Solar module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar module (1) comprising a solar laminate panel (2) and a solar module frame secured to the solar laminate panel, wherein the solar module frame has at least one frame profile (3), and the solar laminate panel extends laterally over a laminate surface. At least one laminate surface of the solar laminate panel is open on at least one side without a cover against solar radiation incident from a normal direction (N), and at least one edge region of the solar laminate panel is received in a laminate receiving channel (4) of the frame profile (3). The aim of the invention is to provide solar modules which are improved in comparison to the prior art. This is achieved by a solar module in which the frame profile (3) has a frame channel (5) which is located laterally adjacent to the solar laminate panel or a frame channel which protrudes laterally beyond the solar laminate panel.

Description

[0001] solar module

[0002] The present invention relates to a solar module with a solar laminate plate and a solar module frame fastened to the solar laminate plate, wherein the solar module frame has at least one frame profile, wherein the solar laminate plate extends laterally over a laminate surface, wherein at least one laminate surface of the solar laminate plate is open at least on one side without being covered to the incidence of solar radiation from a normal direction and wherein at least one edge region of the solar laminate plate is received in a laminate receiving channel of the frame profile.

[0003] Solar modules serve the technical utilization of solar energy. There are various types of solar modules. Photovoltaic solar modules comprising a solar laminate plate are of particularly great economic importance. The solar laminate plate has a translucent front housing plate, in particular a glass pane, an interconnection of semiconductor solar cells in a photovoltaically active layer, in particular based on crystalline silicon solar wafers, and a rear housing layer, in particular a backside film or a backside glass plate. Further components and details of the solar laminate plate will not be discussed further here, as this is not necessary to illustrate the invention. There are both frameless and framed solar modules. The frame of solar modules protects the mechanically sensitive solar laminate plate during transport and installation.It also increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the solar modules, so that the mechanical requirements for the substructure of a solar system are lower when using framed solar modules than when using unframed solar modules. Furthermore, the frame can be connected to a substructure, for example, clamped or screwed. In some solar systems, the substructure and the fastening of the solar modules to the substructure account for a high proportion of the cost of the solar system; simple and cost-effective solutions for solar systems are desirable. Mechanical requirements vary depending on the installation location of solar systems. For example, in high mountain areas, increased snow and wind loads occur, which can lead to overloads in framed solar modules with conventional frame profiles. In vertical applications of conventional solar modules, snow can remain on the frame and cause shading.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide solar modules that are improved over the prior art. This object is achieved by a solar module as described above, in which the frame profile has at least one frame channel that extends laterally beyond the solar laminate panel.

[0005] Frames made of hollow profiles with open or closed channels are lighter than solid frames. Solar module frames are therefore often made of hollow profiles. The frame profiles usually have a U-shaped laminate receiving channel into which an edge region of the solar laminate panel is inserted and / or glued. Furthermore, the frame profiles typically have additional profile walls and frame channels. In the prior art, the frame channels are arranged essentially behind the solar laminate panel in the normal direction, in which solar radiation is intended to reach the front of the solar module. In the present invention, however, the frame profile also has at least one frame channel that projects laterally beyond the solar laminate panel.This means that, in a top view of the solar module according to the invention, the frame profile not only extends beyond the solar laminate panel by the thickness of the frame profile, but an entire frame channel or a significant or predominant portion of the width of a frame channel is arranged laterally next to the solar laminate. This solar module enables better and simpler mounting options. In vertical, winter applications, less snow also remains on the frame of this solar module. The frame can also be designed to be stiffer and more resilient than the frame of a conventional solar module.

[0006] In the solar module according to the invention, the frame profile can have at least one frame channel with a triangular cross-section and / or a polygonal frame channel with a triangular cross-sectional partial area, wherein the triangular frame channel and / or the polygonal frame channel with the triangular cross-sectional partial area has a triangular vertex arranged at the opening of the laminate receiving channel and formed from the channel walls. Such a frame profile has a decreasing thickness in the normal direction towards the light incidence surface of the solar module. Along the oblique side of the triangle, obliquely incident light can reach the light incidence surface of the solar module without the frame causing shading. Both the front of the solar module, viewed in the normal direction, and the back of the solar module can have a light incidence surface.If the solar module can also absorb light on its back and convert it into electrical current, then the solar module is also referred to as a bifacial solar module. In bifacial solar modules, the front of the solar module is often more efficient at generating photocurrent than the back. However, solar modules with high bifacialities can also be realized, up to 100%, in which case the front and back are equally efficient. The triangular frame channel or the polygonal frame channel also contributes to the mechanical strength of the solar module frame. In a vertical application, the triangular frame channel allows snow to slide off more easily than with a conventional solar module, thus reducing shading caused by snow lying on the frame.

[0007] The frame profile of the solar module according to the invention can be an extruded multi-chamber profile made of an aluminum alloy. Aluminum is a relatively lightweight metal with good corrosion resistance. Aluminum alloys can also be extruded into favorable profile shapes. However, frame profiles according to the invention can also be made of other materials, e.g., steel or fiber-reinforced plastics.

[0008] The frame profile can have at least one slot-block channel provided with a strip-shaped opening for receiving at least one slot-block. Slot-block channels and slot-blocks are proven structures for connecting profiles to the slot-block channels, to other profiles, and / or to other structural elements.

[0009] The frame profile can have two T-slot channels in its cross-sectional area. By using two or more T-slot channels, the absorbable forces can be doubled or even increased. Furthermore, by spatially spaced arrangements of at least two T-slot channels, leverage forces can be avoided.

[0010] One of the two T-slot channels can be positioned in front of the solar laminate panel in the normal direction, and the other can be positioned behind the solar laminate panel in the normal direction. Some loads, such as vibrations, can be effectively absorbed with such frame profiles because the forces on the front and rear T-slot channels point in different directions and are hardly transmitted to a substructure due to the double fastening to two T-slot channels. With such frame profiles, deformation of solar modules equipped with them can be limited to permissible values ​​under high mechanical loads.

[0011] One of several T-slot channels can also be arranged laterally next to the solar laminate panel, while another T-slot channel can be arranged in the normal direction after the solar laminate panel. With such a frame profile, two force application areas can be realized without the frame profile protruding significantly beyond the front of the solar laminate panel. The almost flat front of the corresponding solar module allows snow to slide off more easily, for example, in applications on sloping roofs, than from solar modules with a larger frame overhang on the front.

[0012] The frame profile can also have slotted nut channels on three sides, so that a variety of mounting options are available for the solar module.

[0013] The solar module can further comprise at least one closure element for closing the slotted nut channel. These closure elements can be used to create flat areas that reduce snow freezing and dirt accumulation. Furthermore, channel closure elements can also provide aesthetic enhancements.

[0014] A solar module according to the invention can be realized with a solar module frame formed on all four sides from the frame profile, wherein the frame profiles abut one another at a miter angle in the corners of the solar module frame and are mechanically connected to one another with a corner connector. From a manufacturing and logistical perspective, it is simplest if only one type of profile is used to manufacture the solar module. However, profiles specialized for specific tasks, at least locally, can also be installed in a solar module according to the invention. For example, a frame profile can be arranged on the side intended for installation at the bottom, which allows snow to slide off more easily than lateral sections of the frame.

[0015] The solar module frame can also be composed of frame profiles on all four sides, plus additional corner elements in the corners between the frame profiles. The corner elements can be equipped with additional features, such as a water drainage channel, that a frame composed of four mitered frame profiles does not have.

[0016] A solar module according to the invention can also have a solar module frame that has a one-sided, protruding frame profile on at least one side of the solar module or in at least one side section of the solar module. This frame, at least in some sections, does not extend beyond the front side of the solar laminate panel in a direction opposite to the normal direction, but is, for example, flush with it. This allows snow, water, and / or dirt to be more effectively drained away from this solar module.

[0017] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to drawings, in which

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a frame profile of a solar module from the prior art as a reference, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a frame profile in cross section,

[0019] Fig. 3 an embodiment of a frame profile in cross section,

[0020] Fig. 4 a solar module according to the invention in plan view,

[0021] Fig. 5 a solar module according to the invention attached to vertical posts,

[0022] Fig. 6 an embodiment of a frame profile in cross section, and

[0023] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a frame profile in cross section.

[0024] Fig. 1 initially shows a section of a conventional solar module from the prior art in a cross-section through a frame profile of the solar module. The solar module has a large-area solar laminate plate 2, of which only a portion is shown at the edge. The solar laminate plate 2 is surrounded on all four of its side edges by frame profiles 3. The frame profiles 3 are connected to one another to form a circumferential frame. The outer areas of the solar laminate plate 2 are inserted into laminate receiving channels 4 of the frame profiles 3 and glued there, so that the frame and the solar laminate plate are firmly connected to one another. The solar module shown has its front side at the top, onto which sunlight can shine onto the solar cells in the solar laminate plate 2 from the normal direction N and also from other angles.When viewed in the normal direction N behind the solar laminate panel 2, the frame profile 3 features a frame channel 5, which provides mechanical stability to the frame profile. In some situations with oblique light incidence from behind, this frame can cast a shadow on the back of the bifacial solar laminate panel 2, which ultimately leads to reduced module efficiency.

[0025] In the various figures, identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference symbols. Unless specific differences are noted, the explanations for a reference symbol are generally valid and also apply to other figures.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a solar module 1 according to the invention in a similar section to Fig. 1, but in an orientation rotated to the left. Here, too, the solar laminate plate 2 is arranged in a laminate receiving channel 4. In contrast to the frame profile 3 in Fig. 1, the frame profile 3 has a closed frame channel 5, which is arranged laterally next to the solar laminate plate 2 (or below it in the present illustration). The frame profile 3 shown here also has two sliding block channels 8, in which a sliding block 9 is also sketched, and two frame channels 6 with a triangular cross-section.Thanks to the different structure and the two groove channels, the presented frame can be easily connected to a substructure. In vertical applications, less snow remains on the frame of this solar module than on the frame of a conventional solar module, because snow finds little hold on the relatively narrow triangular frame channels 6 and therefore slides off easily. In the normal direction N, this frame profile features reinforcing structures both in front of the solar laminate panel 2 and behind it in the form of the T-slot nut channels 8 and the triangular frame channels 6, which give the frame high mechanical strength. This frame profile 3 is well suited for vertical and other steep applications. There are many ways to attach this solar module 1 to suitable brackets. If significant deflection of the solar module 1 must be avoided, double attachments can be provided in opposing groove channels 8.In some embodiments, fastening elements are used which are attached to three T-slot channels arranged on three sides of the frame profile.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a solar module 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the frame profile 3 is designed asymmetrically in its cross-section. On the front side shown on the left, this frame profile 3 has less projection beyond the solar laminate panel 2 against the normal direction N. As a result, this frame profile offers less resistance to sliding snow at flatter installation angles than the frame profile 3 of Fig. 2. Another difference is the polygonal frame channel 7, which can be viewed as a merging of two frame channels with rectangular and triangular cross-sections.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a top view of the solar module 1 from Fig. 3 (although the top view of the solar module 1 from Fig. 2 looks identical). In this exemplary embodiment, the outer frame of the solar module 1 is made from four pieces of the frame profile 3, which abut each other at miter angles in the corners of the frame. Corner connector clamps are located inside the frame channels in the corners; these, along with the adhesive connections between the solar laminate panel 2 and the frame profiles 3, contribute to the stability of the solar module 1 according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a partial example of a solar system with a solar module 1 according to the invention. The solar system here is a vertical mounting of solar modules, such as is used for fences and soundproof walls. The solar system 12 is anchored in the ground via vertical posts 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the stable frame of the solar module 1 according to the invention is screwed directly to the posts via profile connector plates 12 and profile connector corners 13. In this exemplary embodiment, all screws are screwed into sliding blocks 9, which are located in sliding block channels 8 of the frame profiles 3 and the posts 12.In addition to the four visible profile connector plates 10, four additional, invisible profile connector plates on the rear side ensure stable attachment of the solar module 1 to the posts and relatively low deflection of the solar module 1 in strong winds, without the need for horizontal supports to stabilize the solar system. Profile connector corners 11 are cost-effective mass-produced products for stable and attractive corner connections.

[0030] Fig. 6 shows the cross-section of a frame profile 3 in which it is shown by way of example that in some embodiments the sliding blocks 9 are arranged in closed frame channels. Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of a protrusion-free frame profile 13 which, in one embodiment, is connected as the lower and upper, narrow frame element of a solar module (not shown) with two lateral, long frame profiles 3 according to Fig. 6. This solar module can be used advantageously on roofs because the protrusion-free frame profile 13 on the upper side of the solar module is flush with the solar laminate plate, so that snow, rainwater and dirt can flow easily over the protrusion-free frame profiles 3 which are flush with the front.

[0031] List of reference symbols

[0032] 1 solar module

[0033] 2 solar laminate panels

[0034] 3 frame profile

[0035] 4 laminate receiving channel

[0036] 5 frame channel

[0037] 6 triangular frame channel in cross section

[0038] 7 polygonal frame channel

[0039] 8 T-slot channel

[0040] 9 T-slot nut

[0041] 10 profile connector sheet

[0042] 11 Profile connector corner

[0043] 12 posts (for solar fence)

[0044] 13 protrusion-free frame profile

[0045] N Normal direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Solar module (1) with a solar laminate plate (2) and a solar module frame fastened to the solar laminate plate (2), wherein the solar module frame has at least one frame profile (3), wherein the solar laminate plate (2) extends laterally over a laminate surface, wherein at least one laminate surface of the solar laminate plate (2) is open on at least one side without obstruction to the incidence of solar radiation from a normal direction (N), and wherein at least one edge region of the solar laminate plate (2) is received in a laminate receiving channel (4) of the frame profile (3), characterized in that the frame profile (3) has at least one frame channel (5, 7) projecting laterally beyond the solar laminate plate (2).

2. Solar module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame profile (3) has at least one frame channel (6) with a triangular cross-section and / or a polygonal frame channel (7) with a triangular cross-sectional partial area, wherein the triangular frame channel (6) and / or the polygonal frame channel (7) with the triangular cross-sectional partial area has a triangular vertex formed from the channel walls and arranged at the opening of the laminate receiving channel (4).

3. Solar module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame profile (3) is an extruded multi-chamber profile made of an aluminum alloy.

4. Solar module (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame profile (3) has at least one sliding block channel (8) provided with a strip-shaped opening for receiving at least one sliding block (9).

5. Solar module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the frame profile (3) has two sliding block channels (8) in its cross-sectional area.

6. Solar module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the two sliding block channels (8) is arranged in the normal direction in front of the solar laminate plate (2) and the other of the two sliding block channels (8) is arranged in the normal direction after the solar laminate plate (2).

7. Solar module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the two sliding block channels (8) is arranged laterally next to the solar laminate plate (2) and the other of the two sliding block channels (8) is arranged in the normal direction after the solar laminate plate (2).

8. Solar module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the solar module has at least one closure element for closing the sliding block channel (8).

9. Solar module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar module frame is formed on all four sides from the frame profile (3), wherein the frame profiles (3) abut one another at a miter angle in the corners of the solar module frame and are mechanically connected to one another with a corner connector.

10. Solar module (1) according to at least one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the solar module frame has the frame profiles (3) on all four sides as well as additional corner elements.

11. Solar module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar module frame has a one-sided protrusion-free frame profile (13) on at least one side of the solar module (1) or in at least one side section of the solar module.

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