Modular solar power generation system

The modular solar power generation system addresses stability and installation challenges by enabling easy assembly, repair, and tracking of solar panels, enhancing power generation and reducing costs through a ladder-structured assembly and automated cleaning, thus improving efficiency and flexibility.

WO2025211486A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-09ROBOLIFE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/004657
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-05
Filing Date
2024-04-08
Publication Date
2025-10-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solar power generation systems face challenges with low stability, high installation costs, restricted installation areas, and reduced power generation due to fixed orientations, especially in building-integrated photovoltaics (BAPV), which require separate control systems and limit panel rotation.

Method used

A modular solar power generation system with standardized solar panels that can be easily assembled, replaced, and repaired, featuring a ladder-structured assembly and a tracking module to rotate along the sun's trajectory, along with a cleaning robot to remove contaminants, and a control unit for integrated system management.

Benefits of technology

Enhances power generation efficiency, reduces installation costs, and expands installation flexibility by allowing solar panels to track the sun's trajectory while maintaining stability and ease of maintenance, thereby increasing power output and reducing operational risks.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular solar power generation system which comprises: a solar panel comprising a plurality of solar cells and support members disposed at either side thereof; a tracking module which enables the solar panel to be rotated along the movement trajectory of the sun; coupling members connected to the support members of the solar panel; and a mounting member for mounting the solar panel onto a structure, wherein a solar panel assembly is formed by connecting the support members of a plurality of solar panels using the coupling members, and the solar panel assembly is mounted onto a structure by connecting the mounting member to the solar panel assembly.
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Description

modular solar power generation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular solar power generation system that standardizes and modularizes solar panels so that multiple solar panels can be easily assembled, and solar panels that are broken or damaged can be easily replaced or repaired, and by assembling multiple modularized solar panels to form a ladder-structured assembly and installing them on a building or structure, restrictions on installation area or location can be eliminated, and the amount of power generated can be increased by rotating the solar panels along the sun's trajectory.

[0002] Depending on the shape of the structure, solar power generation systems are divided into three types: fixed structures, fixed variable types (can be changed arbitrarily), and tracking structures.

[0003] Although the fixed variable and tracking structure types have higher power generation efficiency than the fixed structure, they have the disadvantage of low stability and high installation cost due to the need for separate control power and control cables.

[0004] Meanwhile, BAPV (Building Applied Photovoltaics), which installs solar power on the walls of buildings, is a solar power generation method that generates power by attaching solar panels to the walls of buildings.

[0005] There is an advantage of greatly saving installation space as there is no need for a separate site such as a building rooftop, but there is a disadvantage of the solar panels being perpendicular to the ground, which reduces power generation.

[0006] Additionally, in order to attach solar panels to the walls of existing buildings, the walls must be capable of being poured, and installation on glass surfaces is not possible, so there is a limit to the area where solar panels can be installed.

[0007] Additionally, since the installation requires workers to ride a high-altitude vehicle for a long time to attach the solar panels one by one, there are disadvantages such as cost and long installation times.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a solar power generation system that can simultaneously adopt the forms of a tracking structure and a fixed variable structure, but can ensure stability and use both methods selectively as needed.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems,

[0010] By standardizing and modularizing solar panels, it is easy to assemble multiple solar panels, and solar panels that are broken or damaged can be easily replaced and repaired. In addition, by assembling multiple modularized solar panels to form a ladder-structured assembly and installing them on buildings or structures, restrictions on installation area or location can be eliminated. One of the goals is to increase power generation by having the solar panels rotate along the sun's trajectory.

[0011] Another purpose of the present invention is to reduce the cost required for installation and the risk burden on workers by making it easy to assemble, disassemble, replace, and install solar panels in module units.

[0012] Another purpose of the present invention is to increase power generation and charging efficiency by automatically washing and cleaning foreign substances attached to a solar panel using a cleaning robot when power generation is reduced due to foreign substances such as contaminants or dust on the solar panel.

[0013] A modular solar power generation system according to the present invention comprises: a solar panel including a plurality of solar cells and support members arranged on both sides; a tracking module that enables the solar panel to rotate along the sun's trajectory; a connecting member connected to the support member of the solar panel; and a mounting member for mounting the solar panel on a structure; wherein the supporting members of the plurality of solar panels are connected through the connecting member to form a solar panel assembly, and the mounting member is connected to the solar panel assembly to mount the solar panel assembly on the structure.

[0014] The coupling member according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a body, a first insertion portion formed along the longitudinal direction on one side of the body, a first catch portion formed on one side of the body and connected to the first insertion portion, and a first fastening portion formed on the first insertion portion.

[0015] The solar panel according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a second insertion portion formed on the front and rear sides of the support member and into which the first insertion portion of the coupling member is fitted, a second catch portion formed in a stepped shape on both ends of the second insertion portion and into which the first catch portion of the coupling member is in contact, and a second fastening portion formed on an intermediate frame arranged on the inside of the support member and corresponding to the fastening portion of the coupling member.

[0016] The present invention further comprises a clean robot comprising a main body, a cleaner formed on one side of the main body, and a driving unit disposed on both sides of the main body.

[0017] The driving unit of the clean robot according to the present invention includes a driving roller arranged inward, and is further characterized by having a guide groove formed along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the support member and enabling the driving roller to slide.

[0018] The mounting member according to the present invention is characterized by including a mounting portion formed by bending so as to be hung on a structure, and a connecting portion connected to an end of the mounting portion and connected to a support member of the uppermost solar panel in the solar panel assembly by the connecting portion.

[0019] The modular solar power generation system according to the present invention standardizes and modularizes solar panels, making it easy to assemble a plurality of solar panels, and not only allows for easy replacement and repair of solar panels that are broken or damaged, but also eliminates restrictions on installation area or installation location by forming a ladder-structured assembly through assembling a plurality of modularized solar panels and installing them on a building or structure, and increases power generation by rotating the solar panels along the sun's trajectory.

[0020] In addition, the present invention can reduce the cost required for installation and the risk burden on workers by making it easy to assemble, disassemble, replace, and install solar panels in module units.

[0021] In addition, the present invention can increase power generation and charging efficiency by automatically washing and cleaning foreign substances attached to the solar panel using a clean robot when the power generation is reduced due to foreign substances such as contaminants or dust on the solar panel.

[0022] Figure 1 is a front view and a side view showing a modular solar power generation system according to the present invention.

[0023] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the combined state of the modular solar panel according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the state of the solar panel assembly and the mounting member according to the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the installation of a solar panel assembly of a ladder structure according to Fig. 5 on a structure.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a clean robot of a modular solar power generation system according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another application example of a modular solar power generation system according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of a modular solar power generation system according to the present invention.

[0029] In order to explain the operational advantages of the present invention and the purpose achieved by the implementation of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are exemplified and examined with reference thereto below.

[0030] First, the terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention, and the singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" in this application are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the modular solar power generation system according to the present invention is configured to include a solar panel (10), a tracking module (20), a joining member (30), and a mounting member (40).

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the solar panel (10) according to the present invention is configured to include a plurality of solar cells (11) and support members (13) on both sides.

[0034] A solar panel (10) converts solar energy into electrical energy by connecting a plurality of solar cells (11) in series and parallel to each other, and the converted electrical energy is stored in a battery (70), or the electrical energy stored in the battery (70) can be supplied to a place requiring electricity.

[0035] The support member (13) of the solar panel (10) is formed in a frame structure and can be placed on both sides of the solar panel (10). In particular, when connecting multiple solar panels (10), the support member (13) is connected through a connecting member (30) to form a solar panel assembly (SPC).

[0036] This support member (13) may be configured to include a second insertion portion (13a), a second catch portion (13b), and a second fastening portion (15a).

[0037] First, the second insertion portion (13a) may be formed in a groove shape along the length direction on the front and lower surfaces of the support member (13) formed in a square frame structure. Next, the second catch portion (13b) may be formed in a stepped shape on both ends of the second insertion portion (13a). In addition, the second fastening portion (15a) may be formed in a hole shape on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate frame (15) arranged vertically on the inside of the support member (13).

[0038] The intermediate frame (15) divides the interior of the support member (13) into a front space and a rear space.

[0039] The mutually connecting relationship between the support members (13) as described above will be described in more detail in the section explaining the connecting member (30) described later.

[0040] A supporter (19) may be further provided on the lower rear surface of the support member (13) of the solar panel (10). This supporter (19) is provided to allow the solar panel (10) to be spaced apart from the structure (BS) at a predetermined interval when the assembly of the solar panel (10) is installed on the structure (BS).

[0041] This solar panel (10) can rotate along the sun's trajectory by means of a tracking module (20) to be described later. In this case, if the solar panel (10) is placed in contact with or close to a structure (BS), the rotation range of the solar panel (10) may be limited by the structure (BS). Therefore, when the solar panel (10) is installed on the structure (BS), the supporter (19) forms a space by being in contact with the structure (BS), thereby securing a space for the rotational behavior of the solar panel (10), thereby minimizing interference by the structure (BS).

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tracking module (20) according to the present invention is configured so that the solar panel (10) can rotate along the sun's trajectory.

[0043] The tracking module (20) may be equipped with a tracking sensor (21) on a solar panel (10) or a support member (13), and an operating part (23) for rotating the solar panel (10) may be equipped on the inside of the support member (13).

[0044] That is, the tracking module (20) detects the movement trajectory of the sun through the tracking sensor (21) and transmits a detection signal to the control unit (60). The control unit (60) controls the actuator of the operation unit (23) according to the detection signal, thereby rotating the solar panel (10) according to the detected trajectory of the sun.

[0045] Such a tracking module (20) can solve the problem of a disadvantage of existing attached solar power generation in which the solar panel (10) is attached and fixed to the wall or glass of an apartment or building, that is, the problem of reduced power generation due to the solar panel (10) being attached to the wall or glass, etc. and thus having limited rotation. In other words, in the case of existing attached solar power generation, the disadvantage of not being able to track the solar panel (10) according to the sun's trajectory can be solved by the tracking module (20) enabling the solar panel (10) to rotate along the sun's trajectory, thereby increasing the power generation.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connecting member (30) according to the present invention is configured to connect the supporting members (13) between solar panels (10) to form a solar panel assembly (SPC).

[0047] The connecting member (30) may be formed with a first insertion portion (33), a first catch portion (35), and a second catch portion (15a) in the body (31) to correspond to the second insertion portion (13a), the second catch portion (13b), and the second catch portion (15a) of the support member (13), respectively.

[0048] The body (31) of the joining member (30) may be formed as a wide block structure having a roughly rectangular shape. The first insertion portion (33) may be formed in a shape that protrudes vertically along the length direction on one side of the body (31). The first catch portion (35) may be formed in a shape that protrudes approximately in the middle of the first insertion portion (33) on one side of the body (31) and is perpendicular to the first insertion portion (33). Therefore, the joining member (30) may be divided into an upper portion and a lower portion based on the first catch portion (35).

[0049] The connecting member (30) configured in this manner is connected to the support member (13) of the solar panel (10), and the connecting relationship is as follows.

[0050] First, when the upper part of the joining member (30) is inserted into the supporting member (13) disposed at the top of the vertically arranged solar panels (10), the first insertion part (33) of the joining member (30) can be slidably inserted into the second insertion part (13a) of the supporting member (13). In this case, during the operation of inserting the first insertion part (33) into the second insertion part (13a), the first catch part (35) of the joining member (30) comes into contact with the second catch part (13b) of the supporting member (13), thereby preventing the first insertion part (33) from entering the second insertion part (13a) any further. In other words, the first catch part (35) and the second catch part (13b) function as stoppers.

[0051] In this case, the connecting member (30) is inserted into both the front and rear parts of the support member (13), and in this state, the bolt (B) is connected through the first connecting part (37) of the connecting member (30) inserted in the front, the second connecting part (15a) of the intermediate frame (15), and the first connecting part (37) of the connecting member (30) inserted in the rear, and then the nut is fastened to fix the connecting member.

[0052] In this way, when the upper part of the connecting member (30) is connected to the lower part of the support member (13) of the solar panel (10) positioned above, the lower part of the connecting member (30) can be inserted into the upper part of the support member (13) of the solar panel (10) positioned below. In this case, the connecting method between the upper part of the connecting member (30) and the lower part of the support member (13) can also be the same.

[0053] As described above, a single solar panel (10) can be manufactured as a set unit module, and a solar panel (10) as a set unit module can be connected to the upper and lower parts of a connecting member (30) to form a solar panel assembly (SPC).

[0054] The solar panel assembly (SPC) configured in this manner can be installed as an assembly in which an appropriate number of solar panels (10) are assembled according to the installation space or area of ​​the structure (BS), i.e., an apartment or building. Therefore, unlike the existing sub-system type power generation system, it can be installed without restrictions on the installation space or area of ​​the structure (BS).

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting member (40) according to the present invention is configured to be installed by mounting a solar panel assembly (SPC) on a structure (BS).

[0056] This mounting member (40) may be composed of a mounting portion (41) and a connecting portion (43).

[0057] First, the mounting member (40)'s mounting portion (41) can be configured in a bent shape so that it can be hung on a structure (BS). That is, as shown in the illustration of Fig. 4, it can be configured in a roughly '∩' shape so that it can be hung on a rooftop of a building, a wall railing, etc.

[0058] Next, the connecting portion (43) of the mounting member (40) can be formed at the end of the mounting portion (41), i.e., the lower end of the frame vertically arranged in front as shown in the diagram of FIG. 4. In this case, the connecting portion (43) can be formed with the same structure as the supporting portion (13) of the solar panel (10). Accordingly, the connecting portion (43) of the mounting member (40) can be connected and fixed to the supporting portion (13) of the solar panel (10) arranged at the top of the solar panel assembly (SPC) by the connecting portion (30) through the connecting portion (30).

[0059] When the mounting member (40) and the solar panel assembly (SPC) are connected in this way, a solar panel assembly (SPC) of a ladder structure is implemented as shown in FIG. 5, and in this state, the mounting part (41) of the mounting member (40) can be mounted on the roof or wall railing of the structure (BS) to install the solar panel assembly (SPC) on the structure (BS).

[0060] The city in Figure 5 shows the installation of a solar panel assembly (SPC) on a structure (BS) when it is vertically arranged.

[0061] Meanwhile, in the city of FIG. 7, it is also possible to horizontally arrange the solar panel (10) assembly and install it on the structure (BS). That is, various installation forms are possible considering the characteristics, shape, installation space, etc. of the structure (BS) for installing the solar power generation system. In the case of installing the solar panel assembly (SPC) horizontally as in the city of FIG. 7, the number of mounting members (40) to be installed can be determined according to the total length of the solar panel assembly (SPC). In this case, the mounting members (40) can be mounted on the side of the support member (13) of the solar panel (10) using various joints.

[0062] The solar power generation system according to the present invention, configured as described above, may be subject to attachment or fixation of foreign substances (D) such as contaminants or dust when used for a long period of time. If such foreign substances (D) are attached or fixed to the solar panel (10), the light collection efficiency of the solar panel (10) may decrease, resulting in a problem of reduced power generation or charging capacity.

[0063] Therefore, it is desirable to wash and clean the surface of the solar panel (10) periodically or regularly.

[0064] In the present invention, a cleaning robot (50) is introduced to automatically remove foreign substances (D) attached or adhered to a solar panel (10).

[0065] A clean robot (50) for this purpose can be configured to include a main body (51), a cleaner (53), and a driving unit (55) as shown in Fig. 6.

[0066] First, the main body (51) of the clean robot (50) is formed in a roughly rectangular shape, so that a receiving space for accommodating the cleaner (53) can be formed at the rear. Next, the cleaner (53) of the clean robot (50) is formed in a roller shape, so that it can be accommodated in the receiving space of the main body (51). In this case, the cleaner (53) can be connected so that both ends can rotate on the inner side of the receiving space.

[0067] In addition, the driving unit (55) of the clean robot (50) is equipped with brackets (55b) on both sides of the rear of the main body (51), and a driving roller (55a) is rotatably connected to the brackets (55b). In this case, the driving roller (55a) can be positioned inward, i.e., horizontally with respect to the solar panel (10).

[0068] In addition, guide grooves (17) are formed along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the support member (13) of the solar panel (10) to enable the cleaning robot (50) to slide in the up and down direction.

[0069] The cleaning robot (50) configured as described above is placed on the front of the solar panel assembly (SPC) as shown in FIG. 6, and the driving roller (55a) is moved up and down along the guide groove (17) of the support member (13). In this case, the cleaner (53) can remove foreign substances (D) attached or fixed to the solar panel (10) while rotating.

[0070] In this way, the clean robot (50) removes foreign substances (D) from the solar panel (10), thereby increasing the light concentration of the solar panel (10), thereby ensuring sufficient power generation or charging capacity.

[0071] In this case, it is desirable for the cleaner (53) to be able to rotate by a motor or the like.

[0072] In addition, it is desirable to use a material with a high coefficient of friction for the drive roller (55a) of the clean robot (50) to prevent slipping, and in some cases, it is also desirable to apply a brake structure in case braking is required.

[0073] The modular solar power generation system according to the present invention configured as described above may be equipped with a control unit (60) for integrated control of the system, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0074] The control unit (60) can control the supply of electric energy charged in the battery (70) to a receiving location or the supply of electricity used in a power generation system. In addition, it can control the operation of the motor, etc., provided in the driving unit (55) of the clean robot (50).

[0075] In particular, the control unit (60) receives a detection signal regarding the movement trajectory of the sun from the tracking sensor (21) of the tracking module (20) and controls the operating unit (23) of the tracking module (20), i.e., the actuator, to rotate the solar panel (10) along the movement trajectory of the sun.

[0076] In addition, the control unit (60) receives diagnostic signals from various sensor modules installed for self-diagnosis of the solar power generation system, and in case of a problem such as a breakdown or damage, it is possible to control the system by sending an alarm to the manager through the notification unit (80) so that a quick response can be made.

[0077] For example, if a problem occurs, such as a decrease in the charging capacity or power generation of the solar panel (10), an abnormality or failure can be detected and the problem can be resolved on its own through a quick response. In such a case, the control unit (60) can control the cleaning robot (50) to remove foreign substances (D) attached or adhered to the solar panel (10). If the problem is not improved even with this cleaning operation, and if a failure or damage to the solar panel (10) occurs, the problem can be resolved by solidifying or repairing the solar panel (10).

[0078] Although the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible.

[0079] Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of ​​the appended claims.

Claims

1. A solar panel (10) including a plurality of solar cells (11) and support members (13) arranged on both sides; A tracking module (20) that enables the above solar panel (10) to rotate along the sun's trajectory; A connecting member (30) connected to the self-supporting member of the above solar panel (10); and It is made up of a mounting member (40) for mounting the above solar panel (10) on a structure (BS); A plurality of solar panels (10) are connected to support members (13) through the connecting member (30) to form a solar panel assembly (SPC), A modular solar power generation system characterized in that the solar panel assembly (SPC) is mounted on the structure (BS) by connecting the mounting member (40) to the solar panel assembly (SPC).

2. In the first paragraph, the connecting member (30) Body (31) and, A first insertion portion (33) formed along the longitudinal direction on one side of the above body (31), A first hooking portion (35) formed on one side of the body (31) and connected to the first insertion portion (33), and A modular solar power generation system characterized by including a first fastening portion (37) formed in the first insertion portion (33).

3. In the second paragraph, the solar panel (10) A second insertion portion (13a) formed on the front and rear sides of the support member (13) and into which the first insertion portion (33) of the connecting member (30) is fitted; A second catch portion (13b) formed in a stepped shape at both ends of the second insert portion (13a) and in contact with the first catch portion (35) of the connecting member (30), A modular solar power generation system characterized in that it is formed on an intermediate frame (15) arranged on the inside of the above support member (13) and includes a second fastening portion (15a) corresponding to the fastening portion of the above joining member (30).

4. In paragraph 1, The main body (51), A cleaner (53) formed on one side of the above main body (51), A modular solar power generation system characterized in that it further comprises a clean robot (50) including a driving unit (55) arranged on both sides of the main body (51).

5. In paragraph 4, The driving unit (55) of the above clean robot (50) includes a driving roller (55a) arranged in an inward direction, A modular solar power generation system characterized in that a guide groove (17) is further provided on both sides of the support member (13) along the longitudinal direction and enables the driving roller (55a) to slide.

6. In the first paragraph, the mounting member (40) A support member (41) formed in a folded manner so that it can be hung on a structure (BS), A modular solar power generation system characterized in that it comprises a connecting member (43) connected to the end of the above-mentioned mounting member (41) and connected to the support member (13) of the uppermost solar panel (10) in the solar panel assembly (SPC) by the connecting member (30).

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