Agricultural solar power generation apparatus

Abstract

An agricultural solar power generation device is disclosed, wherein the agricultural solar power generation device comprises: a solar panel; a support structure comprising a frame portion on which the solar panel is mounted and a plurality of support portions that support the frame portion and extend downward from the frame portion and are inserted into the ground, wherein the support portions include a pile extending downward from the frame portion and made of a material including metal; and a cover provided to surround at least a portion including the upper part of the pile and made of a material including plastic.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This invention relates to an agricultural solar power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increase in the installation of solar power generation facilities on farmland, particularly on idle or low-profit land. However, in some farmland, an alkaline environment with a soil pH of 7 or higher is formed, and such soil tends to accelerate metal corrosion compared to ordinary soil.

[0003] There are various causes for farmland to be alkaline. Examples include calcareous geological structures, the use of alkaline irrigation water, the long-term application of lime and silica for soil improvement, or a history of seawater flooding. In such environments, soil water contains hydroxide ions (OH⁻). - ) and carbonate (CO₃ 2- It may contain a large amount of ) and may react with metal surfaces to cause corrosion and surface peeling.

[0004] Support piles for solar power generation structures are typically inserted into the ground and fixed for a long period. However, if continuously exposed to alkaline agricultural soil, the surface coating or plating layer is gradually damaged, and the metal base material subsequently corrodes rapidly. This leads to a decrease in the structural strength and safety issues, which can result in a shortened lifespan of the device and increased maintenance costs.

[0005] Conventionally, methods such as changing the pile material to stainless steel or applying anti-corrosion coatings have been used; however, stainless steel is expensive, and the long-term effectiveness of anti-corrosion coatings is limited due to soil friction and moisture penetration. Therefore, there is a growing need for agricultural photovoltaic power generation systems equipped with physical protection devices capable of stably protecting piles for extended periods, even in alkaline agricultural environments.

[0006] Prior art related to the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0034151. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the aforementioned conventional technology by providing an agricultural photovoltaic power generation device capable of minimizing damage even in alkaline agricultural environments.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0009] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical problem, an agricultural solar power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a solar panel; a support structure comprising a frame portion on which the solar panel is mounted and a plurality of support portions that support the frame portion and extend downward from the frame portion and are inserted into the ground, wherein the support portion may include a pile extending downward from the frame portion and made of a material including metal; and a cover provided to surround at least a portion including the upper part of the pile and made of a material including plastic.

[0010] In an agricultural photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover can prevent corrosion of the pile.

[0011] In an agricultural photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may include a main part that surrounds the lower part of the pile; and a cone part provided on the lower side of the main part and having a cone shape in which the cross-section decreases as it faces downward.

[0012] In an agricultural solar power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main part may be provided to surround the part of the pile inserted into the ground and protrude upward from the ground. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to the solution to the problem described above, the cover completely encloses the lower part of the pile, blocking direct contact with alkaline soil water, thereby significantly reducing chemical corrosion of the metal surface. Consequently, the lifespan of the support structure is extended, and stable operation of the solar power generation facility is possible over a long period. Furthermore, since the cover is manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material such as plastic, unlike painting or plating, its protective performance does not deteriorate over time. It also functions stably against soil friction, moisture penetration, and pH changes, and the pile replacement cycle due to corrosion can be shortened, thereby reducing total maintenance costs during long-term operation. Additionally, the management burden can be reduced even in sites with poor accessibility, such as farmland. Moreover, since it is equally applicable to environments with a high risk of corrosion, such as alkaline soils, saline land with high salt concentrations, and acidic soils, it is applicable to a wide variety of soil environments. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the lower part of a support member of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention inserted into farmland. FIG. 3 is a conceptual side view of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual plan view illustrating a plurality of photovoltaic power generation devices according to one embodiment of the present invention arranged on farmland. FIGS. 5A and 5B are graphs demonstrating the effect of improving the pH index of the soil of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0016] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them.

[0017] Throughout the entire specification, when a component is described as being located "on," "on top," "on top," "under," "on bottom," or "on bottom" of another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0018] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0019] In addition, terms related to direction or position (upper side, lower side, etc.) in the description of the embodiments of the present invention are set based on the arrangement state of each component shown in the drawings. For example, when viewed in FIG. 1, the direction generally facing the 12 o'clock direction may be the upper side, and the direction generally facing the 6 o'clock direction may be the lower side.

[0020] This invention relates to an agricultural solar power generation device.

[0021] Hereinafter, an agricultural solar power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "device") will be described.

[0022] This device is applicable to land where agriculture can be carried out, and such land may also include idle land. For example, idle land may be a concept that includes land such as saline land, reclaimed land, and land lost to forest fires.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the device includes a solar panel (1). One or more solar panels (1) may be provided.

[0024] In addition, the device includes a support structure (2).

[0025] The support structure (2) supports the solar panel (1).

[0026] Specifically, the support structure (2) may include a frame portion (21) on which a solar panel (1) is mounted. The solar panel (1) may be positioned to receive light and generate power.

[0027] Additionally, the support structure (2) supports the frame portion (21) and includes a plurality of support portions (22) that extend downward from the frame portion (21) and are inserted into the ground. The support portions (22) can support the frame portion (21) and the solar panel (1) mounted on the frame portion (21) with respect to the ground.

[0028] The support structure (2) is designed to maintain structural stability even under normal external conditions, and in particular, to ensure safety against external forces such as strong winds, snow, and earthquakes.

[0029] The support member (22) may include a pile (222) formed of a metal material, more specifically, a material containing metal, such as steel. Additionally, the pile (222) may have a circular cross-section and may be configured to withstand a load for a long time with excellent strength.

[0030] However, if the pile (222) is exposed to a corrosive environment such as alkaline water, oxidation and corrosion may occur due to the characteristics of the metal material, so additional protective measures may be provided to prevent this.

[0031] Specifically, the support member (22) may include a cover (221) made of a material including plastic, which is provided to wrap around at least a portion (which may include the upper part) of the pile (222).

[0032] The cover (221) is formed of a material including plastic, and has excellent corrosion resistance and environmental resistance, and does not undergo deformation or corrosion even with long-term external exposure. In particular, the cover (221) blocks at least a portion of the pile (222) from coming into direct contact with alkaline water, etc., thereby effectively preventing corrosion of the pile (222).

[0033] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 together, the support member (22) may include a cone portion (224) formed on the lower side of the pile (222) and having a cone shape with a cross-section that decreases as it extends downward. The upper cross-section of the cone portion (224) (the cross-section of the part having the largest outer diameter) may have a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cover (221).

[0034] Additionally, the cone (224) can be formed integrally with the pile (222). Accordingly, the pile (222) can be made of a material including metal.

[0035] Additionally, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, the support member (22) may include a ring member (223) that surrounds the pile (222) between the cone member (224) and the cover (221). The inner diameter of the ring member (223) may be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the cover (221), and the outer diameter may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the cover (221).

[0036] As described above, the entire pile (222) can be prevented from being drawn into the interior of the cover (221) by the ring portion (223) and the cone portion (224).

[0037] Additionally, the cone (224) effectively reduces soil resistance that occurs when the support member (22) is inserted into the ground or foundation member. For example, when a pile (222) is inserted into the ground with a constant diameter, a large insertion resistance may occur because the soil around the tip of the pile must be forcibly pushed out during the insertion process. However, if the lower end is formed as a cone (224) that gradually tapers, the soil is inserted while gradually spreading out, so the soil pressure resistance is mitigated, and accordingly, the effect of reducing the work load and time required during installation can be obtained.

[0038] Additionally, the cone (224) has an outer surface that is continuous with the pile (222) and forms a smooth boundary surface from above the ground to below the ground, thereby minimizing the path for surface water such as rain or snow, groundwater, and especially alkaline water to directly penetrate between the pile (222) and the cover (221). This structure can reduce the possibility of corrosion occurring on the surface of the pile (222) even in a long-term exposure environment, and consequently improve the durability of the support structure (2).

[0039] Furthermore, by including the cone (224), the pile (222) can be driven directly into the soil core using a vibration-free method. The vibration-free method is a construction method that allows the structure to be inserted into the soil without hammer striking or vibration equipment, and does not apply unnecessary vibration or impact to surrounding structures or the soil ground. In particular, in areas such as farmland, inside greenhouses, or near the foundations of adjacent buildings, it is important to prevent ground loosening or structural damage caused by vibration, and the present invention enables construction even under such conditions. In addition, the vibration-free method generates less noise, which reduces the possibility of complaints when installed near residential areas, and the stability of the support member (22) can be maintained at a high level even after installation.

[0040] Additionally, when the pile (222) is installed using a vibration-free method, since the pile (222) is installed from the upper side to the lower side without vibration, it is necessary that the pile (222) not be completely inserted into the interior of the cover (221). To this end, a ring portion (224) may be provided.

[0041] In addition, this device may be applied to wildfire-covered areas. In such cases, agricultural land may refer to wildfire-covered areas in this invention.

[0042] When grass and fallen leaves burn, basic cations such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) can become concentrated in the ash, and wildfire cover can become alkaline due to these ash components. In particular, if the ash dissolves in rainwater and seeps into the soil, the pH can rise. Furthermore, if soil organic matter is burned by fire, the organic acids that originally maintained the soil's slightly acidic pH decrease, causing the pH to rise and the wildfire cover to become alkaline. Additionally, calcium and magnesium in the ash react with CO₂ in the air to form carbonates, which become alkaline, thus making the wildfire cover alkaline.

[0043] This device can be applied as an agricultural solar power structure in a system that plants (9) such as canaf in a wildfire-covered area, installs an agricultural solar power structure to generate renewable energy, secures and sells carbon credits from the plantation, and utilizes the harvested produce as pulp raw material, forage, or biomass.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the portion located on the lower side of the solar panel (1) can be provided as a plant cultivation section. Plant cultivation can be carried out in the plant cultivation section.

[0045] The plant (9) may be canaf. Canaf can grow in soil with a pH of 5.0 or higher and a salinity EC of 4.0 or higher. Additionally, canaf has an annual growth cycle of 120 to 150 days and can absorb 20 to 25 tons of CO₂ per hectare.

[0046] Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, the devices may be provided at intervals, and the interval between the devices may be provided as an area (23) where plants are not cultivated. The reason for forming an area (23) where plants are not cultivated is that since the average growth height of canaf is 2 to 4 m, if canaf grows in the area (23) where plants are not cultivated, it may cover at least a part of the solar panel (1) and interfere with the incidence of sunlight on the solar panel (11).

[0047] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the device may include a control unit (7). The control unit (7) may control at least some of the configurations of the device.

[0048] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the device includes a supply unit (3) that supplies enzyme liquid fertilizer to farmland (wildfire-covered land). Additionally, the supply unit (3) can supply water to the farmland. The supply unit (3) includes a liquid fertilizer tank in which enzyme liquid fertilizer is stored and a pipe structure, wherein the pipe structure may include a liquid fertilizer connecting pipe extending from the enzyme liquid fertilizer tank, a main pipe extending from the liquid fertilizer connecting pipe, and a plurality of branch pipes (31) branching from the main pipe. An electronically controllable valve may be provided between the liquid fertilizer connecting pipe and the main pipe section. When the valve is in an open state, the liquid fertilizer can be supplied to the farmland, and when the valve is in a closed state, the supply can be stopped.

[0049] Enzyme liquid fertilizer can be a complex fermented microbial liquid fertilizer. By irrigating agricultural land, such as saline soil, this enzyme liquid fertilizer can induce pH reduction, promote crop growth, and increase CO₂ absorption.

[0050] Enzyme-based liquid fertilizer may contain microorganisms of the Bacillus sp. and Lactobacillus sp. lineages. Accordingly, the fermented liquid fertilizer may possess functions for lowering pH and decomposing organic matter. Specifically, the enzyme-based liquid fertilizer may contain microorganisms of the Bacillus sp. and Lactobacillus sp. lineages; Bacillus sp. induces a decrease in pH by producing organic acids such as lactic acid, while Lactobacillus sp. can generate organic acids by decomposing soil organic matter or exert a pH buffering effect. Thus, the enzyme-based liquid fertilizer of this system can stabilize or lower pH by generating organic acids during the fermentation process, neutralizing basic substances in the soil, and promoting the decomposition of organic matter by increasing soil microbial activity. Consequently, the enzyme-based liquid fertilizer can induce pH reduction and soil acidification, and exert soil buffering and improvement effects on alkalized farmland.

[0051] Also, referring to FIG. 3, the system may include a sensor unit (4).

[0052] The sensor unit (4) may include a pH measuring sensor for measuring the pH of farmland. Since the pH measuring sensor is obvious to a person skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0053] In addition, the sensor unit may include a moisture measuring sensor for measuring the moisture of farmland. Since the moisture measuring sensor is obvious to a person skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0054] In addition, the sensor unit may include a temperature measuring sensor for measuring the temperature of the farmland. Since the temperature measuring sensor is obvious to a person skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0055] In addition, the control unit can adjust the amount of liquid fertilizer supplied by the supply unit when the pH measured by the pH measurement sensor unit falls below a preset reference value.

[0056] For example, if the measured pH is below a first reference value, the control unit may switch the valve to a closed state to stop the supply of liquid fertilizer, and if the amount of moisture measured by the moisture sensor is less than a preset second reference value, the valve may switch to an open state to supply liquid fertilizer.

[0057] In addition, if the moisture content exceeds the preset third standard value, it may be in an over-humid state, so the valve may be switched to a closed state and the liquid fertilizer supply may be stopped.

[0058] The first threshold may be 5.5, and the second threshold may be 20%. Also, the third threshold may be 35%.

[0059] That is, the control unit can supply liquid fertilizer by switching the valve to an open state when the pH exceeds a first standard value and the moisture content is below a second standard value. In addition, the supply of liquid fertilizer can be stopped by switching the valve to a closed state when the pH exceeds a first standard value or the moisture content exceeds a third standard value.

[0060] Additionally, the supply unit (3) may include a water tank in which water is stored. In this case, the pipe structure may include a water connecting pipe that extends from the water tank and connects to a main pipe. Additionally, an electronically controllable valve may be provided between the main pipe and the water connecting pipe. When the valve is open, water can be supplied to the farmland, and when the valve is closed, the supply can be stopped.

[0061] Accordingly, when the pH is below the first standard value and the amount of water is less than the second standard value, the control unit can supply water by closing the valve of the liquid fertilizer connecting pipe and connecting the valve of the water connecting pipe.

[0062] In addition, the control unit may supply liquid fertilizer when the measured temperature is within a preset standard range. Enzyme liquid fertilizer may decompose or crystallize at high or low temperatures. Furthermore, at high or low temperatures, kenaf may not absorb the liquid fertilizer well even if it is supplied. Taking this into consideration, the preset standard range may be set to 5°C or higher and 35°C or lower.

[0063] Accordingly, if the temperature deviates from a preset standard range, regardless of the pH value, if the moisture content is less than the second standard value, the control unit may supply water by closing the valve of the liquid fertilizer connection pipe and switching the valve of the water connection pipe to an open state. Additionally, if the moisture content is between the second standard value and the third standard value, matters related to the supply of water may be maintained as they are.

[0064] In addition, the device may include a liquid fertilizer manufacturing unit for manufacturing enzyme solution liquid fertilizer.

[0065] As described above, the device enables the restoration of wildfire-damaged land and the conversion of it into farmland resources by utilizing wildfire-damaged land. Furthermore, it enables flatland afforestation (carbon absorption) through the cultivation of plants such as canaf, thereby facilitating response to the climate crisis and emission trading. Additionally, it allows for the monetization of solar energy through energy production and the fulfillment of RE100 requirements, while ensuring farm profitability and realizing resource circulation through the conversion of canaf into animal feed, biomass, and pulp.

[0066] Figure 5a is a graph showing the change in soil pH according to the number of times the enzyme liquid fertilizer of the present invention is sprayed. Referring to Figure 5a, it can be seen that alkaline soil (pH 9.2) tends to stabilize to neutral (pH 7.0) or slightly acidic (pH 6.8) through repeated spraying of the enzyme liquid fertilizer of the present invention. In addition, Figure 5b shows the results of the Sihwa Reclamation Area soil ecological restoration pilot project, which clearly demonstrates the effect of the enzyme liquid fertilizer of the present invention in lowering the pH of alkaline soil. Referring to Figure 5b, it can be confirmed that even in high-salinity alkaline soil such as the Sihwa Reclamation Area, the pH change is positive after spraying the enzyme liquid fertilizer of the present invention (liquid fertilizer containing enzyme water (treated water) produced by the complex microbial fermentation method).

[0067] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the system may include a light intensity sensor (6) for measuring the amount of solar radiation on the lower side of the solar panel.

[0068] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the system may include a growth-adaptive light (5) provided on a solar panel (11) to allow light to be irradiated downward from the solar panel. The growth-adaptive light (5) may be an LED light that provides artificial light of a spectrum optimized for plant growth to promote photosynthesis and growth of crops.

[0069] Additionally, the control unit (7) can calculate the shading rate based on the amount of solar radiation measured by the light intensity sensor (6), and if the shading rate is below a preset threshold, it can operate the growth-adaptive lighting (5). Specifically, the control unit (7) calculates the shading rate by the solar panel (11) based on real-time light intensity data received from the light intensity sensor (6), and if the calculated shading rate is below a preset threshold (e.g., 70% or less), it can automatically operate the growth-adaptive lighting (5) to compensate for the decline in crop growth caused by insufficient sunlight.

[0070] The shading rate can be set to 1 - (solar radiation on the lower side of the panel ÷ reference solar radiation)} × 100, and the reference solar radiation can be set based on the amount of light in the uncovered area of ​​the solar panel (11) within the same area.

[0071] In addition, to ensure that the shading rate to the lower side of the solar panel (1) is secured above a certain level, multiple solar panels (1) may be provided spaced apart so that sunlight is irradiated to the lower side of the solar panel (1) through the spacing. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, growth-adaptive lighting (5) is provided to the lower side of the solar panel (1), so that the growth-adaptive lighting (5) does not interfere with the incident path of light incident through the solar panel (1).

[0072] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, some of the aforementioned multiple branch pipes may include a first branch pipe (31) that supplies to a plant cultivation area and a second branch pipe (32) that supplies to an area (23) where plants are not cultivated.

[0073] In addition, an electronically controlled valve may be provided between the main pipe and the second branch pipe.

[0074] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the aforementioned sensor unit (4) may be provided in a plant cultivation unit. Furthermore, the present system may include a sensor unit (8) provided in an area (23) where plants are not cultivated. Since the sensor unit (8) provided in the area (23) where plants are not cultivated has a configuration similar to or corresponding to the sensor unit (4) provided in the plant cultivation unit, a detailed description is omitted.

[0075] Since the area (23) where plants are not cultivated is not equipped with plants (9), it may become excessively wet if the same amount of liquid fertilizer is supplied as in the plant cultivation area. Taking this into consideration, the control unit (7) can control the supply of liquid fertilizer or water to the area (23) where plants are not cultivated separately from the supply of liquid fertilizer or water to the plant cultivation area. At this time, the supply of liquid fertilizer or water to the area (23) where plants are not cultivated can be performed in correspondence with or identical to the aforementioned supply of liquid fertilizer or water.

[0076] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0077] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 1: Solar panel 2: Support structure 21: Frame section 22: Support 221: Cover 222: Stake 223: Ringbu 224: Konbu 23: Areas where plants are not grown 3: Supply unit 31: Branch 4: Sensor section 5: Growth-Adaptive Lighting 6: Light intensity sensor 7: Control unit 8: Sensor section 9: Plants

Claims

Claim 1 An agricultural solar power generation device comprises: a solar panel; a support structure including a frame portion on which the solar panel is mounted and a plurality of support portions that support the frame portion and extend downward from the frame portion and are inserted into the ground, wherein the support portions further comprise: a pile extending downward from the frame portion and made of a material including metal; a cover provided to surround at least a portion including the upper part of the pile and made of a material including plastic to prevent corrosion of the pile; and a cone portion formed integrally with the pile on the lower side of the pile, having an upper cross-section with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cover and the outer diameter of the pile, and having a cone shape in which the cross-section decreases as it faces downward; wherein the pile is installed by a vibration-free method. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete

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