Cylindrical photovoltaic apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic apparatus and, more particularly, to a cylindrical photovoltaic apparatus in which a flat power generation module sheet is curved into a cylindrical shape and then fixed so that the flat power generation module sheet can be formed into a cylindrical shape and then fixed to various types of pillars. The present invention comprises: a power generation unit (7) including a flat power generation module sheet (1) with flexibility and a terminal (5) connected to the power generation module sheet (1); and a fixing mechanism (3) for cylindrically fixing the power generation module sheet (2), wherein the fixing mechanism (3) includes: an inner surface support port (9) in which a holder (13) is provided at the center thereof and a pair of inner support plates (15, 17) positioned on the same circumference at both sides of the holder (13) are symmetrically provided in a wing-like manner to the left and the right; and an outer surface support port (11) in which an insertion part (19) press-inserted into and coupled to the holder (13) at the center thereof and a pair of outer support plates (21, 23) positioned on the same circumference at both sides of the insertion part (19) are symmetrically provided in a wing-like manner to the left and the right, and end portions on both sides of the power generation module sheet (1) are inserted into and fixed to respective spaces between the inner support plates (15, 17) and the outer support plates (21, 23).

Description

Cylindrical solar power generation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device, and more specifically, to a cylindrical solar power generation device that is formed by bending a flat power generation module sheet into a cylindrical shape and then fixing it, thereby forming a cylindrical shape and then fixing it to various types of pillars.

[0002] Streetlights are typically installed to illuminate roads. Since streetlights are structurally and functionally similar to security lights, the concept can be used to include security lights.

[0003] Streetlights typically include lighting fixtures installed on poles and suspended from the top of those poles. Streetlights are installed in a wide variety of locations, including alleyways, parks, and roadways, and their size and scale are determined by their specific purpose.

[0004] Meanwhile, widespread research is underway to reduce fossil fuel use and protect the environment, and efforts to utilize clean energy sources like solar energy are part of this effort. Consequently, lighting devices powered by solar power are becoming widespread. These solar-powered lighting devices offer the advantages of being economical and easy to install, as they do not require an external power source.

[0005] However, when utilizing solar power generation, if sunlight is insufficient, the power generated cannot be sufficiently powered to properly light the system. Furthermore, conventional solar panels, which are flat plates, increase the size of the lighting system and pose structural risks in strong winds.

[0006] Streetlights should not be lit irregularly depending on weather conditions. Installing large, flat solar panels on streetlights is also aesthetically undesirable. For this reason, streetlights using solar panels have not become widespread.

[0007] However, recently, solar power generation technology that can generate power even with a small amount of light, regardless of the amount of sunlight, has begun to become widespread. This technology enables power generation not only in rainy weather but also at night when there is ambient light. This demonstrates the potential for developing streetlights utilizing solar power. The inventor of the present invention has filed a patent for incorporating a solar module with this performance into a streetlight.

[0008] However, since this includes an installation pipe (17), the weight of the device increases significantly and it is very difficult for a worker to install it alone. Even if the installation pipe (17) is made of aluminum, a lightweight metal, the problem still persists.

[0009]

[0010] To address the above issues, the present invention provides a cylindrical solar power generation device and a column, such as a streetlight, utilizing the device. More specifically, the present invention provides a solar power generation device that utilizes flexible solar panels to significantly reduce its size, has its own heat dissipation function, is lightweight, and can be installed by a single worker without significant difficulty. Furthermore, the present invention provides a column utilizing the device and a power generation function. Other objectives will be further elaborated in the following description.

[0011]

[0012] The purpose is as above,

[0013] A power generation unit including a flexible flat power generation module sheet and a terminal connected to the power generation module sheet; and a fixing mechanism for fixing the power generation unit in a cylindrical shape;

[0014] The above fixing device is,

[0015] An inner support member having a holder installed in the center and a pair of inner support plates positioned on the same circumference on both sides of the holder, symmetrically installed left and right in the same manner as wings; and

[0016] An outer support member having an insertion part that is press-fitted into the holder at the center and is joined, and a pair of outer support plates positioned on the same circumference on both sides of the insertion part are installed symmetrically left and right like wings;

[0017] This is achieved by a cylindrical solar power generation device characterized in that both ends of the above power generation module sheet are respectively fitted and fixed in the space between the inner support plate and the outer support plate.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder has a cross section of "It provides a receiving space in the form of a holder, and a catch is provided on the inner wall of the holder;

[0019] The above insertion part has a cross section of " "It may include a pair of fingers having a rake-like end so as to be fitted into the receiving space of the holder and fixed to the catch.

[0020] The thickness of the inner support plate of the inner support member may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the outer support plate of the outer support member.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a thickness setting member protruding and extending in the radial direction of the power generation module sheet is integrally connected to the inner wall of the holder;

[0022] The inner wall of the above-mentioned thickness setting member may be inclined to a point where the catch is provided so that the finger can be easily inserted.

[0023]

[0024] According to the above configuration, solar power generation module sheets, previously used only in flat form, can now be used in a cylindrical shape, thereby diversifying installation locations and significantly improving utility. This provides an opportunity to generate power by installing them on various nearby poles, such as bollards, streetlights, security lights, and traffic lights.

[0025] In addition, the cylindrical solar power generation device according to the present invention is light enough for one to two workers to handle, so it can be easily installed anywhere, thereby contributing to further popularizing solar power generation.

[0026]

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cylindrical solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a cylindrical solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cylindrical solar power generation device in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical solar power generation device in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of Figure 6.

[0034]

[0035] * Explanation of symbols for major parts of the drawing *

[0036] 1: Power generation module sheet

[0037] 3: Fixture

[0038] 5: Terminal

[0039] 7: Power generation unit

[0040] 9: Inner support area

[0041] 11: External support area

[0042] 13: Holder

[0043] 15,17: Inner support plate

[0044] 19: Insertion part

[0045] 21,23: Outer support plate

[0046] 25: Hanging

[0047] 27: Finger

[0048] 29,31: Thickness setting bar

[0049] 33,35: Reinforcement

[0050] 37: Inner adhesive layer

[0051] 39: Outer adhesive layer

[0052] 41: Upper fastening ring

[0053] 43: Lower fastening ring

[0054] 45: Column

[0055] 47,49: Ventilation holes

[0056] 51: Connector ring

[0057] 53,55: Power generation module seat joint

[0058]

[0059] Hereinafter, the specific details of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. First, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7 simultaneously, and specific drawings will be cited where necessary.

[0060] The cylindrical solar power generation device according to the present invention is cylindrical, as shown in the drawing. Recent advancements in solar power generation technology have enabled the device to effectively generate power even without direct sunlight. It has even become possible to generate power at night by receiving ambient light.

[0061] The foundation of solar power generation is the power module sheet. Currently, power module sheets are produced and distributed by numerous companies around the world. Performance varies depending on the company.

[0062] The details of the power generation module sheet (1) are omitted as they are part of a public notice. The power generation module sheet (1) is basically flexible and has a laminated structure, so it has a certain thickness. Even though the power generation module sheet (1) is flexible, it has a length (L) of 1 to 2 m, a thickness (T0) of 2 to 3 mm, and is rigid, so it does not bend easily. If pressure is incorrectly applied during the bending process, damage may occur, which may reduce the power generation function.

[0063] Even if carefully bent into a cylindrical shape and secured at both ends, it is difficult to maintain a fixed state due to its own elasticity. This is because various problems can arise during use, such as the fixed part becoming loose or bursting due to its own elastic restoring force or deterioration from solar heat.

[0064] To address these issues, the present invention proposes a fixing mechanism (3) and a fixing method for rounding a power generation module sheet (1) and then fixing both ends to maintain it in a cylindrical shape. This fixing mechanism (3) and fixing method were perfected through extensive trial and error by the inventor.

[0065]

[0066] A flexible flat power generation module sheet (1) forms a power generation unit (7) together with a terminal (5). The generated electric energy is supplied to various types of demand sources through the terminal (5).

[0067] The fixing mechanism (3) is a means for maintaining the rigid but flexible power module sheet (1) in a cylindrical fixed state. The fixing mechanism (3) includes an inner support member (9) and an outer support member (11) that are mutually connected.

[0068] At the center of the inner support area (9) is a cross section called " " A holder (13) in the shape of a " is installed, and a pair of inner support plates (15, 17) positioned on the same circumference are installed on both sides of the holder (13). The inner support plates (15, 17) are installed symmetrically left and right with the holder (13) as the center, like wings.

[0069] The width (W) of each inner support plate (15, 17) can be adjusted according to the rigidity of the power generation module sheet (1), but can be 30 to 100 mm. That is, the inner support plate (15, 17) supports the end of the power generation module sheet (1) over a wide area. The inner support member (9) has sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation due to the restoring force of the power generation module sheet (1).

[0070]

[0071] At the center of the outer support member (11), there is an insertion portion (19) that is press-fitted into the holder (13) and joined, and on both sides of the insertion portion (19), a pair of outer support plates (21, 23) positioned on the same circumference are installed. The outer support plates (21, 23) are also installed symmetrically left and right with the insertion portion (19) as the center, like wings.

[0072]

[0073] The inner support member (9) and the outer support member (11) are installed over the entire length of the power generation module sheet (1). However, they may be installed over the entire length of the power generation module sheet (1) while leaving a portion for installing the upper fastening ring member (41) and the lower fastening ring member (43) described later.

[0074] This is a component that has a constant cross-sectional shape along the length direction by being manufactured by extrusion or drawing using metal or synthetic resin. The inner support member (9) and the outer support member (11) are preferably made of aluminum.

[0075]

[0076] The insertion part (19) of the outer support member (11) can be assembled and fixed by being pressed into the holder (13) of the inner support member in a male-female joint manner. It is preferable that the inner support member (9) and the outer support member (11) be joined in a semi-permanent manner that cannot be separated by a general method once they are joined. The inner support member (9) and the outer support member (11) are joined with the both ends (1a, 1b) of the power generation module sheet interposed therebetween. That is, only the both ends (1a, 1b) of the power generation module sheet are inserted into the space between the inner support plates (15, 17) and the outer support plates (21, 23) and fixed in a cylindrical shape.

[0077]

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder (13) has a cross section of "It provides an upwardly open receiving space (S1) in the form of a holder (13). A lower hanging protrusion (25) is provided on both inner walls of the holder (13).

[0079]

[0080] The insertion part (19) has a cross section of " "It may include a pair of fingers (27) having a claw-like (27a) end (or dovetail-shaped) so that they are fitted into the receiving space (S1) of the holder (13) in the same form and are fixed to the catch (25). The fingers (27) are elastically compressed by the press fit and are fixed to the catch (25) with a 'click'. Therefore, once they are fixed in the coupling direction, they cannot be separated by normal force.

[0081]

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the average thickness (T1) of the inner support plate (15, 17) of the inner support member (9) may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the average thickness (T2) of the outer support plate (21, 23) of the outer support member (11). The finger (27) is equivalent to the thickness of the outer support plate (21, 23).

[0083] According to this thickness ratio, the inner support member (9) contributes to strongly supporting the shape of the power generation module sheet (1), and the outer support member (11) can be joined to the inner support member (9) while flowing elastically to a certain degree.

[0084]

[0085] Meanwhile, a thickness setting member (29, 31) that protrudes and extends in the radial direction of the cylindrical power generation module sheet (1) is integrally connected to the inner wall of the holder (13). The inner wall (29a, 31a) of the thickness setting member (29, 31) may be inclined to a point where a catch (25) is provided to facilitate insertion of the finger (27).

[0086] At the top of the thickness setting plate (29, 31), a reinforcing bar (33, 35) protrudes and extends toward the outside of the receiving space (S1). The reinforcing bar (33, 35) is for maintaining rigidity.

[0087]

[0088] An inner adhesive layer (37) may be interposed between the upper surface of the inner support plate (15, 17) and the inner surface of the power generation module sheet (1). In addition, an outer adhesive layer (39) may be interposed between the lower surface of the outer support plate (21, 23) and the outer surface of the power generation module sheet (1). The inner adhesive layer (37) and the outer adhesive layer (39) may be provided by applying an adhesive or using a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0089]

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an upper fastening ring body (41) and a lower fastening ring body (43) may be installed at the upper and lower ends of a cylindrical power generation module sheet (1), respectively. The upper fastening ring body (41) is fitted and fixed to the upper end of the power generation module sheet (1). The upper fastening ring body (41) may include various fixing means to be fixed to the outer circumference of the column body (45, see FIGS. 5 and 6). The upper fastening ring body (41) and the lower fastening ring body (43) may be fixed to the power generation module sheet in various ways, such as by bonding or riveting.

[0091] The lower fastening ring (43) is fitted and fixed to the lower end of the power generation module sheet (1). The lower fastening ring (43) may include various fixing means to be fixed to the outer circumference of the column (45).

[0092] These fasteners may be bolts, clamps, bands, adhesives, or welds.

[0093] The upper fastening ring (41) and the lower fastening ring (43) serve as a medium connecting the power generation module sheet and the column (45). The upper fastening ring (41) and the lower fastening ring (43) may be provided with ventilation holes (47, 49) to allow air to flow in the vertical direction.

[0094] The upper fastening ring body (41) and the lower fastening ring body (43) are described in detail in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2131843 registered by the inventor of the present invention, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095]

[0096] Hereinafter, the use of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. As illustrated, the power generation column utilizes a cylindrical power generation device according to the present invention. By fixing the cylindrical power generation device to the outer periphery of the column (45), a power generation column as illustrated is provided. The power generation column herein is a streetlight with a power generation function.

[0097]

[0098] Meanwhile, a connector ring (51) may be installed so that the power generation module sheets (1) can be used by connecting them continuously in the longitudinal direction. The connector ring (51) is provided with power generation module sheet connecting portions (53, 55) in the vertical direction. This connector ring (51) is used when connecting the power generation module sheets (1) in the longitudinal direction according to the length of the column body (45).

[0099] Although not shown, a connection terminal that enables electrical connection between the power generation module sheets (1) may be installed in this connector ring (51). As a result, electrical connection can be automatically made by simply assembling and fixing the power generation module sheets (1) in a longitudinal direction with the connector ring (51) in between.

[0100]

[0101] The cylindrical solar power generation device according to the present invention is naturally installed using a predetermined column (45). This column (45) can be used in a wide variety of applications, including streetlights, landscape lights, security lights, CCTV installation stands, utility poles, bollards (vehicle entry prevention devices installed on roads), and traffic lights. The uses of the generated power can also be diverse, including light bulbs, CCTV cameras, household and industrial applications, anti-icing heaters, and traffic lights.

[0102] The configurations illustrated and described above are merely preferred embodiments based on the technical concepts of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will likely make various modifications based on common technical knowledge, but it should be noted that such modifications fall within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments disclosed above may be combined in various ways, and all such combinations fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power generation unit (7) including a flexible flat power generation module sheet (1) and a terminal (5) connected to the power generation module sheet (1); and a fixing mechanism (3) for fixing the power generation module sheet (2) in a cylindrical shape; The above fixing device (3) is, An inner support member (9) having a holder (13) installed in the center and a pair of inner support plates (15, 17) positioned on the same circumference on both sides of the holder (13) symmetrically installed left and right in the same manner as wings; and It includes an outer support member (11) having an insertion part (19) that is press-fitted and joined to the holder (13) at the center, and a pair of outer support plates (21, 23) positioned on the same circumference on both sides of the insertion part (19) are installed symmetrically left and right like wings; A cylindrical solar power generation device characterized in that only the ends on both sides of the power generation module sheet (1) are fitted into the space between the inner support plate (15, 17) and the outer support plate (21, 23) and fixed in a cylindrical shape.

2. In paragraph 1, The above holder (13) has a cross-section of " "It provides a receiving space in the form of a holder (13), and a catch (25) is provided on the inner wall of the holder (13); The above insertion part (19) has a cross-section of " A cylindrical solar power generation device characterized in that it includes a pair of fingers (27) having a rake-like end so as to be fitted into the receiving space of the holder (13) in the form of a " and fixed to the catch (25).

3. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical solar power generation device characterized in that the thickness of the inner support plate (15, 17) of the inner support member (9) is 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the outer support plate (21, 23) of the outer support member (11).

4. In paragraph 1, A thickness setting member (29, 31) extending in the radial direction of the power generation module sheet (1) is integrally connected to the inner wall of the holder (13); A cylindrical solar power generation device characterized in that the inner wall of the above thickness setting member (29, 31) is inclined to a point where the catch (25) is provided so that the finger (27) can be easily inserted.

5. In paragraph 1, An upper fastening ring body (41) that is fitted and fixed to the upper part of the above-mentioned power generation module sheet (1) having a cylindrical shape and has a fixing means for fixing it to the outer surface of the column body (45); and A lower fastening ring body (43) that is fitted and fixed to the lower end of the above-mentioned power generation module sheet (1) having a cylindrical shape and has a fixing means for fixing it to the outer surface of the column body (45); A cylindrical solar power generation device characterized by further including:

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