Improved agrivoltaic apparatus

Abstract

Agrivoltaic apparatus (1) for a vineyard (10) or for another cultivated area comprising at least one row (11), characterised in that it comprises: - a supporting structure (2), - at least one support frame (3) on which a group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted, said support frame (3) being articulated to the supporting structure (2), each of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") of said group comprising a front exposure face which is configured to receive solar radiation, - movement means (5) configured to rotate said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") on which a group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted between: - a first condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are arranged, at a first height from the ground (12), substantially horizontally and / or in such a way that the front faces of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are exposed to solar radiation, and - at least a second condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are positioned at a second height from the ground (12) which is greater than said first height.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED AGRIVOLTAIC APPARATUS.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention concerns an agrivoltaic apparatus and, in particular, a photovoltaic apparatus for a vineyard or other cultivated area.

[0004] The present invention also concerns an installation comprising a vineyard, or other cultivated area, wherein one or more of said agrivoltaic apparatuses are installed.

[0005] The present invention also concerns a method for installing one or more of said agrivoltaic apparatuses in a vineyard or other cultivated area.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Agrivoltaics represents one of the most innovative convergences between agriculture and renewable energy production, offering a multifunctional solution that synergistically exploits agricultural space for plant cultivation and solar energy production. In response to the growing need to ensure sustainable food production and reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, agrivoltaics is emerging as a promising practice, capable of combining agricultural production with clean solar energy generation.

[0008] Early applications of agrivoltaics have been mainly experimental, but its potential to provide a sustainable and integrated energy source for agriculture is gaining increasing attention.

[0009] For example, a known experiment involved the installation of photovoltaic structures at an extremely high height of about 7 meters. This solution allows to maximize the efficiency of the agricultural area, avoiding the direct consumption of land and allowing the continuation of agricultural activities even in the areas affected by the presence of photovoltaic systems. In particular, by installing photovoltaic panels at a certain height, it is possible to guarantee the necessary space for the transit of agricultural vehicles and maintain the cultivation of plants without compromising solar energy production.

[0010] In the known solutions, in order not to interfere with the action of mechanized agricultural equipment, the photovoltaic panels are installed well above the plants, thus inevitably interfering with the sunlight of the underlying plants to be grown. In particular, in the case of vineyards, the photovoltaic panels are installed well above the row or in place of a row.

[0011] Furthermore, in known systems, the photovoltaic panels are fixed and are not moved; that is, in other words, once installed, the panels remain in the same position with respect to the plants to be grown and their position and / or orientation cannot be changed. There are also known solutions wherein the panels are mobile, however even in this case they always remain well above the plants, thus inevitably interfering with the sunlight of the underlying plants being grown.

[0012] IT202200010793 shows an agrivoltaic system wherein the photovoltaic panels are anchored to the supporting structure always above the plants present on the agricultural land.

[0013] KR101974047 relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of solar cells spaced apart from each other and a system comprising such a module.

[0014] WO2019 / 027135 concerns a photovoltaic installation comprising several separate photovoltaic modules, wherein two supporting poles are installed at a different altitude.

[0015] US2009 / 107038 relates to an apparatus for promoting the growth of plants in desert areas wherein one or more panels are hinged directly to its supporting structure and are placed above the plants to provide protection.

[0016] WO2024 / 047641 shows a system of panels directly hinged to their own supporting structure that always remain at the same height and provide protection to the plants below.

[0017] JP2013236566 concerns an agrivoltaic system wherein the photovoltaic panels are always positioned at the same height above rows of vines.

[0018] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The object of the invention is to propose an agrivoltaic apparatus that allows to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks found in known solutions.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that allows complete or at least high exposure to sunlight on the plants to be grown, and in particular on the vines in a vineyard.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose an agrivoltaic apparatus that is less impactful and noticeable for the landscape.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that does not obstruct or impede the processing of plants to be cultivated, and in particular of vines in a vineyard, especially those carried out with agricultural machinery.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that reduces or avoids the risk of damage to photovoltaic panels in the event of bad weather or adverse weather conditions.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that is easy to use.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose an agrivoltaic apparatus that is highly automated. Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that is highly or completely eco-sustainable.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that is simple, easy and quick to install and / or maintain.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that is an improvement and / or alternative to traditional ones.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that can be produced simply, quickly and at low cost.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to optimise or maximise the area of the vineyard (or in any case the cultivable area) that is affected / occupied by the photovoltaic panels, and this without affecting the exposure to sunlight of the vineyard (or of the cultivable area) and guaranteeing the continuity of the cultivation activities.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to maximize the production of electrical energy from renewable sources in a vineyard or in a cultivable area.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to optimize the use of the cultivable area and, at the same time, to make the cultivation highly eco-sustainable.

[0032] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] All these objects, considered individually or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention with an agrivoltaic apparatus as defined in claim 1.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in some of its preferred practical embodiments reported for purely exemplifying and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached table of drawings, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vineyard wherein an agrivoltaic apparatus according to the invention is installed,

[0037] Figure 2 shows a plan view of Fig. 1 ,

[0038] Figure 3 shows a view of the agrivoltaic apparatus according to the invention in a first condition and along a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the apparatus (and also corresponding to the direction of longitudinal extension of the row),

[0039] Figure 4 shows the agrivoltaic apparatus of Fig. 3 in a second condition,

[0040] Figure 5 shows the agrivoltaic apparatus of Fig. 3 in a third condition,

[0041] Figures 6A - 6D show a perspective view of an agrivoltaic apparatus according to the invention in a sequence wherein the apparatus itself passes from the first condition (fig. 6A) to the second condition (fig. 6D), Figures 7A - 7C show a perspective view of an agrivoltaic apparatus according to the invention in a sequence wherein the apparatus itself passes from the first condition (fig. 7A) to the third condition (fig. 7C).

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The present invention relates to an agrivoltaic apparatus 1 for a vineyard 10 or for another cultivated area comprising at least one row 11 .

[0044] In particular, being agrivoltaic, the apparatus 1 is of the type suitable to be used both for the production of electrical energy through a photovoltaic system installed on the land of the vineyard or other cultivated area, and for the cultivation of an agricultural product on the same land (for example grapes or other crops such as kiwis, pears, apples, citrus fruits, hops, etc.), thus allowing a dual use of the land.

[0045] The agrivoltaic apparatus 1 comprises:

[0046] - a supporting structure 2, and

[0047] - at least one support frame 3 on which a group of photovoltaic panels 30 is mounted.

[0048] The support frame 3 is articulated to the supporting structure 2.

[0049] Each of said photovoltaic panels 30 of said group comprises - in a substantially traditional manner - a front exposure face which is configured to receive solar radiation and, in particular, at said front exposure face photovoltaic / solar cells are provided for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.

[0050] The agrivoltaic apparatus 1 also comprises movement means 5 configured to rotate said at least one support frame 3 with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 between:

[0051] - a first condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged, at a first height from the ground, substantially horizontally and / or in such a way that their front face is exposed to solar radiation,

[0052] - and at least a second condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are positioned at a second height from the ground that is greater than said first height.

[0053] In particular, in said second condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are located entirely (i.e. in all their parts) at a corresponding second height which is greater than said first height.

[0054] Advantageously, in particular to obtain optimal solar exposure (i.e. so that the photovoltaic panels receive the maximum amount of solar radiation useful for energy production), the support frame (3, 3', 3") can stably assume one or more intermediate conditions between said first condition and said at least one second condition, and in said intermediate condition(s) the photovoltaic panels 30 are located at a height from the ground which is between said second height and said first height.

[0055] Conveniently, the agrivoltaic apparatus 1 is configured and intended to be installed at the row 11. Conveniently, in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are positioned laterally with respect to the row 11 where the apparatus 1 is installed. Conveniently, in said at least one second condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are positioned above the row 11 where the apparatus 1 is installed and, furthermore, said panels are oriented substantially vertically (or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical) and / or in any case their front face is less exposed to solar radiation with respect to said first condition.

[0056] Conveniently, the first condition corresponds to a working / activity condition of the photovoltaic panels 30, wherein the panels are more exposed to solar radiation, to thus allow and / or optimize the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.

[0057] Conveniently, said at least one second condition corresponds to a rest / inactive condition of the photovoltaic panels 30 wherein the panels are not exposed to solar radiation, or in any case are less exposed to solar radiation, so as not to obstruct agricultural processes (for example for the grape harvest, leaf thinning or other soil processing), in particular those carried out with automated machinery.

[0058] Preferably, each group of photovoltaic panels 30 is mounted on the corresponding support frame 3 in a spaced and more external position with respect to the articulation point of the support frame 3 to the supporting structure 2. Preferably, the rotation / articulation axis of each support frame 3 with respect to the supporting structure 2 is external to each group of photovoltaic panels 30 and, in particular, does not pass through the photovoltaic panels 30.

[0059] Preferably, each support frame 3 is configured so as to comprise a through opening 31 between said group of photovoltaic panels 30 and the articulation of the support frame 3 to the supporting structure 2, thus allowing the exposure to solar radiation of the plants of the row 11 when the support frame 3 with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 is in said first condition. In particular, advantageously, when the support frame 3 with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 is in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged laterally to the row 11 and, therefore, when the photovoltaic panels are in working / active condition, the plants of the row 11 are located at said through opening 31 of the frame 3 and are thus directly exposed to the sun, avoiding or in any case reducing the shading / covering resulting from the presence of the photovoltaic panels. Preferably, said at least one support frame 3, on which said group of photovoltaic panels 30 is mounted, is articulated on the supporting structure 2 at an articulation point which is at a height from the ground of approximately 900 - 1900 mm, preferably approximately 1500 mm. Preferably, in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are located at said first height from the ground which is approximately 900 - 1900 mm, preferably approximately 1500 mm. In essence, in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels are not located above the height at which the leaf wall is usually located. Advantageously, therefore, in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels are arranged substantially at the same height as the leaf wall (or at variable heights along the leaf wall) and also laterally with respect to said leaf wall, thus resulting in less impactful and noticeable for the landscape.

[0060] Preferably, the movement means 5 are also configured to rotate said at least one support frame 3 with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 so as to also bring it to at least a third condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are positioned at a third height from the ground which is lower than said first height. Conveniently, in said at least one third condition, the photovoltaic panels 30 are positioned below the row 11 and are oriented substantially vertically (or inclined with respect to the vertical) and / or in any case their front face is less exposed to solar radiation than in said first condition.

[0061] Advantageously, the support frame 3, 3', 3" can stably assume one or more intermediate conditions between said first condition and said at least one third condition, and in said intermediate condition(s) the photovoltaic panels 30 are located at a height from the ground that is between said first height and said third height.

[0062] In particular, said movement means 5 allow the support frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30 to be rotated, in particular by raising and / or lowering the latter with respect to the ground 12 on which the supporting structure 2 is installed. Preferably, the ground 12 may be substantially flat, or may be suitably cultivated as a terrace or in any case have an inclination such as to allow cultivation.

[0063] Preferably, to pass from the first condition to the second condition, said movement means 5 cause the support frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30 to rotate upwards, and vice versa to pass from the second condition to the first condition.

[0064] Preferably, to pass from the first condition to the third condition, said movement means 5 cause the support frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30 to rotate downwards, and vice versa to pass from the third condition to the first condition.

[0065] Conveniently, the supporting structure 2 is configured to be installed at a row 11. Preferably, the supporting structure 2 is configured for assembly on the ground 12 and, in particular, to be anchored to the ground 12. Preferably, the supporting structure 2 comprises (at least) two uprights (or in any case two equivalent supporting elements that extend vertically with respect to the ground 12), respectively a first upright 20' and a second upright 20", which are spaced apart and facing each other along a direction X. More preferably, the direction X corresponds to the longitudinal extension direction of a row 11 of a vineyard 10 along which the agrivoltaic apparatus 1 is installed.

[0066] Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 30 are traditional and, in particular, each comprises a plurality of solar cells configured to convert the captured solar energy into electrical energy.

[0067] Conveniently, the photovoltaic panels 30 are not directly articulated to the supporting structure 2, but are mounted on said at least one support frame 3 and then it is the latter that is articulated to the supporting structure 2. Preferably, apart from the presence of the movement means 5, the space between the two uprights 20' and 20" is free.

[0068] Conveniently, a group of photovoltaic panels 30 is mounted on each support frame 3 and, in particular, two or more photovoltaic panels 30 are mounted. Advantageously, this allows the use of panels of substantially standard dimensions and easily available on the market.

[0069] Preferably, said at least one support frame 3 is articulated to the respective uprights 20' and 20" in a position spaced apart from the upper end of the uprights themselves.

[0070] Conveniently, said at least one support frame 3 is a structurally and mechanically distinct and independent element with respect to the photovoltaic panels 30 of each group. Advantageously, each photovoltaic panel 30 or each group of photovoltaic panels 30 is removably mounted on the support frame 3.

[0071] In more detail, the movement means 5 are configured to rotate said at least one support frame 3 with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 by an angle equal to or greater than 90°, more preferably by an angle of approximately 150° - 180°, around an axis that is parallel to the direction X (and in particular said axis is perpendicular to the height extension of the two uprights 20', 20" and passes through both uprights 20', 20" which are spaced apart from each other). Preferably, said axis around which the support frame 3 rotates with said group of photovoltaic panels 30 is parallel to the extension direction of the row 11 at which said apparatus 1 is intended to be installed.

[0072] Preferably, at least one of said two uprights 20', 20" can be defined by a post of the row 11 of the vineyard 10. In essence, in a possible embodiment, two poles of the row 11 - which can be the first and last post of the row, or even intermediate poles of the row - can be replaced by the two uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2 of the agrivoltaic apparatus 1. Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, at least one of said two uprights 20', 20" can be defined by a further post - or in any case by a dedicated and distinct post - with respect to those of the row 11 of the vineyard.

[0073] In particular, each upright 20', 20" extends in height, with respect to the ground 12 on which they are intended to be supported and / or engaged, along a Z direction. Conveniently, the Cartesian triplet is completed by a Y direction which is substantially perpendicular to the X and Z directions.

[0074] Preferably, the two 20', 20" uprights are higher than the vineyard row posts.

[0075] Preferably, the movement means 5 comprise a tubular shaft 6 which is actuated in rotation and which is supported, in a position spaced from the ground 12, by the two uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2. In particular, the tubular shaft 6 is arranged substantially horizontally and extends along a direction parallel to X. Preferably, the tubular shaft 6 is supported in an idle manner, at each of its two longitudinal ends, by a corresponding upright 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2. Preferably, the tubular shaft can be configured to also have a structural function for the apparatus 1 .

[0076] Ideally, the tubular shaft 6 is mounted at (or in any case in proximity to) the upper ends of the two uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2.

[0077] Preferably, said tubular shaft 6 is actuated in rotation around its longitudinal extension axis corresponding to a direction parallel to X.

[0078] Preferably, the tubular shaft 6 is mounted on the uprights 20', 20" so as to be above the row 11 and, in particular, so as to be above the support wires of the vine shoots. Conveniently, the rotating shaft 6 can have a circular cross-section, but it could also be polygonal.

[0079] Preferably, said tubular shaft 6 is interposed between the two uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2 and, in particular, connects said two uprights to each other.

[0080] Preferably, the movement means 5 also comprise at least one wire connection element 7 (such as for example a rope, a cable, a cord, a chain, etc.) which is connected to the support frame 3 on which the photovoltaic panels 30 are mounted and which is configured to be wound and unwound around the rotating tubular shaft 6 or another rotating element (which, in particular, is rotating around an axis that passes through it). In particular, said at least one wire connection element 7 is connected at one end to the tubular shaft 6 while at its other end it is connected to the support frame 3 of the photovoltaic panels 30 so that, following the rotation in both directions of the tubular shaft 6, it is wound and unwound around said tubular shaft 6, thus varying the inclination of the frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30. More preferably, the movement means 5 are configured so that the winding - following the rotation of the tubular shaft 6 in a first direction - of said at least one connection element 7 around the tubular shaft 6, causes the lifting of the support frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30, while the unwinding - following the rotation of the tubular shaft 6 in a direction opposite to said first direction - of said at least connection element 7 from the tubular shaft 6, causes the lowering of the support frame 3 with the photovoltaic panels 30.

[0081] Preferably, said tubular shaft 6 is motorized. More preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises an electric motor to rotate the tubular shaft 6. Ideally, the electric motor is of the tubular type and is housed mostly or entirely inside the tubular shaft 6.

[0082] Preferably, the apparatus 1 may comprise a motorization unit (not shown in the figures) to cause the rotation of the tubular shaft 6 in both directions around its longitudinal extension axis. More preferably, the motorization unit comprises an electric motor. Preferably, the motorization unit may comprise its own containment structure wherein an electric motor is housed. Preferably, an output pinion emerges from the containment structure of the motorization unit, to which a towing adapter (not shown) of the tubular shaft is intended to be associated.

[0083] Preferably, the apparatus 1 also comprises means for the supply and control of the electric motor for driving the tubular shaft 6. More preferably, said means may comprise a power supply, a controller / processor and a receiver.

[0084] Preferably, the receiver is connected, via wireless and / or wire, to the outside to receive from the outside command signals to control, based on these, the motor of the motorization unit of the tubular shaft 6. Preferably, the receiver is of the wireless type, preferably radio. Preferably, via the receiver, the controller / processor can receive from an external transmitter, and in particular from a remote control or even from a smartphone or from other traditional wireless devices in general, motor command signals. Preferably, the receiver can be advantageously replaced by a transceiver, preferably radio, which in addition to sending corresponding command signals to the motor it can remotely communicate the status of the same and, preferably, also the operating parameters or the possible presence of anomalies or malfunctions of the apparatus. In particular, to this end, the transceiver, in addition to controlling / communicating with its receiver side with the motor, can transmit signals on the status of the motor itself with the transmitter side. In essence, conveniently, in this way the user can remotely command, for example via a smartphone, the switching on, switching off and regulation of the motor and can receive, always with a smartphone, information on the current state of the motor. In a possible embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the tubular shaft 6 may be replaced by two distinct rotating tubular sections that are structurally independent of each other (and preferably also operationally independent of each other), each of which is mounted on a respective upright and is associated with at least one connecting element 7. Preferably, each rotating tubular section is actuated in rotation by a corresponding motor and is connected to one end of at least one wire connecting element 7 which at the other end is connected to said at least one support frame 3 on which the photovoltaic panels 30 are mounted. Therefore, at least one corresponding wire connecting element 7 is wound and unwound around each rotating tubular section. Conveniently, what has been reported above with reference to the tubular shaft 6 also applies to this possible further embodiment.

[0085] In a possible embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, on each upright 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2 (at least) a corresponding actuator can be installed (it may also be a linear actuator) for the movement of a corresponding support frame 3.

[0086] Preferably, the apparatus 1 may comprise at least one weather sensor (not shown, for example at least one of a wind, snow, rain, hail, solar radiation sensor, or in any case other equivalent sensors) which is electronically connected to a control unit of the electric motor for the motorization of the tubular shaft 6, to thus automatically control the motorization of the tubular shaft 6 on the basis of the readings carried out by said weather sensor.

[0087] Preferably, the apparatus 1 may comprise an electrical energy storage unit (not shown in the figures), for example a battery.

[0088] Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 30 are electrically connected, by means of at least one electrical connection cable, directly or indirectly, to the electrical energy storage unit to recharge said unit.

[0089] Preferably, the motorization unit of the tubular shaft 6 is electronically connected to the electrical energy storage unit so that the motor of the motorization unit is electrically supplied by the electrical energy storage unit.

[0090] Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 30 can be electrically connected to other electrical utilities present in the vineyard 10 and / or connected to the vineyard, thus allowing their supply.

[0091] Advantageously, by using the photovoltaic panels 30 to recharge the storage unit, the motorization unit of the tubular shaft 6 and / or the other users of the vineyard 10 become independent of the external electrical network. In particular, by using the photovoltaic panels 30, the motorization to vary the position and inclination of the photovoltaic panels 30 themselves as well as the supply of other electrical utilities present in the vineyard 10 become completely autonomous and independent from an electrical point of view.

[0092] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to bring said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 into a condition wherein said photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged laterally with respect to the supporting structure 2.

[0093] Advantageously, by installing the supporting structure 2 of the apparatus 1 at a row 11 , and in particular by installing the two uprights 20', 20" along the direction of extension of the row 11 , said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 is movable between a condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged horizontally and laterally (i.e. alongside) with respect to the leaf wall (fig. 1 and fig. 6A, 7A) and a condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged above the shoots of the row 11 and angled with respect to the ground 12 (fig. 6D), and possibly it is also movable so as to reach a condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged below the shoots of the row 11 and angled with respect to the ground 12 (fig. 7C).

[0094] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to bring said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 into a first condition wherein said photovoltaic panels are arranged substantially horizontally (fig. 1 and fig. 6A, 7A).

[0095] Preferably, said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 is configured so as to comprise an internal through opening 31 configured to thus avoid (or in any case reduce) the covering of the plants of the row 11 from solar radiation when said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 is in said first condition.

[0096] Advantageously, in said first condition the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially horizontally (or in any case are substantially parallel to the ground 12 or to a substantially horizontal plane) and are, therefore, highly exposed to the sun, and this is achieved without covering the row 11 of the vineyard 10, thus allowing complete exposure of the vineyard itself to the sun; in particular, when the photovoltaic panels 30 are exposed to the sun (i.e. when they are in said first condition), the panels themselves occupy the area between two adjacent rows 11 of the vineyard 10.

[0097] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to bring said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 into at least one condition wherein said photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged vertically or substantially vertically, or in any case are angled (and more preferably angled at an angle of approximately 45° - 90°) with respect to the ground 12 (or to a substantially horizontal plane). Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to bring said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 into a second condition wherein said photovoltaic panels 30 are spaced from the ground 12 (cf. fig. 6D), and in particular are further spaced from the ground 12 than in the first condition.

[0098] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to bring said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 into a third condition wherein said photovoltaic panels 30 are brought closer to the ground 12 (cf. fig. 7C), and in particular they are brought closer to the ground 12 than in the first condition.

[0099] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to move said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 between:

[0100] - a first condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially horizontally or slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal, and

[0101] - a second condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially vertically or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and in a position further distanced from the ground 12.

[0102] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to move said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 between:

[0103] - a first condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially horizontally or slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal, and

[0104] - a third condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical, and in a position closer to the ground 12.

[0105] Preferably, the movement means 5 are configured to move said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 between:

[0106] - a first condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially horizontally or slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal, and

[0107] - a second condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially vertically or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and in a position further distanced from the underlying ground 12, and

[0108] - a third condition wherein the photovoltaic panels 30 are arranged substantially vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical, and in a position closer to the ground 12.

[0109] Preferably, said at least one support frame 3 with the group of photovoltaic panels 30 comprises:

[0110] - a first 3' support frame on which a first group of photovoltaic panels 30' is mounted, - a second support frame 3" on which a second group of photovoltaic panels 30" is mounted, and wherein said first support frame 3' and said second support frame 3" are articulated to the same supporting structure 2.

[0111] Preferably, said movement means 5 are configured to rotate the first support frame 3' with the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and also the second support frame 3" with the second group of photovoltaic panels 30".

[0112] Preferably, in said first condition, the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and the second group of photovoltaic panels 30" are substantially coplanar or define an obtuse angle between them. Conveniently, in said first condition, the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and the second group of photovoltaic panels 30" delimit between them a space 32 for the row 11. Advantageously, in said first condition, the row 11 - and in particular the shoots resting on the wires of the row - is interposed between the two groups of photovoltaic panels 30' and 30".

[0113] Advantageously, therefore, the two groups of photovoltaic panels 30' and 30" open laterally with respect to the row 11 and, therefore, each device 1 can be installed every two rows, thus maximising the use of the useful space available in the vineyard 10 and this is achieved without obstructing the sunlight exposure of the rows 11 of the vineyard itself.

[0114] Conveniently, in said second condition, the operative / active faces (i.e. the faces configured to be exposed to solar radiation and which comprise the solar cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy) of the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and of the second group of photovoltaic panels 30" are substantially facing each other and, in particular, are substantially parallel or define an acute angle between them. Preferably, in said second condition, both groups of photovoltaic panels 30', 30" are close to each other and are located above the row 11 , and in particular above the shoots resting on the wires of the row. Advantageously, in said second condition, it is possible to carry out traditional processes (even automated) on the rows 11 of the vineyard 10, and in particular the action and / or transit of the related machinery is not obstructed.

[0115] Conveniently, in said third condition, the rear face (i.e. the non- operational / active face) of the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and of the second group of photovoltaic panels 30" are substantially facing each other at least in part (not necessarily being parallel) or in any case are close to each other, or in any case define an acute angle between them. Preferably, in said third condition, both groups of photovoltaic panels 30', 30" are close to each other and are located below the shoots resting on the wires of the row 11. Advantageously, in said third condition, the photovoltaic panels 30', 30" are thus more protected and this is useful in particular in adverse weather conditions.

[0116] Preferably, the first support frame 3' with the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and the second support frame 3" with the second group of panels 30" extend parallel to each other along a direction parallel to X.

[0117] In particular, the first support frame 3' with the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and the second support frame 3" with the second group of panels 30" are arranged symmetrically on the two sides of the X direction.

[0118] Preferably, said group of photovoltaic panels 30 - and in particular said first group 30' and / or second group of photovoltaic panels 30" - comprises two or more photovoltaic panels that are placed side by side. In particular, the photovoltaic panels 30 of the same group are placed side by side along a direction parallel to X.

[0119] Preferably, each support frame 3', 3" and the group of photovoltaic panels 30', 30" mounted on the corresponding frame are configured so that, in said first condition, they are interposed between two adjacent rows 11 , 11', 11 " of the vineyard or cultivated area wherein said apparatus is intended to be installed.

[0120] Preferably, each support frame 3', 3" and the group of photovoltaic panels 30', 30" mounted on the corresponding frame are configured so as to be moved in rotation in the area 22', 22' interposed between two adjacent rows 11 , 11', 11" of the vineyard or cultivated area wherein said apparatus is intended to be installed.

[0121] Preferably, said at least one support frame 3 comprises two terminal arms, respectively 34' and 34", between which is interposed a frame 35 for supporting the photovoltaic panels 30; the two terminal arms 34' and 34" extend mainly along the Y direction and each of the two terminal arms 34' and 34" of the support frame 3 is articulated to a corresponding upright 20' and 20".

[0122] Preferably, each support frame 3 comprises at least two wire connecting elements 7 which are spaced apart along the longitudinal extension (i.e. along a direction parallel to X) of the corresponding support frame 3. More preferably, for each support frame 3 two wire connecting elements 7 are provided, each of which has one end associated with a corresponding terminal arm 34' or 34" of the support frame 3, while the other end is associated with a corresponding longitudinal end of the tubular shaft 6.

[0123] Preferably, the supporting structure 2 comprises at least one bracket 60 for each upright 20', 20" and, in particular, said at least one support frame 3 is articulated to two brackets 60' and 60", each of which is mounted on an upright 20' and 20" respectively.

[0124] More preferably, each support frame 3' and / or 3" is articulated - in particular by means of its terminal arms 34' and 34" - on two respective brackets 60, each of which is mounted on an upright 20', 20" respectively.

[0125] Preferably, each bracket 60 may comprise an upper section 61 which adheres to and is fixed to the upright 20' and / or 20", and also a lower section 62 which is spaced from the upright so as to delimit with the upright itself a passageway 63 which is open at the bottom. More preferably, each bracket 60 consists of said upper section 61 which extends at the bottom, curving or tilting outwards so as to define said lower section 62. Ideally, the upper end of the passageway 63 (delimited by the lower section of each bracket) has a height greater than that of the containment wires of the rows 11 of the vineyard 10. Advantageously, this allows manual work to contain the plant.

[0126] Preferably, each support frame 3' and / or 3" is articulated to the corresponding brackets 60 at an articulation point which is located at a height from the ground of approximately 900 - 1900 mm, preferably approximately 1500 mm. Ideally, said articulation point may be positioned at the lower area of the lower section 62 of each bracket 60.

[0127] In a possible and exemplary embodiment, considering a distance F (i.e. along a direction parallel to Y) between the rows 11 of approximately 2500 - 3000 mm, a height P (i.e. along a direction parallel to Z) of the posts 14 of the rows 11 of approximately 2000 mm and a distance G between the posts of the same row (i.e. along a direction parallel to X) of approximately 3000 - 6000 mm, the apparatus 1 can have one or more of the following dimensions:

[0128] - height M of the 20' and 20" uprights of approximately 2000 - 3000 mm, preferably it can be approximately 2700 mm;

[0129] - distance A of the photovoltaic panels 30 from the ground 12, when they are in said first condition, of approximately 900 - 1900 mm, preferably it can be approximately 1500 mm;

[0130] - distance B of the photovoltaic panels 30 from the uprights 20' or 20" along a direction parallel to Y of approximately 300 - 700 mm, preferably it can be approximately 600 mm;

[0131] - extension in width L of the photovoltaic panels 30 along a direction parallel to Y of approximately 800 - 1800 mm, preferably it can be approximately 1100 mm; - height C of the upper / external ends of the photovoltaic panels 30 with respect to the ground 12, when they are in said second condition, of approximately 3000 - 3300 mm, preferably it can be approximately 3100 mm;

[0132] - distance D between the facing photovoltaic panels, when they are in said second condition, of approximately 10 - 300mm;

[0133] - distance E from the ground 12 of the upper end of the passageway 63 (delimited by the lower section 62 of each bracket 60) of approximately 2000 - 2200 mm, preferably it can be approximately 2100 mm.

[0134] The apparatus 1 also comprises all those elements which according to the known art are necessary for its operation, such as for example photovoltaic inverters and electrical circuitry appropriately wired internally to the photovoltaic panels and possibly energy accumulators.

[0135] The present invention also relates to an installation for a vineyard 10 comprising a plurality of rows 11 , 1 T, 11 " of vines that extend longitudinally in a parallel manner to each other, and wherein an agrivoltaic apparatus 1 is installed along and at at least one row 11 of the vineyard 10 as described above. In more detail, the uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2 of the apparatus 1 are spaced apart and facing each other along a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension of said row 11. Preferably, the uprights 20', 20" of the supporting structure 2 of the apparatus 1 are substantially aligned along the longitudinal extension of a row 11.

[0136] Preferably, said installation comprises a plurality of (at least two) agrivoltaic devices 1 , as described above, which are installed alternately (at least) every two rows 11 of said vineyard 10.

[0137] Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 30, 30', 30" of each agrivoltaic apparatus 1 are moved in the areas 22', 22" between two adjacent rows (11 , 11', 11").

[0138] The present invention also concerns a method for installing at least two agrivoltaic devices 1 that are identical to each other, and as described above, in a vineyard 10 or other cultivated area comprising a plurality of (at least three) rows 11 , 11' and 11", and wherein each agrivoltaic device 1 is installed along and at a row 11 and alternately (at least) every two rows of said vineyard. Advantageously, in said first condition, the first group of photovoltaic panels 30' and the second group of photovoltaic panels 30" of the photovoltaic apparatus 1 thus occupy respectively a first area 22', which is interposed between the row 11 wherein the agrivoltaic apparatus 1 is installed and the adjacent and preceding row 11', and a second area 22", which is interposed between the row 11 wherein the agrivoltaic apparatus 1 is installed and the adjacent and subsequent row 11". The solution according to the present invention has been described here in particular with reference to its application and installation in a vineyard; however, it is intended that it can be installed and used in / for other cultivated areas wherein the plants are arranged according to a pre-established geometric pattern, in particular by means of a row configuration or in any case with a "planting pattern", for example for crops such as kiwis, pears, apples, citrus fruits, hops, etc.

[0139] The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is intended that executive variations may be made to them in practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

Claims

C L A I M S1. Agrivoltaic apparatus (1) for a vineyard (10) or for another cultivated area comprising at least one row (11), characterised in that it comprises:- a supporting structure (2),- at least one support frame (3) on which a group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted, said support frame (3) being articulated to the supporting structure (2), each of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") of said group comprising a front exposure face which is configured to receive solar radiation,- movement means (5) configured to rotate said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") on which a group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted between:- a first condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are arranged, at a first height from the ground (12), substantially horizontally and / or in such a way that the front faces of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are exposed to solar radiation, and- at least a second condition, wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are positioned at a second height from the ground (12) which is greater than said first height.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted on the corresponding support frame (3, 3', 3") in a spaced and more external position with respect to the articulation point of the support frame (3, 3', 3") to the supporting structure (2).

3. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- said supporting structure (2) is configured and intended to be installed at a row (11),- in said first condition, the photovoltaic panels (30) are positioned laterally with respect to said row (11) of installation of the supporting structure (2).

4. Apparatus according to the previous claim, wherein in said at least a second condition, the photovoltaic panels (30) are positioned above the row (11) of installation of the supporting structure (2).

5. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each support frame (3', 3") and the group of photovoltaic panels (30', 30") mounted on the corresponding frame are configured so that, in said first condition, they are interposed between two adjacent rows (11 , 11', 11") of the vineyard or cultivated area wherein said apparatus is intended to be installed.

6. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each support frame (3', 3") and the group of photovoltaic panels (30', 30") mounted on thecorresponding frame are configured so as to be moved in rotation in the area (22', 22') interposed between two adjacent rows (11 , 11', 11") of the vineyard or cultivated area wherein said apparatus is intended to be installed.

7. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in said second condition the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are oriented substantially vertically or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical and / or in such a way that the front face of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is less exposed to solar radiation than in said first condition.

8. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support frame (3), on which said group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is mounted, is articulated on the supporting structure (2) at an articulation point which is at a height from the ground of approximately 900 - 1900 mm.

9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in said first condition the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are located at said first height from the ground which is approximately 900 - 1900 mm, preferably approximately 1500 mm.

10. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") is configured so as to comprise a through opening (31) between said group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") and the articulation of said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") to the supporting structure (2), thus allowing the exposure of the plants in the row (11 ) to solar radiation when the support frame (3, 3', 3") with said group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is in said first condition.

11. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support frame (3) is a structurally and mechanically distinct and independent element with respect to the photovoltaic panels (30) of each group.

12. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each photovoltaic panel (30) or each group of photovoltaic panels (30) is removably mounted on the support frame (3).

13. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said movement means (5) are also configured to rotate said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") with said group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") so as to also bring it into at least a third condition wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are positioned at a third height from the ground which is lower than said first height.

14. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein in said third condition the photovoltaic panels (30) are oriented substantially vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical and / or in such a way that the front face of said photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") is less exposed to solar radiation than in said first condition.

15. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- to pass from the first condition to the second condition, said movement means (5) cause the rotation upwards of said at least one support frame (3) with the photovoltaic panels (30),- to pass from the first condition to the third condition, said movement means (5) cause the rotation downwards of the support frame (3) with the photovoltaic panels (30).

16. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (3, 3', 3") stably assumes at least one intermediate condition between said first condition and said at least one second condition, and / or between said first condition and said at least one third condition.

17. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting structure (2) is configured for mounting on the ground (12) and, in particular, for being anchored to the ground (12).

18. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting structure (2) comprises two uprights (20', 20") which are spaced apart and facing each other along a direction X.

19. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support frame (3) is articulated to two respective uprights (20', 20") of the supporting structure (2) in a spaced position with respect to the upper end of the uprights themselves.

20. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movement means (5) are configured to rotate said at least one support frame (3, 3', 3") wherein said group of photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") are mounted by an angle equal to or greater than 90°, preferably by an angle of approximately 150° - 180°, around an axis which is parallel to a direction X.21 . Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- each support frame (3, 3', 3") is articulated on at least two respective brackets (60), each of which is mounted on a corresponding upright (20', 20") of the supporting structure (2),- each bracket (60) comprises an upper section (61) which is fixed to the upright (20' and / or 20"), and also a lower section (62) which is spaced from the upright so as to delimit with the upright itself a passageway (63) which is open at the bottom.

22. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movement means (5) comprise a tubular shaft (6) which is actuated in rotation andwhich is supported, in a position spaced from the ground (12), by two uprights (20', 20") of the supporting structure (2).

23. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said tubular shaft (6) is mounted on the uprights (20', 20") so as to be above the row (11).

24. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movement means (5) comprise at least one wire connection element (7) which is connected to said at least one support frame (3) on which the photovoltaic panels (30) are mounted and which is configured to be wound and unwound around said rotating tubular shaft (6) or another rotating element.

25. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, wherein said tubular shaft (6) is motorized.

26. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein a tubular electric motor is provided to rotate the tubular shaft (6) in both directions of rotation and wherein said electric motor is housed entirely or mostly inside said tubular shaft (6).

27. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- the supporting structure (2) comprises two uprights (20', 20"),- the movement means (5) comprise two rotating tubular sections, and wherein each of said rotating tubular sections is mounted on a respective upright, is actuated in rotation by a corresponding motor and is connected at one end to at least one wire connection element (7) which at the other end is connected to said at least one support frame (3) on which the photovoltaic panels (30) are mounted.

28. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- the supporting structure (2) comprises two uprights (20', 20"),- the movement means (5) comprise two independent actuators, each of which is mounted on a respective upright.

29. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support frame (3) on which the group of photovoltaic panels (30) is mounted comprises:- a first support frame (3') on which a first group of photovoltaic panels (30') is mounted,- a second support frame (3") on which a second group of photovoltaic panels (30") is mounted, and wherein:- said first support frame (3') and said second support frame (3") are articulated to the same supporting structure (2),- said movement means (5) are configured to rotate the first support frame (3') with the first group of photovoltaic panels (30') and also the second support frame (3") with the second group of photovoltaic panels (30") between said first condition and said at least one second condition30. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein:- in said first condition the first group of photovoltaic panels (30') and the second group of photovoltaic panels (30") are substantially coplanar or define an obtuse angle between them,- in said second condition the operative / active faces of the first group of photovoltaic panels (30') and of the second group of photovoltaic panels (30") are substantially facing each other, preferably they are substantially parallel or define an acute angle between them.31 . Apparatus according to claims 28 or 29, wherein said movement means (5) are configured to rotate the first support frame (3') with the first group of photovoltaic panels (30') and the second support frame (3") with the second group of photovoltaic panels (30") also between said first condition and said third condition.

32. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein in said third condition of the photovoltaic panels (30) the rear face of the first group of photovoltaic panels (30') and of the second group of photovoltaic panels (30") are facing each other, at least in part, and / or define an acute angle between them and / or are closer than in said first condition.

33. Installation for a vineyard (10), or other cultivated area, wherein vines or other plants are arranged in rows (11 , 11 ', 11") which extend longitudinally in a parallel manner to each other, characterised in that at least one agrivoltaic apparatus (1) is installed along and at at least one row (11) according to one or more of the previous claims.

34. Installation according to the previous claim, comprising at least two, preferably a plurality, of said agrivoltaic apparatuses (1 ) which are installed alternately at least every two rows ( 11 , 11 ', 11 ").

35. Installation according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the photovoltaic panels (30, 30', 30") of each agrivoltaic apparatus (1 ) are moved in the areas (22', 22") between two adjacent rows (11 , 11 ', 11").

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