Solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar power generation device including a support unit that supports a solar panel from below, an angle adjustment unit that is provided in a part of the support unit and moves the solar panel up and down according to the altitude of the sun, and a controller that is provided in a part of the support unit, connected to the angle adjustment unit, and controls the operation of the angle adjustment unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device, and more particularly to a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun while concentrating light while tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun in real time. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a solar power generation system, a solar panel converts solar light energy into electrical energy, and such a solar panel is formed by appropriately arranging modules each having a number of cells integrated therein. The cells convert solar light energy into electrical energy, and are directly arranged in a modular form on the solar panel. A plurality of solar panel having a number of cells for converting electrical energy is arranged in positions where solar light is incident, and the electrical energy generated by each solar panel can be used as an energy source.

[0003] A typical solar panel is supported by a support structure at a position where sunlight enters, and the support structure is installed so that the angle can be adjusted according to the angle of solar incidence while supporting the solar panel at a predetermined height from the ground. That is, the position of the sun observed in each region changes due to the rotation and revolution of the Earth, and an adjustment device is provided to adjust the angle of the solar panel according to the resulting difference in the angle of solar incidence.

[0004] Such conventional adjustment devices are divided into manual angle adjustment devices that are manually operated and automatic angle adjustment devices that automatically adjust the angle. The manual angle adjustment device has a problem in that it is complicated because it requires manually operating multiple solar cell panels, moving heavy solar cell panels with a small force, and providing a device to fix the panels after they have been moved.

[0005] In addition, the manual angle adjustment device operates to adjust the angle of the solar panel according to the angle of incidence of the sun, which varies depending on the weather, time, and season, so there is a problem in that the angle must be adjusted as needed according to the angle.

[0006] In addition, the manual angle adjustment device measures the incident angle of the sun using a separate measuring device to adjust the amount of change in the incident angle of the sun and adjusts the angle based on the measured value. However, even during measurement and angle adjustment, the incident angle of the sun continues to change, making it difficult to adjust the angle of the solar panel.

[0007] Therefore, in recent years, an adjustment device has been disclosed that automatically adjusts the angle at which the solar panel is installed according to the angle of incidence of the sun. The automatically adjusted adjustment device measures the angle of incidence of the sun with a measuring device, drives a driving device according to the measured value, and produces electrical energy while adjusting the angle.

[0008] The measuring device used in such automatic adjustment devices of the prior art receives sunlight in one direction and drives an angle adjustment device that automatically adjusts the angle according to the amount of light.However, the incident angle varies depending on the weather, time, and season, and changes instantly in various directions, making it difficult to track these fluctuations and making it difficult to adjust the angle based on the incident angle.

[0009] In addition, the drive device of the conventional automatic adjustment device, which adjusts the angle according to the amount of sunlight, moves multiple solar cell plates simultaneously, and therefore requires the use of a large-capacity drive device depending on the number of solar cell plates, or multiple drive devices to move a limited number of solar cell plates, which increases manufacturing costs and makes it difficult to control large-capacity or multiple drive devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1022987 (2011.03.22) [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1434473 (2014.08.27) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a solar power generation device that tracks the solar altitude and azimuth, which is equipped with the function of tracking the solar azimuth and altitude in real time.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun, which has a function of adjusting the vertical angle and direction of the solar panel according to the real-time azimuth and altitude of the sun.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention was created to improve upon the problems of the prior art as described above, and includes a support unit that supports a solar panel from below, an angle adjustment unit that is provided in a part of the support unit and moves the solar panel up and down according to the altitude of the sun, and a controller that is provided in a part of the support unit, connected to the angle adjustment unit, and controls the operation of the angle adjustment unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support unit may include a panel accommodating module that provides a space for accommodating the solar panel; a horizontal bar to which the panel accommodating module is hinged at its upper portion so that the angle of the panel accommodating module can be adjusted; a post that is connected to the lower portion of the horizontal bar and supports the horizontal bar; and a pair of braces that are connected symmetrically and inclined from the post toward the horizontal bar and provide support.

[0016] In one embodiment, the angle adjustment unit may include a protrusion bar having one end connected to the post and protruding to a set length, a protrusion bar support connected to the protrusion bar and the post at an angle and supporting the protrusion bar, an actuator provided at the other end of the protrusion bar and connected to the panel accommodating module to adjust the vertical angle of the panel accommodating module, and an actuator driver connected to the actuator and providing power to the actuator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include a through drive coupled to a lower end of the support unit and configured to rotate the support unit under the control of the controller.

[0018] In one embodiment, the through drive may include a swivel coupled to a lower portion of the support unit and rotating the support unit, a swivel driver coupled to the swivel and providing power for operating the swivel, and a torque limiter provided on one side of the swivel driver and adjusting the operation of the swivel driver.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device may further include a sun position detector that is provided in a portion of the support unit, is connected to the controller, and tracks the position of the sun in real time.

[0020] In one embodiment, the angle adjustment unit can adjust the angle of the support unit according to the altitude of the sun tracked in real time by the sun position detector.

[0021] In one embodiment, the through drive can rotate the support unit in accordance with the azimuth of the sun tracked in real time by the sun position detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the azimuth and altitude of the sun can be tracked in real time via a sun position detector coupled to the controller.

[0023] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the through drive and angle adjustment unit can be operated according to the real-time azimuth and altitude of the sun detected by the solar position detector to adjust the vertical angle and direction of the solar panel.

[0024] However, the effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, are intended to facilitate understanding of the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited solely to the matters described in these drawings.

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the angle adjustment unit and the through drive portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 2 as viewed from above toward below. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating how the angle of the solar panel is adjusted by the angle adjustment unit. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a through drive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the description of the present invention is merely an embodiment for describing the structure and function, and the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described herein. In other words, since the embodiments may be variously modified and may have various forms, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include equivalents that can realize the technical idea. Furthermore, the objectives or effects presented in the present invention do not mean that a particular embodiment must include all of these or only these effects, and the scope of the present invention should not be understood as being limited thereby.

[0028] The meanings of the terms used above in the present invention should be understood as follows.

[0029] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one component from another and should not be used to limit the scope of rights. For example, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, a second component can be named a first component. When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to the other component, but that there may be other components between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted similarly.

[0030] The singular terms "a," "an," "the," and the like should be understood to include the plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "comprise," "have," and the like should be understood to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but should not be understood to preclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to be consistent with the contextual meaning in the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in this invention.

[0032] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the angle adjustment unit and through drive portion, FIG. 3 is a view looking down from above at FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a view showing how the angle of the solar panel is adjusted by the angle adjustment unit, FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the through drive, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the through drive.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the present invention can include a support unit 100, an angle adjustment unit 200, and a controller 400.

[0034] The support unit 100 can support the solar panel 30 while supporting it from below.

[0035] The support unit 100 may include a panel-receiving module 110 , a horizontal bar 120 , a post 130 , and a brace 140 .

[0036] The panel accommodating module 110 can provide a space for accommodating the solar panel 30. The panel accommodating module 110 can include a mount 112 on which the solar panel 30 is installed, and a support frame 114 to which the mount 112 is attached at the bottom and which is hingedly attached to the top of a horizontal bar 120, with the horizontal frame and the vertical frame being perpendicular to each other.

[0037] The horizontal bar 120 may have the panel accommodating module 110 hinged at the top so that the angle of the panel accommodating module 110 can be adjusted.

[0038] The post 130 is coupled to the lower part of the horizontal bar 120 and can support the horizontal bar 120 .

[0039] A pair of braces 140 are connected from the post 130 to the horizontal bar 120 at an incline symmetrically to provide support.

[0040] In the present invention, the solar power generation device 10 moves in the north-south direction based on the support frame 114 and the horizontal bar 120, but in order to prevent it from tipping forward more than a set angle due to rear wind load, a safety stopper (not shown) is applied to the fastening point of the horizontal bar 120 and the post 130, and by supporting the support frame 114, it is possible to prevent it from tipping forward.

[0041] The angle adjustment unit 200 is provided in a part of the support unit 100 and can move the solar panel 30 up and down according to the altitude of the sun.

[0042] The angle adjusting unit 200 may include a protrusion bar 210 , a protrusion bar support 220 , an actuator 230 , and an actuator driver 240 .

[0043] The protruding bar 210 may have one end connected to the top of the post 130 and may be formed to protrude to a set length.

[0044] The protrusion bar support 220 is connected to the protrusion bar 210 and the post 130 in an inclined state, and can support the protrusion bar 210 .

[0045] The actuator 230 is provided at the other end of the protruding bar 210 and is connected to the panel receiving module 110, so that the vertical angle of the panel receiving module 110 can be adjusted.

[0046] The actuator driver 240 is connected to the actuator 230 and can provide power to the actuator 230. Specifically, depending on the type of the actuator 230, the actuator driver 240 uses a motor driver to drive an electric motor, a solenoid driver to drive a solenoid valve, and a different driver is required to drive other types of actuators such as hydraulic cylinders and piezoelectric conductors.

[0047] The solar power generation device of the present invention may further include a through drive 300. The through drive 300 is coupled to the lower end of the support unit 100 and can rotate the support unit 100 under the control of the controller 400.

[0048] The through drive 300 is coupled to the lower end of the support unit 100 and is capable of rotating the support unit 100. Specifically, the through drive 300 is a gearbox that is widely used in applications requiring the rotation of heavy loads, such as solar trackers, wind turbines, and cranes, and can be composed of a central housing, a ring gear, a pinion gear, etc. The ring gear is fixedly attached to the external housing, and the pinion gear is attached to a shaft that rotates inside the housing. When the pinion gear rotates, it meshes with the teeth of the ring gear, allowing the entire assembly to rotate.

[0049] The slew drive 300 is designed to handle high torque loads and is often used in applications requiring precise positioning and control, allowing for the precise and controllable rotation of heavy loads.

[0050] The thru drive 300 may include a swivel section 310 , a swivel section drive section 320 , and a torque limiter 330 .

[0051] The swivel unit 310 is coupled to the lower part of the support unit 100 and can rotate the support unit 100. Specifically, the swivel unit 310 is provided with a swivel bearing (not shown) and is bearing-coupled to the lower part of the post 130 of the support unit 100, and can rotate the solar panel 30 in a set direction while rotating the post 130.

[0052] The swivel driving unit 320 is connected to the swivel unit 310 and can provide power for operating the swivel unit 310. Specifically, the swivel driving unit 320 is a type of bearing drive and is connected to the swivel bearing of the swivel unit 310 via a worm gear or the like and can provide power for operating the swivel bearing. A bearing driver for driving the swivel bearing of the swivel unit 310 can mainly include a motor, a worm gear driven by the motor, and an encoder (not shown) for feedback control of the motor.

[0053] The torque limiter 330 is provided on one side of the swivel drive unit 320 and can adjust the operation of the swivel drive unit 320. The torque limiter 330 is an electric torque limiter designed to slip or disengage a coupling that transmits rotational force when a load exceeds a predetermined value, and is also called a torque releaser. Specifically, the torque limiter 330 is provided on a rotating shaft and limits rotational force to protect equipment or machinery. Generally, if a load is suddenly generated during the operation of a machine, the machine or equipment components may be damaged. In this case, the torque limiter 330 separates the rotating shaft from the equipment or machine connected to the shaft when the rotational force exceeds a certain level, thereby limiting the rotational force and preventing damage to the components.

[0054] Additionally, the torque limiter 330 can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as by using a torque limiting coupling, by limiting the maximum torque output of the motor or engine, or by using sensors and control systems to monitor and adjust torque levels.

[0055] In addition, the torque limiter 330 is applied to the swivel drive unit 320, and in order to prevent damage to the drive motor and planetary gear due to torque transmitted to the swivel drive unit 320 via the swivel unit 310 due to momentary high wind loads, the torque limiter 330 is designed with a structure in which the spring and the protrusions on the upper and lower plates mesh together so that power transmission and interruption can be performed at a preset torque, preventing excessive force from being transmitted.

[0056] The controller 400 is provided in a part of the support unit 100 and is connected to the angle adjustment unit 200 and the through drive 300, respectively, and can control the operation of the angle adjustment unit 200 and the through drive 300.

[0057] The controller 400 is equipped with a wireless communication module and can be linked to an external mobile terminal device or the like via a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, or a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication module, allowing operation to be controlled from the outside and the control status to be grasped in real time.

[0058] Furthermore, the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention may further include a sun position detector 500. The sun position detector 500 is provided in a part of the support unit 100 and is connected to the controller 400, and is capable of tracking the position of the sun in real time.

[0059] The angle adjustment unit 200 can adjust the angle of the support unit 100 according to the altitude of the sun tracked in real time by the sun position detector 500. The through drive 300 can rotate the support unit 100 according to the azimuth of the sun tracked in real time by the sun position detector 500.

[0060] Furthermore, the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention can provide a real-time backtracking function, a real-time scattering mode, and the like as functions for maximizing power generation efficiency due to the above-described configuration.

[0061] The real-time backtracking function is a technology that, when the controller 400 detects sunrise or sunset through a sunrise / sunset detection sensor (not shown) separately provided in the support unit 100, activates the angle adjustment unit 200 to minimize shadows between the solar panels 30 that occur at sunrise or sunset, thereby maximizing power generation efficiency. When the sun is at a low altitude, the position of the solar panels 30 can be adjusted to increase power generation efficiency. With the above technology, the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention can produce more energy at sunrise and sunset.

[0062] The real-time scattering mode is a technology that allows the controller 400 to detect the weather in real time using a weather observation sensor (not shown) separately installed in the support unit 100, and increase energy production on cloudy days. When the sun is hidden by clouds for a certain period of time, the scattering mode is activated via the angle adjustment unit 200, and the angle of the solar panel 30 is adjusted in real time to absorb more light scattered by the clouds.

[0063] In addition, safety features such as snow mode and wind mode can be activated to minimize damage caused by natural disasters.

[0064] In the snow mode, when the controller 400 detects snowfall through a weather observation sensor (not shown) separately provided on the support unit 100, the angle adjustment unit 200 is activated to maintain the tilt angle of the solar panel 30 at a set angle of approximately 60°, thereby minimizing damage caused by snow load, and when a wind speed higher than the set wind speed is detected, the solar panel 30 is switched to the wind mode of 180° to prepare for strong wind speeds.

[0065] In the wind mode, when the controller 400 detects wind speed via a weather observation sensor (not shown) or the like, it activates the angle adjustment unit 200 and switches the solar panel 30 to 180° wind mode if the wind speed is above a set value, in preparation for strong wind speeds. After activation, if the wind speed is below a set value, it can automatically switch to tracking mode, which tracks sunlight.

[0066] In addition, by precisely operating the torque limiter 330 of the through drive 300, the rotating part 310 can be operated extremely finely and precisely, and the direction of the solar panel 30 can be rotated minutely to precisely avoid the wind direction, thereby minimizing damage to the solar power generation device 10.

[0067] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above is provided to enable those skilled in the art to embody and practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art may use the respective configurations described in the above embodiments in combination with each other. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0068] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of the equivalents of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, in the claims, each claim without an explicit reference relationship may be combined to form an embodiment, or may be included as a new claim by amendment after filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10. Solar power generation equipment 30 Solar Panels 50 Rotating Body 100 Support Unit 110 Panel Housing Module 112 Mounting stand 114 Support Frame 120 horizontal bars 130 posts 140 Brace 200 Angle adjustment unit 210 Protruding bar 220 Protruding bar support 230 Actuator 240 Actuator driver 300 Thru Drive 310 Swivel section 320 Swivel drive unit 330 Torque Limiter 400 Controller 500 Sun Position Detector

Claims

1. A support unit that supports the solar panel from below, an angle adjustment unit provided in a part of the support unit and configured to move the solar panel up and down according to the altitude of the sun; a controller provided in a part of the support unit, connected to the angle adjustment unit, and controlling the operation of the angle adjustment unit.

2. The support unit includes: a panel accommodating module that provides a space for accommodating the solar panel; a horizontal bar to which the panel accommodating module is hinged at an upper portion so that the angle of the panel accommodating module can be adjusted; a post coupled to a lower portion of the horizontal bar and supporting the horizontal bar; 2. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of braces connected symmetrically and inclined from the post toward the horizontal bar to provide support.

3. The angle adjustment unit is a protruding bar having one end connected to the post and protruding to a predetermined length; a protrusion bar support base connected to the protrusion bar and the post in an inclined state and supporting the protrusion bar; an actuator provided at the other end of the protruding bar and connected to the panel accommodating module for adjusting the vertical angle of the panel accommodating module; 3. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 2, further comprising: an actuator driver connected to said actuator and providing power to said actuator.

4. 2. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 1, further comprising a through drive coupled to a lower end of the support unit and rotating the support unit under the control of the controller.

5. The through drive is a rotating part coupled to a lower part of the support unit and configured to rotate the support unit; a swivel drive unit connected to the swivel unit and providing power for operating the swivel unit; 5. The solar power generation device according to claim 4, further comprising: a torque limiter provided on one side of the swivel drive unit to adjust the operation of the swivel drive unit.

6. 2. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 1, further comprising a solar position detector provided in a part of the support unit, connected to the controller, and for tracking the position of the sun in real time.

7. 7. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 6, wherein the angle adjustment unit adjusts the angle of the support unit according to the altitude of the sun tracked in real time by the solar position detector.

8. 7. The solar power generation device that tracks the altitude and azimuth of the sun according to claim 6, wherein the through drive rotates the support unit in accordance with the azimuth of the sun tracked in real time by the solar position detector.

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