Protection device and power generation device

Abstract

In order to provide a protection device that can be used as a power supply at a construction site, a site of repair work, or the like, a protection device according to the present invention comprises: a protection member that covers an object; and a thin-film solar cell that is provided on the outside of the protection member.

Description

Protective and power generating equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective device and a power generating device.

[0002] A solar cell panel includes solar cell elements, glass plates that protect the solar cell elements, a base member that supports the solar cell elements and the glass plates, etc. Therefore, solar cell panels are heavy, and a structure that supports the weight is required when installing them on the roof of a building, etc. A conventional method for installing a solar power generation device is known, in which a steel plate is laid on the roof of a building and a frame that supports the solar power generation panel is provided on the steel plate (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] JP 2013-77777 A

[0004] Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., [Retrieved June 1, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / www.sekisui.co.jp / news / 2023 / 1384297_40075.html>

[0005] However, the installation method described in Patent Document 1 requires the construction of a robust support structure to support the heavy solar cell panels, making installation and removal difficult.

[0006] Meanwhile, a technology for installing lightweight, flexible film-type perovskite solar cells on the exterior walls of buildings has recently become known (see Non-Patent Document 1, etc.). However, the technology in Non-Patent Document 1 involves fixing perovskite solar cells to the exterior walls of buildings, and is not intended for use on construction sites, etc.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a protection device that can be used as a power source at construction sites, etc. Another object of the present invention is to provide a power generation device that reduces the effects of rain and wind on thin-film solar cells.

[0008] In a first aspect, a protection device includes a protection member that covers an object, and a thin-film solar cell that is provided on the outside of the protection member.

[0009] In a second aspect, the power generation device includes a first thin-film solar cell arranged in a state covering the surface of an object, a second thin-film solar cell arranged in a location different from the first thin-film solar cell, a transition unit that transitions the first thin-film solar cell from a state covering the surface of the object to a state not covering the surface of the object, and a maintenance unit that does not transition the second thin-film solar cell from a state covering the surface of the object to a state not covering the surface of the object.

[0010] In a third aspect, the power generation device includes a thin-film solar cell that is arranged to cover the surface of an object and has a gap that connects a space on the object side with a space on the opposite side of the object, and the ratio of the area of ​​the surface of the object that is not covered by the gap to the area of ​​the surface of the object that is covered by the thin-film solar cell is 10 to 50%.

[0011] It is possible to provide a protective device that can be used as a power source at construction sites, etc. It is also possible to provide a power generation device that can reduce the effects of wind and rain on thin-film solar cells.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of temporary scaffolding installed at a construction site of a building (e.g., a building) or a repair site. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a scaffolding curtain is installed on the temporary scaffolding of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a thin-film solar cell device is installed outside the scaffolding curtain of FIG. 2. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing a ladder cord and a lifting cord, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram schematically showing electrical wiring for multiple strip-shaped members. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of a thin-film solar cell device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a timetable referred to by a control unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing by a control unit of a thin-film solar cell. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a thin-film solar cell device according to a modified example. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a battery unit of a thin-film solar cell device according to a modified example. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the battery unit in a first state, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing a rectangular area E of FIG. 10(a) viewed from the +X direction. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the battery portion in the second state, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the rectangular area E in FIG. 11(a) as viewed from the +X direction.

[0013] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of temporary scaffolding 100 that is installed at a construction site of a building (e.g., a building) or a repair work site. In Fig. 1, the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction, the shorter side direction of the temporary scaffolding 100 is the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction in a horizontal plane is the X-axis direction. In Fig. 1, the directions indicated by the arrows indicating the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, and the opposite directions are the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction. In Fig. 1, it is assumed that a building (not shown) is present on the -Y side of the temporary scaffolding 100.

[0015] The temporary scaffolding 100 is made by assembling a large number of single pipes (tubular members) 12 using various types of fastening fittings (joints) 14 and installing them on the ground via base fittings 16. The single pipes 12 are steel materials (pipes) with a diameter of 48.6 mm that are used in construction work. The temporary scaffolding 100 is equipped with scaffolding boards 18 and ladders and stairs (not shown), and workers move around on the scaffolding boards 18, etc. to perform various tasks related to the building (repairs, painting, construction, etc.).

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, on the +Y side (outside) of the temporary scaffolding 100, a scaffolding curtain (net or sheet) 20 is provided as a site sheet or protective net to prevent tools and other objects from falling as a safety measure for nearby pedestrians.

[0017] The scaffolding curtain 20 has a plurality of binding members 22 at its upper end. The binding members 22 are strings, cable ties, or the like. The scaffolding curtain 20 is fastened to the single pipes 12 of the temporary scaffolding 100 via the binding members 22 and is hung outside the temporary scaffolding 100. Note that the lower end or other parts of the scaffolding curtain 20 may also be fixed to parts of the temporary scaffolding 100 via binding members. In this embodiment, the temporary scaffolding 100 and the scaffolding curtain 20 together function as protective members for a building.

[0018] 3 shows a state in which a thin-film solar cell device 30 is provided on a temporary scaffolding 100. In this embodiment, the thin-film solar cell device 30 is provided on the +Y side (outside) of the scaffolding curtain 20. In this embodiment, the protective device 200 is configured to include the scaffolding curtain 20, the temporary scaffolding 100, and the thin-film solar cell device 30, but is not limited to this.

[0019] 3 , the thin-film solar cell device 30 has a storage box 32, a plurality of strip-shaped members 34 suspended from the storage box 32, and a bottom rail 36. A hook (support member) 33 is provided on the upper end surface (+Z side surface) of the storage box 32, and the thin-film solar cell device 30 is suspended and supported from the single pipe 12 of the temporary scaffolding 100 via the hook 33.

[0020] The multiple strip-shaped members 34 are arranged (connected) along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Each strip-shaped member 34 is, for example, a cell unit such as a perovskite solar cell. Perovskite solar cells are disclosed, for example, in JP 2023-36564 A, and are manufactured by applying perovskite, which serves as a photoelectric conversion unit, and are expected to be inexpensive, highly efficient solar cells. A perovskite solar cell is composed of, for example, a transparent electrode layer formed on a transparent substrate, a hole transport layer, a perovskite layer, an electron transport layer, a hole blocking layer, and a back electrode. Because perovskite solar cells are film-like and lightweight and flexible, the strip-shaped members 34 can also be lightweight and flexible, making them easy to handle. The strip-shaped members 34 may be provided with a curvature to increase the power generation efficiency of the perovskite solar cell. Furthermore, the perovskite solar cell may be provided on a non-strip-shaped member.

[0021] The belt-shaped members 34 have a thin plate shape extending in the X-axis direction. The surface of each belt-shaped member 34 is treated with a water-repellent coating to prevent damage caused by rain or dust. A ladder cord 38 and a lift cord 40 are provided near the +X side end and the -X side end of each of the multiple belt-shaped members 34, respectively.

[0022] FIG. 4( a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the ladder cord 38 and the lift cord 40. FIG. 4( a) illustrates the multiple belt-shaped members 34 as viewed from the -X direction. As shown in FIG. 4( a), the ladder cord 38 includes a first cord 39a, which extends mostly in the Z-axis direction and is located on the +Y side of the multiple belt-shaped members 34; a second cord 39b, which extends mostly in the Z-axis direction and is located on the -Y side of the multiple belt-shaped members 34; and multiple third cords 39c, which connect the first cords 39a and the second cords 39b. The number of third cords 39c is the same as the number of belt-shaped members 34, and the third cords 39c are fixed (e.g., glued) to one surface (the -Y side surface) of the belt-shaped members 34. The +Z side ends of the first cords 39a and the second cords 39b are connected to a first drive unit 42. The first drive unit 42 includes a motor and tilts the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 in the direction of arrow C by winding up the first cord 39a in the direction of arrow A and unwinding the second cord 39b in the direction of arrow B. The first drive unit 42 also tilts the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 in the direction of arrow C' by unwinding the first cord 39a in the direction of arrow A' and winding up the second cord 39b in the direction of arrow B'. That is, in this embodiment, the ladder cord 38, the first drive unit 42, and a control unit 60 (described below) that controls the driving of the first drive unit 42 function as a tilting unit that tilts the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 and an adjusting unit that adjusts the gaps between the plurality of belt-shaped members 34. Adjusting the tilt of the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 to match the altitude of the sun can improve power generation efficiency. Furthermore, by adjusting the inclination of the multiple strip-shaped members 34 and adjusting the width of the gaps between the multiple strip-shaped members 34 that connect the space on the side of the scaffolding curtain 20 to the space on the opposite side of the scaffolding curtain 20 (adjusting the degree of separation between the strip-shaped members 34), it is possible to adjust the ventilation and prevent the thin-film solar cell device 30 from swaying due to the influence of wind. Note that the ratio of the area of ​​the scaffolding curtain 20 that is not covered by the gaps to the area covered by the multiple strip-shaped members 34 is 10 to 50%, and preferably 25 to 45%. This makes it possible to prevent the breathability of the scaffolding curtain 20 from being impaired.Furthermore, since the belt-shaped member 34 has an appropriate gap, if its strength is reinforced, the thin-film solar cell device 30 can provide safety measures for nearby pedestrians (preventing tools, etc. from falling) even if the scaffolding curtain 20 is not installed on the temporary scaffolding 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4A , one end (upper end) of the lifting cord 40 is connected to the second drive unit 44 and hangs down from within the storage box 32. The lifting cord 40 passes through each of the multiple belt-shaped members 34, and the other end (lower end) is connected to the bottom rail 36. The second drive unit 44 has a motor or the like, and winds up the lifting cord 40 to lift the bottom rail 36 in the direction of arrow D (+Z direction). As the bottom rail 36 rises, the multiple belt-shaped members 34 are also lifted in sequence, and the bottom rail 36 and the multiple belt-shaped members 34 are stored in the storage box 32. Furthermore, when the bottom rail 36 and the multiple belt-shaped members 34 are stored in the storage box 32, the second drive unit 44 can unwind the lifting cord 40 to lower the bottom rail 36 in the direction of arrow D′ (−Z direction), returning the bottom rail 36 to its original position (the position in FIG. 3 ). As the bottom rail 36 descends, the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 also return to their original positions. In this embodiment, the second drive unit 44, the lifting cord 40, and a control unit 60 (described later) that controls the second drive unit 44 are included to realize the functions of a transition unit that transitions the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 from a state in which they cover the surface of the scaffold curtain 20 to a state in which they do not cover it, and a retraction device that retracts the plurality of belt-shaped members 34 into the storage box 32.

[0024] 4(b) schematically shows electrical wiring for the plurality of belt-shaped members 34. Wiring cords 52A and 52B are connected to the plurality of belt-shaped members 34. Note that the wiring cords 52A and 52B are not shown in FIG. 3 to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0025] The multiple belt-shaped members 34 are electrically connected in parallel by wiring cords 52A, 52B. That is, the multiple battery units (first battery unit, second battery unit) provided separately on the outside of the scaffolding curtain 20 are electrically connected in parallel. This has the advantage that even if one of the belt-shaped members 34 breaks down, the power generated by the other belt-shaped members 34 can continue to be used.

[0026] The wiring cords 52A, 52B are connected to an inverter 46, and electricity generated by the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 is input to the inverter 46. The inverter 46 converts the electricity (DC) generated by the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 into AC and outputs it. Note that the inverter 46 is not shown in FIG. 3 to avoid clutter. The inverter 46 may be installed on top of the storage box 32 as shown in FIG. 4( b), or may be stored inside the storage box 32. In this embodiment, the inverter 46 is located above the uppermost strip-shaped member 34. Therefore, when the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 are driven by the first drive unit 42 or the second drive unit 44, the inverter 46 is not driven, thereby avoiding complicated wiring for the inverter 46. The electricity (AC) output from the inverter 46 is used, for example, at construction sites and repair work sites. For example, it can be used for air conditioning applications such as electric fans, air conditioners, and heaters for drying concrete. The battery can also be used to charge rechargeable batteries built into tools, fan-equipped workwear, smartphones, tablet devices, drones for monitoring work sites, etc. It can also be used in pumps for pumping groundwater or rainwater from basements and in work elevators. Electricity can be stored in the battery and used as a backup power source during power outages. Electricity generated by various sensors used on-site (such as fire sensors, sound level meters, thermometers, motion sensors, anemometers, and rain sensors) can also be used. Furthermore, the generated electricity can also be used in the thin-film solar cell device 30 itself (such as the first drive unit 42 and the second drive unit 44).

[0027] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the thin-film solar cell device 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the thin-film solar cell device 30 includes a control unit 60, a clock 62, various sensors 64, a power meter 65, the first drive unit 42 and the second drive unit 44 described above, and a display unit 66.

[0028] The clock 62 notifies the control unit 60 of current time information. The various sensors 64 are sensors that detect conditions at the site and its surroundings, and include, for example, a thermometer, a rainfall sensor, an anemometer, and a human presence sensor. The detection results (monitored values) of the various sensors 64 are transmitted to the control unit 60 as needed. The power meter 65 has a built-in ammeter and voltmeter, monitors the power generated by the multiple strip-shaped members 34, and notifies the control unit 60 of the power. It is preferable that the various data detected by the various sensors 64 be stored in a memory (not shown). It is also preferable that the memory (not shown) also stores the surrounding conditions of the site (for example, that there is a high-rise building on the east side).

[0029] The control unit 60 includes a CPU and other components, and comprehensively controls the processing and operation of each component of the thin-film solar cell device 30. The control unit 60 refers to a timetable 70 as shown in FIG. 6 . The timetable 70 stores information such as the start time and end time of on-site work for each day, depending on the location of the work site, and the solar altitude at each time. The control unit 60 refers to the timetable 70 and controls the driving of the first drive unit 42 and the second drive unit 44 based on current time information obtained from a clock 62, detection results from various sensors 64, and measurement results from a wattmeter 65. The control unit 60 also displays information regarding power generation, such as measurement results from the wattmeter 65 and information based on these measurement results, on a display unit 66. The display unit 66 is an electronic bulletin board, tablet terminal, or the like installed at the work site. For example, the control unit 60 calculates the amount of power generation and CO2 reduction yesterday, the amount of power generation and CO2 reduction over the past week, the cumulative amount of power generation and CO2 reduction since work began at the site, and predicted values ​​for future power generation and CO2 reduction, and displays them on the display unit 66. Although not shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5 , the thin-film solar cell device 30 may also be provided with a communication unit for communicating with thin-film solar cell devices 30 at other sites or with a host computer located in a remote location. The control unit 60 may obtain weather information, such as rainfall and wind speed, detected by various sensors 64 at other sites via a communication unit (not shown), and use this information to predict future weather conditions at the site and control the multiple belt-shaped members 34. The control unit 60 may also obtain the number of workers at the site for the current day or the next day from a communication unit (not shown) via a host computer. If the building is an apartment building, scaffolding screens 20 are installed on all four sides. A thin-film solar cell device 30 may be provided on each of the four scaffolding curtains 20, but for example, the scaffolding curtain 20 located on the north side may not be provided with a thin-film solar cell device 30. Furthermore, the control of the thin-film solar cell device 30 may differ depending on the direction or floor on which the thin-film solar cell device 30 is installed. Furthermore, sunlight conditions may differ if there are high-rise buildings nearby. Therefore, the control system of FIG. 5 may be modified so that control can be varied depending on the direction, floor, and sunlight conditions.For example, it is preferable that the thin-film solar cell devices 30 be provided for each floor, such as the first floor, the second floor, etc., or for each low, middle, and high floor. Also, a plurality of thin-film solar cell devices 30 may be provided along the X direction in Fig. 3. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 60 independently control each thin-film solar cell device 30 provided along the X direction, depending on the presence or absence of workers inside and the number of workers.

[0030] (Operation of Thin-Film Solar Cell Device 30) Next, the operation of the thin-film solar cell device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 60. It is assumed that when the processing of Fig. 7 is started, the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 of the thin-film solar cell device 30 are stored in the storage box 32. It is also assumed that while the processing of Fig. 7 is being performed, the control unit 60 appropriately receives information on the current time from the clock 62 and also appropriately receives measurement results from the various sensors 64 and the power meter 65.

[0031] 7 starts, first, in step S10, the control unit 60 determines whether it is time to start work by referring to the current time information obtained from the clock 62 and the on-site work start time in the timetable 70. While this determination is negative, step S10 is repeated, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S12. Note that step S10 is preferably performed before the start of work at the site each day, for example, in relation to sunrise time. This allows solar power generation to be performed before the start of work at the site each day.

[0032] When the process proceeds to step S12, the control unit 60 determines whether there is no rainfall and the wind speed is below a predetermined level based on the measurement results of the various sensors 64 (rainfall sensor and anemometer). The determination in step S12 is negative when there is rainfall or when the wind speed is high. In such cases, if the strip members 34 are removed from the storage box 32, there is a high possibility that they will be damaged by moisture or blown by the wind. Therefore, the strip members 34 are left stored in the storage box 32. On the other hand, if the determination in step S12 is positive, the process proceeds to step S14. Note that perovskite solar cells can generate electricity even in rain, so the criterion in step S12 may be whether the amount of rainfall is above a predetermined level (10 mm or more, or 20 mm or more).

[0033] When the process proceeds to step S14, the control unit 60 controls the first drive unit 42 and the second drive unit 44 to adjust the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 to an appropriate state. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the second drive unit 44 to bring the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 into the state shown in Fig. 4. The control unit 60 also references a timetable 70 to obtain the solar altitude at the current time, and controls the first drive unit 42 to adjust the angle of the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 so that they can receive sunlight most efficiently.

[0034] Next, in step S18, the control unit 60 determines whether the current time has reached the on-site work end time by referring to the timetable 70. If the determination in step S18 is negative, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S20.

[0035] In step S20, the control unit 60 determines whether the state of the multiple strip-shaped members 34 needs to be adjusted based on the current time, whether or not it is raining, wind speed, power generation amount, etc. For example, if the angle of the multiple strip-shaped members 34 needs to be adjusted based on the current time and the altitude of the sun, the determination in step S20 is affirmative. The determination in step S20 is also affirmative if it is raining and it would be better to store the multiple strip-shaped members 34 in the storage box 32. The determination in step S20 is also affirmative if the wind is strong and it would be better to adjust the angle of the multiple strip-shaped members 34 and widen the gaps between the multiple strip-shaped members 34 to reduce the impact of the wind. Note that, when making the determination in step S20, the control unit 60 may also refer to measurement results from other sensors (e.g., a human presence sensor or a temperature sensor) to determine whether or not adjustment is necessary. For example, if there is a person in the building and the temperature inside the building is above a predetermined level, the control unit 60 may determine whether or not adjustment is necessary so that power generation is prioritized for operation of the air conditioning system. The control unit 60 may also determine whether adjustment is necessary so that the thin-film solar cell device 30 functions as a sunshade. In this case, the control unit 60 may determine whether adjustment is necessary based on the number of people at the work site obtained from a communication unit (not shown) or the number of people detected by a human presence sensor. For example, if there are many workers on the second floor but unmanned construction is being performed on the third floor, the control unit 60 may cause the multiple strip-shaped members 34 corresponding to the second floor to function as sunshades and the multiple strip-shaped members 34 corresponding to the third floor to function as solar power generators. Note that the control unit 60 may refer to the current amount of power generation when making the determination in step S20 and determine whether adjustment is necessary depending on whether the amount of power generation is sufficient. For example, if there is not enough power generation, power generation may be prioritized, and if there is enough power generation, other functions may be prioritized.

[0036] If the determination in step S20 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14, where the control unit 60 controls the first drive unit 42 and the second drive unit 44 to adjust the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 to an appropriate state. On the other hand, if the determination in step S20 is negative, the control unit 60 returns to step S18.

[0037] Thereafter, the determinations of steps S18 and S20 and the process of step S14 are repeated, and when the current time reaches the on-site work end time, the determination of step S18 is affirmative. If the determination of step S18 is affirmative, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S22.

[0038] In step S22, the control unit 60 controls the second drive unit 44 to store the multiple strip-shaped members 34 in the storage box 32. This is because, after the on-site work finishes, it will be night and power generation will likely be unavailable. Furthermore, storing the strip-shaped members 34 in the storage box 32 can prevent the strip-shaped members 34 from being damaged by wind and rain without requiring special control. After step S22, the control unit 60 returns to step S10. Thereafter, the above-described processing is repeatedly executed. The control unit 60 may omit step S22 if the detection results of the various sensors 64 predict that there will be no severe weather, or may execute step S22 if severe weather is predicted. If step S22 is omitted, the control unit 60 may start the present flowchart from step S14. Furthermore, when the wind blows from the south, the control unit 60 may store the belt-shaped members 34 located on the south side in the storage box 32, while leaving the belt-shaped members 34 located in other directions as they are without storing them in the storage box 32.

[0039] Here, the power generation capacity of the perovskite solar cell is 0.25 (kW / m 2 It is known that the area of ​​the belt-shaped member 34 is about 100 m. h. However, by providing a plurality of thin-film solar cell devices 30 on scaffolding installed at the site, it is possible to increase the area of ​​the belt-shaped member 34 (for example, 100 m) throughout the site. 2 For example, the area of ​​the entire belt-shaped member 34 can be set to 100 m or more. 2 Assuming this, the amount of power generated at the site is 0.25 (kW / m 2 ・h) × 100 (m 2 ) = 25 (kW / h).

[0040] Although the amount of power generated each month varies depending on the location where the thin-film solar cell device 30 is installed, the weather, and the season, a daily power generation amount of approximately 50 kW to 90 kW can be ensured.

[0041] If the CO2 emission coefficient is 0.457, the reduction in CO2 emissions will be approximately 23 kg to 41 kg per day. It is desirable that the control unit 60 displays the amount of power generated for each period (for example, one day, one week, one month, one year, etc.) and the amount of CO2 emissions reduced on the display unit 66. It is also desirable that the host computer compiles the amount of power generated and the amount of CO2 emissions reduced by various construction projects into a database or uses them as training data, and outputs the predicted amount of power generated and the predicted amount of CO2 emissions reduced when bidding for various construction projects depending on the scale of the construction. Note that in an actual construction site, the area of ​​the belt-shaped member 34 is 500 m 2 As a result, more power can be generated. In particular, in high-rise buildings, as construction progresses from the lower floors to the middle floors, temporary scaffolding 100 is installed in the Z direction, and therefore the scaffolding screen 20 is also installed in the Z direction. Therefore, in high-rise buildings, as construction progresses, the amount of power generated increases and the amount of CO2 emissions reduced also increases. Because the middle floors are more susceptible to wind than the lower floors, and the upper floors are more susceptible to wind than the middle floors, it is preferable to reduce the number of strip-shaped members 34 or increase the gaps between the strip-shaped members 34 as the building gets taller. Furthermore, when multiple thin-film solar cell devices 30 are installed along the X direction on the middle and upper floors, one may be skipped and the devices may be installed at intervals. For example, if five thin-film solar cell devices 30 are installed along the X direction on the lower floors, three thin-film solar cell devices 30 may be installed along the X direction on the upper floors.

[0042] In the process of Figure 7, power generation by the thin-film solar cell device 30 is performed while the worker is working (from the start time of work to the end time of work), but this is not limited to this, and power generation by the thin-film solar cell device 30 may be performed from sunrise to sunset.

[0043] As explained in detail above, according to this embodiment, the protective device 200 comprises the scaffolding curtain 20 that covers the temporary scaffolding 100, and the thin-film solar cell device 30 that is provided on the outside of the scaffolding curtain 20. As a result, the scaffolding curtain 20 that covers the temporary scaffolding 100 ensures the safety of nearby pedestrians from falling objects such as tools, and it becomes possible to use the electricity generated by the thin-film solar cell device 30 at the site where the temporary scaffolding 100 is set up.

[0044] In this embodiment, the thin-film solar cell device 30 has a plurality of strip-shaped members 34, which are electrically connected in parallel. This allows the use of power generated by the other strip-shaped members 34 to continue even if one of the strip-shaped members 34 fails.

[0045] In this embodiment, the multiple belt-shaped members 34 are connected vertically, and the control unit 60 tilts the multiple belt-shaped members 34 via the ladder cords 38 and the first drive unit 42. This allows for adjustment of the power generation efficiency, sunshade capacity, and amount of wind passing through the multiple belt-shaped members 34. Note that foreign matter such as dust and dirt may adhere to the surfaces of the multiple belt-shaped members 34. Therefore, the control unit 60 may repeatedly drive the multiple belt-shaped members 34 between an inclined state and a vertical state via the ladder cords 38 and the first drive unit 42 before work begins or after work is completed to remove the foreign matter. The control unit 60 may also perform the above-described foreign matter removal when the rainfall is approximately 5 mm per hour, allowing the rain to wash away foreign matter adhering to the surfaces of the belt-shaped members 34. The timing for removing the foreign matter is preferably stored in the timetable 70. Furthermore, the control unit 60 may remove foreign matter when the amount of power generated by the thin-film solar cell device 30 is less than the planned amount of power generation. The control unit 60 may also remove foreign matter individually depending on the direction or floor on which the thin-film solar cell device 30 is installed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the first drive unit 42 based on the conditions of the site and its surroundings detected by the various sensors 64. This allows the multiple strip-shaped members 34 to be adjusted to an appropriate state depending on the conditions of the site and its surroundings. The conditions of the site and its surroundings may be obtained from an external information processing device via the Internet, for example. For example, weather forecast information, temperature forecast information, and average values ​​for the site and its surroundings may be obtained from a server of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The conditions of the site and its surroundings may also be obtained from a camera that captures images of the site and its surroundings.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, there are gaps between the multiple strip-shaped members 34 that connect the space on the scaffolding curtain 20 side to the space on the opposite side of the scaffolding curtain 20, which improves ventilation in the temporary scaffolding 100 and prevents the thin-film solar cell device 30 from shaking due to the influence of the wind and causing it to break down.

[0048] In this embodiment, the surface of each of the belt-shaped members 34 is treated with a water-repellent coating, which makes it possible to prevent damage to the thin-film solar cell device 30 due to rain or dust.

[0049] In this embodiment, information about power generation is displayed on the display unit 66. This allows workers on-site to check the amount of power generation and the amount of CO2 reduction.

[0050] In this embodiment, the thin-film solar cell device 30 is hung from the single pipe (tubular member) 12 of the temporary scaffolding 100 via the hook 33. This allows the thin-film solar cell device 30 to be easily installed on the temporary scaffolding 100.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the thin-film solar cell device 30 includes a plurality of strip-shaped members 34 arranged to cover the surface of the scaffolding curtain 20, and a transition unit (control unit 60, second drive unit 44, and lifting cord 40) that transitions the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 from covering the surface of the scaffolding curtain 20 to not covering it, depending on the conditions at and around the site and weather information. This allows the thin-film solar cell device 30 to be in an appropriate state depending on the conditions at and around the site and weather information. For example, storing the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 in the storage box 32 when there is rain or strong winds can reduce the possibility of the thin-film solar cell device 30 breaking down. Furthermore, when there is no rain and the wind is weak, the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 can be used to generate electricity. Furthermore, when workers are present on the temporary scaffolding 100 and the sun is strong, the thin-film solar cell device 30 can be used as a sunshade by setting it in the state shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the thin-film solar cell device 30 has gaps between the multiple strip-shaped members 34, and the ratio of the area of ​​the scaffolding curtain 20 that is not covered by the gaps to the area of ​​the scaffolding curtain 20 that is covered by the multiple strip-shaped members 34 is 10 to 50%. This ensures appropriate ventilation. Furthermore, because the gaps are of an appropriate size, the thin-film solar cell device 30 can provide safety measures for nearby pedestrians (preventing tools and the like from falling) even without installing the scaffolding curtain 20 on the temporary scaffolding 100.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the wiring cords 52A, 52B are provided separately from the ladder cord 38 and the lift cord 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the ladder cord 38 or the lift cord 40 may have the functions of the wiring cords 52A, 52B. In this case, since the inverter 46 is disposed above the thin-film solar cell device 30, the wiring is not complicated and the device configuration can be simplified.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the higher the building, the higher the temporary scaffolding 100. In this case, the thin-film solar cell devices 30 can be installed in a vertical arrangement. When installing the thin-film solar cell devices 30 in a vertical arrangement, it is preferable to make the gaps between the strip-shaped members 34 of the thin-film solar cell device 30 located at the top larger (wider) than the gaps between the strip-shaped members 34 of the thin-film solar cell device 30 located at the top. By making the gaps larger for the thin-film solar cell device 30 installed in a position where the influence of wind is greater (the wind is stronger), it is possible to prevent the thin-film solar cell device 30 from being blown by the wind and breaking down.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 in the thin-film solar cell device 30 are arranged along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but this is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 may be arranged along the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the control unit 60 may adjust the inclination (angle with respect to the XZ plane) of the plurality of strip-shaped members 34 according to the position (direction) of the sun at each time.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the temporary scaffolding 100 is described as a single pipe scaffolding, but it is not limited to this and may be a frame scaffolding such as a bitty scaffolding or a log scaffolding. The storage box 32 may also be omitted to reduce costs. In this case, a hook 33 may be provided on the upper part, preferably the topmost strip-shaped member 34, and multiple strip-shaped members 34 may be hung from the single pipes 12.

[0057] When multiple thin-film solar cell devices are installed at a site, a thin-film solar cell device 30 (first thin-film solar cell) having a fiber portion that transitions the multiple strip-shaped members 34 from covering the surface of the scaffolding curtain 20 to not covering it, and a thin-film solar cell device (second thin-film solar cell) having a maintenance portion that maintains the state in which the multiple strip-shaped members 34 cover the surface of the scaffolding curtain 20 may be mixed. In this case, for example, the first thin-film solar cell can be installed in a location exposed to rain, and the second thin-film solar cell can be installed in a location not exposed to rain, such as under the eaves.

[0058] (Modifications) Modifications will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 11(b) Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a thin-film solar cell device 130 according to a modification.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, a thin-film solar cell device 130 according to the modified example includes a top rail 132 , a bottom rail 136 , and a battery section 134 provided between the top rail 132 and the bottom rail 136 .

[0060] The battery unit 134 is a thin plate (sheet-like) perovskite solar cell as shown in Fig. 9. The battery unit 134 has a large number of notches 135 formed therein as shown in Fig. 9, and when pulled in the vertical direction in Fig. 9 (the Z-axis direction in Fig. 8), it takes on the shape of a decorative net. Note that in order to suppress stress concentration at the ends of the notches 135 and to suppress damage (tears or tears) to the battery unit 134 from the ends of the notches 135, stress concentration avoidance portions such as circular holes may be formed at the ends of the notches 135.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, one end of each of the wiring cords 52A and 52B is connected to the battery section 134, and the other end of each of the wiring cords 52A and 52B is connected to the inverter 46.

[0062] 3, the top rail 132 is suspended from the single pipe 12 by a hook (not shown). A battery section 134 is suspended from the top rail 132.

[0063] The bottom rail 136 is located below the battery unit 134 and is connected to the battery unit 134. A cord 140 is attached to the bottom rail 136. The cord 140 is connected to the first drive unit 42, and the cord 140 is wound up and unwound by the first drive unit 42.

[0064] For example, assume that the battery unit 134 is in the state shown in FIG. 10( a) (referred to as the "first state"). In this case, when viewed from the +X direction, the rectangular area E indicated by the dashed line is tilted at an angle α with respect to the Z axis, as shown in FIG. 10( b). On the other hand, when the battery unit 134 is pulled downward from the first state shown in FIG. 10( a) (the "second state"), it appears as shown in FIG. 11( a). In this case, when viewed from the +X direction, the rectangular area E indicated by the dashed line is tilted at an angle β (>α) with respect to the Z axis, as shown in FIG. 11( b). Thus, in the battery unit 134 of this modified example, the first drive unit 42 adjusts the degree of winding of the cord 140 (the degree of tension on the battery unit 134), thereby changing the tilt of each part.

[0065] Therefore, the control unit of the thin-film solar cell device 130 of this modified example adjusts the inclination of the battery unit 134 by driving the first drive unit 42 based on the current time obtained from the clock 62 (see FIG. 5) and the measurement results of the various sensors 64 (see FIG. 5). This makes it possible to improve power generation efficiency, as in the above embodiment. Note that, although the case where the battery unit 134 is pulled in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) has been described in this modified example, it may alternatively or additionally be pulled in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] In this modified example, the surface of the battery section 134 is also water-repellent. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by rain or dust. In this modified example, a storage box 32 similar to that in the above embodiment may be provided instead of the top rail 132. In this case, the battery section 134 may be stored in the storage box 32 as appropriate, similar to the above embodiment.

[0067] In the above embodiment and modified example, the case where the thin-film solar cell devices 30, 130 are provided on the temporary scaffolding 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thin-film solar cell devices 30, 130 may be provided on a protective net provided on a cliff or a slope. In this case, the electricity generated by the thin-film solar cell devices 30, 130 can be used to drive sensors that detect the state of the cliff or slope (such as underground displacement meters (strain gauges) and odor sensors used to predict landslides), other sensors, and other devices that require a power source.

[0068] The thin-film solar cell devices 30, 130 may be provided on objects other than the temporary scaffolding 100 or the protective net.

[0069] The above-described embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0070] 12 Single pipe 20 Scaffolding curtain 30 Thin-film solar cell device 33 Hook 34 Belt-shaped member 38 Ladder cord 40 Lifting cord 42 First drive unit 44 Second drive unit 46 Inverter 52A, 52B Wiring cord 60 Control unit 64 Various sensors 66 Display unit 100 Temporary scaffolding 200 Protection device

Claims

1. A protective device comprising: a protective member for covering an object; and a thin-film solar cell provided on the outside of the protective member.

2. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the thin-film solar cell has a first battery section and a second battery section which are separated and provided in the protective member, and the first battery section and the second battery section are electrically connected in parallel.

3. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the thin-film solar cell is made up of a plurality of strip members connected in a vertical or horizontal direction, and is provided with an inclined portion for inclining the plurality of strip members.

4. A protective device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said tilting section tilts said plurality of belt-shaped members based on the detection results of a sensor which detects the condition around said object.

5. A protection device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising wiring connected to said thin-film solar cells, said tilting portion tilting said plurality of strip-shaped members using said wiring.

6. The protection device according to claim 5, wherein an inverter is connected to the wiring, and the inverter is disposed above the thin-film solar cell.

7. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the thin-film solar cell has a gap that connects the space on the protective member side to the space on the opposite side of the protective member.

8. A protective device as described in claim 7, wherein the thin-film solar cell has a first battery section and a second battery section which are separated from each other by the protective member, and the gap section is formed by separating the first battery section and the second battery section.

9. A protective device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a condition around the object using power from the thin-film solar cell.

10. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the surface of said thin-film solar cell is treated to be water-repellent.

11. The protection device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying information relating to power generation by said thin-film solar cell.

12. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the protective member includes a tubular member forming a scaffold for construction, and a support member is provided for supporting the thin-film solar cell by suspending it from the tubular member.

13. A protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the object is a building.

14. A power generation device comprising: a first thin-film solar cell arranged in a state covering the surface of an object; a second thin-film solar cell arranged in a location different from the first thin-film solar cell; a transition section that transitions the first thin-film solar cell from a state covering the surface of the object to a state not covering the surface of the object; and a maintenance section that does not transition the second thin-film solar cell from a state covering the surface of the object to a state not covering the surface of the object.

15. A power generation device as described in claim 14, wherein the transition unit transitions the first thin-film solar cell from a state covering the surface of the object to a state not covering the surface of the object, depending on at least one of the conditions around the object and meteorological information.

16. A power generation device comprising thin-film solar cells arranged to cover the surface of an object and having a gap connecting a space on the object side with a space on the opposite side of the object, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the object's surface not covered by the gap to the area of ​​the object's surface covered by the thin-film solar cells is 10 to 50%.

17. The power generating device according to claim 16, further comprising: a sensor for detecting a condition around the object; and an adjustment section for adjusting the size of the gap in the thin-film solar cell based on a result of detection by the sensor.

18. A power generation device as described in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the thin-film solar cell comprises a first thin-film solar cell and a second thin-film solar cell provided above the first thin-film solar cell, and the size of the gap of the second thin-film solar cell is larger than the size of the gap of the first thin-film solar cell.

19. The power generating device according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a retraction device for retracting the thin-film solar cells in response to meteorological information.

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