An agrivoltaic system with irrigation and cleaning functions

Abstract

The invention relates to an agrivoltaic system (10) comprising at least one solar panel (11) enabling electricity generation from solar energy, at least one chassis (12) allowing the solar panel (11) to be held at a certain height in order to enable agricultural activities on the ground-facing side of the solar panel (11), and at least one connection equipment (20) enabling the solar panel (11) and the chassis (12) to be interconnected. The invention is characterized in that the connection equipment (20) comprising at least one irrigation nozzle (25) associated with a water line on the ground-facing side and at least one cleaning nozzle (24) associated with a water line on the solar panel-facing side in order to enable cleaning of the solar panel (11 ) and agricultural irrigation.

Description

[0001] AN AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEM WITH IRRIGATION AND CLEANING FUNCTIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an agrivoltaic system comprising at least one solar panel enabling electricity generation from solar energy, at least one chassis allowing the solar panel to be held at a certain height in order to enable agricultural activities on the ground-facing side of the solar panel, and at least one connection equipment enabling the solar panel and the chassis to be interconnected.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Agrivoltaic systems stand out as an innovative technology that combines solar energy generation and agricultural productivity in agricultural areas. In these systems, solar panels installed over farmland both provide energy generation and create a shading effect above the cultivated area, thereby improving the growing conditions of crops. Studies conducted especially on crops such as peppers, sweet corn, and winter wheat have shown that these systems offer advantages in terms of both energy generation and crop yield. Agrivoltaic systems provide both sustainable energy generation and agricultural production by utilizing agricultural land efficiently.

[0006] The known application No. CN221127225 in the literature relates to a photovoltaic (solar) panel mounting support having a cleaning function. As is known in the art, solar panels must be kept clean in order to increase energy generation efficiency. Therefore, document D1 includes a cleaning mechanism that allows the panels to be cleaned automatically. In this invention, the clamp element enables photovoltaic panels to be mounted quickly and securely within the mentioned mounting support system.

[0007] In current agrivoltaic systems, the clamps used are designed solely for the purpose of mounting solar panels, and therefore have highly limited functionality. The clamps not only serve to support the mounting of the panels but are also incapable of performing functions such as irrigation or cleaning. This lack of functionality necessitates the use of separate systems for irrigation and cleaning operations on farms. In particular, the placement of pipes and apparatuses used in irrigation systems reduces the efficiency of bifacial panels that receive light from both sides, creating shading problems and decreasing energy generation potential.

[0008] From the perspective of cleaning systems, current solutions are either performed manually using human labor or rely on high-cost alternatives such as drones or cleaning robots. These systems have high installation costs and also cause additional expenses during operational processes. As for the pipelines used in irrigation systems, they are placed on the solar panels, which creates additional difficulties when modifications or interventions are required after installation.

[0009] As a result, all of the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to introduce an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a connection equipment intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide new advantages in the relevant technical field.

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide an agrivoltaic system comprising a connection equipment having irrigation and cleaning functions in addition to mounting.

[0013] In order to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is an agrivoltaic system comprising at least one solar panel enabling electricity generation from solar energy, at least one chassis allowing the solar panel to be held at a certain height in order to enable agricultural activities on the ground-facing side of the solar panel, and at least one connection equipment enabling the solar panel and the chassis to be interconnected. Accordingly, the novelty lies in that the connection equipment comprising at least one irrigation nozzle associated with a water line on the groundfacing side of the connection equipment and at least one cleaning nozzle associated with a water line on the solar panel-facing side, in order to enable cleaning of the solar panel and agricultural irrigation.

[0014] A feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that the connection equipment comprising at least one body and at least one jaw on opposite sides of the body in order to be connected with the solar panel. In this way, the solar panel is securely fixed to the chassis and is prevented from being affected by external factors.

[0015] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that the irrigation nozzle is associated with at least one irrigation water line and the cleaning nozzle is associated with at least one cleaning water line. In this way, water is efficiently conveyed to the nozzles, and irrigation and cleaning processes are carried out effectively.

[0016] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that the irrigation water line and the cleaning water line are connected to at least one water tank for water supply. In this way, the water used in the system is supplied from a continuous source, allowing uninterrupted irrigation and cleaning.

[0017] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that it comprising at least one water collection box to allow the water on the solar panel to be collected and transferred to the water line. In this way, rainwater or cleaning water flowing from the solar panel is collected for reuse, thereby ensuring water conservation.

[0018] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that it comprising a collection box level sensor for detecting the water level in the water collection box. In this way, the water level is monitored and overflow or waste of water is prevented.

[0019] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that it comprising a water tank level sensor for detecting the water level in the water tank. In this way, the water level is continuously monitored and automatic intervention is performed when the water decreases or becomes full.

[0020] A feature of another possible embodiment of the invention is that it comprising a water collection slide on the ground-facing side of the solar panel. In this way, the water flowing down from the solar panel is efficiently collected and directed to the water collection box, enabling recycling.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows a representative front perspective view of the agrivoltaic system of the invention.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a representative rear perspective view of the agrivoltaic system of the invention.

[0024] Figure 3a shows a representative Detail A view of the connection equipment in the agrivoltaic system of the invention.

[0025] Figure 3b shows a representative Detail B view of the connection equipment in the agrivoltaic system of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3c shows a representative Detail C view of the connection equipment in the agrivoltaic system of the invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained with examples that are solely intended to provide a better understanding of the subject and shall not have any limiting effect.

[0029] Representative perspective views of the agrivoltaic system (10) of the invention are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Accordingly, the agrivoltaic system (10) is an integrated technology that enables solar energy generation in areas where agricultural activities continue. In these systems, at least one solar panel (11 ) is placed over agricultural land to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This solar panel (11 ) is mounted at a height that does not interfere with agricultural activities, typically at a level that allows agricultural machinery to pass comfortably. At least one chassis (12) ensures that the solar panels (11 ) are properly supported and fixed to the ground or other structural elements where they are installed. The said chassis (12) also helps to hold the solar panels (11 ) at the correct angle to receive sunlight most efficiently, thereby ensuring maximum energy generation. At least one connection equipment (20) is used between the solar panels (11 ) and the chassis (12). This connection equipment (20), referred to in the art as a clamp, ensures that the solar panels (11) are mounted securely and stably onto the chassis (12). The connection equipment (20) prevents the solar panels (11 ) from moving or being damaged by being fixed onto the chassis (12), thus ensuring that the system is durable and safe. In agrivoltaic systems (10), this connection equipment (20) helps the solar panel (11) to remain in the correct position continuously, while also allowing agricultural activities to continue and enabling the solar panel (11 ) to be cleaned.

[0030] A representative Detail A view of the connection equipment (20) is shown in Figure 3a. Accordingly, the connection equipment (20) is a mechanical component used to fix the solar panels (11 ) to the chassis (12). This connection equipment (20) is configured to secure the solar panel (11) to the chassis (12) particularly against external factors such as vibration and wind. The connection equipment (20) extends at least partially along one edge of the solar panel (11). To enable this, the connection equipment (20) comprising at least one body (21 ) and at least one jaw (22) structure on opposite sides of the said body (21 ). At least one of the jaws (22) can be moved closer to or away from the other. In this way, the solar panel (11 ) and the connection equipment (20) can be tightly interconnected. The connection equipment (20) comprises jaw (22) structures on opposite sides of the body (21 ). In this way, side-by-side positioned solar panels (11 ) can be fixed together. In order for one of the jaws (22) to be moved closer to or away from the other, it comprises at least one connection element (23). The said connection element (23) is essentially a bolt. By tightening this connection element (23), the jaws (22) are brought closer together and the interconnection is achieved. A representative Detail B view of the connection equipment (20) is shown in Figure 3b. Accordingly, the connection equipment (20) comprises at least one irrigation nozzle (25) and at least one cleaning nozzle (24). The cleaning nozzle (24) is a mechanism that sprays water to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the solar panels (11 ). The cleaning nozzle (24) is positioned on the upward-facing side of the body (21 ). This cleaning nozzle (24) is integrated into the connection equipment (20), and the cleaning process is carried out by precisely spraying water onto the surface of the solar panel (11). The cleaning nozzle (24) generally has a rotatable structure and spreads water over a wide area to ensure complete cleaning of the panels. Additionally, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the connection equipment (20) comprises two cleaning nozzles (24) facing opposite directions. In this way, both of the side-by-side positioned solar panels (11 ) can be cleaned simultaneously. The irrigation nozzle (25) located on the connection equipment (20) is a mechanism that sprays water for irrigating the plants in the agricultural area. This irrigation nozzle (25) is mounted on the connection equipment (20) and directs the water toward the roots of the plants. The irrigation nozzle (25) has different spray angles to ensure proper distribution of water and to perform precise plant irrigation. Preferably, two irrigation nozzles (25) are provided on opposite sides of the body (21), facing the ground. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the irrigation nozzle (25) may be configured to enable water transfer in accordance with advanced irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.

[0031] A representative Detail C view of the connection equipment (20) is shown in Figure 3c. Accordingly, the connection equipment (20) may comprise at least one cleaning water line (30a) to allow water to be conveyed to the cleaning nozzle (24), and at least one irrigation water line (30b) to allow water to be conveyed to the irrigation nozzle (25). The cleaning water line (30a) and the irrigation water line (30b) are piping systems that convey water from at least one water tank (32) or water collection box (34) to the irrigation and cleaning systems. These pipes are generally made of durable materials such as PVC or polyethylene and ensure effective water conveyance even at low pressure. The cleaning water line (30a) and the irrigation water line (30b) are controlled by the valve (31) and sensors in the system to ensure that water is distributed at the correct time and in the correct amount. At least one valve (31 ) is provided on at least one of the cleaning water line (30a) and the irrigation water line (30b), and preferably on both. The valve (31 ) is a mechanical component used to control the flow of water in the water line. This valve (31 ) allows the system to start and stop the water flow and to direct the water when necessary.

[0032] The cleaning water line (30a) and the irrigation water line (30b) are associated with at least one water tank (32). The said water tank (32) allows for the supply of the water required for the cleaning water line (30a) and the irrigation water line (30b). In order for the water tank (32) to supply the water, at least one water collection box (34) is provided on the downward-sloping side of the solar panel (11 ). The said water collection box (34) enables the rainwater or cleaning water flowing from the surface of the solar panel (11) to be collected and transferred to the water tank via a pump. The rainwater or the water used during the cleaning process accumulates in this water collection box (34) via at least one water collection slide (36) located between the solar panels (11 ) and on the solar panel (11). At least one collection box level sensor (35) is provided in the water collection box (34). The said collection box level sensor (35) is a sensor used to measure the level of the water accumulated in the water collection box (34). This collection box level sensor (35) activates the system automatically when the water reaches a certain level, thereby preventing overflow or waste of water. The collection box level sensor (35) is generally of the ultrasonic or capacitive type and precisely detects the water level, allowing the water to be transferred to the water tank. At least one water tank level sensor (33) is also provided inside the water tank (32). The water tank level sensor (33) is a sensor that monitors the amount of water stored in the water tank (32). This water tank level sensor (33) informs the controller in cases where the water decreases or overflows and initiates automatic filling or drainage operations.

[0033] In a possible use scenario of the invention, the solar panels (11 ) are securely fixed to the chassis (12) via the connection equipment (20) to remain stable and unaffected by external factors. The cleaning nozzle (24), which is integrated into this connection equipment (20), sprays water to automatically clean the surface of the solar panels (11 ), providing effective cleaning. Additionally, the irrigation nozzle (25) directs water to the roots of the plants to ensure precise irrigation of the crops in the agricultural area. Water for the cleaning and irrigation systems is delivered through water lines controlled by valves (31 ). The rainwater or cleaning water flowing from the solar panel (11 ) is collected in the water collection box (34), transferred to the water tank, and stored for reuse. The level sensors located in the water tank (32) monitor the amount of water and initiate automatic filling or drainage operations when necessary. The overall operation of the system is controlled automatically via the valves (31 ) and sensors, thereby enabling both the cleaning of the solar panels (11 ) and the irrigation of the plants to be carried out efficiently.

[0034] With this entire structure, it becomes possible to carry out solar energy generation and agricultural activities simultaneously on agricultural land, thereby increasing energy efficiency. Secure fixation of the solar panels (11 ) ensures their protection from external factors, while the automatic cleaning nozzle (24) reduces maintenance costs and the need for manual labor. Furthermore, the irrigation nozzle (25) contributes to water conservation and plant health by enabling efficient and precise irrigation of the crops. The water collection and reuse system prevents water waste, while the automatic operation of the system through integrated sensors and valves (31 ) optimizes energy and resource management.

[0035] The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the claims attached hereto and shall by no means be limited to the examples described in this detailed explanation. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may develop similar embodiments in light of the above description without departing from the main concept of the invention.

[0036] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE DRAWINGS

[0037] 10 Agrivoltaic System

[0038] 11 Solar Panel

[0039] 12 Chassis

[0040] 20 Connection Equipment

[0041] 21 Body

[0042] 22 Jaw

[0043] 23 Connection Element

[0044] 24 Cleaning Nozzle

[0045] 25 Irrigation Nozzle

[0046] 30a Cleaning Water Line

[0047] 30b Irrigation Water Line

[0048] 31 Valve

[0049] 32 Water Tank

[0050] 33 Water Tank Level Sensor

[0051] 34 Water Collection Box

[0052] 35 Collection Box Level Sensor

[0053] 36 Water Collection Slide

Claims

CLAIMS1. An agrivoltaic system (10) comprising at least one solar panel (11 ) enabling electricity generation from solar energy, at least one chassis (12) allowing the solar panel (11 ) to be held at a certain height in order to enable agricultural activities on the ground-facing side of the solar panel (11 ), and at least one connection equipment (20) enabling the solar panel (11) and the chassis (12) to be interconnected, characterized in that it comprising at least one irrigation nozzle (25) associated with a water line on the ground-facing side of the connection equipment (20) and at least one cleaning nozzle (24) associated with a water line on the solar panel-facing side of the connection equipment (20), in order to enable cleaning of the solar panel (11) and agricultural irrigation.

2. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection equipment (20) comprising at least one body (21 ) and at least one jaw (22) on opposite sides of the body (21) for being connected with the solar panel (11 ).

3. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the irrigation nozzle (25) is associated with at least one irrigation water line (30b), and the cleaning nozzle (24) is associated with at least one cleaning water line (30a).

4. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprising at least one water tank (32) to which the irrigation water line (30b) and the cleaning water line (30a) are connected for water supply.

5. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprising at least one water collection box (34) to allow the water on the solar panel (11 ) to be collected and transferred to the water line.

6. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprising a collection box level sensor (35) for detecting the water level in the water collection box (34).

7. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprising a water tank level sensor (33) for detecting the water level in the water tank (32).

8. The agrivoltaic system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprising a water collection slide (36) on the ground-facing side of the solar panel (11 ).

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