Solar power generation device that tracks the altitude of the sun

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar power generation device that includes a support unit that supports a solar panel while supporting it 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 of the sun while concentrating light while tracking the altitude 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 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 cell plate is installed according to the incident angle of the sun. The automatically adjusted adjustment device is equipped to measure the incident angle of the sun with a measuring device, and drive a driving device according to the measured value to generate electrical energy while adjusting the angle.

[0008] The measuring device used in such an automatic adjustment device 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 from 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 a large number of drive devices to move a limited number of solar cell plates, which increases manufacturing costs and makes it difficult to control large-capacity or large number of 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 altitude of the sun and has a function of tracking the altitude of the sun in real time.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude of the sun and has a function of adjusting the vertical angle of the solar panel according to the real-time 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 mount that provides a space for accommodating the solar panel, a horizontal bar on which the panel mount module is located so that the angle of the panel mount can be adjusted, and a post that is coupled to the lower part of the horizontal bar and supports the horizontal bar.

[0016] In one embodiment, the angle adjustment unit may include a plurality of angle adjustment members, one end of which is rotatably connected to a plurality of rotors provided on the horizontal bar and which adjust the angle by moving up and down; a plurality of actuators, each having an upper part connected to the other end of the plurality of angle adjustment members and a lower part connected to the plurality of posts, for adjusting the angle of the angle adjustment members up and down; an actuator driver connected to one of the plurality of actuators and providing power to the actuator; and an extension bar, extending a set length from the other end of the angle adjustment member to which the actuator driver is provided, connecting the plurality of angle adjustment members and to which the panel stand is connected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the actuator driving device may further include a torque limiter provided in a portion of the actuator driving device to adjust the operation of the actuator driving device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a sun position detector that is provided in a portion of the support unit, connected to the controller, and that tracks the position of the sun in real time.

[0019] In one embodiment, the angle adjusting unit can adjust the angle of the support unit according to the altitude of the sun tracked in real time by the solar position detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the altitude of the sun can be tracked in real time by a sun position detector coupled to the controller.

[0021] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle adjustment unit can be operated according to the real-time altitude of the sun detected by the solar position detector to adjust the vertical angle and direction of the solar panel.

[0022] 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]

[0023] 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.

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude of the sun according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of angle adjustment units are provided. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the angle adjustment unit portion of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is an enlarged view of an actuator driver portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] The meanings of the terms used above in the present invention should be understood as follows.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar power generation device that tracks the altitude of the sun according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement in which multiple angle adjustment units are provided, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the angle adjustment unit portion of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the actuator driver portion.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the present invention can include a support unit 100, an angle adjustment unit 200, and a controller 300.

[0032] The support unit 100 can support the solar panel 30 while supporting it from below.

[0033] The support unit 100 may include a panel mount 110 , a horizontal bar 120 , and a post 130 .

[0034] The panel mount 110 can provide a space for accommodating the solar panels 30. The panel mount 110 is configured in multiple units and can accommodate multiple solar panels 30.

[0035] The horizontal bar 120 allows the panel stand 110 to be positioned on top so that the angle of the panel stand 110 can be adjusted.

[0036] The post 130 is coupled to the lower part of the horizontal bar 120 and can support the horizontal bar 120. The post 130 is configured in multiple pieces and can support the horizontal bar 120 extending to a set length.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The angle adjustment unit 200 may include an angle adjustment member 210 , an actuator 220 , an actuator driver 230 , and an extension bar 240 .

[0039] The angle adjusting member 210 is made up of a plurality of pieces, and one end of the angle adjusting member 210 is rotatably connected to a plurality of rotors 50 provided on the horizontal bar 120, so that the angle can be adjusted by moving up and down. Specifically, the extension bar 240 is connected to the angle adjusting member 210, but in a situation where the extension bar 240 cannot be connected due to a difference in height of the post 130, or to resolve a load generated by twisting of the axis reference of the extension bar 240, an angle-adjusting bearing (not shown) may be applied.

[0040] The actuator 220 is configured in a plurality of pieces, and its upper portion is connected to the other end of the plurality of angle adjustment members 210, and its lower portion is connected to the plurality of posts 130, respectively, so that the angle of the angle adjustment members 210 can be adjusted up and down.

[0041] The actuator driver 230 can be connected to and provide power to any of the multiple actuators 220. Specifically, depending on the type of actuator 220, the actuator driver 230 uses a motor driver to drive an electric motor, a solenoid driver to drive a solenoid valve, and a separate driver is required to drive other types of actuators such as hydraulic cylinders and piezoelectric conductors.

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, the actuator driver 230 may be provided in a part of the actuator 220, but the actuator 220 on which the actuator driver 230 is provided may be one of the multiple actuators 220 constituting the angle adjustment unit 200 that is located in the central part of the horizontal bar 120 or in the outermost part.

[0043] The extension bar 240 extends a set length from the other end of the angle adjustment member 210 equipped with the actuator driver 230, connects a plurality of angle adjustment members 210, and the panel frame 110 can be connected to the extension bar 240 with bolts or the like via the connecting piece 70. Therefore, when the angle adjustment member 210 moves up and down by the actuator 220, the panel frame 110 connected to the extension bar 240 via the connecting piece 70 also moves up and down, thereby adjusting the angle of the solar panel 30 according to the altitude of the sun.

[0044] The connecting piece 70 serves to support the extension bar 240, and a bearing (not shown) is applied within the connecting piece 70 to assist in the rotation of the extension bar 240 and prevent strain on the actuator driver 230 due to eccentricity.

[0045] Therefore, since the operation of the plurality of actuators 220 and the plurality of angle adjustment members 210 is controlled by one actuator driver 230 connected via the extension bar 240, it is possible to adjust the angles of a large number of solar panels 30 using one power source, the actuator driver 230. In this case, the operation of the actuator driver 230 can be controlled by supplying power etc. via the controller 300, and the power can be self-supplied or externally supplied, such as power generated by the solar panels 30 themselves or power supplied from an external source.

[0046] Specifically, the actuator 220 and the extension bar 240 are connected by bolts using a tubular connector, minimizing loss of power transmission. To prevent damage to the structure due to disconnection and power transmission being cut off when the bolt breaks, preventing operation in safety mode in natural disaster situations and damaging the structure, the inside of the tubular connector is hexagonal, preventing power transmission from being cut off even when the bolt breaks and comes off. The hexagonal shaft is extended and slidable, preventing the shaft itself from coming off when the bolt comes off.

[0047] In addition, the present invention is provided with a separate rechargeable battery (not shown) connected to the controller 300, which can store electricity generated by the solar panel 30, and when necessary, the angle adjustment unit 200 can be operated using the electricity stored in the rechargeable battery under the control of the controller 300.

[0048] The solar power generation device 10 of the present invention may further include a torque limiter 232 .

[0049] The torque limiter 232 is provided in a portion of the actuator driver 230 and can adjust the operation of the actuator driver 230. The torque limiter 232 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 232 is a device that is provided on a rotating shaft and limits rotational force to protect equipment or machinery. Generally, if an unexpected load occurs during the operation of a machine, the machine or equipment parts may be damaged. In this case, the torque limiter 232 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 parts.

[0050] Additionally, the torque limiter 232 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.

[0051] The actuator driver 230 of the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention has a structure including a planetary reducer (not shown) and a torque limiter 232, and the torque limiter 232 can be applied to prevent damage due to stress applied to the actuator driver 230 and the planetary reducer when an instantaneous wind load occurs.

[0052] The torque limiter 232 is composed of trapezoidal jaws that can transmit and cut off power to each plate in a structure of upper and lower plates, and has the function of cutting off / connecting power when a predetermined appropriate torque abnormality occurs via a spring between the upper and lower plates.

[0053] The controller 300 is provided in a part of the support unit 100 and is connected to each of the angle adjustment units 200 so as to be able to control the operation of the angle adjustment units 200 .

[0054] The controller 300 is equipped with a wireless communication module in a part thereof, and can be linked to external mobile terminal devices etc. 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention may further include a sun position detector 400. The sun position detector 400 is provided in a part of the support unit 100 and is connected to the controller 300, and is capable of tracking the position of the sun in real time.

[0056] 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 400 .

[0057] 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 through the above-described configuration.

[0058] The real-time backtracking function is a technology that, when the controller 300 detects sunset or sunrise through a sunset / sunrise detection sensor (not shown) separately installed 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 this technology, the solar power generation device 10 of the present invention can produce more energy at sunrise and sunset.

[0059] The real-time scattering mode is a technology that allows the controller 300 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.

[0060] In addition, safety features such as snow mode and wind mode can be activated to minimize damage caused by natural disasters.

[0061] In the snow mode, when the controller 300 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.

[0062] In the wind mode, when the controller 300 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.

[0063] In addition, through precise operation of the torque limiter 232 of the actuator driver 230, the actuator 220 can be operated extremely finely and precisely, and the direction of the solar panel 30 can be rotated finely to precisely avoid the wind direction, thereby minimizing damage to the solar power generation device 10.

[0064] 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 intended to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0065] 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 equivalent scope 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 intended to provide 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]

[0066] 10. Solar power generation equipment 30 Solar Panels 50 Rotating Body 70 Connecting piece 100 Support Unit 110 Panel stand 120 horizontal bars 130 posts 200 Angle adjustment unit 210 Angle adjustment member 220 Actuator 230 Actuator driver 232 Torque limiter 240 Extension Bar 300 Controller 400 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 mount that provides a space in which the solar panel is housed; a horizontal bar on which the panel stand is located so that the angle of the panel stand can be adjusted; 2. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude of the sun according to claim 1, further comprising: a post coupled to a lower portion of the horizontal bar and supporting the horizontal bar.

3. The angle adjustment unit is a plurality of angle adjusting members, one end of which is rotatably connected to a plurality of rotors provided on the horizontal bar, and which adjust the angle by moving up and down; a plurality of actuators, each having an upper portion coupled to the other end of each of the plurality of angle adjusting members and a lower portion coupled to each of the plurality of posts, for adjusting the angle of each of the angle adjusting members up and down; an actuator driver connected to any one of the plurality of actuators and providing power thereto; 3. The solar power generation device according to claim 2, further comprising: an extension bar extending a predetermined length from the other end of the angle adjustment member provided with the actuator driver, connecting the plurality of angle adjustment members, and to which the panel mount is connected.

4. 4. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude of the sun according to claim 3, further comprising a torque limiter provided in a part of the actuator driver to adjust the operation of the actuator driver.

5. 2. The solar power generation device for tracking the altitude of the sun according to claim 1, further comprising a sun 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.

6. 6. The solar power generation device according to claim 5, wherein the angle adjusting unit adjusts the angle of the support unit according to the altitude of the sun tracked in real time by the solar position detector.

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