Mobile solar panels

Abstract

This technology generates electricity from sunlight above cultivated land while growing crops in the ground. The challenge lies in being able to easily and efficiently change the position of solar panels across a wide area to the optimal installation location simultaneously, while maintaining strength against strong winds and other elements. [Solution] The sliding mechanism for the solar panel consists of multiple fixed solar panels 3 mounted at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees via an arm 2 supported on a support column 1. A slide guide is attached to the upper surface of the arm 2, and the movable solar panel 7 is mounted on the slide guide, maintaining a minimum gap with the fixed solar panel. A link 8, which is rotatably supported on the movable side of the slide guide 4, has a drive member 9, which is also rotatably supported at the other end. The drive member 9 is fixed to a transmission means 10, which has a drive wheel 11 and a drive shaft 12 and consists of a worm gear reducer, a motor, a control unit, and a hand crank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar sharing technology that grows crops while exposing them to sunlight in cultivated fields on the ground, and generates electricity when sunlight hits above the crops. It is a technology that enables both maximum-efficiency solar power generation according to the type and growth stage of the crops, and maximum sunlight collection for the crops. It is a technology that enables both maximum-efficiency solar power generation according to the type and growth stage of the crops, and maximum sunlight collection for the crops. The present invention is a solar sharing technology that can flexibly adapt to the type of crops and the growth period. Conventional general fixed solar panels are installed with the solar panels inclined at about 10 to 30 degrees from a certain horizontal on an area accounting for about 30 to 35% of the total area in terms of area ratio. At this time, sunlight hits the crops for growth in the area accounting for about 65 to 70% of the area where there are no solar panels. As a problem, since the solar panels are always fixed, after the crops to be grown are harvested, solar power generation cannot be achieved with the maximum area, and on the other hand, the crops cannot receive the maximum sunlight required during the growth process, and the yield may be significantly reduced. Also, although it depends on the type of crops and seasons, for example, in the case of rice cultivation, transplanting is in April to June, and harvesting is in August to October, and in many cases, no crops are grown and fallow for about four months other than this period. Even in this case, the conventional common fixed solar sharing with solar panels has to generate electricity at 30 to 35% of the total area. Herein lies the problem of the conventional general fixed solar sharing. It is a technology that enables both maximum-efficiency solar power generation according to the type and growth stage of the crops, and maximum sunlight collection for the crops.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention is a solar sharing technology that can flexibly adapt to the type of crops and the growth period. Conventional general fixed solar panels are installed with the solar panels inclined at about 10 to 30 degrees from a certain horizontal on an area accounting for about 30 to 35% of the total area in terms of area ratio. At this time, sunlight hits the crops for growth in the area accounting for about 65 to 70% of the area where there are no solar panels. As a problem, since the solar panels are always fixed, after the crops to be grown are harvested, solar power generation cannot be achieved with the maximum area, and on the other hand, the crops cannot receive the maximum sunlight required during the growth process, and the yield may be significantly reduced. Also, although it depends on the type of crops and seasons, for example, in the case of rice cultivation, transplanting is in April to June, and harvesting is in August to October, and in many cases, no crops are grown and fallow for about four months other than this period. Even in this case, the conventional common fixed solar sharing with solar panels has to generate electricity at 30 to 35% of the total area. Herein lies the problem of the conventional general fixed solar sharing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] Generally, most of the solar panels for solar sharing have been fixed type, but recently, patent technologies for solving the problems of fixed type have also started to emerge. The following patent technologies are available as patent documents related to the change in the tilt angle of solar panels and the movement of solar panels for solving this problem. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-108703 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-208779 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-79578 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-102355

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a solar power generation system in which, when the sun's altitude is low, such as in the morning or evening, sunlight enters the power generation surface at an oblique angle, reducing power generation efficiency. Therefore, a configuration in which the panel itself is oriented towards the sun can be considered, but in that case the system would be large and complex. As a solution, a rectangular power generation means capable of generating electricity is arranged so that it can be rotated on one axis. By driving multiple power generation means with a rotation mechanism, even when the sun's altitude is low, the power generation surface is oriented at an angle close to perpendicular to sunlight, making it possible to maintain high overall power generation efficiency. This Patent Document 1 describes a solar panel capable of generating electricity on both sides, which is driven by a motor on a single axis, and the panels are connected to each other by connecting rods, allowing multiple panels to be generated simultaneously. The problem is that although the tilt angle is changed, a dead point exists at the moment the angle changes from positive to negative, preventing smooth operation. Patent Document 2 provides a photovoltaic power generation device that improves photovoltaic power generation efficiency by making the solar panels follow the sun with a simple structure. The solution is a photovoltaic power generation device that includes a plurality of strip-shaped solar cell panels 4 and makes the solar cell panels 4 follow the sun's diurnal motion so that sunlight shines substantially perpendicularly onto the light-receiving surface 4a of the solar cell panels 4. The device includes a plurality of panel mounting oscillating frames 5 to which the plurality of solar cell panels 4 are attached, arranged in parallel, an angle adjustment mechanism 3 for adjusting the orientation of the light-receiving surface 4a of the solar cell panels 4 in response to seasonal changes in the sun's orbit, and a rotation drive mechanism 6 that oscillates the oscillating frame 5 in accordance with the sun's diurnal motion to rotate the plurality of solar cell panels 4. The rotation drive mechanism 6 is configured to mechanically link the plurality of solar cell panels 4 together with a drive shaft that is rotationally driven by a motor, a plurality of worm gear parts attached to the drive shaft, and a plurality of worm wheel parts that mesh with the worm gear parts to oscillate the oscillating frame 5. In the case of this Patent Document 2, the rotational drive consists of a drive shaft driven by a motor, multiple worm gears attached to the drive shaft, and a rocking frame that rocks by meshing with the worm gears. However, the panel is supported at only one point, which presents challenges such as insufficient strength against strong winds and the complexity of the device. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 addresses the challenge of installing solar panels above crop cultivation areas, adjusting the panel angle at the expense of power generation efficiency to ensure sufficient sunlight reaches the crops during cultivation, and functioning as a fully sun-following solar power generation system when not being cultivated. It also addresses the challenge of providing emergency panel angle adjustment means to maintain the panel angle approximately horizontal to protect the solar panels during strong winds, and to make the panels approximately vertical to prevent snow from falling onto the panels during snowfall. As a solution, the solar power generation system according to the present invention comprises a panel unit consisting of one main solar panel and a plurality of secondary solar panels arranged in the east-west direction at predetermined intervals, a panel rotation means for rotatably connecting the individual solar panels of the panel unit in the east-west direction, a tilt adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the individual solar panels in the north-south direction, and a frame for holding the panel unit at a predetermined height, wherein the frame is installed on the ground where crops are cultivated. In the case of Patent Document 3, the angle change of each row of panels is connected by a connecting member at one point from the main panel to the end of the secondary panel of the adjacent row, which has the problem of weakening strength against strong winds. Furthermore, the connection between the main and secondary panels in each row is achieved by connecting the ends of the panels with connecting members. This method results in dead spots when the panel changes from a positive angle or horizontal position to a negative angle, making it difficult to reliably move each row of panels to the same angle. Moreover, this patented technology presents a problem in that it is difficult to simultaneously change the angle of a large number of solar panels over a wide area due to the structure of the mechanism. Furthermore, Patent Document 4 aims to expand the installation conditions for solar sharing to include sloping ground and to find a method that does not impair the uniformity of sunlight to crops even when using inexpensive large modules. It also aims to find a method that adds flexibility not limited by module size and enables a long-term use period far exceeding the module's lifespan. The solution involves changing the method of mounting modules on the frame to achieve uniformity by sharing sunlight hours instead of uniformity through the subdivision of sunlight, thus opening the way for the use of general-purpose large modules in solar sharing. In addition, the frame's ability to adapt to slopes is increased by fixing the beams to the slope of the ground with a single horizontal screw shaft on the side of the column, and the module mounting method is improved so that it is not limited by module size, allowing the frame to be used continuously even after relatively short module replacements. Patent Document 4 addresses the problem that moving and transferring solar panels is all done manually, and moving a wide range of solar panels in a short time results in an extremely heavy workload. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This invention is a technology that, under certain conditions, achieves maximum sunlight exposure to crops in solar sharing, and under other conditions, achieves maximum solar power generation. It is a technology that can flexibly change the conditions for power generation and sunlight exposure to crops depending on the crops being cultivated and the seasonal conditions. [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of this invention has been taken in view of the above, and addresses the problems described in prior art documents 1, 2, 3, and 4. Specifically, it enables the modification of the installation area of ​​as many solar panels as possible at once, without imposing a heavy workload, rather than allowing individual panels to change their angle or position. Furthermore, the device is designed to be sufficiently strong against strong winds and other elements. In addition, it is possible to change the installation area of ​​the solar panels both manually and automatically using a motor drive and pre-programmed data to set the installation area according to the desired specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The solar panel installation area changing mechanism of the present invention solves the problems of conventional patents by first not changing the angle of all panels, but by configuring the solar panels as two or three panels stacked vertically with a certain gap between them. When the main purpose is to collect sunlight for crops below, the two or three solar panels are completely stacked, generating power with an area of ​​approximately half or 30-35% of the area, and collecting sunlight from approximately half or 65-70% of the area between the rows, so that sunlight reaches the crops being cultivated below. Furthermore, when there is no longer a need to collect sunlight for crops below, the upper or upper and middle solar panels that were stacked slide to allow solar panels to be placed on almost the entire surface. In addition, the above applies to a two-panel configuration (upper and lower), or to a three-panel configuration (upper, lower, and middle), where the bottom panel is fixed and the middle and upper panels can be moved. The sliding mechanism of these solar panels can be driven by a motor or by a hand crank. An embodiment of the solar panel movement mechanism of the present invention will be described. First, in the case of a two-tiered panel configuration, the sliding solar panel mechanism of the present invention has a fixed solar panel 3 mounted on a support column 1 via an arm 2, which is mounted at an angle of approximately 10 to 30 degrees. Slide guides 4a and 4b are attached to the upper surface of the arm 2, and a common intermediate support 6 is attached between the two slide guides. The moving solar panel 7 is mounted on the moving side 5 of the slide guide, maintaining a minimum vertical gap with the fixed solar panel 3. A rotatably supported link 8 is connected to the moving side 5 of the slide guide 4, and the other end of the link is also connected to a rotatably supported drive member 9. The drive member 9 is fixed to a transmission means 10, which has a drive wheel 11 and a drive shaft 12 supported by a plurality of bearings (not shown), and is composed of a worm gear reducer 13, a motor 14, a control unit 15, and a hand crank 16. The operation of the solar panel installation area changing mechanism with the above configuration is as follows: First, upon receiving a command from the control unit 15, the motor 14 rotates to the programmed angle. When the drive shaft 12 rotates to a certain angle via the worm gear reducer 13, the drive wheel 11 rotates to a certain angle, the transmission means 10 moves, the drive member 9 also moves, and the signal is transmitted to the link 8. The slide guides 4a and 4b move, and the moving solar panel 7 attached to the slide guide moving side 6 moves diagonally upward from above the fixed solar panel 3 and stops at a predetermined position. Through the above operation, the moving solar panel overcomes its own weight and moves from above the fixed panel to a position where sunlight hits the fixed panel. If it moves to the end, it becomes possible to use the sunlight for power generation with the maximum light-receiving area. Alternatively, the moving solar panel can not move to the end but stop at an intermediate position. In addition, the operation method may involve an operator setting the movement position of the solar panel by motor drive by operating a switch on the control unit 15. Furthermore, by installing a hand crank 16 in place of the motor, it becomes possible to manually change the mounting position of the solar panels. In addition, the same equipment configuration and operation can be used when the solar panels are arranged in a three-panel configuration (top, bottom, middle) as with a two-panel configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an electrical control command pre-programmed in the control unit drives the motor 14, allowing adjacent solar panels over a wide area to slide simultaneously and change their position, thus efficiently changing the installation area of ​​the solar panels. Furthermore, because the reduction gear 13 has a structure with a worm on the input side and a worm wheel on the output side, the driving force for changing the position of the solar panels is reduced. In addition, because the basic structure has a self-locking function that prevents the input side from moving from the output side, the orientation of the solar panels is always maintained stably. With this mechanism, the angle of the solar panels can be changed simultaneously over a wide area with simple operation, from a position where sunlight sufficiently hits crops mainly used for farming to a position mainly used for power generation. Moreover, the set position of the solar panels can maintain sufficient strength and orientation even in strong winds. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Front view 1 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view 2 of the solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 3] Perspective view 1 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Perspective view 2 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5] Perspective view 3 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Front view 3 of the solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Front view 4 of the solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Perspective view 4 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Perspective view 5 of a solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 10] Front view 5 of the solar panel repositioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 11]Front view of the solar panel position changing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The position changing mechanism of the solar panel according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. In all the following drawings, for ease of understanding, the dimensions, ratios, etc. of each component are illustrated with appropriate differences as needed.

Example

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the slide movement mechanism of the solar panel of the present invention has a fixed solar panel 3 attached via an arm 2 supported by a column 1 and is attached at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees. Slide guides 4a and 4b are attached to the upper surface of the arm 2, and an intermediate support 6 is attached between both slide guides. A plurality of moving solar panels 7 are attached to the upper surface of the arm 2 while maintaining a minimum gap in the vertical direction with the fixed solar panel 3. A link 8 rotatably supported on the moving side of the slide guide 4 also has a drive member 9 rotatably supported at the other end of the link. The drive member 9 is fixed to a transmission means 10, and the transmission means 10 has a drive wheel 11 and a drive shaft 12 and is composed of a worm reducer 13, a motor 14, a control unit 15, and a manual handle 16.

Industrial Applicability

[0012] The present invention relates to a technology for solar sharing in which agricultural crops are cultivated below a solar panel and power generation is also carried out simultaneously in the industry. Also, in order to flexibly respond to changes in seasons, climate conditions, etc. for the cultivation of the above-mentioned agricultural crops and power generation so that each can exert its maximum effect, the mounting position of the solar panel can be moved by diagonal side sliding. Moreover, it is a technology that can efficiently change the installation position of a wide range of solar panels simultaneously with one drive.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0013] Support column 1, arm 2, fixed-side solar panel 3, slide guide fixed side 4, slide moving side 5, intermediate support 6, moving-side solar panel 7, link 8, drive unit 9, transmission means 10, drive wheel 11, drive shaft 12, worm gear reducer 13, motor 14, control unit 15, hand crank 16

Claims

1. A solar power generation device that generates electricity from sunlight above crops while growing them in cultivated land on the ground, comprising: fixed-side solar panels fixed in the same row at a certain angle; movable-side solar panels positioned above the fixed-side solar panels with a predetermined minimum gap and at the same angle as the fixed-side solar panels, in the same row; and a sliding guide attached to the side of the movable-side solar panel, which allows the movable-side solar panel to move in a parallel direction from a position directly above the fixed-side solar panel by a driven moving means.

2. A solar power generation device that generates electricity from sunlight above cultivated land while growing crops in sunlight, comprising: fixed-side solar panels fixed in the same row at a certain angle; movable-side solar panels positioned below the fixed-side solar panels with a predetermined minimum gap and at the same angle as the fixed-side solar panels, in the same row; and a sliding guide attached to the side of the movable-side solar panel, which allows the movable-side solar panel to move in a parallel direction from a position directly below the fixed-side solar panel by a driven moving means.

3. A solar panel position changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a fixed-side solar panel fixed in the same row at a certain angle, an intermediate-side solar panel positioned above the fixed-side solar panel at the same angle as the fixed-side solar panel with a predetermined minimum gap, and an upper-side solar panel positioned on the upper surface of the intermediate-side solar panel at the same angle as the intermediate-side solar panel with a minimum gap, are all movable in a parallel direction from a position directly above the fixed-side solar panel by a drive-driven moving means common to both moving-side panels.

4. The solar panel repositioning mechanism according to claims 1, 2, and 3 is characterized by comprising: slide guides positioned on the front and opposite sides of the movable solar panel, respectively; a pair of links rotatably attached to the movable side of the slide guides; a drive unit similarly rotatably attached to the other end of the links and attached to a transmission means; a drive shaft for driving the transmission means; a worm gear reducer and a motor; and a control unit.

5. The solar panel repositioning mechanism according to claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, characterized in that it allows for the parallel repositioning of multiple fixed solar panels and one or two movable solar panels in multiple adjacent rows in order to change the installation area.

6. The solar panel repositioning mechanism according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, characterized in that it has a hand crank on the input drive shaft of a worm gear reducer connected by a drive shaft.

7. The solar panel position changing mechanism according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, characterized by having a motor connected to the input shaft of the drive shaft of a worm gear reducer, whose rotational position is determined by a control program.

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