Solar power window modules and buildings equipped with at least one such solar power window module

Abstract

A photovoltaic window module (1) installed in a building (2) and configured to move around at least one hinge (3) to take on different configurations: a first panel (4) made of photovoltaic glass, having a first surface (5) configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second surface (6) opposite the first surface; a second panel (7) made of glass, having a first surface (8) facing the second surface of the first panel; an intermediate photovoltaic device in the gap between the first panel and the second panel; and panels and brackets A solar power window module (1) comprising: a surrounding window frame (11) that holds the line in place and seals the gap; at least one hinge bushing (12) coupled to the window frame, configured to be coupled to a hinge pin (13) attached to the surrounding building frame; and an electrical transmission system that transmits the current generated by the first panel and intermediate photovoltaic device to the building, wherein the electrical connection system is integrated into the window frame and the hinge bushing, so the solar power window module is a ready-to-install and use type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102023000010083, filed on May 18, 2023. The entire disclosure of the said application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The related technical field of the present invention relates to a photovoltaic window module installed in a building and configured to spontaneously generate an electric current by exposure to the sun. In particular, the present invention relates to a movable photovoltaic window module that is movable about at least one hinge and can thereby assume different configurations with respect to the building. In this context, the present invention provides a solution to the problem of a method that maximizes the generation of electric current while also enabling both the movement of the module and the safe transmission of the electric current from the module itself to the users inside the building.

Background Art

[0003] Today, it is known that photovoltaic glass, for example panels made of amorphous silicon, is used to provide a dual function to buildings. That is, it functions as an element that blocks the building from the external environment while taking in light into the building, and as an element that generates an electric current by utilizing the exposure to the sun.

[0004] [[ID=2,4]]Normally, the above - mentioned panels are integrated into windows fixed to the building. This is because if the panel moves, it becomes complicated to safely transport the electric current generated by the module to the building.

[0005] Furthermore, currently known panels cannot generate a large amount of electric current. This is because the transparency of the glass must be maintained and not overly restricted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a solar power window module that is movable relative to a building, generates a considerable amount of current, and ensures safe current transport from the module to the building in all possible configurations of the module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The objective is a solar power window module installed on a building and configured to move around at least one hinge to take on different configurations relative to the building: - A first panel or outer panel made of photovoltaic glass, preferably amorphous silicon, comprising a first surface configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second surface opposite the first surface, the panel may have any shape, - A second panel made of glass, i.e., an inner panel, having a first surface facing the second surface of the first panel, and the shape of the second panel being clearly the same as that of the first panel in order to form a double-glazed window, - An intermediate photovoltaic power generation device positioned in the gap between the first and second panels, - A surrounding window frame that holds the panels and intermediate photovoltaic power generation equipment in place and seals off any gaps, - At least one hinge bushing coupled to a window frame, configured to be coupled to a hinge pin attached to a fixed perimeter frame of the building, - An electrical transmission system that transmits the current generated by the first panel and intermediate photovoltaic power generation device to the building. This is achieved by solar power window modules equipped with [specific features / features].

[0008] Preferably, the intermediate photovoltaic unit is of a type that can be selectively switched between two configurations, in the first configuration being an inter-panel shading element suitable for at least partially blocking sunlight passing through the outer panels, and in the second configuration being compacted on one side of the frame to allow sunlight that has passed through the panels to reach the inner panels and possibly enter the building. For example, the intermediate photovoltaic unit may be a Venetian blind with multiple slats (as shown), where at least some of the slats of the Venetian blind are covered with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. In this case, all the slats can be selectively lifted to completely remove the shading from the window and stored in the upper edge of the module.

[0009] Alternatively, the intermediate photovoltaic device can be a flexible thin-film photovoltaic panel. In this case, the flexible thin-film photovoltaic panel can be selectively rolled up at one edge of the frame.

[0010] As clearly stated above, the starting point of the present invention is a double-glazed window, within which an intermediate photovoltaic device, such as a Venetian blind, is housed. This module is well known to those skilled in the art in terms of its structure, and therefore, further structural details are not necessary to understand the present invention. The innovative aspect of the present invention lies in the fact that the module is optimized not only by providing the outer panel as a power generation element, but also by providing an intermediate photovoltaic device, such as a Venetian blind. This example is highly advantageous from the standpoint of power generation because the silicon coated on the slats does not have transparency issues, and as is well known, the slats can be oriented in space, thus always providing an optimal exposure configuration even when the position of the sun changes.

[0011] Preferably, the electrical connection system is integrated with the window frame and hinge bushing, so that the solar power window module is ready for installation and use. More preferably, the current transmission system is: - An electrical connection box housed within the window frame and in contact with one edge of the panel (typically electrically connected to the panel and intermediate photovoltaic equipment), - An electrical transmission cable extending within the window frame from a first end connected to an electrical connection box to a second end connected to a hinge bushing, - An electrical transmission connector housed within a hinge bushing, configured to connect to the second end of a transmission cable on one side and to contact a connector housed within a hinge pin attached to a fixed frame of the building on the other side. It is equipped with.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second panel can be made of amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass.

[0013] The present invention also extends to private or public buildings in which the modules are installed, where innovative aspects of collaboration with the modules are expected. In particular, the building includes the following: - The above solar power window modules, - A fixed building frame configured to house solar power window modules. - At least one hinge pin configured to be coupled to the building frame and housed in the hinge bushing of the solar power window module, - A power distribution system for transmitting the power generated by the first panel, blinds, and possibly the second panel, within the building;

[0014] In this example, the power distribution system is - An electrical connector embedded in a hinge pin, which is coupled to an electrical connector housed within a bushing, - A power distribution cable extending from a first end connected to a hinge pin to a second end connected to an inverter device within the building. - A power cable extending within a building from a first end connected to an inverter device to a second end connected to at least one electrical device housed within the building, It is equipped with.

[0015] Preferably, the Venetian blind is an electric blind powered by a power cable output from an inverter device.

[0016] Preferably, at least one power cable output from the inverter device is connected to an electrical socket that is accessible inside the building and to which a user can connect a personal electrical device.

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of its non - limiting embodiments, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a window structure according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method of integrating the window of the present invention into a related building. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of the detailed part indicated by reference numeral III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a detailed view of the Venetian blind component of the photovoltaic window module of the present invention, and a detailed view of an example of its electrical connection for integration into a related building.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention is shown with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular, FIG. 1 shows the following three elements of the photovoltaic window module 1 of the present invention. - A first panel 4 having a first surface 5 configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second surface 6 located on the opposite side of the first surface 5; - A second panel 7 having a first surface 8 facing the second surface 6 of the first panel 4; - A Venetian blind 9, comprising multiple slats 10, is positioned in the gap between the first panel 4 and the second panel 7. This blind is one embodiment of an intermediate photovoltaic device as generally envisioned by the present invention. As an alternative (not shown), a retractable, flexible thin-film photovoltaic panel may be provided instead of the blind 9.

[0020] In this example, both the first panel 4 and the second panel 7 are made of amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass, while at least some of the slats 10 of the Venetian blind 9 are covered with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. As shown in Figure 2, module 1 is installed in building 2 and is configured to move around lateral hinges 3 to take on different configurations relative to building 2. Naturally, the position and number of hinges can be changed from the embodiment in Figure 2. In addition to the components in Figure 1, module 1 includes: - A surrounding window frame 11 that holds panels 4, 7 and blind 9 in place and seals off gaps; - An electrical transmission system that transmits the current generated by the first panel 4 and blind 9 to the building 2.

[0021] In this example, the electrical connection system is integrated into the window frame 11 and the bushing 12 of the hinge 3. Therefore, the solar power window module 1 is ready for installation and use. In particular, as shown in Figure 3 or 4, the electrical transmission system includes the following: - An electrical connection box 14 housed within the window frame 11 and in contact with one edge of panels 4, 7; - An electrical transmission cable 15 extending within the window frame 11 from a first end connected to the electrical connection box 14 to a second end connected to the bushing 12 of the hinge 3; - An electrical transmission connector 16, housed within the hinge bushing 12, coupled on one side to the second end of the transmission cable 15, and on the other side in contact with a connector 17 housed within the pin 13 of the hinge 3, which is attached to the fixed frame 24 of the building 2.

[0022] A power distribution system is provided inside building 2 to transmit the current from hinge 3, and this system includes the following: - The aforementioned electrical connector 17 is embedded in the hinge pin 13 and coupled to the electrical connector 16 housed in the bushing 12; - A power distribution cable 18 extending within building 2 from a first end connected to a hinge pin 13 to a second end connected to an inverter device 19; - A power cable 20 extending within building 2 from a first end connected to an inverter device 19 to a second end connected to at least one electrical device 21 housed within the building.

[0023] The electrical device 21 may be of a user-controllable type, in which case at least one power cable 20 output from the inverter device 19 is connected to an electrical socket 22 accessible to the user, or it may be a separate electrical device 21. For example, it is possible to power the blind 9 itself, which generates a portion of the power transmitted to the building 2. For example, the electrical device 21 may be a switchboard and / or a bidirectional meter of a local energy provider that already exists in the building. In this last method, any surplus current generated by the window module of the present invention and not consumed by the building can be transmitted to or sold to the local energy provider.

[0024] Figure 4 shows details of the Venetian blind 9 and how it is connected to the electrical connection box 14 and from there to the rest of the building. As is clear from the figure and as previously mentioned, the Venetian blind 9 is positioned between two panels 4 and 7 and, as is well known, comprises multiple shading slats 10, each slat 10 being rotatable around a horizontal central axis, allowing its inclination to be changed as desired. Reference numeral 26 in Figure 5 schematically shows the rotation pin of the slat 10. Furthermore, all slats 10 can be lifted and stored in the upper edge of module 1, thereby completely removing the shading slats 10 from the window. Reference numeral 25 in Figure 5 schematically shows the inclination angle adjustment mechanism and storage mechanism of the slats 10. Arrows R and A also indicate these operations. As previously mentioned, each slat is covered on at least one side (preferably both sides) with photovoltaic silicon cells. In particular, as can be seen in the example in Figure 4, the silicon cells cover the entire length of the slat 10 and extend to the lateral rotation pin 26 (made of conductive material). A dedicated vertical cable 27 is attached to this pin, and the vertical cable 27 functions as a current collector for the current generated in each slat 10, and is responsible for transmitting the current to the electrical connection box 14. Thus, as can be seen, the electrical connection box 14 receives as input the cable 27 connected to the slat 10 and the cable indicated by reference symbol 28 (which carries the current generated in the photovoltaic glass 4 and 7 to the box 14). As described above with reference to the figure, the cable 15 is then directed away from the box 14 towards the photovoltaic hinge 12.

[0025] It is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the examples shown in the figures of the present invention described herein.

Claims

1. A solar power window module (1) is installed in a building (2) and is configured to move around at least one hinge (3) to take on a different configuration relative to the building (2): - A first panel (4) made of photovoltaic glass, preferably amorphous silicon, comprising a first surface (5) configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second surface (6) opposite to the first surface (5), - A second panel (7) made of glass, having a first surface (8) facing the second surface (6) of the first panel (4), - An intermediate photovoltaic power generation device in the gap between the first panel (4) and the second panel (7), - A surrounding window frame (11) that holds the panels (4, 7) and the intermediate photovoltaic power generation device in place and blocks the gap, - At least one hinge bushing (12) coupled to the window frame (11), wherein at least one hinge bushing (12) is configured to be coupled to a hinge pin (13) attached to a fixed surrounding frame (24) of the building (2), - An electrical transmission system that transmits the current generated by the first panel (4) and the intermediate photovoltaic power generation device to the building (2) A solar power generation window module (1) equipped with the following features.

2. The photovoltaic window module according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic device is of a type that can be selectively switched between two configurations, in a first configuration being a sunshade-type element between the panels suitable for at least partially blocking sunlight passing through the first panel (4), and in a second configuration being compacted on one side of the surrounding frame (11) to allow sunlight that has passed through the first panel (4) to reach the second panel and, in some cases, enter the building (2).

3. The photovoltaic window module according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic device comprises a Venetian blind (9) having a plurality of slats (10), and at least some of the slats (10) of the Venetian blind (9) are covered with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

4. The photovoltaic window module according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic power generation device comprises a retractable, flexible thin-film photovoltaic panel that can be selectively wound up at the edge of the surrounding frame (11).

5. The solar power window module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical transmission system is integrated with the window frame (11) and the hinge bushing (12), and therefore the solar power window module (1) is of a type that is ready for installation and use.

6. The aforementioned electrical transmission system, - An electrical connection box (14) is housed within the window frame (11) and is in electrical contact with the panels (4, 7) and the intermediate photovoltaic power generation device, - An electrical transmission cable (15) extending within the window frame (11) from a first end connected to the electrical connection box (14) to a second end connected to the hinge bushing (12), - An electrical transmission connector (16) is housed within the hinge bushing (12), coupled on one side to the second end of the transmission cable (15), and configured to contact a connector (17) housed within the hinge pin (13) attached on the other side to a fixed frame (24) of the building (2). A solar power window module according to claim 5, comprising:

7. The photovoltaic window module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second panel (7) is also made of amorphous silicon photovoltaic glass.

8. A solar power window module according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a vertical cable (27) that extends along the side of the intermediate solar power generation device, receives the current generated by the intermediate solar power generation device, and is configured to transport it to the electrical connection box (14).

9. The photovoltaic window module according to claims 8 and 3, wherein each slat (10) is provided with side pins (26) for tilt adjustment, at least one face of each slat (10) is completely covered with the silicon cell to transport the generated current to the side pins (26), and the vertical cable (27) extends along a vertical row of the side pins (26).

10. (2) A building for private or public use, - A solar power window module (1) as described in claim 2 or invoice 3 if dependent on claim 2, - A fixed frame (24) of the building (2) configured to house the aforementioned solar power generation window module (1), - At least one hinge pin (13) is configured to be coupled to the frame (24) of the building (2) and housed in the hinge bushing (12) of the solar power window module (1), - The system comprises the first panel (4), the intermediate photovoltaic power generation device, and, if applicable, the second panel (7), and a power distribution system for transmitting the generated electricity within the building (2). The aforementioned power distribution system, - An electrical connector (17) embedded in the hinge pin (13), which is coupled to the electrical connector (16) housed in the bushing (12), - Within the building (2), a power distribution cable (18) extends from a first end connected to the hinge pin (13) to a second end connected to the inverter device (19), - A power cable (20) extending from a first end connected to the inverter device (19) within the building (2) to a second end connected to at least one electrical device (21) housed within the building, Building (2).

11. The building according to claim 10, wherein the Venetian blind is an electric blind that is powered by a power cable (20) output from the inverter device (19).

12. The building according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one power cable (20) output from the inverter device (19) is connected to an electrical socket (22) accessible inside the building (2).

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