongate profile, in particular a first side; therefore, in this case, "outer" may be understood to mean the second side of the outer profile or outer side of the elongate profile, opposite the first side. Thus, for example, a Z-profile or an S-profile may also have a first (inner) side and an opposite second (outer) side.

[0027] In order to enable the adapter element to follow the inner contour of the support post, it may be advantageously specified that the adapter element has at least two bends, which may preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the support post (in the final assembly position).

[0028] According to a preferred configuration, each adapter element may have four bends (i.e., four deformations), which allows the adapter element to be fitted to at least three inner or outer surfaces of the elongated section of the support column. The concept of bends / deformations may in this case be understood in particular as geometric, i.e., the bends / deformations do not necessarily have to be formed via a bending or plastic deformation process. For example, the adapter element may have geometric bends if it is formed as an elongated section produced by a casting process. This configuration is technically equivalent to producing bends via a bending / deformation process.

[0029] In this configuration, at least one abutment leg of the adapter element can rest face-on against the inner contour of the elongated section (of the support). A configuration in which the adapter element forms at least two abutment legs that are face-on supported on two inner surfaces of the elongated section is particularly preferred. The term "inner surface" in this case may be understood to mean that the outer surface (e.g., on which the sun's rays impinge) is located opposite the respective inner surface in the mounted state of the support (in this case, the intermediate space is filled with the material of the elongated section).

[0030] In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the two inner surfaces extend in different directions transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post and / or if at least one of the inner surfaces extends transverse to the insertion direction in which the adapter element can be inserted into the through-opening, since in this case both longitudinal and transverse forces can be efficiently conducted into the post.

[0031] In general, in the through-holes according to the invention, the opening cross section of the through-hole can be selected to be smaller than the cross section of the associated beam. Therefore, in such a configuration, the beam can no longer be introduced into the through-hole (as in the case of the insertion opening); that is, the beam is held exclusively via the respective adapter element. However, when using, for example, a C- or U-shaped section for the support, the beam can be inserted / inserted more or less deeply into the opening on one side of this section (at least on one side of the support). For this purpose, it is self-evident that the opening on one side of the elongated section of the support must be oriented relative to the associated beam in order to allow such insertion of the beam.

[0032] In particular, according to another advantageous configuration which has a favorable influence on the shadow formation of the PV module, it is specified that the width of the through opening in the transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the support is at most 80% of the corresponding width of the support, preferably at most 60%.

[0033] In another configuration (e.g., when two slit-shaped through-openings are formed adjacent to each other at the same height in the same support column), the abutting edges of the support columns that define each associated through-opening laterally and outwardly (i.e., for example, on the left and right sides of the beam) have a mutual spacing (in this case, meaning the mutual spacing between the outer edges of the through-openings) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support column of at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, of the corresponding width of the support column. Again, with this configuration, the adapter elements inserted into each through-opening can each grip beams having a width less than 80%, particularly less than 60%, of the width of the associated support column. The use of such narrow beams in conjunction with wide support columns can, on the one hand, ensure high mechanical stability of the support column and, on the other hand, minimize shadowing of the PV module by the beam. In this case, it is advantageous in terms of shadowing if the beams are mounted centrally with respect to the outer edges of the support column (in this case, the central plane of the beam coincides with the module plane, i.e., the plane of the PV module).

[0034] Thus, the respective positions of the abutment edges of the support posts, which laterally define the respective through-openings outward (and thus define the lateral position of the holding surface of the adapter element inserted into the through-openings), can be offset inward with respect to the outer surface of the support post in a direction toward the module plane in which the active surfaces of the PV modules of the PV device are located, i.e., laterally spaced from this module plane (the outer surface of the support post can therefore extend parallel to and spaced from the module plane). As a result of this configuration, the respective abutment edges can be located at a distance of at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of the corresponding width of the support post from the outer edge of the support post relevant to shadow formation. In other words, in this case, it is still possible to hold beams whose width is only about 80%, or even only 60%, of the width of the associated support post.

[0035] According to one possible configuration, it is provided that only one adapter element is inserted into each through-opening of each support post. In such a configuration, each adapter element may be configured in particular planar, i.e., without (shaping) bends (for example, reinforcing embossments may be formed). Thus, in the simplest case, the adapter element according to the invention may be configured as a flat element, in particular as a rectangular flat sheet metal element.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, however, each support column may be provided with a through-opening having a width smaller than the width of the associated beam, preferably half or even a quarter of that width. The through-openings according to the invention may exhibit an aspect ratio of height to width, measured in the longitudinal direction of the support column, of more than 5:1, or even 10:1, depending on the thickness and height of the (especially flat) adapter element. For example, if two through-openings cooperate by inserting an adapter element therein and holding the same beam, and if only one adapter element is inserted in each of the two cooperating through-openings, it is advantageous if the two cooperating through-openings are positioned symmetrically relative to the central axis of the support column, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the support column. This allows the beam to be centered relative to the outer edge of the support column, which is relevant for shadow formation, and therefore the module plane can also be centered relative to the outer edge of the support column, which causes shadow formation. This also reduces shadow formation of the PV module.

[0037] In a further configuration, it is provided that at least two adapter elements are inserted into each of the through openings.

[0038] The through-openings according to the invention may have a width corresponding to the width of the associated beam; in some configurations, the width of the through-opening may exceed the width of the beam, particularly if the support surface of the adapter element is attached to the beam from the outside. For such wide through-openings, it is advantageous if the through-opening is positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the associated beam and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the associated support column, centrally relative to the width of the associated support column. In this case, if two adapter elements are inserted into the through-opening, they can rest on the left and right sides, respectively, against the abutment edges of the support column that define the through-opening to the left and right, so that both adapter elements can also be oriented symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the support column (so that the beam held by both adapter elements can be centrally positioned relative to the support column). However, depending on the double-sided nature of the solar modules used, an eccentric / non-central arrangement of the through-openings and the corresponding adapter elements may be envisaged. This may be advantageous, for example, when using single-sided PV modules, and the configuration according to the invention can also be achieved in such cases.

[0039] In this configuration, the through-holes may remain open across the entire width of the associated beam after the insertion of each adapter element. The beam can then be introduced into the through-hole, which then functions as a plug-in opening through which the beam can be inserted more or less deeply. This is advantageous in order to compensate for variations in the spacing between the support posts. If the through-holes also function as plug-in openings, they may be at least as wide in one direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support posts as the sum of the respective widths of the associated beams and twice the material thickness of the adapter elements used. In this case, the beam can be held from the outside on both sides by one or two adapter elements inserted into the through-holes, while still being able to be introduced into the through-holes.

[0040] A particularly advantageous configuration specifies that each adapter element is held in the through-opening so that it cannot rotate relative to the other adapter element and / or cannot slide in at least two directions. For example, this allows the adapter element to be held in the through-opening so that it cannot slide in the longitudinal direction of the beam. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by a slot-like recess in the support and / or by a slot-like recess in the adapter element itself.

[0041] In this case, in the final assembly position, the recesses in the support post and in the adapter element itself match with one another and cooperate to fix the adapter element in all three spatial directions, for which it is advantageous if, in the final assembly position, the adapter element extends transversely to the outer surface of the support post on which the slot-shaped recess is machined.

[0042] To facilitate fixing the final assembly position of the adapter element by means of the recess, it is advantageous if the recess in the support post has a width corresponding to at least one material thickness of the adapter element and / or if the recess in the adapter element has a width corresponding to at least one material thickness of the support post.To fix the position of the adapter element in an orthogonal direction, it is advantageous if the adapter element has at least two such slot-like recesses oriented along the z-axis, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the support post, and preferably aligned with one another.

[0043] It may be specified that the final assembly position of the adapter element relative to the support post is fixed by a positive lock between the adapter element and the support post. This fixation can occur first during assembly without any fastening means. However, for the strength of the support structure, it is preferred if this final assembly position is then fixed / secured by attaching the adapter element to the support post and / or beam. That is, the rotational protection or fixation against sliding can be achieved, in particular, by the presence of a positive lock between the adapter element and the support post in the final assembly position. In this case, this positive lock positions the adapter element against rotation and / or sliding relative to the support post. In this case, a fixed hold against rotation / sliding may be understood to mean, in particular, that the adapter element is already held in the through-opening in a non-rotational / non-slidable manner before it is finally attached by an attachment element (e.g., a screw).

[0044] In this case, each recess in the support column and / or adapter element can define the lateral position of the adapter element (and thus the lateral position of the holding surface of the adapter element for holding the beam) relative to the module plane or the central axis of the support column. Preference is given here to an arrangement in which the recess in the support column is spaced apart relative to the central axis of the support column and also relative to the outer surface of the support column, which is itself spaced apart relative to the module plane / central axis.

[0045] It may also be specified that each adapter element rests or is attached to a support surface of the associated support column, which extends in particular transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the support column. Furthermore, it is advantageous if each adapter element rests against an abutment edge of the support column, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the support column. These features apply in each case when the adapter element is fully inserted into the through-opening and thus reaches its final assembly position. This arrangement thus results in the z-position of the adapter element relative to the support column being determined by the aforementioned support surface and / or the y-position of the adapter element relative to the support column being determined by the abutment edge.

[0046] As already mentioned, each adapter element can have at least one holding surface formed on the side of the beam, which the associated beam can rest against on the inner or outer surface of the beam. For example, such a holding surface can grip the beam on the outside, but also on the inside. Preferably, in this case, each beam is held at each end by at least two such holding surfaces (paired holding). These holding surfaces can surround the beam, for example, from the outside on both sides, or can grip it from the inside on both sides (combinations of these are also possible).

[0047] A preferred configuration specifies that two adapter elements are provided in each case to provide a pair of support surfaces for holding one beam (on one of the two sides of the support column). One end of the associated beam can be attached to this pair of support surfaces. In this case, both support surfaces can grip each beam from the inside, or both support surfaces can grip from the outside, or one support surface can grip from the outside and the other from the inside. If the beam is shaped accordingly, the support surfaces on the underside of the beam, or the upper side of the beam, or both the lower and upper sides of the beam can also be configured by adapter elements. All such paired configurations of support surfaces can be considered technically equivalent.

[0048] The above-described pair of retaining surfaces may be formed on both sides of the support, in particular by using two separate adapter elements (in which case each of the two adapter elements provides one retaining surface on the left side of the support and one retaining surface on the right side).

[0049] Each holding surface of the adapter element can preferably be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the beam to be held. This has the advantage that when the beam is assembled / attached to the holding surface of the associated adapter element, preferably by screw fastening, the beam can slide along the holding surface in its longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to compensate for variations in the spacing between the supports, which may occur, in particular when the supports are attached at an angle to the ground.

[0050] It is also possible for each adapter element to form at least one holding surface for holding one of the beams on both sides of the support to which the adapter element is attached, in the longitudinal direction of the beam. For easy assembly, it is advantageous in this case if each holding surface of the adapter element (on the left and right of the support) projects beyond the support in the longitudinal direction of the associated beam. It is also advantageous if the two holding surfaces of the adapter element on the left and right of the support are aligned with each other.

[0051] Such an adapter element can therefore connect two beams to one support, the beams being arranged on the left and right sides of the support. In this case, the individual adapter elements may extend beyond the support, in particular on both sides. The alignment of the support surfaces offers the advantage that both left and right beams of the support can be centered with respect to the module plane in which the active surfaces of the PV modules lie, which is advantageous for minimizing shadow formation of the PV modules.

[0052] It may also be specified that each adapter element forms two tongues, i.e., in particular left and right tongues or upper and lower tongues, each having or forming a respective retaining surface. These retaining surfaces / tongues may therefore, in particular, be provided for paired retention of a beam to be attached by the adapter element. To increase the stability of such an adapter element, the two tongues may be connected to one another via at least one bridge, preferably at least two bridges, formed by the adapter element. Furthermore, in such a configuration, it is conceivable that the two tongues each rest from the outside against the abutment edge of the support post, which defines the through-opening (in which the adapter element is inserted).

[0053] As already mentioned, the support can be advantageously formed by an elongated profile, which can be divided into a mounting section that is fixed in the ground and a holding section that is located above the ground and are connected to one another. The elongated profile can preferably be formed with a semi-open cross section, i.e., a C-, U-, Z-, or S-shaped cross section. In such a configuration, each adapter element can be mounted on at least one inner surface, preferably at least two inner surfaces, and / or at least one outer surface, preferably at least two outer surfaces, of the elongated profile of the corresponding support. In another configuration, which can be used in addition to or instead of this, it is specified that one end of each elongated profile is at least partially bent to form a flange, and each adapter element is mounted on this flange (i.e., on at least a portion of the flange).

[0054] The inner or outer surface of the support post can therefore serve as a support surface on which the adapter element is supported and / or as an assembly surface on which the adapter element is attached, preferably screwed.

[0055] For example, it may be specified that each adapter element rests on at least two inner surfaces and one outer surface of the elongated section of the corresponding support. Furthermore, for the most stable possible connection between the support and the adapter element, it is preferred if one of the inner surfaces on which the adapter element rests extends transversely to the retaining surface of the adapter element, which is provided for retaining one of the beams. This ensures that tensile forces along the longitudinal direction of the corresponding beam as well as torsional moments about the transverse axis of the corresponding beam are transferred to the support via the respective contact surfaces between the adapter element and the outer surface or inner surface of the elongated section. In this case, the inner / outer surfaces on which the adapter element rests may preferably be located opposite each other, and in particular may extend parallel to each other. This is the case, for example, in the case of a C-shaped elongated section having a rectangular basic shape.

[0056] Each adapter element may be attached, for example, to at least one outer surface of the support, in particular to a flange formed by the support, whereas alternatively or additionally, each adapter element may be attached to at least one inner surface of the support.

[0057] According to another embodiment (if through-holes are used, they can be configured accordingly), each adapter element can be infinitely slidable along the longitudinal direction of the associated support post when not in its final assembly position, i.e., before final attachment to the associated support post, thereby defining the z-position of the adapter element relative to the support post. For this purpose, it can be specified that the adapter element is slidably mounted on the outer contour of the support post from the outside and / or on the inner contour of the support post from the inside (respectively) in the longitudinal direction of the support post. If through-holes are used, it can also be specified that the height of the adapter element in the longitudinal direction of the support post is smaller, preferably by at least 20% smaller, than the height of the through-hole into which the adapter element is inserted.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible to achieve adjustability of the beam along the longitudinal direction of the associated support column relative to the associated adapter element to which it is already attached. This is possible, for example, by forming slots or hole patterns in the adapter element. In this case, the beam may be attachable to the adapter element at various heights relative to the adapter element. Furthermore, the holding surface of the adapter element may be formed with a length that allows the beam to be attached to the adapter element at various longitudinal positions (and, in some cases, longitudinal slots in the beam may be formed in the beam and / or the adapter element). This allows the effective coupling length provided by a single beam to be varied without the need to use / produce beams of various lengths for this purpose.

[0059] According to a further solution approach, possibly comprising an independent inventive feature, the problem is solved by specifying that in a support structure of the type mentioned at the outset (which may be configured in particular as described above or as claimed herein), each beam is attached to one of the columns by means of at least one separate adapter element, each adapter element being guided from the outside around the respective column to which it is attached, and the adapter elements are supported on at least two outer surfaces of the column, each extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column. This feature of independent claim 13 can therefore be used to solve the problem mentioned at the outset either alternatively, however or supplementarily, to the above-mentioned features of claim 1 and / or claim 2.

[0060] The configuration of claim 13 may further specify that the adapter element is mounted on at least two outer surfaces of the associated support, preferably the adapter element being attached to at least one of these outer surfaces.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the adapter element can be mounted on at least three outer surfaces of the associated support, preferably on at least one of these three outer surfaces. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter element can support one beam on each side of the support by means of a support surface, preferably aligned with one another.

[0062] The approach of guiding the adapter element from the outside around the support post and the approach of using through-openings may be combined with each other. Furthermore, all of the features described above can also be used in adapter elements that are guided from the outside around the support post.

[0063] Thus, for example, an arrangement is provided in which each adapter element is inserted into two through-openings of the support column to which it is attached. It may be specified, in particular, that for this purpose the adapter element is guided through each through-opening of the support column once from the outside to the inside and once from the inside to the outside. In this case, the adapter element may be supported from the outside, preferably on at least two outer surfaces of the support column extending in different directions, then pass through the first through-opening, then rest against the support column from the inside, and finally pass through the second through-opening, again exiting the support column from the inside to the outside (the discussion therefore relates to the longitudinal extension of the adapter element; this arrangement is not shown in the drawings, but can easily be retrofitted based on a similar arrangement with simple through-openings).

[0064] To achieve the above object, a photovoltaic power generation device is proposed, which includes a plurality of bifacial PV modules arranged upright on a support structure. The present invention specifies that the support structure for the PV device is configured as described above or according to any one of the support structure claims. Each of the two columns and two beams of the support structure can define a substantially rectangular mounting area. At least one of the PV modules can be arranged within this mounting area; however, multiple PV modules may also be arranged within this mounting area. The plane within the mounting area, on which the active surfaces of the PV modules are arranged, can be referred to as the module plane. This is the plane associated with shadow formation.

[0065] In order to solve the problem mentioned at the beginning, in particular to simplify the construction of the above-mentioned photovoltaic device, the present invention also proposes a corresponding method for assembling an adapter element to a support column of a support structure of the photovoltaic device, where it is understood that the adapter element and the support column or support structure can be constructed as described above or according to one of the claims relating to the support structure.

[0066] For easy assembly, the method specifies that each adapter element is supported on at least two faces of the support column, each extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support column, and can then be firmly connected to the support column in the final assembly position thus positioned, for example by screw fastening.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the method may further specify that the adapter element (for positioning in the final assembly position) is inserted into the through-opening of one of the supports, preferably from the inside out, so that the adapter element projects outward from the through-opening, allowing the holding surface formed by the adapter element to project outward from the support (preferably in the longitudinal direction of the beam).

[0068] Alternatively, however, or additionally, it may be provided that the adapter element is applied from the inside against the inner contour of one of the struts, in particular in such a way that the adapter element is supported in a planar manner on two inner surfaces of the strut which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the strut in different directions.

[0069] Finally, supplementary and / or alternatively to the above-mentioned features of the method for solving the problem, it may also be specified that the adapter element is surface-supported on at least two outer surfaces of one of the struts, each extending transversely in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the strut.

[0070] All of the above-described method steps ultimately serve to position the adapter element in its final assembly position on the respective support post, where it can be, for example, screwed onto the support post or otherwise connected to the support post in a friction- and / or positive-locking (and therefore rigid) manner.

[0071] Depending on the design of the respective adapter element, the method may further specify that the respective adapter element is inserted into the through-opening of the associated support post along the insertion direction, preferably from the inside to the outside with respect to the support post, and in particular so that it then rests face-on against the support post from the inside. In this case, it may be specified in particular that the final installation position of the adapter element is only reached by sliding the adapter element in a sliding direction extending transversely to the insertion direction while the adapter element is already inserted into the through-opening. This makes it possible in particular to achieve that the adapter element rests against the abutment edge of the support post that defines the through-opening in the final installation position.

[0072] In another embodiment of the method, it is specified that the final installation position of the adapter element is reached only by sliding and / or tilting the adapter element in a sliding direction that runs along the longitudinal direction of the post and transverse to the insertion direction while the adapter element is already inserted into the through-opening. By this attachment, it is achieved that the adapter element is held in the through-opening in a locked or non-rotatable and / or non-slidable manner in the final installation position, and for this purpose, the above-mentioned recesses in the post or in the adapter element itself can be used in particular.

[0073] Another possible method step according to the invention specifies that each adapter element is first (i.e. before being introduced into the second through-opening) inserted through a first through-opening of one of the posts, in particular from the outside towards the inside with respect to the post, and then inserted through a second through-opening of this post, in particular from the inside towards the outside.

[0074] It may also be specified that the adapter elements are introduced into the through-openings in the insertion direction at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the support post. It is then preferable to rotate the adapter element about the axis of the insertion direction. Additionally or alternatively, to reach the final installation position, the adapter element can also be slid transversely to the insertion direction, in particular transversely and / or longitudinally to the longitudinal direction of the support post. This measure also allows the adapter element to rest against the abutment edge of the support post that defines the through-opening and / or rest on the support surface of the support post in the final installation position.

[0075] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Further features of the present invention can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments in combination with the general detailed description, the claims, and the drawings.

[0076] In the following description of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, elements that are identical in function are provided with the same reference numerals, even if they differ in construction and configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first example of a support structure pillar with a through opening into which a separate adapter element is introduced. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of a support post with two through openings into which one respective adapter element can be introduced. [Figure 3] 2 shows the example of FIG. 1, with the adapter element now completely mounted in its final assembly position in the through opening; [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of an adapter element constructed according to the invention, which is applied from the inside to two inner faces of the elongated section of the illustrated column. [Figure 5]1 shows an example of an adapter element according to the invention which is inserted into a through opening in a support and in this case forms two tongues which are provided to hold the beams in pairs. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the configuration example of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 shows another example in which an adapter element according to the invention is inserted into a through-opening of a support post so as to be slidable in the z-direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the example of FIG. 7 from a different perspective. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a view of the example of FIG. 4 as seen from a different viewing angle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support post with two adapter elements inserted into the through openings, as described above in FIGS. 4 and 9, with each beam held by both adapter elements on the left and right sides of the support post. [Figure 11] 2 shows the insertion of a planar adapter element already shown in FIG. 1 into the associated through-opening of the associated support post; [Figure 12] 2 shows the insertion of a planar adapter element already shown in FIG. 1 into the associated through-opening of the associated support post; [Figure 13] 2 shows the insertion of a planar adapter element already shown in FIG. 1 into the associated through-opening of the associated support post; [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic representation of the components of a support structure according to the invention, in which the position of the adapter elements is shown only schematically and not in detail. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of an adapter element according to the present invention, which is guided around the support from the outside, thereby forming holding surfaces on both sides of the support (left: view from above in the longitudinal direction of the support, right: perspective view). [Figure 16] 1 is a side view of an upright bifacial PV module positioned in the assembly area of ​​a support structure according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 17]1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 25] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements; [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic plan view of a support structure according to the invention, consisting of a support post and two beams attached to the support post by means of adapter elements;

[0078] 14 shows a schematic representation of the components of a photovoltaic device 25 according to the invention, which comprises a support structure 1 on which a number of upright bifacial photovoltaic modules 24 are arranged. The support structure 1 has a number of columns 2 which are attached to the ground and to which horizontally extending beams 3 are attached, connecting each pair of adjacent columns 2. The connection between the end of each beam 3 and the associated column 2 is in this case formed by at least one separate adapter element 4.

[0079] 14 further shows that the beams 3 are aligned with one row of columns 2, and that each beam 3 is located between two columns 2. Correspondingly, the connections between the columns 2 and the beams 3 are formed at each end of the beams 3. It should be noted that the columns 2 are wider than the beams 3, which is advantageous for the mechanical stability of the support structure 1 and also greatly simplifies the assembly with the adapter elements 4 according to the invention.

[0080] 16 shows a possible simple configuration of such a support structure 1, in which a framed PV module 24 is mounted in the assembly area formed by the beams 3 and the columns 2. For this purpose, the module frame 34 of the PV module 24 is attached to the upper beam 3 by means of separate mounting elements 35. The beam 3 itself is attached at each end to the respective column 2 by means of respective adapter elements 4 according to the invention.

[0081] 1 shows a first possibility according to the invention for how such an adapter element 4 and the associated support 2 can be configured: on its outer surface 9a (module-side outer surface) facing the associated beam 3 and thus the PV module 24 attached to this beam, the support 2 has a through-opening 5 with a width 31 greater than the width 28 of the associated beam 3 transverse to the longitudinal direction 30 of the beam (see FIG. 10 ). As can be seen, the associated adapter element 4 is flat, has no bends, and is in the form of a metal plate. In this case, rectangular recesses 15 are formed on the upper and lower edges of the metal plate.

[0082] In all the configurations shown, each adapter element 4 is supported on at least two faces of the associated support 2, with these faces extending in different transverse directions relative to the longitudinal axis 29 (=vertical z-direction) of the support 2, so that moments caused by wind loads can be effectively conducted away from the adapter element 4 into the support 2.

[0083] 1 to 3, the two support surfaces of the column 2 are in this case the surface formed by the column 2 in the region of the abutment edge 20, the cross section of which defines the through-opening 5, as well as the outer surface 9d formed by the flange 11 at the end of the elongate profile 7 of the column 2. The adapter element 4 rests face-on against both of these surfaces.

[0084] 1 to 3, the adapter element 4 is supported in a surface manner on the flange 11 of the column 2. However, the adapter element 4 also rests against an abutment edge 20, which defines the through-opening 5 in the column, and is supported on a support surface 13 (which is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 12 in the column 2). The flange 11 therefore serves in this case as an abutment surface for the adapter element 4. The adapter element 4 and the flange 1 cooperate in this case to enable a beam mounting which allows longitudinal adjustment of the beam 3 and at the same time can introduce high lateral forces into the column 2.

[0085] In Figures 19 to 26, for example, each beam 3 is held at its end by at least one holding surface 6 provided by an adapter element 4 according to the invention.

[0086] In the cases of Figures 4, 9 and 10, the at least two support surfaces are the inner surfaces 8a and 8b and the outer surface 9d of the corresponding support column 2. In the cases of Figures 5 to 8, the two support surfaces are the inner surfaces 8a and 8b of the corresponding support column 2, and in the case of Figure 15, the outer surfaces 9a and 9b of the corresponding support column 2 (there may be a gap between the outer surface 9c and the adapter element 4 due to manufacturing tolerances). In the case of Figure 17, the at least two support surfaces are the inner surfaces 8a and 8b; in the case of Figure 18, the outer surfaces 9a and 9b; in Figure 19: the inner surfaces 8b and 8c and the outer surfaces 9b and 9c; in Figure 20: for the upper adapter element 4, the outer surfaces 9b and 9c, and for the lower adapter element 4, the inner surfaces 8b and 8c (located opposite the S-section 7). 21, 22 and 24: outer surfaces 9a, 9b and inner surfaces 8a, 8b; in Fig. 23: inner surface 8a and (as in Fig. 3) each of the side wall surfaces defining the through opening 5 in the U-section 7; and finally, in Figs. 25 and 26: outer surfaces 9c, 9d and inner surfaces 8c, 8d. The examples of Figs. 1 to 18 and 23 have in common that in this case two separate adapter elements 4 are used, respectively, to hold the ends of one of the beams.

[0087] In the examples of Figures 15 and 18, each adapter element 4 is supported externally on the support post 2. In this example, the formation of a through-opening 5 can therefore be omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 18, it can be seen that the space between the two holding surfaces 6 (on the left side of the support post) remains at least partially free there. This provides space for longitudinal adjustment of the beam 3. It can also be seen in Figure 18, and also in the other configurations, that the support surface 9a, which prevents the adapter element 4 from tilting, extends laterally (in the plane of the drawing and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the beam 3) beyond the beam 3.

[0088] A comparison of Figures 17 and 18 shows that the at least two support surfaces supporting the adapter element 4 on the column 2 can be formed by the inner surfaces (20, 8a, 8b) and / or by the outer surfaces (9a, 9b) of the elongate section (7) forming the column, these inner or outer surfaces then extending in the longitudinal direction of the column 2.

[0089] 11 to 13 show how the adapter element 4, which is formed as a flat element without bends, is assembled to the support 2 and is thus already held in a locked and non-slidable manner in the through-opening 5 of the support 2 before the final screw fastening to the respective beam 3. For this purpose, the adapter element 4 is inserted into the through-opening 5, which in this embodiment can be done from both sides.

[0090] 11 shows, for this purpose, the adapter element 4 is first introduced into the through-opening 5 of the post 2 in the illustrated insertion direction 17 (i.e., opposite to the x-axis in FIG. 11) at an angle to the longitudinal axis 29 thereof, which extends in the z-direction. In this case, the recess 15 formed on the lower edge of the adapter element 4 engages in the recess 12 formed on the lower edge of the through-opening 5 of the post 2, which is clearly visible in FIG. 1. The adapter element 4 is then rotated clockwise about the axis of the insertion direction 17 (negative x-direction) (see the thick arrow in FIG. 12), while at the same time sliding downwards in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction 29 of the post 2, i.e., transversely to the insertion direction 17 and in the negative z-direction, so that the recesses 15 and 12 fully engage with each other.

[0091] After being fully pivoted and having undergone a complete lateral movement, the adapter element 4 can be seen in its final assembly position 19 shown in Figure 13 resting against an abutment edge 20 of the support post 2, which defines the right edge of the through-opening 5. In this case, the adapter element 4 rests on the support surface 13 of the support post 2, which is formed in the bottom surface of the recess 12 of the support post 2, as shown in Figure 1 (see the detailed view on the right side of Figure 1). Thus, in the illustrated final assembly position 19, the z-position of the adapter element 4 relative to the support post 2 is determined by the abutment edge 20, which can be seen in Figure 12.

[0092] In the example of FIG. 1 , the width 31 of the through-opening 5 is less than 60% of the associated width 32 of the support 2 (e.g., shown in FIG. 2 ). Therefore, as soon as the two adapter elements 4 defined for this purpose are attached to the abutment edges 20 on the left and right sides, respectively, in the through-opening 5 of the support 2 shown in FIG. 1 , these adapter elements 4 can grip the beam 3 on both sides, so that the width 28 of this beam is significantly narrower (less than 20%) than the width 32 of the associated support 2 . This is advantageous for minimizing shadow formation on the front and rear sides of the PV module 24 while simultaneously ensuring high stability of the support 2 . For the same reason, the through-opening 5 is also centered with respect to the outer edge 23 of the support 2 that is involved in shadow formation. In other words, the through-opening 5 is positioned centrally with respect to the width 32 of the support 2 transversely to the longitudinal direction 29 of the support 2 and transversely to the longitudinal direction 30 of the associated beam 3 . On the other hand, when using monofacial PV modules (while orienting the front of only one active surface of each PV module towards the sun), an off-center placement of the beam / through apertures can also be used to further minimize shadow formation, since in such cases it makes sense to position the active surface as close as possible to the outer surface of the support, where the sun's rays enter.

[0093] 2 shows a second possible configuration example, in which two relatively narrow, slit-like through-openings 5a and 5b are formed in the outer surface 9a of the support post 2. In this example, the adapter elements 4 are also formed planar and can be inserted into the associated through-openings 5. Unlike the example of FIG. 1, in which two adapter elements 4 can be inserted into the through-openings 5, which are placed on the left and right sides against the respective abutment edges 20 of the support post 2 that define the illustrated through-openings 5, the example of FIG. 2 specifies that only one adapter element 4 is inserted into each through-opening 5a / 5b.

[0094] In this case, in the example of FIG. 2, the opening cross section of the through-openings 5a and 5b is selected to be smaller than the cross section of the associated beam 3 to be attached to the adapter element 4. Therefore, the beam 3 cannot be inserted into the respective through-opening 5a or 5b. However, as in the example of FIG. 1, the respective adapter element 4 is first inserted into the through-opening 5 along the illustrated insertion direction 17, counter to the x-direction, i.e., to a depth corresponding to the position of the recess 15 found in the upper edge of the adapter element 4. The adapter element 4 can then be slid transversely to the insertion direction 17 in the illustrated sliding direction 18 (along the y-axis in FIG. 2) to the final assembly position 19. In this final assembly position 19, the adapter element 4 of FIG. 2 again rests against an abutment edge 20 of the support post 2, which extends in the longitudinal direction 29 of the support post 2 and which in this case laterally defines the illustrated through-opening 5b on the right side (the abutment edge 20 is formed by the support post 2).

[0095] 1, the final assembly position 19 is shown in FIG. 3, where the left-hand view shows that the adapter element 4 is positioned non-rotatably and non-slidably by the recess 12 formed in the support 2 and by the recess 15 formed in the adapter element 4 itself: in this case, the upper recess 15 of the adapter element engages in the support 2 and determines the x-position of the adapter element 4 relative to the support 2; in contrast, the lower recess 12 of the support 2 engages in the adapter element 4 and thus determines the y-position of the adapter element 4 relative to the support 2. In this case, the adapter element 4 also rests against the illustrated outer surface 9d of the support 2. It can be seen that in all the examples of FIGS. 1 to 13, the support 2 is formed by an elongated profile 7 with a C-shaped cross section. In this case, both ends 10a and 10b of the elongated profile 7 are bent to form respective flanges 11a, 11b, which provide respective abutment surfaces for the face-to-face application of the adapter element 4 on the flange 11.

[0096] In the above-described exemplary configuration, the height of each adapter element 4 is designed in such a way that two beams 3, one above the other, can also be attached to the respective support surfaces 6 provided by the adapter element 4. In this case, the elongated holes 14 formed in the adapter element 4 allow each beam 3 to be mechanically coupled to the adapter element 4 at different z-heights, for example via screw fastening. This makes it possible to compensate, for example, for height variations of the columns 2 and / or for the slope of the site.

[0097] FIG. 4 shows another example according to the invention, in which the through-opening 5 is again formed in a support column 2, which is also (by way of example) constituted by a C-shaped elongated section 7. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the adapter element 4 there has a cross section similar to an Ω shape when viewed in the z direction. This means that the adapter element 4 is no longer formed flat, but has a total of four bends 16, each extending along the longitudinal direction 29 of the support column 2. This provides the adapter element 4 with a plurality of abutment surfaces that rest flatly against the illustrated inner surfaces 8a, 8b of the elongated section 7 of the support column 2 and also against the outer surface 9d. It can be seen that the adapter element 4 is inserted into the through-opening 5 from the inside out, with its shoulder abutting the inner surface 8a of the support column 2 and abutting flatly there.

[0098] 4 is first inserted into the through-opening 5 along the insertion direction 17 shown. However, the final assembly position 19 shown in FIG. 4 is only achieved by sliding the adapter element 4 transversely to the insertion direction 17 in the sliding direction 18 shown, while the adapter element 4 is already inserted into the through-opening 5. In the final assembly position 19, the adapter element 4 therefore rests against an abutment edge 20 of the column 2, which laterally defines the through-opening 5. Furthermore, a right-hand tongue 21 formed by the adapter element 4, which provides the retaining surface 6 for retaining the associated beam 3, rests face-on against the flange 11 of the C-section 7.

[0099] 4, it can thus be seen that the adapter element 4 is guided along the inner contour 26 of the elongated section 7 and is in this case supported area-wise on the elongated section 7, i.e. on the faces 8a, 8b and 9d. This is even better shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, which likewise show the final assembly position 19 of the adapter element 4 already known from FIG. 4 on the same support 2. In particular, FIG. 10 clearly shows the area-wise support of the adapter element 4 on the inside of the elongated section 7, more precisely on the inner faces 8a and 8b.

[0100] 4, the adapter element 4 thus forms two abutment legs 27, which are respectively supported on two inner surfaces 8a and 8b of the elongate section 7. In this case, the inner surfaces 8a and 8b extend in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis 29 of the column 2 shown in FIG. 4. This ensures that both longitudinal and lateral forces acting on the beam 3 are conducted into the column 2.

[0101] The adapter element 4 shown in FIGS. 4, 9 and 10 forms at least one holding surface 6 on both sides of the support 2, i.e., on both sides with respect to the longitudinal direction 30 of the associated beam 3 as shown in FIG. 10, for holding one of the beams 3. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the two holding surfaces 6a and 6b of the upper adapter element 4a protrude beyond the support 2 in the longitudinal direction 30 of the associated beam 3 and are aligned with one another. In this case, each holding surface 6a and 6b is provided by a respective tongue 21 of the adapter element 4. In FIG. 10, the left-hand beam 3 can be introduced more or less deeply into the through-opening 5; however, this is not necessary, since the tongue 21 already allows a certain longitudinal adjustability of the beam 3 in the x-direction (the same applies to the two tongues 21 on the right side of the adapter element 4).

[0102] FIG. 5 shows another possible configuration of an adapter element 4 according to the invention, which is inserted from the inside out into the through-opening 5 of the associated support column 2. The adapter element forms two abutment legs 27a and 27b that rest against the illustrated inner surface of the elongate section 7 of the support column 2. However, unlike the example of FIG. 10, the adapter element 4 of FIG. 5 already provides two tongues 21 that are provided for gripping the beam 3 from both sides. The adapter element 4 shown in FIG. 5 therefore forms left and right tongues 21 with respective holding surfaces 6 that are provided for pairwise holding the associated beam 3. In this case, the two tongues 21a and 21b are connected to one another via two bridges 22 formed by the adapter element 4 and rest from the outside against the abutment edges 20 of the support column 2 that define the through-opening 5.

[0103] In Figure 6, which shows the situation of Figure 5 in a plan view, the upper bridge 22 can be clearly seen, as can the fact that the adapter element 4 shown rests face-on against two opposite inner surfaces 8b of the elongated section 7 of the support column 2.

[0104] 7 and 8 show an adapter element 4 that is similarly configured to the adapter element shown in FIG. 5 and thus forms two tongues 21a and 21b, respectively, that are provided for paired holding of the associated beam 3. As with the example shown in FIG. 5, in the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the height H1 of the through-opening 5 is selected to be significantly greater than the height H2 of the adapter element 4 in the z-direction. This allows the adapter element 4 to be infinitely slidable along the longitudinal direction 29 of the associated column 2 before it is finally attached to the column 2, thereby defining or adjusting the z-position of the adapter element 4 relative to the column 2. This results in an adjustment range in the z-direction that is even greater than the total height of the elongated hole 14 shown. In this case, the adapter element 4 rests internally on the inner contour 26 of the column 2 shown in FIG. 6, i.e., the adapter element 4 is slidable in the longitudinal direction 29 of the column 2. After the adapter element is finally attached to the column, this adapter element contributes to mechanically stabilizing the column.

[0105] In such a configuration, it may even be envisaged that each column is made up of two elongated sections which together form the through opening 5, thereby reducing material waste during production. If each column is made in two pieces, preferably wider adapter elements can be used in order to mechanically stabilize the sum of the actual widths of the two columns accordingly for the higher wind loads that will be encountered in this case.

[0106] Instead of assembling the adapter element by screwing, a rigid connection / coupling between the support post and the adapter element can also be formed, for example, by locking. For example, a respective locking mechanism can be formed, for which the adapter element can be locked onto a tongue that extends in the z-direction and is punched into the support post.

[0107] 15 shows another configuration according to the invention, possibly including an independent feature according to the invention: In this case, the adapter element 4 is guided from the outside around the associated column 2 and is supported on all three outer surfaces 9a, 9b, and 9c of the column 2 in an area-like manner. In this case, the outer surfaces 9a and 9b extend, for example, in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis 29 of the column 2. That is, in this case, the adapter element 4 rests on at least two outer surfaces 9a and 9b of the column 2 in an area-like manner, and both outer surfaces 9a and 9b can be used to connect the adapter element 4 to the column 2, for example, by screw fastening. In the example of FIG. 15, the illustrated adapter element 4 also has two illustrated tongues 21, which provide the respective holding surfaces 6, arranged on both sides of the column 2 and aligned with each other, so that each associated beam 3 can be held by each of the respective holding surfaces 6 on both sides of the column 2.

[0108] 17 to 26 show another possible configuration of the connection according to the invention between a column 2 and at least one associated beam 3 by means of at least one adapter element 4 configured according to the invention. In this case, for example, C-, U-, Z-, and S-shaped sections are used for each column 2. In the examples of FIGS. 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26, the elongated section 7 of each column 2 does not have a through-opening 5, and each adapter element 4 rests against at least two outer surfaces 9 of the column 2, which extend in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column 2 (= the viewing direction of the figures). In contrast, in the examples of FIGS. 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25, each elongated section 7 of the column 2 has a through-opening 5, and one adapter element 4 is inserted into and guided through each through-opening 5. In all these configurations, each adapter element 4 in this case presents a support surface 6 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the associated beam 3 and projecting from an elongated profile 7 of the strut 2 .

[0109] In the example of FIG. 17, each adapter element 4 provides a respective support surface 6 on either side of the support column 2, onto which the associated beam 3 is attached in a planar manner.

[0110] In contrast, in the example of Figure 18, the right-hand beam 3 is attached to the column 2 by the elongated section 7 of the column 2, and more particularly by the retaining surfaces 6 formed by the flanges 11 at each end of the elongated section 7.

[0111] This also applies to the example of Figure 19, but in this case the flanges 11 of the S-sections 7 forming the columns 2 are formed on both sides of the columns 2 (i.e. not on one side as in the case of the C-sections 7 of Figure 18). Correspondingly, each adapter element 4 is inserted on the left and right sides into each through-opening 5 of the S-section 7 in order to form a second holding surface 6 for holding the associated beam 3 (on both sides).

[0112] The example of FIG. 20 follows this principle of the example of FIG. 19, but with the difference that in this case the adapter elements 4 are respectively applied to the S-shaped members 7 from the outside and no through openings 5 ​​are formed.

[0113] 21 is comparable to the example of FIG. 19: again, the S-shaped section 7 of the support 2 has through-openings 5 ​​on the left and right sides, into which one adapter element 4 is inserted. Similarly, in both cases, an adapter element rests face-on on the opposite side of each S-shaped section 7 (FIG. 19: 8b, 8c vs. 9b, 9c; FIG. 21: 8a, 8b vs. 9a, 9b). However, the S-shaped section 7 of FIG. 19 has a total of eight bends, whereas the S-shaped section of FIG. 21 has only six bends, but this is compensated for by the longer length of the adapter elements 4.

[0114] The example of FIG. 22 is formed similarly to the example of FIG. 21, but includes the difference that the adapter element 4 is only applied to the S-shaped member 7 of the support 2 from the outside.

[0115] In the U-section of FIG. 23, the distance between the flanges 11, which is somewhat larger compared to the distance between the holding surfaces 6 of the adapter elements 4, can be compensated for by spacers, so that both beams 3 can have the same width.

[0116] Figure 24 shows an example of a U-shaped member 7 as a support 2, which is provided with a total of four adapter elements 4 for holding two beams 3 in pairs from both sides by means of holding surfaces 6.

[0117] The Z-section 7 of Figure 25, like the S-sections of Figures 19 to 22, is provided with one flange 11 on each side, which flange provides a support surface 6 for holding each beam 3. In contrast, the two additional support surfaces 6 required are provided by each adapter element 4 inserted into each through-opening 5. However, this is not necessary, as in the example of Figure 26, which allows for a similar stable construction.

[0118] In summary, in order to simplify the assembly of components to be manufactured for a support structure 1 for a photovoltaic power plant 25, in particular having PV modules 24 suspended upright on the support structure 1, and also to increase the mechanical stability of the joint between the vertically extending columns 2 and the horizontally extending beams 3, it is proposed to form the joint between each column 2 and each associated beam 3 by a separate adapter element 4, with the adapter element 4 being supported in a planar manner on at least two mutually angled faces of the column 2. For this purpose, it may be specified, in particular, that the adapter element 4 is inserted, preferably from the inside out, into a through-opening 5 formed in the module-facing outer face 9a of the column 2. Alternatively, however, or additionally, in this case, the adapter element 4 may be supported in a planar manner on at least two outer faces 9b, 9c of the column 2 that extend in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the associated beam 3. Of course, configurations in which the column 2 has or does not have a through-opening 5 can also be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Support structure 2 pillars 3 beams 4. Adapter element (for attaching 3 to 2) 5 Through opening 6. Holding surface (for holding 3 to 4) 7. Long and thin sections 8 (of 7) Inside 9 (of 7) exterior 10 (of 7) ends 11 (formed by 2 / 7) flange 12 recess (in 2 for fixing the rotation of 4) 13 (at 2 for fixing the z-position of 4) mounting surface 14 long hole 15 recess (in 4 for fixing the rotation of 4) 16 (4) bending part 17 Insertion direction 18 Sliding direction 19 Final assembly position 20 (defining 5, 2) abutting edges 21 (four) tongues 22 (connecting 21) Bridge 23 (relating to shadow formation) (spaced apart from 20, 2) outer edge 24 Photovoltaic modules 25 Solar power generation equipment 26 (2 / 7) inner contour 27 (4 abutting on 26) abutting leg Width 28 (3 across from 30) 29 (2) Longitudinal direction 30 (3) longitudinal direction 31 (5) width 32 (2 across from 29) width 33 (extending through 29 and dividing 32 equally into two) central axis 34 (used to assemble to 2 and / or 3, surrounding 24) module frame 35 mounting element (for joining 24 to 3 and thus for final assembly of 24 to 3) 36 modular planes 37 (of 24) surfaces of action

Claims

1. A support structure (1) for a photovoltaic device (25), particularly configured to support an upright bifacial photovoltaic module (24), comprising: The support structure (1) comprises a plurality of support columns (2) that are attached, in particular fixed, on or in the ground, and beams (3) are attached to the support columns (2) and connect each pair of adjacent support columns (2) to each other, Each of the beams (3) is attached to one of the columns (2) by at least one separate adapter element (4), Each of the adapter elements (4) is supported on at least two faces (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c) of the support (2) extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis (29) of the support (2). A support structure (1) characterized in that:

2. Each of the beams (3) is attached to one of the columns (2) by at least one separate adapter element (4), Each of said struts (2) has at least one through opening (5), At least one of the adapter elements (4) is inserted into each of the through openings (5). A support structure (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to claim 1.

3. At least one abutment leg (27) of the adapter element (4) is abutted against the inner contour (26) of the elongated section (7), Particularly preferably, the adapter element (4) forms at least two abutment legs (27) which are respectively supported in a planar manner on two inner surfaces (8a, 8b, 8c) of the elongate profile (7), the two inner surfaces (8a, 8b, 8c) preferably extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis (29) of the strut (2) and / or one of the inner surfaces (8a, 8c) extending transversely to the insertion direction (17) along which the adapter element (4) can be inserted into the through-opening (5). A support structure (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. 4. A support structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening cross section of the through opening (5) is selected to be smaller than the cross section of the associated beam (3), in particular so that the beam (3) cannot be inserted into the through opening (5).

5. the width (31) of the through opening (5) transverse to the longitudinal direction (29) of the strut (2) is at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, of the corresponding width (32) of the strut (2); or the abutment edges (20a, 20b) of the struts (2), which laterally delimit the respective associated through-openings (5a, 5b) to the outside, are spaced apart transversely to the longitudinal direction (29) of the struts (2) by at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, of the corresponding width of the struts (2); In particular, this allows each adapter element (4) inserted into each through-opening (5) to grip a beam (3) having a width of less than 80%, in particular less than 60%, of the width of the associated strut (2). A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a single adapter element (4) is inserted into each of the through openings (5) of each of the support posts (2); In particular, the adapter element (4) is of planar design, in particular without bends, and / or In particular, the width (31) of each through-opening (5) is in this case smaller than the width (28) of the associated beam (3), preferably by half or even by a quarter; and / or each said through opening (5) exhibits an aspect ratio of height to width measured in the longitudinal direction (29) of said strut (2) of greater than 5:1; and / or two cooperating through-openings (5a, 5b), into which only one adapter element (4) is inserted in each case, are positioned symmetrically with respect to a central axis (33) of the support (2), which extends in the longitudinal direction (29) of the support (2); A support structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. At least two adapter elements (4a, 4b) are inserted into each of the through openings (5), and / or each of said through openings (5) has a width (31) which corresponds to, in particular exceeds, the width (28) of the associated beam (3); and / or each through-opening (5) is positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction (30) of the associated beam (3) and transversely to the longitudinal direction (29) of the associated strut (2) and centrally with respect to the width (32) of the associated strut (2); A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Each of said adapter elements (4) comprises: Preferably by means of slit-like recesses (12) in the struts (2) and / or By means of a slit-like recess (15) in the adapter element (4) itself, held in the through-opening (5) so as to be non-rotatable relative to one another and / or non-slidable in at least two directions; A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Each of the adapter elements (4) comprises: resting on a resting surface (13) of the associated support (2), which in particular extends transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction (29) of the support (2), and / or abutting against an abutment edge (20) of the support (2), preferably extending in the longitudinal direction (29) of the support (2); As soon as the adapter element is fully inserted into the through opening (5), In particular, the z-position of the adapter element (4) relative to the support (2) is determined by the resting surface (13) and / or the y-position of the adapter element (4) relative to the support (2) is determined by the abutment edge (20). A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. each adapter element (4) defines at least one support surface (6) for supporting one of the beams (3) on either side of the support (2) to which it is attached, in relation to the longitudinal direction (30) of the beams (3); Preferably, each of the holding surfaces (6) of the adapter elements (4) projects beyond the strut (2) in the longitudinal direction (30) of the associated beam (3), and / or the two holding surfaces (6a, 6b / 6c, 6d) of the adapter element (4) are aligned with each other on the left and right sides of the support post (2); A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Each adapter element (4) forms two tongues (21a, 21b) carrying the respective holding surfaces (6), in particular left and right tongues or upper and lower tongues, In particular, the holding surface (6) is provided to hold a pair of one beam (3) attached by the adapter element (4), Preferably, the two tongues (21a, 21b) are connected to each other via at least one bridge (22) formed by the adapter element (4), and / or The two tongues (21) are respectively abutted from the outside against the abutment edges (20) of the support (2) that define the through opening (5). A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. each adapter element (4) can be slidably moved in a non-final assembly position, i.e. before final attachment to the associated support (2), along the longitudinal direction (29) of the associated support (2), so that the z-position of the adapter element (4) can be determined relative to the support (2); This is especially so because the adapter element (4) rests externally on the outer contour of the support post (2) and / or internally on the inner contour (26) of the support post (2) so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (29) of the support post (2), and / or because the height of the adapter element (4) in the longitudinal direction (29) of the support post (2) is less than the height of the through-opening (5) into which the adapter element (4) is inserted, preferably by at least 20%. A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A support structure (1) for a photovoltaic device (25) configured for supporting a bifacial photovoltaic module (24), in particular of the upright type, of the type according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: Each of the beams (3) is attached to one of the columns (2) by at least one separate adapter element (4), Each adapter element (4) is guided from the outside around the corresponding support (2) to which it is attached, The adapter element (4) is supported on at least two outer surfaces (9a, 9b, 9c) of the support (2) extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis (29) of the support (2). A support structure (1) characterized in that:

14. each adapter element (4) rests on at least two outer surfaces (9a, 9b) of the associated support (2), preferably attached to at least one of the two outer surfaces (9a, 9b), or the adapter element (4) is mounted on at least three outer surfaces (9a, 9b, 9c) of the associated support (2), and is preferably attached to at least one of the three outer surfaces (9a, 9b, 9c), In particular, the adapter elements (4) each hold one beam (3) on either side of the support column (2) by means of holding surfaces (6), Preferably, both said holding surfaces (6) are aligned with each other. A support structure (1) according to claim 13.

15. Each of the adapter elements (4) is inserted into two through-openings (5) formed in the support (2) to which the adapter element (4) is attached, In particular, the adapter element (4) is guided through each of the through-openings (5) once from the outside to the inside and once from the inside to the outside for this purpose. A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A photovoltaic power generation device (25) comprising a plurality of preferably double-sided photovoltaic modules (24) arranged upright on a support structure (1), The support structure (1) is constructed as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, Preferably, each of the two columns (2) and two beams (3) of the support structure (1) can define a substantially rectangular mounting area, in which at least one of the photovoltaic modules (24) is arranged. A solar power generation device (25).

17. 19. A method for assembling an adapter element (4) to a support (2) of a photovoltaic device (25), in particular to a support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: The support structure (1) comprises a plurality of columns (2) mounted, in particular fixed, on or in the ground, on which beams (3) are attached, connecting two adjacent columns (2) to one another; A method for attaching each of the beams (3) to one of the columns (2) by means of at least one separate adapter element (4), comprising: each adapter element (4) is supported on at least two faces (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c) of the strut (2) extending in different directions transversely to the longitudinal axis (29) of the strut (2); and / or Each of the adapter elements (4) into the through-opening (5) of one of said posts (2), in particular from the inside outwards, and / or and / or surface support on at least two outer surfaces (9a, 9b, 9c) of one of the struts (2), each extending in a different direction transversely to the longitudinal axis (29) of the strut (2); This positions the adapter element (4) in its final assembly position (19) on each of the support columns (2). A method characterized by:

18. For this purpose, each adapter element (4) is inserted into the through-opening (5) along an insertion direction (17), preferably from the inside to the outside with respect to the support post (2), in particular so that it is subsequently applied face-wise to the support post (2) from the inside, In particular, the final assembly position (19) of the adapter element (4) is reached only by sliding and / or tilting the adapter element (4) in a sliding direction (18) extending transversely to the insertion direction (17) while the adapter element (4) is already inserted into the through-opening (5), Preferably, this causes the adapter element (4) to rest against an abutment edge (20) of the post (2) which defines the through-opening (5) in the final assembly position (19).

18. The method of claim 17.

19. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein each adapter element (4) is first inserted through a first through-opening (5) of one of the posts (2), in particular from the outside to the inside with respect to said post (2), and then through a second through-opening (5) of this post (2), in particular from the inside to the outside.

20. Each adapter element (4) is introduced into the through-opening (5) along the insertion direction (17) in an oblique orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis (29) of the post (2), preferably Next, Rotating about the axis of said insertion direction (17), and / or sliding transversely to the insertion direction (17), in particular transversely to the longitudinal direction (29) of the support post (2) and / or in the longitudinal direction (29) of the support post (2), This allows the final assembly position (19) to be reached, Preferably, this results in the adapter element (4) in the final assembly position (19) being applied against an abutment edge (20) of the support post (2) which defines the through-opening (5) and / or resting on a rest surface (13) of the support post (2).

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

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