Solar power generation module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy generation panel comprising at least two energy generation modules. Each energy generation module comprises a first surface, a second surface, a reflective surface, and a holding structure that connects the first and second surfaces together to form a volume between the first and second surfaces, wherein the reflective surface is configured to filter incident sunlight, thereby transmitting a first portion of the sunlight and reflecting a second portion of the sunlight, and the reflective surface comprises a plurality of reflective regions facing each other in different directions, wherein each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect the second portion of the incident light onto the focusing surface of the energy harvesting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of solar power generation, and more specifically, to the field of solar power generation in agriculture. The present invention also aims to provide a means for improving the power generation amount without affecting the growth of crops.

[0002] Preferably, the present invention relates to the field of solar power generation for agricultural use and a spectral filtering type solar energy harvesting module.

Background Art

[0003] Today, photovoltaic (PV) power generation is considered to be an environmentally friendly and low-cost energy source worldwide, and at the same time, it is an important factor in paving the way to a future that does not depend on fossil fuels. However, it is still difficult to secure a site for large-scale PV projects. This is because creating a PV field may waste arable land or increase human influence and damage biodiversity. For this reason, a modern project generally called "agrivoltaics" has been launched, aiming to promote the dual use of available land. In this project, arable land can be utilized simultaneously for both power generation and agricultural production.

[0004] Agrivoltaic solutions have been shown to be particularly effective when filtering the light spectrum to optimize the wavelengths reaching the crops. Therefore, spectral filtering type agrivoltaic solutions are a promising way to generate electricity on arable land without damaging agricultural production. This consists of spectral filtering of sunlight, thereby allowing only the light components necessary for plants to pass through to the crops, while all the remaining sunlight is used for power generation.

[0005] Most existing solar power modules based on this technology consist of two distinct elements: (1) a large spectral filtering reflector that faces the light source and (2) concentrates light that is unwanted by plants onto the solar cells. These solar modules are typically mounted on a two-axis solar tracking mount, requiring them to be spatially separated from each other to allow rotation without interference from adjacent modules. While these designs may have advantages in indoor applications such as greenhouses, they have several drawbacks when used outdoors.

[0006] In fact, in outdoor crop cultivation, maximizing the surface area is beneficial to protect crops from weather conditions such as wind, hail, and frost. Furthermore, filtering sunlight has been shown to be beneficial to crops, for example, in terms of water consumption and pest control. However, mechanical systems including two-axis solar tracking typically only cover about 35-40% of the surface area. To fully realize the above agricultural benefits, a solution that can cover more than 50% of the surface area is needed.

[0007] Approximately 1 meter 2 Existing designs based on sized solar reflectors, when used outdoors, experience an increase in cross-sectional area when exposed to wind. This necessitates expensive solar tracking systems and robust structures to hold the modules, which ultimately reduces light transmission to crops.

[0008] Therefore, a system is needed to solve the above problems.

[0009] In this regard, the main objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and, more specifically, to provide a solar power generation device that maximizes land coverage without being affected by wind and external forces.

[0010] More specifically, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a solar power generation device for agricultural use that includes optimized light transmittance and a simple holding structure, while providing maximum protection for crops from external factors such as wind, hail, and frost.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that improves agricultural productivity by providing means for optimizing energy or power generation and controlling the quality of light reaching crops at any time of day and regardless of the season. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0012] The above problems are solved by the present invention, which provides a solar cell module based on spectral filtering integrated on a single plane. This planar integration is achieved by periodically arranging small reflectors along a single axis on a plate-like material. These planar solar cell modules disclosed solve the problems of the prior art. The planar design allows the system to be mounted on solar axis tracking or non-solar axis tracking systems, increasing the ground surface area coverage rate necessary to maximize the benefits of spectral filtering, and also adding crop protection functionality to spectral filtering APV systems.

[0013] This invention relates to the field of solar power generation, particularly to solar power generation in agriculture. The purpose of this invention is to provide a means to achieve both power generation and optimization of agricultural growth.

[0014] A first aspect of the present invention is an energy generation panel comprising at least two energy generation modules, each energy generation module comprising a first surface, a second surface, a reflective surface, and a holding structure that connects the first and second surfaces together to form a volume between the first and second surfaces, wherein the reflective surface is configured to transmit a first portion of the sunlight and reflect a second portion by filtering the incident sunlight, and the reflective surface comprises a plurality of reflective regions facing each other in different directions, each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect a second portion of the incident light from the focusing surface of the energy harvesting device.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second surface is provided on the back of the module, and the retaining structure connects the first and second surfaces together to form an internal cavity separated by the wall, the first surface, and the second surface.

[0016] Preferably, the reflective surface is a floating filter located within the internal cavity of the module.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface is a filter stacked / deposited on the second surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the reflective surface is a second surface containing the filtering composition.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each module has a vertically elongated shape and is arranged adjacent to one another in the horizontal direction.

[0020] Preferably, the modules are detachable from one another by reversible mounting means selected from a group including magnetic areas, adhesives, outer frames, and mechanical locking means.

[0021] Preferably, the cavity is completely enclosed by the first and second surfaces, as well as the walls.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission / reflection / refraction of the reflective surface is adjusted by a specific material and / or a specific thickness range and / or a specific surface treatment and / or a specific additive, and is adjusted to allow light in a specific wavelength range to pass through.

[0023] Preferably, the energy generation panel further includes an alignment system adapted to change the orientation of the reflective panel.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reflective regions are planar and / or adjacent surfaces.

[0025] Preferably, the energy harvesting module is selected from a group including one of a power generation module using solar cells, a module for heat generation, and a module for hydrogen production.

[0026] Preferably, the back surface of the energy harvesting device has a reflective surface, a light diffuser, a phosphor-containing material, and / or an energy generating surface.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention is an alignment optimization system for appropriately aligning the orientation of the energy generation panel according to the first aspect of the present invention, including a panel drive system and a panel drive system control module configured to control the panel drive system and align the energy generation panel so as to optimize the electrical yield or agricultural yield, that is, for example, to align the panel so that light transmits maximally when sunlight is not optimal, to protect the crops from heavy rain or strong wind as necessary, and to optimize the quality of light reaching the crops.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention is a light source tracking system that tracks a light source and appropriately aligns the energy generation panel according to the first aspect of the present invention, including an energy generation panel, a light source positioning module, and a drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system to align the energy generation panel according to the detected position of the light source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further specific advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Represents the general concept of the present invention. [Figure 2] Represents an enlarged view of the panel configuration of the present invention disposed above the crop. [Figure 3] Represents a perspective view of the panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Represents a cross-sectional view of the panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] Represents cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5b] Represents cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5c] Represents cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5d] Represents cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] Represents cross-sectional views of three embodiments of the present invention having different reflection types. [Figure 7] Represents an exemplary cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention along with its size.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] This detailed description is intended to describe the present invention non-limitingly, and any feature of an embodiment can be combined advantageously with any other feature of different embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates the general principle of the present invention. The basic principle of the present invention includes a solar cell module 10 adapted to filter sunlight, so that only the light components necessary for plants (i.e., the spectrum) are transmitted to the crop directly below the panel, and the remaining light is reflected and redirected to the solar cell. As shown in Figure 1, the solar cell collects light to produce energy such as electricity or heat, or substances such as hydrogen. In this regard, it should be noted that blue light and red light are particularly useful for photosynthesis, meaning that the light spectra corresponding to these colors, i.e., approximately 450-495 nm for blue light and approximately 620-750 nm for red light, are not reflected by the reflective surface 3, but other bands are reflective.

[0032] More specifically, light with wavelengths of 800nm ​​to 1250nm can be reflected by the energy harvesting device 5 for power generation. Near-infrared light above 1250nm can also be reflected by the energy harvesting device 5, which is particularly useful for protecting crops in hot climates. It is desirable to use this in conjunction with heat / hydrogen generation, as it can lead to overheating of the solar cells. In addition, wavelengths in the 700nm to 800nm ​​range (far-infrared) can be reflected because they can affect the flowering cycle of certain crops. Green light (500nm to 600nm) can also be reflected because it has a relatively small impact on the growth of some crops.

[0033] More specifically, Figure 1 shows sunlight directed towards crops, and the energy generation device according to the present invention is installed above this land. While the term “above” can have a natural meaning, in the case of vertical farming, the same term should be understood as “forward,” and therefore, in summary, the meaning of this term should be understood as “between the plants and the light source (e.g., the sun).” The energy generation device is configured to at least partially block sunlight, and the reflective panel uniformly focuses the light onto an energy generation module 10 (described later), which is configured to block the remaining light, i.e., light that is not needed by the plants (black arrows), while allowing some of the light to reach the plants, reflecting and redirecting the light, and using the reflected light to generate energy. In a preferred embodiment, the energy generated is electricity from a solar cell, but it may instead be thermal energy or hydrogen generation.

[0034] More specifically, the energy generator is configured to transmit almost completely the light necessary for plant growth to plants located behind (or below) the energy generator. The passing criterion is preferably the wavelength of light.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of these modules 10 installed above the crops. The panels are noticeably tilted. In a preferred embodiment, the tilt angle can be adapted to maximize light collection, crop growth, or both. In practice, to maximize energy, reflected light from the panels needs to be directed towards the energy generator. This can be achieved using a one-dimensional or two-dimensional solar tracking system in which the modules 10 are positioned. Figure 2 shows a possible implementation of one-dimensional tracking (high-altitude tracking) on ​​cultivated plants.

[0036] When multiple panels are installed on a structure, and each structure supports at least one solar energy module 10, several possibilities are considered. The first option is to equip each structure with its own dedicated actuator and transmission module. Alternatively, a single actuator can be provided, and its movement can be transmitted to other structures to reproduce linear and / or rotational motion along a line including the actuator.

[0037] In connection with the present invention, a light source tracking system can be used that tracks a light source (preferably the sun) and adjusts the orientation of one or more energy panels according to the position of the light source to optimize and / or maximize the reception of sunlight to the panels. This light source tracking system preferably includes, in addition to the panel drive system described above, a light source positioning module which may be any suitable type such as a camera or a light sensor, and a drive system control module adapted to control the orientation of the panel drive system according to the detected position of the light source.

[0038] The control module may also include a processing unit that calculates the optimal orientation of the panel according to several parameters such as season, weather, and environment.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is an energy generation panel 100 composed of a plurality of adjacent modules 10. Figure 3 shows eight modules 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the number of modules 10 and can be adapted to any number depending on the field of application.

[0040] The panel shown in Figure 3 is depicted with modules 10 arranged adjacent to each other and the overall top surface being flat; however, modules 10 may be provided with curved shapes or the like.

[0041] Furthermore, while module 10 may be a single, non-detachable unit, modules 10 may be detachable from one another to enhance modularity. In the latter case, an attachment / detachment system such as a locking mechanism can be provided. The locking mechanism can consist of a magnetic side wall, adhesive, clip, outer frame, etc.

[0042] Each module 10 has an elongated shape consisting of a first surface 1, a second surface 2, and a reflective surface 3, the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 being located below the first surface 1, and the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 may be the same. These surfaces are connected by a retaining structure 4 having the shape of a wall, preferably a vertical wall. As can be seen in the figure, the first surface 1 is provided with a vertical energy harvesting device 5 that extends along the entire length of the module 10.

[0043] Figure 4 provides a detailed explanation of the panel and module 10.

[0044] Each module 10 preferably includes a first surface 1, a second surface 2, and a reflective surface 3 adapted to transmit the entire spectrum, as well as a wall 4 made of glass or a transparent polymer connecting the first surface, the second surface, and the reflective surface 3. As can be seen from the figure, in the panel, two adjacent modules 10 share a wall. Thus, each module 10 has an elongated shape having either an empty cavity 6 separated by the wall 4 and the first surface 1 and the second surface 2, or a space 6 filled with, for example, water or glass.

[0045] The first surface 1 is preferably flat and preferably made of a material that falls within the group of transparent polymers such as glass and ETFE, i.e., a material adapted to transmit the entire light spectrum, and preferably has UV resistance or can be coated with additional coatings to ensure long life.

[0046] In the diagram, this surface is shown as a continuous, flat surface, essentially defining a closed cavity 6 inside the module 10 together with the bottom surface and wall 4. Importantly, this allows for the application of an antifouling surface treatment to the outer surface of the module 10, ensuring that the module 10 is always kept clean. Alternatively, the first surface 1 may consist of a single, discontinuous strip-shaped surface with the width of the energy harvesting device 5, leaving the aforementioned cavity 6 open on the upper side.

[0047] This first surface 1 may be called the top surface because it is always located in front of the light source relative to the second surface 2. The first surface 1 is adapted to accommodate an energy harvesting device 5 which includes at least one PV cell, a heat pipe, and a solar activated hydrogen generating medium. Preferably, the energy harvesting device 5 has a uniform shape along the length of the module 10, such as a striped shape, as shown in Figure 3.

[0048] The energy harvesting device 5 can, of course, collect light reflected from the second surface 2, i.e., its lower side, as shown in Figure 4, but it can also be activated on the upper side to collect light that is directly incident on it.

[0049] The second surface 2 is also called the bottom surface and is positioned below the first surface 1 so as to "close" the bottom of module 10. "Bottom" means that the second surface 2 is positioned behind the first surface 1 with respect to the light source.

[0050] This reflective surface 3 is also positioned below the first surface 1 and is configured to filter the light spectrum, allowing a desired wavelength range to pass through as described above, and reflecting another desired wavelength range, preferably toward the energy harvesting device 5. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, the reflective surface 3 has either a curved smooth surface or a partially flat surface when viewed in cross-sectional direction. The important point here is that the reflective surface 3 has multiple reflective regions facing each other in different directions, and each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect a selected portion of the incident light onto the focusing surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0051] Figure 6 shows three examples, but the shape is not particularly limited. The first example has a partially parabolic mirror reflective surface 3 composed of multiple flat sections facing in different directions to reflect light onto the underside of the energy harvesting device 5. The second example shows a surface having an out-of-focus parabolic shape composed of two parabolas. The third example is a free shape, and it is important to remember that whatever shape is chosen, the reflection onto the underside of the energy harvesting device 5 should be optimized.

[0052] To filter the light spectrum, the reflective surface 3 must include a filtering function. This can be achieved by providing a specific composition that filters a portion of the light spectrum to the second surface 2, or by placing a filter having such a function on one side of the second surface 2 or within the cavity 6 of module 10, as shown in Figures 5A to 5D.

[0053] The filter or filtering composition should be adapted to allow blue and red light, which are particularly useful for photosynthesis, to pass through. That is, the light spectra corresponding to these colors, namely approximately 450-495 nm for blue light and approximately 620-750 nm for red light, should not be reflected by the reflective surface 3, while other bands may be reflected. The filter may also reflect light with wavelengths of 800 nm to 1250 nm to the energy harvesting device 5 for power generation. The filter should also be adapted to reflect near-infrared light above 1250 nm to the energy harvesting device 5, which is particularly useful for protecting crops in hot climates. Additionally, the 700 nm to 800 nm (far-infrared) band should be reflected for certain crops as it may affect the flowering cycle, and green light (500 nm to 600 nm) may be reflected as it has a relatively small effect on the growth of some crops. In addition to filtering specific wavelengths, the filter or filtering composition can also provide crops with specific patterns that diffuse the light. Diffused light is particularly suitable for the uniform growth of crops.

[0054] In the case of a laminated or deposited filter, Figures 5A and 5B show that the reflective surface 3 (here, the filter) may be located inside or outside the second surface 2, depending on the manufacturing process, to facilitate its deposition. Figure 5C shows an embodiment in which the space 6 between the two surfaces is filled, for example, with water to collect heat, but glass may also be filled to facilitate the manufacturing process by manufacturing a monolithic glass rod having the shape of module 10. In this case, the filter is clearly located below the second surface 2.

[0055] Figure 5D shows a specific embodiment in which the second surface 2 is flat and not curved like the first surface 1, and the reflective surface 3 is provided as a “floating filter” located within the cavity 6 rather than on the bottom surface. In practice, this indicates that the actual shape of the second surface 2 is not important, but rather the shape of the reflective surface 3 is important for uniformly reflecting a selected portion of the incident light on the focusing surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0056] Figure 7 shows possible dimensions of the basic cell in the embodiment, but these are not limiting to the present invention.

[0057] While embodiments have been described in conjunction with several other embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are obvious. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the scope of this disclosure. This is particularly true, for example, with respect to different gears, materials, and angles that may be used.

[0058] Furthermore, the systems and apparatus of the present invention are adapted for use outdoors, i.e., in open fields, or indoors, for example, in a greenhouse. The power generation device preferably relates to a solar panel, but can also generate energy from different light sources and may be a panel of any shape.

Claims

1. An energy generation panel (100) comprising at least two energy generation modules (10), wherein each energy generation module is The first surface (1) includes an energy harvesting device (5), Page 2 (2), Reflective surface (3), The structure includes a holding structure (4) that connects the first surface and the second surface together to form a volume (6) between the first surface and the second surface, The reflective surface is configured to filter the incident sunlight, thereby transmitting a first portion of the sunlight and reflecting a second portion of the sunlight. The reflective surface includes a plurality of reflective regions (31) facing each other in different directions, and each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect the second portion of the incident light at the focusing surface of the energy harvesting device. Energy generation panel.

2. The energy generating panel according to claim 1, wherein the second surface (2) is provided on the back of the energy generating module (10), and the holding structure (4) connects the first surface (1) and the second surface (2) together, forming an internal cavity (6) separated by the wall, the first surface, and the second surface.

3. The energy generation panel according to claim 2, wherein the reflective surface (3) is a floating filter disposed within the internal cavity (6) of the energy generation module (10).

4. The energy generating panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective surface (3) is a filter laminated or deposited on the second surface (2).

5. The energy generating panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective surface (3) is the second surface (2) containing the filtering composition.

6. The energy generation panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each energy generation module (10) has a vertically elongated shape and is arranged adjacent to one another in the horizontal direction.

7. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the energy generating modules (10) are detachable from each other by reversible mounting means selected from a group including magnetic regions, adhesives, outer frames, and mechanical locking means.

8. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal cavity (6) is completely enclosed by the first surface (1) and the second surface (2) and the wall (4).

9. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission, reflection, or refraction of the reflective surface (31) is controlled by a specific material and / or a specific thickness range and / or a specific surface treatment and / or a specific additive to allow light in a specific wavelength range to pass through.

10. An energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an orientation system (7) adapted to change the orientation of the generating panel (100).

11. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of reflective regions (31) are planar and / or adjacent surfaces.

12. The energy harvesting module (5) is selected from the group including a solar cell power generation module, a heat generation module, and a hydrogen production module, according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the back surface of the energy harvesting apparatus (5) has a reflective surface, a light scatterer, a phosphor-containing material, and / or an energy generating surface.

14. An orientation optimization system for orienting energy generating panels according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a panel drive system and a panel drive system control module configured to control the panel drive system and orient the energy generating panels to optimize power yield or agricultural yield, wherein the orientation optimization system optimizes the quality of light reaching crops by orienting the panels so that maximum light is transmitted when sunlight is suboptimal, and optimizes light levels to better protect crops from specific weather conditions such as rain, hail, and wind. A face-to-face optimization system.

15. A light source tracking system for tracking a light source and orienting an energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an energy generating panel, a light source positioning module, and a drive system control module adapted to control a panel drive system to orient the energy generating panel according to the detected light source position, Light source tracking system.

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