Agricultural-integrated solar power generation system using semi-transparent reflectors

Abstract

This invention provides an agricultural-type solar power generation system that uses a semi-transparent reflector to minimize the shaded area of ​​the solar panel, thereby eliminating the lack of light caused by the shade and minimizing the inhibition of crop growth. [Solution] The agricultural photovoltaic power generation system using the semi-transparent reflector of the present invention includes a plurality of support bases installed at regular intervals, a photovoltaic panel installed at a regular angle on top of the support bases, and a semi-transparent reflector installed horizontally on the support bases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (SOLAR POWER GENERATION SYSTEM INSTALLABLE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND USING SEMI-TRANSMITTING REFLECTIVE PLATE) The present invention relates to an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a semi-transmissive reflective plate, and more particularly, to an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a semi-transmissive reflective plate that eliminates the shortage of light amount caused by the shadow of a solar panel and minimizes the inhibition of crop growth.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a solar power generation system is a power generation system that uses sunlight among renewable energies, and is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy, and is configured based on the photovoltaic effect in which photons are converted into electrical energy when hitting a specific substance.

[0003] A solar power generation system is configured to include a number of columns and solar panels installed at a certain angle on the upper part of the columns.

[0004] When the solar power generation system configured as described above is installed in an agricultural area where crops are cultivated, sunlight is blocked by the solar panel, a shadow is formed on the lower side of the solar panel, and the amount of light hitting the crops may be insufficient, resulting in a decrease in the harvest. The decrease in the harvest here does not mean that the number of harvested grains decreases, but rather means that the quality such as the size of the grains deteriorates due to insufficient sunlight, so the substantial loss is even greater.

[0005] For example, it is known that the harvest of crops such as rice decreases by approximately 20 to 24% due to the shadow of the solar panel.

[0006] Therefore, in order to ensure sufficient sunlight reaches crops, solar power generation systems used for agriculture must be installed in an area of ​​less than 30% of the total agricultural land area. In areas that are not agricultural, it is generally possible to install solar panels within an area with a shading rate of approximately 60%.

[0007] Registered Patent Publications of the Republic of Korea No. 10-2131413, No. 10-2276444, and Published Patent Publications No. 10-2021-0062318, No. 10-2023-0150485, among others, disclose various technologies related to agricultural photovoltaic power generation devices configured to control the amount of light reaching crops by adjusting the angle of solar panels.

[0008] Conventional solar power generation systems for agricultural use control the amount of light reaching crops by adjusting the angle of the solar panels. This makes it difficult to secure sufficient light for crop growth, and also limits the improvement in power generation efficiency by adjusting the angle of the solar panels to control the amount of light.

[0009] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0028724 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 6842743 disclose a technology for installing reflectors to reflect sunlight toward crops, thereby increasing the amount of light reaching crops within the shaded area of ​​a solar panel.

[0010] When installing such reflectors, there are insufficient measures to address the reduction in the amount of light reaching crops due to the shadow cast by the reflectors. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide an agricultural-type solar power generation system that utilizes a semi-transparent reflector to minimize the shaded area of ​​the solar panel and reflector by installing a semi-transparent reflector, thereby eliminating the lack of light due to the shading of the solar panel and reflector, and minimizing the inhibition of crop growth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An agricultural photovoltaic power generation system utilizing a semi-transparent reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a number of support columns installed at regular intervals, solar panels installed at a certain angle on the top of the support columns, and a semi-transparent reflector installed over a long distance across the support columns.

[0013] The semi-transparent reflector can be formed in a shape in which reflective and transmissive sections are arranged alternately at regular intervals.

[0014] The reflective and transmissive parts can be formed in a striped pattern, alternating between the two, or they can be formed in a circular or elliptical shape with the reflective or transmissive parts arranged in multiple columns and rows at regular intervals.

[0015] The reflective portion can also be formed by setting the width of a stripe, or the diameter of a circle or ellipse within a range of approximately 3 to 10 mm.

[0016] The permeable portion could also be formed as a through-hole.

[0017] It is also possible to configure the solar panel as a double-sided type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the agricultural photovoltaic power generation system utilizing a semi-transparent reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light reflected by the reflective portion of the semi-transparent reflector is directed onto the shaded portion of the solar panel, thereby increasing the amount of light that affects the crops and minimizing the reduction in crop yield.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the agricultural photovoltaic power generation system utilizing a semi-transparent reflector according to the embodiment of the present invention, light that passes through the transmissive portion of the semi-transparent reflector is irradiated onto the shaded portion of the semi-transparent reflector, thereby eliminating the reduction in the amount of light acting on crops and minimizing the reduction in crop yield.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the agricultural combined solar power generation system using the transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a bifacial solar panel is used, the light reflected by the reflective portion of the transflective panel irradiates the lower surface of the solar panel, thereby making it possible to improve the power generation efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a transflective panel in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a photograph showing a state in which an example of a transflective panel is installed at a height of 1 m from the ground in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the influence of transmitted light on the shadow area of the transflective panel is tested. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing another example of a transflective panel in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing still another example of a transflective panel in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing an installation in which the reflective portion of a transflective panel is inclined upward in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration for adjusting the angle of a transflective panel in an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a transflective panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a semi-transmissive reflector according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the reflecting portion of the semi-transmissive reflector is inclined upward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Next, a preferred embodiment of an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a semi-transmissive reflector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Hereinafter, for technical elements having the same function, the same reference numerals will be used, and in order to avoid redundant explanations, repeated detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0024] The embodiments described below are exemplary representations for effectively showing the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0025] First, an agricultural combined solar power generation system using a semi-transmissive reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a support column (10), a solar panel (20), and a semi-transmissive reflector (30) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0026] The support column (10) supports the solar panel (20) at a certain height from a base surface such as the ground.

[0027] Here, the lower part of the support column (10) can be fixedly installed on a base surface such as the ground.

[0028] The support column (10) includes a number of columns (12) fixedly installed on the ground at regular intervals and a plurality of horizontal girders (14) connected across the upper parts of adjacent columns (12).

[0029] The solar panel (20) is installed at a certain angle on the upper part of the support column (10).

[0030] For example, the solar panels (20) can be installed on the crossbeams (14) of the support columns (10) at a certain angle.

[0031] The solar panels (20) can also be installed in a way that allows for adjustment of their tilt angle relative to the support poles (10).

[0032] Since various commercially available configurations can be applied to the numerous support columns (10) and solar panels (20), a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, the solar panel (20) can also be configured as a double-sided type.

[0034] As described above, if the solar panel (20) is configured as a double-sided type, it becomes possible to generate electricity even through reflected light reflected from the base surface such as the ground or the semi-transparent reflector (30).

[0035] Korean Registered Patent Publications No. 10-1854451, No. 10-2148697, No. 10-2171828, and Published Patent Publications No. 10-2024-0077692, No. 10-2024-0125123, among others, disclose various technologies for photovoltaic power generation devices using double-sided solar panels.

[0036] Therefore, since the solar panel (20) configured as a double-sided panel can be implemented by applying various configurations of known double-sided solar panels, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0037] On the other hand, the semi-transparent reflector (30) is formed to reflect a portion of the sunlight and transmit the rest.

[0038] The semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed in a long manner, crossing the support column (10).

[0039] For example, the semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed along the column (12) of the support column (10) in a long manner, crossing the solar panel (20) horizontally.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can also be formed in a shape in which reflective portions (32) and transmissive portions (34) are alternately located at regular intervals.

[0041] The reflective portion (32) and the transmissive portion (34) can also be formed in a shape in which stripes are alternately positioned.

[0042] The semi-transparent reflector (30) is constructed using transparent glass plates or synthetic resin plates, and the reflective portion (32) can be formed by attaching reflective tape or reflective sheets, or by applying reflective paint.

[0043] The striped transparent portion (34) can also be formed as a through hole.

[0044] However, if the width of the reflective portion (32) and the transmissive portion (34) is to be less than 3 mm, there are manufacturing difficulties, and the efficiency of reflection and transmission may decrease.

[0045] If the width between the reflective portion (32) and the transmissive portion (34) exceeds 10 mm, the shadowed area will not be illuminated uniformly due to interference, scattering, refraction, and diffusion of light passing through the transmissive portion (34).

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the width of the reflective portion (32) and the transmissive portion (34) is formed to 5 mm and the semi-transmissive reflector (30) is installed at a height of 1 m from the ground, the dark shadow of the reflective portion (32) will be reduced, and light almost equivalent to that of the transmissive portion (34) will be irradiated, and the total amount of light irradiation will be approximately 50% or more compared to when the semi-transmissive reflector (30) is not present.

[0047] In other words, by configuring and installing the semi-transparent reflector (30) as described above, it is possible to ensure that the amount of light irradiated to crops in the shaded area formed by the semi-transparent reflector (30) is sufficient for crop growth.

[0048] In plants, the rate of photosynthesis increases proportionally with increasing light intensity. However, once photosynthesis progresses beyond a certain level (a compensation point), it reaches a light intensity where the rate of photosynthesis no longer increases. This means that even though the light intensity provides sufficient energy for photosynthesis, the plant's carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption reaches its maximum, and the rate of photosynthesis no longer increases. This minimum light intensity at which photosynthesis is at its maximum is called the "light saturation point."

[0049] For example, in the case of rice, the light saturation point is 40-50 Klux (approximately 5 hours / day), meaning that photosynthesis can be carried out sufficiently if only 40% of the total solar radiation is received, and no further light is needed.

[0050] Furthermore, by setting the semi-transparent reflector (30) to noon (12:00) as the reference point and configuring it to cover the shaded area with reflected light for 2 hours before and 3 hours after that time (a total of 5 hours), it is possible to obtain the effect of ensuring that crops receive sufficient sunlight.

[0051] Furthermore, if the exposure time to sunlight exceeds 5 hours, crop growth will not be hindered even if the shaded area is not covered with reflected light afterward.

[0052] Therefore, although the light saturation point differs for each crop, even if only the semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed as described above and the amount of light irradiation is maintained at about 50%, the light intensity acting will be roughly equivalent to the light saturation point of the crop, thus minimizing phenomena that hinder crop growth.

[0053] It is also possible to configure the semi-transparent reflector (30) to have a transparent portion (34) in a concave lens shape to further increase the diffusion of transmitted light.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the permeable portion (34) can also be formed as a through-hole.

[0055] Furthermore, the permeable portion (34) can also be formed in the shape of an elongated pore.

[0056] When the transparent portion (34) is formed as a hole in this manner, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can be made of a metal plate in addition to glass or synthetic resin plate material.

[0057] In the above, when the transparent portion (34) is formed as a hole, it is desirable to set the spacing between the transparent portions (34) formed as holes so that the strength of the semi-transparent reflector (30) is sufficiently maintained.

[0058] It is desirable to set the spacing between the transparent portions (34) formed as holes as narrow as possible while maintaining strength, thereby minimizing the shadow of the semi-transparent reflector (30).

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the reflective portion (32) or the transmissive portion (34) can also be formed as a circular or elliptical shape arranged in multiple columns and rows at regular intervals.

[0060] For example, the reflective portion (32) can be formed as a base surface, and the transparent portion (34) can be formed as a circular or elliptical shape arranged in multiple columns and rows at regular intervals.

[0061] Furthermore, the transparent portion (34) can be formed as a base surface, and the reflective portion (32) can be formed as a circular or elliptical shape arranged in multiple columns and rows at regular intervals.

[0062] The reflective portion (32) or the transmissive portion (34) can also be formed by setting the diameter of a circular or elliptical shape in the range of approximately 3 to 10 mm.

[0063] When the permeable portion (34) is formed in a circular or elliptical shape, it can also be formed in the shape of a through-hole.

[0064] For example, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can be constructed using a perforated plate formed on a reflective surface such as a silver foil plate or a stainless steel plate.

[0065] By installing the semi-transparent reflector (30) in this manner, it becomes possible to minimize the inhibition of crop growth caused by the shading of the solar panels (20), further increase the installation area of ​​the solar panels (20), and improve power generation efficiency.

[0066] The semi-transparent reflector (30) illuminates a certain area with reflected light.

[0067] Here, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can be installed so that the reflective surface of one of the plate surfaces or reflective part (32) that reflects light is perpendicular to the ground (see Figures 1 to 3), or it can be installed so that the reflective surface of one of the plate surfaces or reflective part (32) that reflects light faces upward (towards the air) (see Figures 7 and 9).

[0068] Here, if the semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed so that the reflective section (32) is almost perpendicular to the ground, the reflected sunlight can be directed onto the ground, thereby covering the shaded area of ​​the solar panel (20) with the reflected light area (see Figure 1).

[0069] Furthermore, when the semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed at an angle so that the reflective portion (32) faces upward (towards the air), sunlight can be directed onto the lower surface of the solar panel (20). In this case, if the solar panel (20) is configured as a double-sided type, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar panel (20) (see Figure 9).

[0070] Although not shown in the drawing, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can also be installed at an angle such that the reflective surface of one of the plate surfaces or reflective section (32) facing downwards (towards the ground).

[0071]

[0072] Furthermore, in an agricultural photovoltaic power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the semi-transparent reflector (30) can also be installed on the support base (10) so as to be able to adjust its tilt angle.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 8, hinge pins (38) are installed at the upper and lower ends of both lateral ends of the semi-transparent reflector (30), and an adjustment bracket (42) with an arc-shaped adjustment hole (43) and a fixing bracket (46) with a circular pin hole (47) are installed on the support column (12) of the support base (10). By inserting one of the upper or lower hinge pins (38) of the semi-transparent reflector (30) into the adjustment hole (43) and the other hinge pin (38) into the pin hole (47), the semi-transparent reflector (30) can be installed on the support base (10) in a way that allows for adjustment of its tilt angle.

[0074] Here, it is also possible to install the adjustment bracket (42) at the top and the fixing bracket (46) at the bottom, or to install the adjustment bracket (42) at the bottom and the fixing bracket (46) at the top.

[0075] When the semi-transparent reflector (30) is installed on the support base (10) in this manner, the semi-transparent reflector (30) becomes rotatable around the other hinge pin (38) inserted into the pin hole (47) of the fixing bracket (46), and the tilt angle of the semi-transparent reflector (30) can be adjusted by moving one of the hinge pins (38) along the adjustment hole (43) of the adjustment bracket (42).

[0076] Here, it is desirable to install the hinge pin (38) so that it can be tightened and loosened, as this makes it possible to maintain a constant angle of the semi-transparent reflector (30).

[0077] As an example, although not shown in the drawing, the hinge pin (38) may have a male screw on one side and be screw-connected to the semi-transparent reflector (30).

[0078] As another example, although not shown in the drawing, one side of the hinge pin (38) can be fixed to the semi-transparent reflector (30), and the other side can be screw-connected to a nut.

[0079] It is also possible to provide a modularized set of the configuration in which the semi-transparent reflector (30) is fitted with an adjustment bracket (42), a fixing bracket (46), and a hinge pin (38).

[0080] When the semi-transparent reflector (30) is configured in this way and installed on the support base (10), as shown in Figure 1, it is also possible to adjust the angle of the semi-transparent reflector (30) so that the reflected light area (B) covers the shaded area (A) of the solar panel (20) in the direction in which the reflected light is irradiated.

[0081] Therefore, by irradiating crops located in the shaded area (A) with reflected sunlight, the inhibition of crop growth can be minimized.

[0082] Furthermore, when the semi-transparent reflector (30) is configured in this way and installed on the support base (10), it is also possible to adjust the angle of the semi-transparent reflector (30) so that the reflected light from the semi-transparent reflector (30) is directed onto the lower surface of the solar panel (20), as shown in Figure 8.

[0083] Therefore, by configuring the solar panel (20) as a double-sided type, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency, and a portion of the reflected light irradiated onto the lower surface of the solar panel (20) is re-reflected, and this re-reflected light irradiates the shaded area of ​​the solar panel (20), thereby increasing the amount of light irradiated onto the crops.

[0084] In this way, by using the semi-transparent reflector (30) and the double-sided solar panel (20), not only is the power generation efficiency improved, but the inhibition of crop growth is minimized.

[0085] The above describes preferred embodiments of an agricultural photovoltaic power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the claims, description of the invention, and accompanying drawings, and this is also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 10 - Support base, 12 - Support column, 14 - Crossbeam, 20 - Solar panel 30 - Transflector, 32 - Reflector, 34 - Transmissive part, 38 - Hinge pin 42 - Adjustment bracket, 43 - Adjustment hole, 46 - Fixing bracket, 47 - Pin hole

Claims

1. It includes multiple support bases installed at regular intervals, solar panels installed at a certain angle on top of the support bases, and semi-transparent reflectors installed horizontally on the support bases. The semi-transparent reflector is formed in a shape in which reflective and transmissive sections are alternately positioned at regular intervals, and this semi-transparent reflector is used in an agricultural-type solar power generation system.

2. The following is described in claim 1: This is an agricultural-compatible solar power generation system that uses a semi-transparent reflector and features a double-sided configuration of solar panels.

3. The following according to claim 1 or claim 2: A solar power generation system for agricultural use that utilizes a semi-transparent reflector, wherein hinge pins are installed at the upper and lower ends of both lateral surfaces of the semi-transparent reflector, and the support column of the support base is fitted with an adjustment bracket having an arc-shaped adjustment hole and a fixing bracket having a circular pin hole, and the hinge pin at one of the upper and lower ends of the semi-transparent reflector is inserted into the adjustment hole and the hinge pin at the other end is inserted into the pin hole, thereby allowing adjustment of the angle at which the semi-transparent reflector is tilted relative to the support base.

4. The following according to claim 1 or claim 2: An agricultural-type solar power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector formed in a shape where the reflective and transmissive parts are arranged alternately in a striped pattern.

5. The following according to claim 1 or claim 2: An agricultural-type photovoltaic power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector in which the transparent portion is formed as elongated through-holes at intervals.

6. The following according to claim 1 or claim 2: An agricultural-type photovoltaic power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector, in which the reflective or transmissive parts are formed in a circular or elliptical shape and arranged in multiple columns and rows at regular intervals.

7. The following is described in claim 6: An agricultural-type solar power generation system using a semi-transparent reflector with the transmissive portion formed as a through-hole.

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