Photovoltaic power generation device and photovoltaic power generation method

Abstract

To enable power generation during transportation state and installation state, enrich patterns of the installation state of photovoltaic panels, and flexibly avoid obstacles.SOLUTION: Inclination angle and height change units 11A, 11B include: a third cylinder 11A that pivotally connects one side of a support member 31 in a front-rear direction Y to one side 51 of a first panel body 5 in a rotatable manner; and a fourth cylinder 11B that pivotally connects one side of another support member 31 in the front-rear direction Y to the other side 52 of the first panel body 5. By driving the inclination angle and height adjustment units 11A, 11B, link mechanisms 8A, 8B are deformed, and a vertical link member 9 is moved. Opening / closing drive units 10A, 10B are driven, and vertical movement of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 and / or adjustment of an inclination angle θ of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 relative to the left-right direction X of a housing 2 are performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device and a solar power generation method having an actuator for driving a solar panel.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 provides a portable solar power generation device that can be carried to a place where power is required and used conveniently, and can increase the power generation amount. It has a portable main body 10, upper solar panels 11 and 12 placed on the upper surface of the main body 10, and side solar panels 21, 22, 31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52 foldably connected to the side of the main body 10. After the main body 10 is installed, the side solar panels 21, 22, 31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52 are expanded to generate power by the upper solar panels 11, 12 and the side solar panels 21, 22, 31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52.

[0003] Patent Document 2 is a photoelectric power generation device and a solar car that can be expanded in the horizontal direction. The photoelectric power generation device and the solar car provided by this invention drive a moving plate by a rotation drive device to expand it to the side of the vehicle body, increasing the effective area for collecting solar energy. During the running of the solar car, it can be folded to not affect the running of the whole vehicle. The photoelectric power generation device includes at least one moving plate on which solar cell chips are laid, a rotation drive device that fixedly connects the moving plate and the vehicle body, and a rollover device. The rotation drive device includes a fixed end and a drive end. The rotation drive device is fixed to the vehicle body through the fixed end, and the drive end of the rotation drive device is fixedly connected to the moving plate. The moving plate is driven by the rotation drive device to rotate to the side of the vehicle body. The fixed end of the rollover device is fixedly connected to the vehicle body, and the rollover adjustment end of the rollover device is fixedly connected to the moving plate to adjust the angle of the moving plate with respect to the vehicle body.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a proof solar system and solar tent, which provides a solar system with a simple overall structure, relatively light weight, easy storage and transport, and the ability to be installed and disassembled at any time. To achieve this, a solar module 2 is fixed to a waterproof sheet 1, and a controller 3 for storing the electrical energy generated by the solar module in an energy storage battery 4 is connected to the solar module and the energy storage battery, respectively. Because the waterproof sheet is light, soft, and easy to fold, the waterproof sheet for photovoltaic power generation with the solar module fixed to it can be easily attached to automobiles and outdoor equipment.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes a solar power generation device that provides a solar power generation device that can generate a large amount of power and be configured to be compact and lightweight. The solar power generation device 10 comprises a solar panel 12 consisting of a plurality of foldable solar cell modules 11a to 11n, a frame structure 13 that supports the unfolded solar cell panel 12, support members 15 and 16 connected to the frame structure 13, and fixing plates 17 and 18 attached to the lower ends of the support members 15 and 16. The solar cell modules 11a to 11n are rotatably connected to adjacent ones by hinges. The support members 15 and 16 can be fixed by placing automobile tires T1 and T2 on the fixing plates 17 and 18. One of the fixing plates 17 is provided with a protrusion 91 for positioning the tire T1.

[0006] Patent Document 5 describes a portable solar power generation device that is easy to assemble when generating power and transporting it, can supply power continuously for a long time, and has a power generation capacity that can be increased or decreased by arranging multiple permanent solar cell module panels 2a to 2f at an angle on a housing 1 when generating power. The housing includes a storage room 3 for stacking and storing multiple additional solar cell module panels 2g to 2l when transporting it, a battery room 5 equipped with a battery 4 for charging the power generated by the permanent solar cell module panels, and a control room 10 for taking power from the permanent solar cell module panels and / or the battery as an external power source.

[0007] Patent Document 6 describes an off-grid solar power generation system that provides an off-grid solar power generation system that can efficiently obtain the necessary power. This off-grid solar power generation system consists of a power generation unit 10 and a plurality of auxiliary battery arrays 20. The power generation unit 10 is housed in a box-shaped structure on which a solar cell array 30 is fixed to a roof that slopes in one direction. It contains a plurality of batteries 32 that receive and store power from the solar cell array 30 and the auxiliary battery arrays 20, charge / discharge controllers 31a, 31b, 31c, and inverters 34a, 34b that convert the DC power charged in the batteries 32 to AC power. The auxiliary battery arrays 20 consist of auxiliary solar cells 20A, 20B, 20C, each with a solar cell module 30a fixed to an aluminum frame 21, which are installed in a tilted and connected manner. These are connected by cables to the charge / discharge controllers 31b, 31c of the power generation unit 10, and the inverters 34a, 34b are connected in parallel to the batteries 32.

[0008] Patent Document 7 describes a solar power generation method that allows for easy relocation of the installation site, easy customization according to the intended use, low cost, and provides a highly convenient mobile solar power generation system that can be implemented on a low budget. The system is towable by a towing vehicle 10 and has a small trailer 1 with a gross vehicle weight of less than 750 kg. The small trailer 1 is equipped with a foldable solar panel 2 and a portable power supply 6 that has a built-in lithium-ion battery and AC output, DC output, and USB bus power output ports. The towing vehicle 10 moves the small trailer 1 to the installation site, deploys the solar panel 2 to generate electricity, and charges the portable power supply 6 while supplying power.

[0009] Patent Document 8 describes a solar power generation device that can be compactly folded and transported in a 2-ton truck to disaster-stricken areas, thereby contributing to securing power in such areas. The device consists of module frames 3, 3, 3 equipped with solar power generation modules 2, each foldable using opening and closing dampers 11, 11. The entire solar power generation device is designed to be transportable in a 2-ton truck, and can be compactly folded and transported in a 2-ton truck to disaster-stricken areas, enabling the securing of power in such areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-15836 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2019-522451 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-205330 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-309279 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-199748 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-208915 [Patent Document 7] Patent No. 7287716 [Patent Document 8] Utility Model Registration No. 3195325 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 8 have limited patterns for the installation of solar panels, making it difficult to flexibly adapt to environments where solar panels need to avoid obstacles.

[0012] This invention addresses these problems and provides a solar power generation device and solar power generation method that can enrich the patterns of installation conditions of solar power generation panels and flexibly avoid obstacles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The photovoltaic power generation device of the present invention is It comprises upper left and right support members in the left-right direction, upper front and rear support members in the front and rear direction, bottom support members in the left-right and front and rear directions, and vertical support members connecting the upper left and right support members, upper front and rear support members, and bottom support members. The device comprises a housing having a frame, an actuator provided on the upper part of the housing, and a panel structure having at least a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel connected to the housing via the actuator, wherein the first to third panel can be in a stored state or an unfolded state, and the actuator is the frame The left-right direction, or the front-to-back direction of the frame. A pair of sliders that slide along a frame, a pair of link mechanisms having a drive-side link member and a driven-side link member, the lower part of the drive-side link member being rotatably pivoted to the slider, the upper part of the driven-side link member being rotatably pivoted to the drive-side link member, and the lower part of the driven-side link member being rotatably pivoted to the frame, and a vertically extending part, the lower part of which is rotatably pivoted to the upper part of the drive-side link member, and the upper part of which is rotatably pivoted to the first panel body. death A vertical link member that moves up and down in conjunction with the lateral movement of the slider, the vertical link member and the second panel body, and the vertical link member and the third panel body are rotatably pivoted. death A pair of opening / closing drive units for opening and closing the second and third panel bodies relative to the first panel body, and a rotatable pivot attached to the frame and the first panel body. death , the inclination angle of the first panel body and Bi High It is characterized by comprising a pair of tilt angle and height adjustment parts that change the angle.

[0014] This invention enriches the installation patterns of solar power generation panels and allows for flexible avoidance of obstacles.

[0015] By driving the pair of tilt angle and height changing parts, the vertical link member moves, the link mechanism is deformed, and it is preferable to perform posture control in which the second panel body or the third panel body is in a vertical state and the first panel body is in an inclined state or a horizontal state.

[0016] Thereby, even if the second panel body or the third panel body remains in a vertical state, the other panel bodies can be set to an optimal tilt angle, so that the power generation efficiency can be increased even if there are obstacles.

[0017] By driving the pair of opening and closing drive parts, it is preferable to perform posture control in which the first panel body, the second panel body, and the third panel body are flush or form a specific angle.

[0018] Thereby, the second panel body and the third panel body are each set to an optimal tilt angle, and the power generation efficiency can be increased whether there are obstacles or not.

[0019] It is preferable that the pair of opening and closing drive parts include a first cylinder pivotally attached to the vertical link member and the second panel body so as to be rotatable, and a second cylinder pivotally attached to the vertical link member and the third panel body so as to be rotatable.

[0020] Thereby, the present invention can realize a compact drive structure.

[0021] It is preferable that the pair of tilt angle and height changing parts include a third cylinder pivotally attached to the frame and one side portion of the first panel body so as to be rotatable, and a fourth cylinder pivotally attached to the frame and the other side portion of the first panel body so as to be rotatable.

[0022] Thereby, a compact drive structure can be realized, and the pattern of the deployed state of the first panel body to the third panel body can be increased.

[0023] The pair of opening / closing drive units comprises a first cylinder rotatably pivoted to the vertical link member and the second panel body, and a second cylinder rotatably pivoted to the vertical link member and the third panel body, and the pair of inclination angle / height changing units comprises a third cylinder rotatably pivoted to one side of the frame and the first panel body, and a fourth cylinder rotatably pivoted to the other side of the frame and the first panel body, wherein the first cylinder and the third cylinder intersect in a three-dimensional manner, and the second cylinder and the fourth cylinder intersect in a three-dimensional manner.

[0024] This allows for an even more compact drive structure.

[0025] It is preferable that the drive-side link members of the link mechanism consist of multiple members, and that these drive-side link members are arranged in parallel with a specific interval between them.

[0026] This distributes the load from the first to third panel bodies applied to the link mechanism, stabilizing the load balance of the first to third panel bodies and facilitating their smooth movement.

[0027] Preferably, the first panel body has a solar cell panel that can be raised and lowered or have its tilt angle adjusted in the upper space of the housing, and can take on either a horizontal or tilted state, as the link mechanism deforms when the tilt angle / height changing part is driven; the second panel body has a side that is connected to one side of the first panel body by a connector, and in the space on the right side of the housing, it can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view around a first rotation axis along the one side of the first panel body when the opening / closing drive unit is driven, and can take on either a horizontal, tilted, or vertical state in a front view; and preferably the third panel body has a side that is connected to the other side of the first panel body by a connector, and in the space on the left side of the housing, it can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view around a second rotation axis along the other side of the first panel body when the opening / closing drive unit is driven, and can take on either a horizontal, tilted, or vertical state in a front view.

[0028] As a result, the present invention allows for a gap to be created between the first to third panel bodies and the housing, thereby suppressing direct sunlight and rainfall exposure to the housing. This improves the installation environment of the housing.

[0029] Preferably, the second panel and the third panel are divided into multiple sections in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, and each section is foldable in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction.

[0030] As a result, the present invention achieves a compact transport state and can accommodate various load weights and dimensions of vehicles used for transport. Furthermore, it is possible to generate electricity with only some of the divided sections folded, allowing for more flexible avoidance of obstacles during power generation. When each divided section is unfolded, more power can be obtained than when it is folded.

[0031] The panel fastening material is provided, which is housed directly beneath the first panel body, and it is preferable that the panel fastening material is fastened to the second or third panel body, which is unfolded and flush with the first panel body, using fasteners.

[0032] This makes it easier to switch between the deployed and stored states.

[0033] The present invention provides a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state and an unloaded state, with the first to third panels of the solar power generation device in a stored state or an unloaded state, and comprising: step 1, using the pair of opening / closing drive units, horizontally unfolding the second or third panel in the stored state so that it is flush with the first panel; step 2, pulling out the panel fastener stored beneath the first panel and fastening the panel fastener to the second or third panel using a fastener; and driving the tilt angle / height changing unit to adjust the tilt angle of the first to third panels and the height of the panels according to the sunlight irradiation conditions. Bi High It is preferable to include a step 3 for adjusting the temperature.

[0034] This allows for faster deployment and storage operations.

[0035] Another solar power generation method of the present invention is a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state and an unloaded state, with the first to third panels of the solar power generation device in a stored state or an unloaded state, and preferably comprises: step 1 of driving the tilt angle / height changing unit to adjust the tilted first panel horizontally; step 2 of releasing the fastening of the panel fastener stored below the first panel to the second or third panel and retracting the panel fastener; and step 3 of using the pair of opening / closing drive units to adjust the second or third panel vertically.

[0036] This allows for faster deployment and storage operations.

[0037] Another solar power generation method of the present invention is a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state and an unloaded state, with the first to third panels of the solar power generation device in a stored state or an unloaded state, and preferably includes a tilt angle and height adjustment step that adjusts the tilt angle and / or height of the first to third panels by driving the tilt angle and height changing unit.

[0038] This simplifies attitude control in terms of tilt angle and height.

[0039] Another solar power generation method of the present invention is a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state and an unloaded state, by having the first to third panels of the solar power generation device in a stored state or an unloaded state, wherein the solar power generation device has the first to third panels in a stored state or an unloaded state, and preferably includes a stored state transition step in which the attitude of the first panel is controlled to a horizontal state and the second and third panels are in a vertical state by driving the pair of opening / closing drive units and the tilt angle / height changing unit from the unloaded state.

[0040] This allows the present invention to simplify the control of the posture from the deployed state to the stored state.

[0041] Preferably, the second panel and the third panel are divided into multiple parts in the front-to-back direction or left-to-right direction, and each divided part is foldable in the front-to-back direction or left-to-right direction, and the process includes a divided part unfolding step in which each folded divided part is unfolded and made flush with the surface.

[0042] This allows for a compact transport configuration, enabling loading into even small vehicles. Furthermore, when each section is unfolded, it can generate more power than when folded. By combining the unfolded and folded states of the sections in various ways, obstacles can be avoided more flexibly during power generation, resulting in more efficient power generation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] (a) is a front view of the solar power generation device of Embodiment 1 in its housed state, and (b) is a rear view thereof. [Figure 2] (a) is a left side view of the same, and (b) is a perspective view of the frame of the housing of the solar power generation device. [Figure 3] (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a bottom view. [Figure 4] (a) to (c) are perspective views of the same object. [Figure 5] This is a magnified section of Figure 1(a). [Figure 6] (a) is a BJ-BJ cross-section of Figure 5, (b) is a BK-BK cross-section of the same, and (c) is a BM-BM cross-section of the same. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a BG-BG cross-sectional view. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the actuator of Embodiment 1, excluding the tilt angle and height changing section. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the actuator of the opening / closing device of the same embodiment 1, excluding one side. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a perspective view. [Figure 11] (a) is a front view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 1, and (b) is a rear view of the same solar power generation device in its deployed state 2. [Figure 12] (a) is a left side view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 1, and (b) is a right side view of the same. [Figure 13] (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a bottom view. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the same, and (c) is an enlarged view of circle A in Figure 14(b). [Figure 15] (a) is a front view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 3, and (b) is a rear view thereof. [Figure 16] (a) is a right side view, and (b) is a left side view. [Figure 17] (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a bottom view. [Figure 18] This is the same perspective. [Figure 19] This is a partially enlarged view of Figure 15(a). [Figure 20] (a) is a front view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 4, and (b) is a front view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 5. [Figure 21] (a) is a right side view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 4, and (b) is a left side view of the same. [Figure 22] (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a bottom view. [Figure 23] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the same image. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view of the DD in Figure 21(b). [Figure 25] (a) is a front view of the solar power generation device in its deployed state 6, and (b) is a left side view thereof. [Figure 26] This is a plan view of the unfolded state 6. [Figure 27] Figure 25(b) is a cross-sectional view of the FF. [Figure 28] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the solar power generation system in its stored state, mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 29] Figure 11(a) is a perspective view showing the solar power generation system in deployed state 1 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 30] Figure 11(b) is a perspective view showing the solar power generation system in unfolded state 2 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 31] This is a front view showing the solar power generation system in the deployed state 5 of Figure 20(b) mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 32] Figure 20(a) is a perspective view showing the solar power generation system in unfolded state 4 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 33] Figure 25 is a front view showing the solar power generation system in its deployed state 6 mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 34] (a) is a bottom view of the structure in which a slider, a pair of link mechanisms, and vertical link members are attached to the back surface of the first panel body of the photovoltaic power generation device of Embodiment 2, and (b) is a right side view thereof. [Figure 35] This is a perspective view of the reverse side of Figure 34(a). [Figure 36] This is a front view of an actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The photovoltaic power generation device 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "device 1") will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 33.

[0045] The device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a frame 3 for the housing 2 (see Figure 2(b)). The housing 2 is a rectangular box-shaped structure that houses a battery (not shown), having a roof 21, sides 22, a bottom 23, and doors 24 provided on the sides 22. As shown in Figure 2(b), the frame 3 comprises support members 30 in the left-right direction X and support members 31 in the front-rear direction Y that constitute the upper part, support members 32 in the left-right direction X and front-rear direction Y that constitute the bottom part, and vertical support members 33 that connect the support members 30 to 32. The device 1 stores electricity from the first panel body 5, the second panel body 6, and the third panel body 7 in the battery (not shown).

[0046] This device 1 further comprises an actuator AC, a first panel body 5, a second panel body 6, and a third panel body 7.

[0047] The first panel body 5 has four solar cells 50 that can move up and down in the upper space of the housing 2, or adjust the tilt angle θ (see Figure 20(a)) with respect to the left-right direction X of the housing 2, and can take on either a horizontal or tilted position, and a frame that supports the solar cells 50.

[0048] The second panel body 6 has one side portion 61 that is connected to one side portion 51 of the first panel body 5 by a connector 53 (see Figure 5), and in the space on the right side of the housing 2 (left side in the front view in Figure 1(a)), it is rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in a front view about a first rotation axis Y1 (see Figure 3) along one side portion 51 of the first panel body 5, and has four solar cell panels 60 and a frame that supports the solar cell panels 60, and can be in a horizontal, inclined, or vertical state in a front view.

[0049] The third panel body 7 has one side portion 71 that is connected to the other side portion 52 of the first panel body 5 by a connector 54, and in the space on the left side of the housing 2 (right side in the front view in Figure 1(a)), it has four solar cell panels 70 that can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view around a second rotation axis Y2 (see Figure 3) along the other side portion 52 of the first panel body 5, and can be in a horizontal, inclined, or vertical state, and a frame that supports the solar cell panels 70.

[0050] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are divided into multiple sections in the front-to-back direction Y. Each section can be folded or unfolded in the front-to-back direction Y by rotating in the R direction (see Figures 3 and 14). In this embodiment, the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are divided in the front-to-back direction Y, but they can also be divided in the left-to-right direction X, allowing them to be folded or unfolded in the left-to-right direction X.

[0051] As a result, the device 1 can accommodate the specific load weight of the vehicle 100 used for transport, such as less than 1 ton, or varying load capacities, by folding the divided sections of the second panel 6 and third panel 7 inward in the front-to-back direction X as needed. Furthermore, by combining the unfolded and folded states of the divided sections in various ways, obstacles can be avoided more flexibly during power generation, enabling more efficient power generation. When each divided section is unfolded from its folded state, the device 1 can obtain more power than when it is in the folded state. The dimensions of the device 1 can be set within the limits of the Road Traffic Act.

[0052] In Figures 1, 2(a), 3, 4, 11(a), 12, 13, and 14, the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are folded inward, while in the other drawings they are unfolded and flush. In Figures 1-5, 11-14, and 25-27, the first panel 5 is in a horizontal state, and in Figures 15-19 and 20-24 it is in an inclined state. In Figures 1, 2(a), 3, 4, and 15-19, the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are in a vertical state. The second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are in an inclined state in Figures 20-24, and in a horizontal state in Figures 11-14 and 25-27.

[0053] As described above, the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are divided into multiple sections in the front-to-back direction, and each section is foldable in the front-to-back direction Y. Each folded section can be unfolded to form a flush surface.

[0054] This enables a compact transport configuration, allowing it to be loaded onto vehicles 100 below a certain weight or volume, and when each segment is unfolded, it can generate more power than when folded. Even when each segment is folded and loaded onto the vehicle 100 (see Figure 28), the four solar panels 50 of the first panel 5 can generate electricity, but in that case, the contribution of the other panels to power generation will be lower. For vehicles 100 above a certain weight or volume, the need for the folded configuration decreases.

[0055] In Figures 1 to 4, the first panel assembly 5, the second panel assembly 6, and the third panel assembly 7 each have four solar cells. Each panel has a power output of 200W, and a total of 12 panels can generate a maximum of 2400W. This power can be changed as needed. There are multiple batteries (not shown), for example, six batteries, each with a power output of 3KW·hr, for a total of 18KW·hr, and they are equipped with an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit. The input power has a set upper limit. If the power exceeds the input specifications, the current and voltage are adjusted before input. The device 1 includes a controller that controls the voltage and current of the battery, and an operation panel mounted inside the housing 2, both located within the housing 2. A large-capacity portable battery is exemplified as the battery. The battery can be pulled out of the housing 2 by opening and closing the door 24.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in its stored state, the device 1 has eight of its twelve solar panels, consisting of the second panel assembly 6 and the third panel assembly 7, folded inward, allowing for appropriate storage or transport of the device 1. Even in this state, at least four of the twelve solar panels, the first panel assembly 5, can always generate electricity as long as sunlight is shining on them. By adapting and controlling the posture of the first panel assembly 5, the second panel assembly 6, and the third panel assembly 7 to the environment, it is possible to select and install any of the various deployment states, such as deployment states 1 to 6. The four solar panels 50 of the first panel assembly 5 can always generate electricity even during storage and transport.

[0057] Depending on the installation location, vehicle size (100), and sunlight exposure conditions, device 1 can select an appropriate deployment pattern from various deployment states, including deployment states 1 to 6.

[0058] Deployment state 1 is as shown in Figures 11(a) and 12 to 14, in which the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 are in a horizontal position and folded inward so that the light-receiving surfaces of the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 face each other.

[0059] As shown in Figure 11(b), unfolded state 2 is the state in which the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are unfolded outwards and flush with the surface, compared to unfolded state 1.

[0060] In the deployed state 3, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, the actuator AC is driven, causing one side of the first panel body 5 to be raised and lowered, resulting in an inclined state, while the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 maintain a vertical state.

[0061] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 21-24, the deployed state 4 is achieved in the deployed state 3 by unfolding the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 so that they are flush with the first panel 5 and inclined. In this case, the first panel 5 to the third panel 7 may not be flush with each other, but may be positioned at a specific angle. If the second panel 6 and the third panel 7 are folded vertically from the deployed state 4 of the device 1, the device 1 returns to the deployed state 3.

[0062] As shown in Figure 20(b), unfolded state 5 is the same as unfolded state 4, but with the inclination direction of the first panel 5 to the third panel 7 reversed.

[0063] As shown in Figures 25 to 27, unfolded state 6 is obtained by adjusting the height H of one side of the first panel body 1 to the third panel body 7 in unfolded state 4 or 5, thereby making the inclined angle θ horizontal. In this case, the height H of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 is increased. In other words, unfolded state 6 is a state in unfolded state 2 where the height H of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 is increased while remaining in a horizontal state.

[0064] The structure and operation of actuator AC of device 1 will be described below. As shown in Figures 5, 19, and 24, actuator AC of device 1 is attached to a support member 30 in the left-right direction X (in this embodiment, the second support member 30 from the end in Figure 2(b)) (it is also possible to attach it to a support member 31 in the front-rear direction Y), and comprises a pair of sliders 4A, 4B that slide in the X direction along the support member 30 (this also applies to the front-rear direction Y, but is not shown), a pair of link mechanisms 8A, 8B, a vertical link member 9, a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A, 10B, and tilt angle / height changing units 11A, 11B. Actuator AC will be described in detail below.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5, 19, and 24, the pair of link mechanisms 8A and 8B have drive-side link members 81A and 81B and driven-side link members 82A and 82B. The drive-side link members 81A and 81B are rotatably pivoted to a pair of sliders 4A and 4B, respectively, and the upper parts of the driven-side links 82A and 82B are rotatably pivoted to the drive-side links 81A and 81B, respectively, and the lower parts are rotatably pivoted to the support member 30, respectively, forming a mechanism arranged in parallel in the axial direction.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5, 19, and 24, the vertical link member 9 has a structure that extends vertically and moves up and down in the vertical direction YQ, with one end 90 rotatably pivoted to the drive-side link members 81A and 81B of a pair of link mechanisms 8A and 8B, respectively, and the other end 91 rotatably pivoted to the first panel body 5. This allows the device 1 to realize a compact drive structure using the vertical link member 9.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5, 8-10, 19, 24, and 27, a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B are rotatably pivoted to the vertical link member 9 and to connectors 53 and 54 attached to the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7, respectively, and are extendable and retractable in the ZQ direction, independently driving the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 relative to the first panel body 5. The connectors 53 and 54 are made of plate material and are fixed to the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7, respectively, with their upper ends rotatably pivoted to connectors 57 and 58, respectively. As shown in Figures 8-10, one end of a pair of links 10C and 10D is rotatably pivoted to the vertical link member 9, and the other end is rotatably pivoted to the lower end of connectors 55 and 56, which are made of plate material. The upper ends of connectors 55 and 56 are rotatably pivoted to connectors 57 and 58, respectively. The connectors 57 and 58 are fixed to the first panel body 5. This structure allows the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 to maintain their vertical orientation even when the first panel body 5 of the tilt angle and height changing sections 11A and 11B is driven. It also assists the operation of the pair of opening and closing drive units 10A and 10B when opening and closing the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7. The shafts 59A and 59B (see Figure 9) of the vertical plate members 9, the links 10C and 10D, and the connectors 55 and 56 are each designed to maintain a parallelogram or rectangle shape.

[0068] The pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B consist of a first cylinder 10A that pivotably mounts the vertical link member 9 and the second panel body 6, and a second cylinder 10B that pivotably mounts the vertical link member 9 and the third panel body 7. This allows for a compact drive structure, further reducing the size of the device 1 during transport and installation.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5, 19, and 24, the pair of inclination angle / height changing sections 11A and 11B are expandable and contractible members in the PQ direction, with their lower ends connected to a pivot point 31a (see Figure 2(b)) attached to a support member 31 in the front-rear direction Y, and their upper ends rotatably pivoted to connecting sections 11C and 11D (see Figure 5) fixed to the first panel body 5, and also rotatably pivoted to one side 51 and the other side 52 of the first panel body 5, respectively.

[0070] As shown in Figures 5, 19, and 24, the tilt angle / height changing sections 11A and 11B consist of a third cylinder 11A that is rotatably pivoted to one side of the support member 31 in the front-rear direction Y and one side 51 of the first panel body 5, and a fourth cylinder 11B that is rotatably pivoted to one side of the support member 31 in the front-rear direction Y opposite to the support member 31 to which the third cylinder 11A is rotatably pivoted and the other side 52 of the first panel body 5. When the tilt angle / height changing sections 11A and 11B are driven, the vertical link member 9 moves, the link mechanisms 8A and 8B deform, the opening / closing drive sections 10A and 10B are driven, and the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 are raised and lowered, and / or the tilt angle θ of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 with respect to the left-right direction X of the housing 2.

[0071] As a result, device 1 can generate power both during transport and installation, achieve a compact drive structure, and allow for a wider variety of deployment patterns for the first panel 5 to the third panel 7, enabling flexible avoidance of obstacles.

[0072] It is preferable that the first cylinder 10A and the third cylinder 11A intersect in a three-dimensional manner, and that the second cylinder 10B and the fourth cylinder 11B intersect in a three-dimensional manner. This allows for an even more compact structure.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 to 33, a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B and a pair of tilt angle / height changing units 11A and 11B allow the first panel body 5 to be in a horizontal or tilted state, and the second panel body 6 and third panel body 7 to be in a horizontal, tilted, or vertical state, and their heights can also be adjusted. For example, the posture can be controlled so that the second panel body 6 or third panel body 7 is in a vertical state, and the first panel body 5 is in a horizontal or tilted state in the left-right direction X. The pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B have a gas spring structure, and the repulsive force of the gas spring is used to support the deployment of the second panel body 6 or third panel body 7. In this embodiment, since the opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B have a gas spring structure, the deployment and storage of the second panel body 6 and third panel body 7 are basically performed manually, and the gas springs of the opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B support the manual operation. However, it is also possible to use an electric structure to perform the deployment and storage operation completely automatically. The tilt angle and height changing sections 11A and 11B are electrically operated cylinders, and their power comes from an electric battery (not shown) built into the housing 2, thus simplifying the power supply structure. The reason for using electrically operated cylinders for the tilt angle and height changing sections 11A and 11B is that hydraulic cylinders are large and expensive.

[0074] As shown in Figures 28 to 33, the device 1 is loaded onto vehicle 100 and transported to its destination. Power generation is possible even while being transported by vehicle 100. As shown in Figure 28, when the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 are folded inward for storage, the device can be loaded onto a vehicle 100 with a small load capacity and volume, such as a truck weighing less than 1 ton. The folding configuration can be set as appropriate, within the limits of the Road Traffic Act. When loaded onto vehicle 100 in this state, the four solar cells 50 of the first panel body 5 generate power, but the others do not contribute much to power generation. When vehicle 100 is stationary, the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 can be unfolded while the device 1 remains loaded on vehicle 100, as shown in Figures 30, 31, 32, and 33, allowing for efficient power generation while moving flexibly.

[0075] A pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B, and tilt angle / height changing units 11A and 11B perform attitude control so that the first panel body 5, the second panel body 6, and the third panel body 7 are flush with each other or at specific angles to each other. This makes it possible to increase power generation efficiency when there are no or few obstacles.

[0076] The first to third panel bodies 5 to 7 can be given appropriate angles θ and heights H by driving actuator AC according to the installation conditions. The angle θ is adjusted by a combination of link mechanisms 8A and 8B, a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B, and electric cylinders 11A and 11B installed on the left and right sides, which are the tilt angle / height changing units. In addition to angle adjustment, the installation height H of the first to third panel bodies 5 to 7 can be increased within a certain range, which is expected to improve power generation efficiency in situations where shading is a concern. The height H can be adjusted within the extension / retraction range of the electric cylinders on the left and right of the tilt angle / height changing units 11A and 11B. (However, in order to increase the height H, the range of angle θ adjustment may narrow inversely proportional to extending the electric cylinders on the left and right of the tilt angle / height changing units 11A and 11B.) This enables a compact structure with a large power generation capacity.

[0077] The solar panels of the first panel assembly 5 to the third panel assembly 7 (a total of 12 panels in this case) can take on various panel configurations. The panel configuration of the device 1 can take on various forms, such as a stored state or deployed states 1 to 6. Depending on the installation location and usage environment, the device 1 can be used by selecting at least one of the deployed states 1 to 6 layout shapes. If there are obstacles that hinder the deployment of the first panel assembly 5 to the third panel assembly 7, the device 1 can avoid the obstacles by transforming some of the panels into a vertical or inclined state, or by folding some of the panels inward. On the other hand, if there are no obstacles, the panels can be deployed. The device 1 can select various patterns depending on the conditions of the installation location. If there are obstacles that hinder the deployment of the panels, the corresponding panels will not be deployed, and if there are no obstacles, they can be deployed. The device 1 can enrich the variations in panel deployment by combining inclined panels and vertical panels. Even when all panels are deployed, the device 1 can select various pattern variations. Even when space is a concern, device 1 does not take up much width. In this way, device 1 can be used by selecting a layout shape depending on a wide variety of installation locations and usage environments.

[0078] Next, one embodiment of the solar power generation method of the present invention will be described. This solar power generation method allows solar power generation in both the state in which the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 of the device 1 are stored or deployed, and in both the state in which the device is loaded onto the vehicle 100 and the state in which it is not loaded onto the vehicle 100.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tilt angle θ and height H of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 are adjusted by extending and retracting the tilt angle and height changing parts 11A and 11B, thereby setting the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 of the device 1 to a stored state or an unfolded state.

[0080] One embodiment of a solar power generation method is, for example, a solar power generation method consisting of the following steps 1 to 3.

[0081] Step 1 involves using a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B that utilize the repulsive force of a gas spring to assist in the horizontal deployment of the second panel body 6 or the third panel body 7 from its stored state, so that it is flush with the first panel body 5. In this embodiment, since the opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B have a gas spring structure, the deployment and storage of the second panel body 6 or the third panel body 7 are basically performed manually, with the gas springs of the opening / closing drive units 10A and 10B assisting the manual operation. However, it is also possible to use an electric structure or the like to allow the deployment operation to be performed completely automatically.

[0082] Step 2 involves, after unfolding the panel to make it flush with the surface, pulling out the multiple panel fasteners 12 (see Figure 14(c)) stored beneath the first panel body 5, and fastening the multiple panel fasteners 12 to the frame of the second panel body 6 or the third panel body 7 using fasteners 13 (for example, clamp levers).

[0083] Step 3 involves driving the electric cylinders of the tilt angle / height changing sections 11A and 11B to move the vertical link members 9 and deform the link mechanisms 8A and 8B, thereby adjusting the tilt angle θ and height H of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 according to the sunlight irradiation conditions. This improves the efficiency of power generation. Furthermore, it allows for faster deployment.

[0084] According to another embodiment of the present invention's photovoltaic power generation method, the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 of the device 1 can be in a stored state or an unstacked state, and photovoltaic power generation is possible in both the loaded state on the vehicle 100 and the unstacked state without being loaded on the vehicle 100. The photovoltaic power generation method comprises: step 1, driving the tilt angle / height changing parts 11A, 11B to make the tilted first panel body 5 horizontal; step 2, releasing the fastening of the multiple panel fasteners 12 stored below the first panel body 5 and the fasteners 13 of the frame of the second panel body 6 or the third panel body 7, and retracting the multiple panel fasteners 12; and step 3, using a pair of opening / closing drive parts 10A, 10B to adjust the second panel body 6 or the third panel body 7 vertically. Note that in step 1, by making the first panel body 5 horizontal, the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7, which are flush with the first panel body 5 in the unstacked state, also become horizontal. This makes the storage operation faster.

[0085] Another solar power generation method of the present invention is a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state on a vehicle 100 and an unloaded state, with the first panel bodies 5 to the third panel bodies 7 of the device 1 in a stored state or an unloaded state, and includes a tilt angle θ and height H adjustment step (see Figures 15, 20, etc.) in which the tilt angle θ and / or height H of the first panel bodies 5 to the third panel bodies 7 are adjusted by driving the tilt angle and height changing units 11A, 11B. This simplifies the attitude control of the tilt angle θ and height H.

[0086] Another solar power generation method of the present invention is a solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a loaded state on a vehicle 100 and an unloaded state, by having the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 of the device 1 in a stored state or an unloaded state. The method includes a stored state transition step in which the attitude control is performed from the unloaded state to a stored state in which the first panel body 5 is in a horizontal state and the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 are in a vertical state by driving a pair of opening / closing drive units 10A, 10B and tilt angle / height changing units 11A, 11B to move the vertical link members 9 and deform the link mechanisms 8A, 8B. This simplifies the attitude control from the unloaded state to the stored state.

[0087] Another photovoltaic power generation method of the present invention includes a step of unfolding the divided parts, in which the second panel body 6 and the third panel body 7 of the device 1 are divided into multiple parts in the front-rear direction Y, and each divided part is foldable in the front-rear direction Y, and unfolding each folded divided part to make them flush. This step involves further unfolding the divided parts of the left and right second panel body 6 and third panel body 7 that are folded in the front-rear direction Y.

[0088] This allows for a compact transport configuration, making it possible to load it even into a small vehicle like the 100, and when each section is unfolded, it can generate more power than when folded.

[0089] Referring to Figures 34 to 36, the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation device 201 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "device 201") will be described in detail.

[0090] Device 201 is structured to increase the operational stability of the link mechanisms 8A and 8B of device 1 by adding additional drive-side link members 283A and 283B to form link mechanisms 208A and 208B. The other structures are basically the same as those shown and described in device 1, so those will be used as references, and common structures will be numbered in the 200s, while mainly different structures will be shown and described. Note that the components corresponding to the opening and closing drive units 10A and 10B, etc., will not be shown or described.

[0091] As shown in Figure 36, the drive-side link members 283A and 283B are configured parallel to the drive-side link members 281A and 281B, respectively, and are connected to the sliders 204A and 204B, which have rollers, and to the vertical link member 209. The drive-side link members 283A and 283B are installed parallel to the drive-side link members 281A and 281B with a gap between them, and as they deform, the load from the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 applied to the link mechanism 208A and 208B is distributed, stabilizing the load balance of the first panel body 5 to the third panel body 7 and making their movement smoother.

[0092] This embodiment is illustrative and can, of course, be modified without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0093] The photovoltaic power generation apparatus and method of the present invention can reduce the constraints on the installation location, enabling a wide range of applications even in the presence of various types of obstacles, thus having great industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Solar power generation system 2 cabinets 3. Framework 4A, 4B Slider 5. First Panel 6. Second Panel 7. Third Panel 8A, 8B Link Mechanism 9. Vertical link material 10A, 10B Opening / Closing Drive Unit 11A, 11B Tilt angle / height adjustment section 12 Panel fasteners 13 Fasteners 22 Side 23 Bottom 24 doors 50 solar panels 51 One side 52 Other side 60 solar panels 70 solar panels 81A, 81B Drive-side link material 82A, 82B Driven link material 90 One end 91 Other end 100 vehicles 201 Solar power generation equipment 208A, 208B Link Mechanism 209 Vertical link material 281A, 281B Drive-side link material 282A, 282B Driven-side link material 283A, 283B Drive-side link material

Claims

1. A housing having a frame comprising upper left and right support members in the left and right direction, upper front and rear support members in the front and rear direction, bottom support members in the left and right direction and front and rear direction, and vertical support members connecting the upper left and right support members, upper front and rear support members and bottom support members, An actuator provided on the upper part of the housing, The panel structure comprises at least a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, which are connected to the housing via the actuator, and the first to third panel can be in a stored state or an unfolded state. The actuator, A pair of sliders that slide along the left-right direction of the frame, or along the front-back direction of the frame, A pair of link mechanisms comprising a drive-side link member and a driven-side link member, wherein the lower part of the drive-side link member is rotatably pivoted to the slider, the upper part of the driven-side link member is rotatably pivoted to the drive-side link member, and the lower part of the driven-side link member is rotatably pivoted to the frame, A vertical link member extends vertically, with its lower part rotatably pivoted to the upper part of the drive-side link member, and its upper part rotatably pivoted to the first panel body, and moves up and down in accordance with the lateral movement of the slider, The vertical link member and the second panel body, and a pair of opening / closing drive units rotatably attached to the vertical link member and the third panel body, which drive the second panel body and the third panel body to open and close relative to the first panel body, A pair of tilt angle and height changing parts are rotatably attached to the frame and the first panel body to change the tilt angle and height of the first panel body, A solar power generation device characterized by having the following features.

2. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vertical link member moves and the link mechanism deforms as the pair of tilt angle and height changing parts are driven, thereby performing attitude control such that the second or third panel body is in a vertical state and the first panel body is in a tilted or horizontal state.

3. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of opening and closing drive units are driven to control the orientation of the first panel body, the second panel body, and the third panel body so that they are flush with the surface or at a specific angle.

4. The pair of opening / closing drive units The vertical link member and the first cylinder are pivotally attached to the second panel body, The vertical link member and the third panel body are pivotally attached to a second cylinder, A solar power generation device comprising any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The pair of tilt angle and height changing parts, A third cylinder is pivotally attached to the frame and one side of the first panel body, A fourth cylinder is pivotally attached to the other side of the frame and the first panel body, A solar power generation device comprising any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The pair of opening / closing drive units The vertical link member and the first cylinder are pivotally attached to the second panel body, The vertical link member and the third panel body are pivotally attached to a second cylinder, Equipped with, The pair of tilt angle and height changing parts, A third cylinder is pivotally attached to the frame and one side of the first panel body, A fourth cylinder is pivotally attached to the other side of the frame and the first panel body, Equipped with, A solar power generation device according to any one of the above 1 to 3, characterized in that the first cylinder and the third cylinder intersect in a three-dimensional manner, and the second cylinder and the fourth cylinder intersect in a three-dimensional manner.

7. A solar power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive-side link material of the link mechanism is a plurality of materials, and the drive-side link material is provided in parallel with a specific interval between them.

8. The first panel body has a solar cell panel that can move up and down or adjust its tilt angle in the upper space of the housing, by driving the tilt angle and height changing part, thereby deforming the link mechanism, and can take on either a horizontal or tilted position. The second panel body has one side that is connected to one side of the first panel body by a connector, and in the space on the right side of the housing, the opening and closing drive unit drives the solar cell panel so that it can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view about a first rotation axis along the one side of the first panel body, and can be in one of three states in a front view: horizontal, inclined, or vertical. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the third panel body has one side that is connected to the other side of the first panel body by a connector, and the opening and closing drive unit drives the solar cell panel in the space on the left side of the housing so that it can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view about a second rotation axis along the other side of the first panel body, and can be in any of the following states in a front view: horizontal, inclined, or vertical.

9. The photovoltaic power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second panel body and the third panel body are divided into multiple parts in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, and each divided part is foldable in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction.

10. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising a panel fastening member housed directly beneath the first panel body, wherein the panel fastening member is fastened to the second or third panel body, which is unfolded and flush with the first panel body, using fasteners.

11. A solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a state where the first to third panels of the solar power generation apparatus of claim 1 are in a stored state or an unfolded state, and where the apparatus is loaded onto a vehicle or not loaded onto a vehicle, Step 1 involves using the pair of opening / closing drive units to horizontally unfold the second panel or the third panel in its stored state so that it is flush with the first panel, Step 2 involves pulling out the panel fastener stored beneath the first panel body and fastening the panel fastener to the second panel body or the third panel body using a fastener, Step 3 involves driving the tilt angle / height changing unit to adjust the tilt angle and height of the first to third panel bodies in accordance with the sunlight irradiation conditions. A solar power generation method equipped with [specific features / features].

12. A solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a state where the first to third panels of the solar power generation apparatus of claim 1 are in a stored state or an unfolded state, and where the apparatus is loaded onto a vehicle or not loaded onto a vehicle, Step 1 involves driving the tilt angle / height changing unit to adjust the tilted first panel body horizontally, Step 2 involves releasing the fastening between the panel fastener stored beneath the first panel and the second or third panel, and retracting the panel fastener. Step 3 involves using the pair of opening / closing drive units to adjust the second panel or the third panel vertically, A solar power generation method equipped with [specific features / features].

13. A solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a state where the first to third panels of the solar power generation apparatus of claim 1 are in a stored state or an unfolded state, and where the apparatus is loaded onto a vehicle or not loaded onto a vehicle, A photovoltaic power generation method comprising a tilt angle and height adjustment step that adjusts the tilt angle and / or height of the first to third panel bodies by driving the tilt angle and height changing unit.

14. A solar power generation method that enables solar power generation in both a state where the first to third panels of the solar power generation apparatus of claim 1 are in a stored state or an unfolded state, and where the apparatus is loaded onto a vehicle or not loaded onto a vehicle, A photovoltaic power generation method comprising a storage state transition step in which the attitude of the first panel body is controlled to a horizontal state and the second and third panel bodies to a vertical state by driving the pair of opening / closing drive units and the tilt angle / height changing unit from the deployed state.

15. A solar power generation method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second panel body and the third panel body are divided into a plurality of parts in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, each divided part is foldable in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction, and the method further comprises a divided part unfolding step of unfolding each folded divided part to make them flush.

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