Solar cell system

Abstract

The present invention provides a solar cell system equipped with a handrail member, which, even when installed on the rooftop or other parts of a building, does not significantly impair the building's exterior design. [Solution] The handrail member has a first support column, a second support column, and a cap rail, the first support column has a movable part, and the handrail member is able to change its orientation between a tilted position in which the movable part of the first support column is at an angle of -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane parallel to the installation surface, and an upright position in which the movable part of the first support column is at an angle of 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane parallel to the installation surface, and the cap rail is at a higher position than the tilted position, the solar cell module has a power generation area on a part of its light-receiving surface, and the solar cell module is configured such that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module in the tilted position, the power generation area of ​​the light-receiving surface is located between the first support column and the second support column, and does not overlap with the first support column, the second support column, and the cap rail by more than 90%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the increasing awareness of carbon neutrality and the need for auxiliary power sources during power outages, apartment houses such as condominiums with solar cell modules installed on the rooftop plaza have been constructed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in such apartment houses, in many cases, ordinary residents are prohibited from entering the rooftop plaza, and in many cases, only workers enter the rooftop plaza for maintenance or the like. In order to install as many solar cell modules as possible on the rooftop plaza, it is preferable that the solar cell modules can be installed up to the edge of the rooftop plaza.

[0005] However, in many cases, there is no handrail installed on the rooftop plaza. If solar cell modules are installed up to the edge of the rooftop plaza, there is a risk that workers may fall from the rooftop plaza during maintenance or the like, and there is a problem from the viewpoint of safety. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of workers, it is conceivable to provide a handrail along the edge of the rooftop plaza. However, if the handrail is provided at all times, since the handrail is always in a standing state, the handrail will be conspicuous on the rooftop plaza, and there is a problem of damaging the exterior design of the building.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell system equipped with a handrail member that does not impair the building's exterior design even when installed on the rooftop or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a solar cell system in which a solar cell module and a handrail member are installed on a surface to be installed, wherein the handrail member has a first support portion, a second support portion, and a cap portion supported by the first support portion and the second support portion, the first support portion has a movable portion, and the handrail member has a tilted position in which the movable portion of the first support portion is at an angle of -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane parallel to the surface to be installed, and the movable portion of the first support portion is at an angle of 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees with respect to a reference plane parallel to the surface to be installed The solar cell system is capable of changing its orientation between an upright orientation where the tilt is less than or equal to a certain degree and the coping portion is at a higher position than the tilted orientation, the solar cell module has a power-generating region on a part of its light-receiving surface, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module in the tilted orientation, the power-generating region of the light-receiving surface is located between the first support portion and the second support portion, and does not overlap with the first support portion, the second support portion and the coping portion by more than 90%.

[0008] According to this design, the handrail member can change its orientation between an upright position and a tilted position. By setting it to an upright position, the handrail member can function as a handrail, and by setting it to a tilted position, the height of the handrail member can be reduced even when installed on the rooftop of a building, thus minimizing any obstruction to the building's exterior design. Furthermore, according to this configuration, by tilting the handrail members, the power generation area is not obstructed by the first and second support columns, allowing sunlight and other light to directly hit the power generation area, resulting in better power generation efficiency.

[0009] A preferred configuration is that, in the tilted position, the handrail member presses the solar cell module toward the mounting surface.

[0010] According to this configuration, even if an upward force is applied to the solar cell module, the handrail member can restrict its movement in the direction away from the installation surface.

[0011] A preferred configuration includes a second solar cell module, the handrail member having a third support column, the capping column extending across the first, second, and third support columns, and the second support column being located between the first and second solar cell modules when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module in the tilted position.

[0012] According to this configuration, in the tilted position, the second support column is located between the two solar cell modules, so the second support column is less likely to interfere with the power generation of the two solar cell modules.

[0013] A preferred configuration is that the height of the handrail member from the installation surface to the top rail in the upright position is 110 cm or more and 160 cm or less.

[0014] According to this feature, it is easy for workers to grasp during maintenance and other tasks.

[0015] A preferred configuration is one in which the surface to be installed constitutes a part of the upper surface of the building's eaves, and the coping portion is located within 3m of the edge of the eaves in the upright position.

[0016] According to this aspect, it can function as a safer handrail.

[0017] A preferred configuration is that the surface to be installed constitutes a part of the rooftop surface of the building, and the coping portion is located within 3m of the edge of the rooftop in the upright position.

[0018] According to this aspect, it can function as a safer handrail.

[0019] As long as the above aspects are within the technical scope of the present invention, the aspects can be made mutually dependent, some configurations can be cited, or some configurations can be replaced among the aspects.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the solar cell system of the present invention, even when provided on the rooftop of a building or the like with a handrail member, it is difficult to damage the exterior design of the building by the handrail member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the installation state of the solar cell system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the solar cell system of FIG. 1 seen from another direction, (a) is a perspective view when the handrail member is in a tilted posture, and (b) is a perspective view when the handrail member is in a standing upright posture. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory view of the solar cell system of FIG. 2, (a) is a cross-sectional view when the handrail member is in a tilted posture, and (b) is a cross-sectional view when the handrail member is in a standing upright posture. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the solar cell system of FIG. 1 seen from the orthogonal direction to the light-receiving surface when the handrail member is in a tilted posture. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the solar cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view when the handrail member is in a tilted posture, and (b) is a perspective view when the handrail member is in a standing upright posture. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view of the solar cell system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view in a tilted posture, and (b) is a perspective view in a standing upright posture. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view of the solar cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a plan view when the handrail member is in a tilted posture, and (b) is a perspective view when the handrail member is in a tilted posture.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0023] The solar cell system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper surface 203 or rooftop surface 201 of the balcony canopy 200 of an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling, as shown in Figure 1. The following description will explain the case where the solar cell system 1 is installed on the upper surface 203 of the balcony canopy 200. As shown in Figure 2, the solar cell system 1 comprises solar cell modules 2 (2a, 2b), a handrail member 3, and a base 5.

[0024] <Solar Panel Module 2> Solar cell module 2 is a photoelectric conversion device that converts light energy into electrical energy. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the solar cell module 2 is a rectangular plate-like panel having a light-receiving surface 20 and a back surface 21, with each side 22 to 25 when the light-receiving surface 20 is viewed from the front. The solar cell module 2 has a terminal box (not shown) on its back surface 21 or side surface (end face to which each side 22-25 belongs), and a power generation area 26 is provided on a part of the light-receiving surface 20. The power generation area 26 is an area that can generate electricity by receiving light such as sunlight, and it is an area that extends in a planar manner.

[0025] <Handrail component 3> The handrail member 3 is a horizontal handrail with a capping section 33 extending horizontally (first direction X), and as shown in Figure 2, it comprises a support column section 31 (31a to 31c), a rail section 32, and a capping section 33. The handrail member 3 has a capping section 33 that is located within 3m of the edge 202 (the leading edge in the overhanging direction) of the canopy 200 when it is in an upright position, making it possible for maintenance workers and others to grasp it.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(b), the support columns 31a to 31c are the parts that support the cap rail 33 with respect to the installation surface 100 when in an upright position. The support columns 31a to 31c are arranged at predetermined intervals in the first direction X, and in this embodiment they are arranged at equal intervals. As shown in Figure 2, the support columns 31a to 31c are equipped with a fixed part 40 and a movable part 41. The fixing portion 40 constitutes the base end of the support column portion 31 and is the part that is fixed to the installation surface 100. The movable part 41 is a part that is rotatably connected to the fixed part 40, and its posture can be changed between a tilted posture and an upright posture. In this embodiment, the movable part 41 has a rotation axis at the connection point with the fixed part 40, and the axial direction of the rotation axis is the first direction X.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the crossbar 32 connects the adjacent support columns 31a, 31b (31b, 31c) in the first direction X and extends in the first direction X.

[0028] The coping section 33 is a connecting section that connects the tips (upper ends) of the support sections 31a to 31c, and is a rod-shaped part that extends in the first direction X. The coping section 33 is located within 3m of the edge 202 (the leading edge in the overhanging direction) of the canopy 200 when in an upright position, making it possible for maintenance workers to grasp it.

[0029] <Base part 5> The base portion 5 is a holding member that holds the solar cell module 2 with respect to the mounting surface 100, and as shown in Figure 3(a), it is capable of supporting the back surface 21 of the solar cell module 2 so that the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 is at a predetermined angle θ1. The inclination angle θ1 of the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 shown in Figure 3(a) with respect to a reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100 is preferably -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, and more preferably 0 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less.

[0030] Next, the operation of the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment during maintenance will be described.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), the solar cell system 1, in its normal state, adopts a tilted position where the movable parts 41 of the support columns 31a to 31c of the handrail member 3 are at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to a reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100.

[0032] In this case, the inclination angle θ2 of the movable portion 41 of the support portion 31a to 31c of the handrail member 3 shown in Figure 3(a) with respect to the reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100 is preferably -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less, and more preferably 0 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ2 of the movable portion 41 of the support portion 31a to 31c is approximately the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2, and it is preferable that the angle difference between the inclination angle θ1 of the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 and θ2 is 3 degrees or less, and it is more preferable that it is equal to the inclination angle θ1 of the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2. Furthermore, in this case, the movable part 41 shown in Figure 3(a) is cantilevered by the fixed part 40, and the height H1 of the coping part 33 from the installation surface 100 is 180 cm or less. At this time, the handrail member 3 is pressing the solar cell module 2 toward the installation surface 100. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the handrail member 3 has a capping portion 33 that rests on and holds down the upper side 22 of the solar cell module 2, and a crossbar portion 32 that rests on and holds down the lower side 23 of the solar cell module 2. The handrail member 3 has a support column 31a that rests on and holds down the vertical side 24 of the solar cell module 2a, a support column 31b that straddles the vertical side 25 of the solar cell module 2a and the vertical side 24 of the solar cell module 2b (second solar cell module) and holds it down, and a support column 31c (third support column) that rests on and holds down the vertical side 25 of the solar cell module 2b. As a result, the upward movement of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b is restricted by the weight of the handrail member 3. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b, more than 90% of the power-generating areas 26, 26 of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b do not overlap with the handrail member 3 and are exposed from the handrail member 3. Preferably, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b, the power-generating regions 26, 26 of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b do not overlap with the handrail member 3 by 97% or more, and more preferably, they do not overlap at all. To reduce the reduction in power generation due to the shadow cast by the handrail member 3, it is preferable that the power-generating areas 26, 26 of the solar cell modules 2a, 2b are at a distance D1 from the height H3 of the rail section 32 from the solar cell modules 2a, 2b, as shown in Figure 4, and more preferably at a distance D1 of three times (3 × H3) of the height H3 of the rail section 32 from the solar cell modules 2a, 2b. Although Figure 4 describes the rail section 32, the same applies to the support columns 31a, 31b, 31c and the coping section 33.

[0033] When performing maintenance on the back surface 21 or side surface (end face to which each side 22-25 belongs) of the solar cell module 2, such as terminal boxes, the handrail member 3 is lifted and the movable part 41 is rotated with respect to the fixed part 40, as shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(b), so that the movable part 41 of each support part 31 of the handrail member 3 is in an upright position at a predetermined angle θ3 with respect to a reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100.

[0034] At this time, the restriction on the solar cell module 2 by the handrail member 3 is released, as shown in Figure 2(b), allowing for maintenance and other operations on the terminal box, etc. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the inclination angle θ3 of the movable portion 41 of each support portion 31 of the handrail member 3 shown in Figure 3(b) with respect to the reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less. Furthermore, in this case, the height H2 from the installation surface 100 to the coping portion 33 in the upright position shown in Figure 3(b) is preferably 110 cm or more and 160 cm or less.

[0035] When maintenance such as terminal boxes on the solar cell module 2 is completed, the movable part 41 is rotated relative to the fixed part 40 to tilt the handrail member 3 into a tilted position.

[0036] According to the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the handrail member 3 can change its orientation between an upright position and a tilted position. By setting the handrail member 3 to an upright position where the movable part 41 of the support column 31a (first support column) is at an angle of 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100, and the capping portion 33 is at a higher position than the tilted position, the handrail member 3 can be used as a handrail, making it easier for workers performing maintenance on the solar cell module 2 to grasp the capping portion 33 and perform maintenance safely. Furthermore, by tilting the handrail member 3 so that the movable part 41 of the support column 31a is at an angle of -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane P1 parallel to the installation surface 100, the power generation area 26 of the light-receiving surface 20 is located between the support column 31a and the support column 31b (second support column), and does not overlap with the support column 31a, the support column 31b, and the coping 33 in more than 90% of its area. As a result, the power generation area 26 is not obstructed by the support column 31a and the support column 31b, and light can easily reach the power generation area 26 from between the support column 31a and the support column 31b, resulting in good power generation efficiency. In addition, by tilting the handrail member 3, the height H1 of the handrail member 3 is lower than the height H2 of the handrail member 3 in an upright position, so the handrail member 3 is less likely to detract from the building's exterior design compared to when it is in an upright position.

[0037] According to the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the handrail member 3 presses the solar cell module 2 toward the installation surface 100 when it is tilted, so even if an upward force is applied to the solar cell module 2, the handrail member 3 can restrict its movement away from the installation surface 100.

[0038] In the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the central support column 31b is located between the solar cell modules 2a and 2b when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 in a tilted position. Therefore, since the support column 31b is located between the solar cell modules 2a and 2b in a tilted position, the support column 31b is less likely to interfere with the power generation of the solar cell modules 2a and 2b.

[0039] According to the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the height H2 from the mounting surface 100 to the coping 33 in an upright position is between 110 cm and 160 cm. Therefore, it is easy for workers to grasp during maintenance, etc.

[0040] In the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the coping portion 33 is supported by the support portion 31a, support portion 31b, and support portion 31c (third support portion) with respect to the installation surface 100, and the solar cell module 2a (2b) is located between the support portion 31a and support portion 31b (between the support portion 31b and support portion 31c) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 20. Therefore, the support portions 31a, 31b (support portions 31b, 31c) can function as a protective frame for the solar cell module 2, thus protecting the solar cell module 2.

[0041] According to the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the installation surface 100 constitutes a part of the upper surface 203 of the building's canopy 200, and the coping portion 33 is located within 3m of the edge 202 (tip edge) of the canopy 200 when in an upright position. Therefore, it can function as a safer handrail and prevent workers from falling from the building.

[0042] According to the solar cell system 1 of this embodiment, the solar cell module 2 and the handrail member 3 are integrated and erected on the installation surface 100 in an upright position, so the solar cell module 2 can also function as a windbreak, and maintenance work is easy to perform.

[0043] In the embodiment described above, the solar cell system 1 was configured such that, in a tilted position, the rail portion 32 was on the edge 202 side of the canopy 200 relative to the coping portion 33. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The solar cell system 1 may also be configured such that, in a tilted position, the coping portion 33 is on the edge 202 side of the canopy 200 relative to the rail portion 32, as shown in Figure 5(a). In this case, as shown in Figure 5(b), in an upright position, the solar cell module 2 is positioned on the roof surface 201 side of the handrail member 3, making it less likely for workers to fall from the building.

[0044] In the embodiment described above, a portion of the upper surface 203 of the balcony canopy 200 was used as the installation surface 100, and the solar cell system 1 was fixed to the installation surface 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 1, a portion of the rooftop surface 201 may be used as the installation surface 100, and the solar cell system 1 may be fixed to the installation surface 100.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, a portion of the handrail member 3 was placed on the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 in the tilted position, thereby restricting upward movement of the solar cell module 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The handrail member 3 does not have to be placed on the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 in the tilted position. For example, the movable part 41 of the handrail member 3 may be immobile relative to the fixed part 40 in the tilted position. In this way, the handrail member 3 can restrict upward movement of the solar cell module 2 even if it is not placed on the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2 in the tilted position.

[0046] In the embodiment described above, the solar cell system 1 had the handrail member 3 installed along the edge 202 at the leading edge of the canopy 200 in the overhanging direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The solar cell system 1 may also have the handrail member 3 installed along the edges 205, 206 (edges at the end in the first direction X) of the side ends of the canopy 200, as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the solar cell system 1 may be installed along both the edge 202 at the leading edge of the canopy 200 in the overhanging direction and the edges 205, 206 of the side ends of the canopy 200, as shown in Figure 6. It is preferable that the handrail member 3a along the edge 202 at the leading edge of the canopy 200 in the overhanging direction and the handrail members 3b, 3c along the edges 205, 206 of the side ends of the canopy 200 are arranged in a "U" shape when viewed from above in an upright position, as shown in Figure 6(b). The handrail members 3a, 3b, 3c may or may not be connected in part.

[0047] In the embodiment described above, in the tilted position of the solar cell system 1, a portion of the handrail member 3 was placed on the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell module 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 7(a), the handrail member 3 may be positioned around the solar cell modules 2,2. In this case, as shown in Figure 7(b), it is preferable that the handrail member 3 does not extend above the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell modules 2,2. That is, it is preferable that the handrail member 3 is provided so as to surround the solar cell modules 2,2, and that the handrail member 3 is positioned lower than the light-receiving surface 20 of the solar cell modules 2,2. Furthermore, while the handrail member 3 fits around the solar cell modules 2,2, a portion of the handrail member 3 may extend above the light-receiving surface 20 through the gap between the solar cell modules 2,2. In this case, it is preferable that the distance from the outer edge of the power-generating area 26 to the handrail member 3 is greater than the overhang length (overhang height) of the handrail member 3 from the light-receiving surface 20. This prevents the shadow of the handrail member 3 from falling on the light-receiving surface 20, thereby improving the amount of power generated.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the posture was changed manually between the tilted and upright positions by human power, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The posture may be changed automatically between the tilted and upright positions by a drive device or the like. In this case, it is preferable to use electricity generated by the solar cell module 2 as the power source.

[0049] In the embodiments described above, the components can be freely substituted or added between each embodiment, as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Solar cell system 2,2a,2b Solar cell modules 3 Handrail members 20 Photosensitive surface 26. Areas where power generation is possible 31, 31a, 31b, 31c Support section (1st support section, 2nd support section, 3rd support section) 33 Kasagi-bu 41 Moving parts 100 Installation surface 200 eaves 201 Roof surface 202 En 203 Top surface

Claims

1. A solar cell system in which solar cell modules and handrail members are installed on the surface to be installed, The handrail member has a first support portion, a second support portion, and a cap portion supported by the first support portion and the second support portion. The first support column has a movable part, The handrail member is capable of changing its posture between a tilted posture in which the movable part of the first support column is at an angle of -10 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane parallel to the surface on which it is installed, and an upright posture in which the movable part of the first support column is at an angle of 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less with respect to a reference plane parallel to the surface on which it is installed, and the capping portion is at a higher position than in the tilted posture. The aforementioned solar cell module has a power-generating region on a part of its light-receiving surface. The solar cell module is a solar cell system in which, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module in the tilted position, the power-generating area of ​​the light-receiving surface is located between the first support portion and the second support portion, and does not overlap with the first support portion, the second support portion and the cap portion by 90% or more.

2. The solar cell system according to claim 1, wherein the handrail member presses the solar cell module toward the mounting surface in the tilted position.

3. It has a second solar cell module, The handrail member has a third support column, and the capping column extends across the first support column, the second support column, and the third support column. The solar cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second support column is located between the solar cell module and the second solar cell module when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module in the tilted position.

4. The solar cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height of the handrail member from the installation surface to the capping portion in the upright position is 110 cm or more and 160 cm or less.

5. The aforementioned installation surface constitutes a part of the upper surface of the building's eaves. The solar cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coping portion is located within 3 m of the edge of the eaves in the upright position.

6. The aforementioned installation surface constitutes a part of the rooftop surface of the building. The solar cell system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coping portion is located within 3 m of the edge of the rooftop in the upright position.

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