Solar power generation equipment

Abstract

To better distribute rainwater on crops located under photovoltaic panels or close to them and on the other hand to avoid problems of drought for these crops.SOLUTION: A photovoltaic facility comprises a solar tracker (2) enabling the inclination of a photovoltaic panel (3) to be varied with respect to the horizontal, so that two opposite edges of the photovoltaic panel, referred to as horizontal edges (31), are always horizontal whatever the inclination of the photovoltaic panel (3) is. This facility comprises at least one gutter (4) for recovering rainwater, this gutter (4) mounted along one of the two horizontal edges (31) of the photovoltaic panel (3) using at least two anchoring devices (5), the gutter (4) suspended so that it can oscillate, under the action of its own weight, about a horizontal axis of rotation (Y-Y'), so as to remain horizontal whatever the inclination of the photovoltaic panel (3) is.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to solar power generation equipment, more specifically, to the field of agricultural photovoltaics.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to solar power generation equipment including a solar tracking device and at least one solar cell panel attached to the solar tracking device. This solar tracking device enables changing the inclination of the solar cell panel with respect to the horizontal.

Background Art

[0003] Agricultural photovoltaics refers to performing layered production that combines the production of solar power and agricultural production in the same place (surface).

[0004] The coexistence of solar cell panels and crops means sharing light between these two types of production. To do this, the solar cell panels (or solar panels) are attached to a solar tracking device, whereby the respective inclinations of the solar cell panels can be changed to best track the position of the sun.

[0005] The fact that these solar cell panels can be oriented also makes it possible to reproduce favorable conditions for good plant growth by limiting some of the effects of hail, heavy rain, late frost, or by protecting these plants from excessive sunlight during hot and dry summers.

[0006] Furthermore, according to official statistics, agriculture consumes almost all the water drawn from water bodies or rivers. The impact of these drawn waters is significant because they mainly concentrate during the three summer months. During this period, agriculture can represent up to 80% of the water consumption in this area.

[0007] During the summer months, to cope with water shortages due to low water levels, authorities may be forced to take exceptional measures to restrict or temporarily suspend water use. Rainwater is becoming an increasingly precious resource because agriculture is not considered a priority for water collection, compared, for example, to drinking water. Therefore, rainwater collection is of paramount importance.

[0008] The main problems associated with rainwater management stem from the structure of the agricultural photovoltaic systems themselves, where solar panels are mounted on solar tracking devices. When it rains, rainwater flows over the inclined solar panels, concentrating in specific areas of crops near these panels, which can lead to uneven water supply and even gullying in the farmland.

[0009] Therefore, it would be desirable to distribute water evenly among the crops.

[0010] Conversely, it would be desirable to solve the problem of drought during periods of low water levels (when the water level in the body is at its lowest).

[0011] Conventional technology already offers solutions that recommend controlling the orientation of solar panels to keep them vertical during rain. In this way, water is evenly distributed and falls onto crops near the solar panels. This solution solves the problem of uneven water supply to crops and avoids the formation of ditches in the soil, but it does not address the problem of water shortage. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, in particular to better distribute rainwater to crops located under or near solar panels, while avoiding the problem of these crops drying out.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to successfully solve this problem without reducing the area of ​​farmland and without interfering with the operation of solar panels and the solar tracking devices on which those solar panels are attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] For this effect, the present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation system comprising a solar tracking device and at least one square or rectangular solar cell panel attached to the solar tracking device. The solar tracking device makes it possible to change the tilt of the solar cell panel relative to the horizontal, so that two opposing edges of the solar cell panel, called horizontal edges, are always horizontal or substantially horizontal, regardless of the tilt of the solar cell panel.

[0015] According to the present invention, the system includes at least one gutter for collecting rainwater, which is attached along one of the two horizontal edges of the solar panel using at least two anchoring devices, and since the gutter is suspended, it can swing around a horizontal axis of rotation due to the action of its own weight, and maintain a horizontal or substantially horizontal position regardless of the tilt of the solar panel.

[0016] These features of the present invention mean that the rain gutter is a pendulum-type system that permanently maintains a horizontal position. Therefore, regardless of the tilt of one or more solar panels, the rain gutter can collect rainwater and prevent the water flow over the solar panels from concentrating at a single point and causing soil ditch formation.

[0017] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the present invention, the following may be performed, either alone or in combination:

[0018] - The rainwater collection gutter includes a first longitudinal rim and a second longitudinal rim, and each anchoring device includes: a support on which a horizontal pivot and a fixing device are provided on the solar panel; a first suspension cable, the first end of which is fixed to the first longitudinal rim of the gutter; a second suspension cable, the first end of which is fixed to the second longitudinal rim of the gutter, the second end of which is fixed to the connection point of the first and second cables; and a third suspension cable connecting the connection point to the horizontal pivot; and at least two anchoring devices are mounted on the solar panel such that their respective pivots are coaxial and define a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0019] - The rainwater collection gutter includes a first longitudinal rim and a second longitudinal rim, and each anchoring device includes: a support on which a horizontal pivot and a fixing device are provided on the solar panel; a first suspension cable, the first of which is fixed to the first longitudinal rim of the gutter; a second suspension cable, the first of which is fixed to the second longitudinal rim of the gutter, the second end of which is fixed to the horizontal pivot; and at least two anchoring devices are mounted on the solar panel such that their respective pivots are coaxial and define a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0020] - The mounting device includes clamps that allow the horizontal edges of the solar panel to be clamped.

[0021] - The horizontal pivot is a rotary damper pivot.

[0022] - The solar panel includes two opposing edges called lateral edges that are perpendicular to the horizontal edges. The support is L-shaped and includes a first arm and a second arm. The horizontal pivot is fixed orthogonally to the first arm at the free end of the first arm. The fixing device is fixed to the free end of the second arm, whereby the support is fixed to the solar panel using the fixing device. The second arm extends in a direction parallel to the lateral edge of the solar panel, and the horizontal pivot is horizontal.

[0023] - The length of the second arm is such that when the solar panel is horizontal, the horizontal edge of the solar panel is located above the second longitudinal rim of the gutter.

[0024] - The facility includes two anchor devices respectively fixed to both ends of the gutter.

[0025] - The gutter has at least one drain opening provided with a drain connector at its bottom. The solar power generation facility includes at least one rainwater storage tank and at least one flexible pipe connecting the drain connector of the gutter to this storage tank.

[0026] - The above gutter has a plurality of spray holes that can be optionally closed using valves.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. The description is given purely by way of example and is not limiting, and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the solar power generation facility according to the present invention as seen from the front. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the solar power generation facility according to the present invention as seen from the back. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a partial embodiment of the solar power generation facility according to the present invention when the solar panel is horizontal. [Figure 4]This diagram is similar to Figure 3 and shows the flow of rainwater over the equipment. [Figure 5] This figure is similar to Figure 3 and shows the flow of rainwater on the equipment when the solar panels are tilted in the first direction. [Figure 6] This diagram is similar to Figure 3, and shows the flow of rainwater over the equipment when the solar panel is tilted in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 7] This is a front view of a partial alternative embodiment of a solar power generation system according to the present invention, where the solar panels are horizontal. [Figure 8] This figure is similar to Figure 7 and shows the flow of rainwater on the equipment when the solar panel is tilted in the first direction. [Figure 9] This diagram is similar to Figure 7, and shows the flow of rainwater over the equipment when the solar panel is tilted in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Figure 10] This is an end view of the equipment, which includes a rainwater storage tank, with the solar panels tilted in a first direction. [Figure 11] This is an end view of the equipment, which includes a rainwater storage tank, with the solar panels tilted in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Here, the solar power generation equipment according to the present invention will be described in conjunction with Figures 1, 2, 10, and 11.

[0029] In the following description and claims, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” should be considered in relation to the ground reference frame or the normal installation location of Equipment 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0030] This solar power generation equipment 1 includes a solar tracking device 2 and at least one solar cell panel (or solar panel) 3 attached to the solar tracking device.

[0031] The solar tracking device 2 is a device that allows the tilt of one or more solar panels 3 relative to the horizontal to be changed in order to track the position of the sun.

[0032] Such a solar tracking device 2 includes, for example, a support leg 20 erected on the ground and an actuator 21, where the body and rod of the actuator 21 are fixed to the support leg 20 on one end and to the back of the solar panel 3 on the other end.

[0033] Such solar tracking devices 2 are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail.

[0034] The solar panel 3 is square or rectangular and has four edges.

[0035] When the solar tracking device 2 is activated, the solar panel 3 can be moved throughout the day from a vertical or nearly vertical position with the panel facing, for example, east, as shown in Figure 10, to a vertical or nearly vertical position with the panel facing, for example, west, as shown in Figure 11, occupying a whole series of intermediate positions to track the position of the sun.

[0036] Panel 3 is mounted to a tracking device 2 such that, during its movement, two opposing edges of the solar cell panel 3 remain horizontal or substantially horizontal. Consistently, these two opposing edges are referred to as the “horizontal edges” 31 in the following description and claims. The other two opposing edges of the solar cell panel 3 are referred to as the “lateral edges” and are designated reference numeral 32. The term “substantially horizontal” means that these edges 31 can optionally deviate from the horizontal by up to 15°.

[0037] The solar power generation equipment 1 also includes at least one rainwater collection gutter 4.

[0038] As best shown in Figure 1, each downspout 4 extends along a central longitudinal axis X-X'. The downspout 4 preferably has a semicircular cross-section. Each of its two ends is closed by an end partition 41. Finally, each downspout 4 has two parallel longitudinal rims, a first longitudinal rim 42 and a second longitudinal rim 43, respectively.

[0039] Each downspout 4 is mounted along one of the horizontal edges 31 of the solar panel 3. In other words, each downspout 4 is mounted so that its longitudinal rims 42, 43 are parallel or substantially parallel to the horizontal edges 31 of the panel 3.

[0040] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2, 10, and 11, the setup includes two rain gutters 4, each mounted along the horizontal edge 31 of the solar panel 3.

[0041] Furthermore, each downspout 4 is attached along the horizontal edge 31 of the panel 3 using at least two anchoring devices 5. These two anchoring devices 5 are preferably located at or near both ends of the downspout 4. In the case of a long downspout 4, it is also conceivable to use three or more anchoring devices 5 distributed along the downspout to support it as uniformly as possible and avoid deformation.

[0042] Next, the first embodiment of the anchor device 5 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0043] The anchoring device 5 is configured to allow the downspout 4 to be suspended from it. In this way, the downspout 4 can swing around the horizontal rotation axis Y-Y' due to its own weight, thereby allowing it to move relative to the solar panel 3 and remain in a stable equilibrium position that is horizontal or substantially horizontal (i.e., within 15°) regardless of the tilt of the solar panel 3. In other words, the downspout 4 is fixed to the solar panel 3 like a pendulum.

[0044] The axis of rotation Y-Y' is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the rain gutter 4.

[0045] The anchoring device 5 includes a support 50 provided with a device 51 for fixing to the solar panel 3 and a pivot 52. The anchoring device 5 also includes two suspension cables, namely a first cable 53 and a second cable 54.

[0046] The first cable 53 is fixed to the first longitudinal rim 42 at its first end 531 and to the connection point 55 of the two cables at its second end 532, while the second cable 54 is fixed to the second longitudinal rim 43 at its first end 541 and to the same connection point 55 of the two cables at its second end 542.

[0047] Finally, the anchor device 5 includes a third suspension cable 56 that connects the connection point 55 to the horizontal pivot 52. This third cable 56 is best shown in Figure 5.

[0048] This embodiment is preferable because it prevents the second suspension cable 54 (i.e., the cable closest to the solar panel) from potentially coming into contact with the support 50, or even the solar panel 3, during the rotational movement of the rain gutter 4.

[0049] However, according to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the second ends 532 and 542 of the two cables 53 and 54 can also be directly fixed to the horizontal pivot 52, respectively. In this case, care must be taken to adjust the length of the cables 53 and 54 so that they do not come into contact with the support 50 or panel 3, regardless of the inclination of the rain gutter.

[0050] At least two anchoring devices are fixed to the solar panel such that their respective pivots 52 are aligned and coaxial, and together define a horizontal rotation axis (Y-Y') from which the downspout 4 can pivot.

[0051] The fixing device 51 is fixed to the support 50, for example, by interlock, screwing, or welding, or is formed integrally with the support 50, which includes a fixing end such as a clamp 510, thereby enabling it to grip the horizontal edge 31 of the solar panel 3. The clamp 510 may also be replaced by any other device that can firmly connect the fixing device 51 and the panel 3, for example, a clamp fixing 510 using screws and bolts or pins (not shown).

[0052] Preferably, the support 50 has the form of an L-shaped plate including two arms, namely a first arm 501 and a second arm 502.

[0053] Preferably, the fixing device 51 on the panel 3 is fixed to the free end of the second arm 502, so that when the fixing device 51 is attached to the panel 3, the second arm 502 extends in a direction parallel to the lateral edge of the panel 32. Furthermore, the horizontal pivot 52 is preferably fixed to the free end of the first arm 501, perpendicular to the first arm. Thus, when the support 50 is fixed to the solar cell panel 3, the pivot 52 is horizontal.

[0054] The third cable 56 is attached to the horizontal pivot 52, thereby allowing the rain gutter 4 to rotate freely or substantially freely around the horizontal pivot 52 and therefore around the axis of rotation X-X'.

[0055] However, according to an alternative embodiment, the pivot 52 may be a rotary damper pivot designed to incorporate a braking mechanism. Such a rotary damper pivot can prevent the gutter 4 from experiencing excessive swing amplitude when the solar power plant 1 is subjected to strong winds. In this way, damage to the gutter 4 or its anchoring device 5 is avoided and good rainwater collection is ensured. Several types of rotary damper pivots can be used, for example, pivots that include mechanical, magnetic, or viscous fluid dampers, with the latter solution being preferred.

[0056] Advantageously, the length of the second arm 502 is determined such that when the solar panel 3 is horizontal, the horizontal edge 31 of the solar panel 3 is above the second longitudinal rim 43 of the downspout 4, thereby ensuring that rainwater collection is maximized regardless of this orientation.

[0057] In fact, as shown in Figure 4, when the solar panel 3 is positioned horizontally, rainwater falls directly onto the gutter 4 (see arrow a), and the solar panel 3 does not cover the opening of the gutter 4.

[0058] When the solar panels 3 are aligned according to the first tilt shown in Figure 5, and the downspout 4 is lower than the panels 3, rainwater continues to fall directly onto the downspout 4 (see arrow a), and water flowing over the panels 3 also flows into the downspout 4, with arrows b1, b2, and b3 indicating that the water flows at a faster rate (arrow b1 represents light rain, and conversely, arrow b3 represents heavy rain).

[0059] Finally, as shown in Figure 6, when the solar panel 3 is oriented to a second tilt and the downspout 4 is positioned higher than the panel 3, then the rain continues to fall directly onto the downspout 4 (see arrow a), and the water flowing over the panel 3 (arrow c) is discharged towards the other horizontal edge 31 of the panel 3 and the other downspout 4, provided that the other downspout 4 is located on the other horizontal edge 31.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be noted that the distance between the connection point 55 and the pivot 52 can be adjusted in various ways. In other words, the length of the third cable 56 or the length of the first arm 501 can be adjusted to move the rain gutter 4 closer to or further away from the panel 3.

[0061] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 6, the length of the first arm 501 is shorter than the length of the first arm 501 in the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 7 to 9, and the length of the third cable 56 is the same in both cases.

[0062] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 6, the distance between the horizontal edge 31 of panel 3 and the bottom of the downspout 4 is large, which is not ideal for rainwater collection. However, the rotation of panel 3 does not hinder the movement of the downspout 4.

[0063] Conversely, in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, the distance between the horizontal edge 31 of the panel 3 and the bottom of the downspout 4 is small, making it ideal for rainwater collection. However, in this case, the support 50 is likely to come into contact with the downspout 4, especially when the solar panel 3 is tilted so that the downspout 4 is higher than the panel 3, as shown in Figure 9. In this last case, it can be seen that the pivot path of the support 50 is such that the second arm 502 moves inside the volume of the downspout 4.

[0064] Furthermore, the trajectories of rainwater that falls directly or flows over the solar panel 3 are the same as those described in Figures 4, 5, and 6, respectively, in Figures 7, 8, and 9 (same reference numerals for arrows).

[0065] Furthermore, as previously disclosed, depending on the irregularities of the land on which the solar power generation facility 1 is installed, the edges 31 of the solar panels 3 and the downspouts 4 may not be perfectly horizontal. However, it is possible to adjust the length of the third suspension cable 56 or the length of the arm 502 of at least one anchor device 5 to make the downspouts 4 as horizontal as possible.

[0066] Furthermore, to the advantage of managing the rainwater resources collected by the downspouts as much as possible, the solar power generation equipment 1 according to the present invention also includes at least one storage tank 6.

[0067] The storage tank 6 is advantageously positioned near the tracking device 2, for example, under the solar panel 3. Furthermore, each downspout 4 is provided with at least one drain outlet 44 at its bottom, extending outwards from the downspout by a drain connector 45. A flexible pipe 61 connects the tank 6 to the downspout 4, or more precisely, to the connector 45.

[0068] Next, the recovered water can be used in equipment for irrigating crops.

[0069] Finally, according to an alternative embodiment shown only in Figure 8, it is possible to provide multiple small spray holes 46 that penetrate the wall of the rain gutter 4. This makes it possible to adjust the water flow when there is heavy rainfall.

[0070] Valves not shown in the diagram may also be positioned in front of these spray holes 46 and can be operated by command to open and close these holes. Such spray holes 46 allow water contained in the gutter 4 to be distributed as much as possible, including under the solar panels 3 and generally distributing a small amount of water under the solar panels 3.

Claims

1. A solar power generation system (1) includes a solar tracking device (2) and at least one square or rectangular solar cell panel (3) attached to the solar tracking device (2), The solar tracking device (2) makes it possible to change the tilt of the solar cell panel (3) relative to the horizontal, thereby ensuring that the two opposing edges of the solar cell panel, called the horizontal edges (31), are always horizontal regardless of the tilt of the solar cell panel (3). The solar power generation equipment (1) includes at least one downspout (4) for collecting rainwater, the downspout (4) being attached along one of the two horizontal edges (31) of the solar panel (3) using at least two anchoring devices (5), and the downspout (4) being suspended, so as to be able to swing around a horizontal axis of rotation (Y-Y') due to its own weight, and maintaining a horizontal or substantially horizontal position regardless of the tilt of the solar panel (3). Solar power generation equipment (1).

2. The rainwater collection gutter (4) includes a first longitudinal rim (42) and a second longitudinal rim (43), and each anchor device (5) is A support (50) is provided at one end of the support (50), and the other end of the support is connected to the solar cell panel (3) via a fixing device (51), A first suspension cable (53), the first suspension cable (53) having a first end (531) fixed to the first longitudinal rim (42) of the rain gutter (4), A second suspension cable (54), the second suspension cable (54) having its first end (541) fixed to the second longitudinal rim (43) of the rain gutter (4), the second end (532) of the first suspension cable (53) and the second end (542) of the second suspension cable (54) being fixed to the connection point (55) of the first suspension cable and the second suspension cable, The connection point (55) is connected to the horizontal pivot (52) by a third suspension cable (56), The photovoltaic power generation equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two anchor devices (5) are attached to the solar cell panel (3) such that their respective pivots (52) are coaxial and define the horizontal rotation axis (Y-Y').

3. The rainwater collection gutter (4) includes a first longitudinal rim (42) and a second longitudinal rim (43), and each anchor device (5) is A support (50) is provided at one end of the support (50), and the other end of the support is connected to the solar cell panel (3) via a fixing device (51), A first suspension cable (53), the first suspension cable (53) having a first end (531) fixed to the first longitudinal rim (42) of the rain gutter (4), A second suspension cable (54) is provided, the first end (541) of which is fixed to the second longitudinal rim (43) of the rain gutter (4), and the second end (532) of the first suspension cable (53) and the second end (542) of the second suspension cable (54) are fixed to the horizontal pivot (52), including the second suspension cable (54), The photovoltaic power generation equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two anchor devices (5) are attached to the solar cell panel (3) such that their respective pivots (52) are coaxial and define the horizontal rotation axis (Y-Y').

4. The photovoltaic power generation equipment (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixing device (51) includes a clamp (510) that enables clamping the horizontal edge (31) of the solar cell panel (3).

5. The photovoltaic power generation equipment (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the horizontal pivot (52) is a rotary damper pivot.

6. The solar cell panel (3) includes two opposing edges called lateral edges (32) that are perpendicular to the horizontal edge (31), The support (50) is L-shaped and includes a first arm (501) and a second arm (502). The horizontal pivot (52) is fixed to the free end of the first arm (501) perpendicular to the first arm, The fixing device (51) is fixed to the free end of the second arm (502), thereby, The photovoltaic power generation equipment (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support (50) is fixed to the solar cell panel (3) using the fixing device (51), the second arm (502) extends in a direction parallel to the lateral edge (32) of the solar cell panel (3), and the horizontal pivot (52) is horizontal.

7. The length of the second arm (502) is such that when the solar panel (3) is horizontal, the horizontal edge (31) of the solar panel (3) is positioned above the second longitudinal rim (43) of the rain gutter (4), according to claim 6.

8. The solar power generation equipment (1) according to claim 1, comprising two anchor devices (5) fixed to each end of the rain gutter (4).

9. The aforementioned rain gutter (4) has at least one drain outlet (44) at its bottom, which is equipped with a drain connector (45). The solar power generation equipment (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one rainwater storage tank (6) and at least one flexible pipe (61) connecting the drainage connector (45) of the rain gutter to the storage tank (6).

10. The solar power generation equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rain gutter (4) has a plurality of spray holes (46) that can be closed at will using a valve.

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