Protective and energy-producing element for a plantation, plantation arrangement and method for forming a plantation arrangement on a plantation site

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective and energy-producing element for a plantation, characterized in that it comprises: at least two support posts (20) intended to be secured to the plantation soil, each having at least one portion proximal to the ground with a given orientation with respect to the vertical, the posts having a portion distal to the ground; at least two first longitudinal crossmembers (21) arranged on either side of the at least two posts (20); at least one first photovoltaic panel arranged along the first support plane; at least two second longitudinal crossmembers (22) arranged on either side of the at least two posts (20); and at least one second photovoltaic panel arranged along the second support plane.

Description

[0001] Protection and energy production element for a plantation, plantation installation and method for establishing a plantation installation on a plantation site

[0002] technical field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection and energy production element for a plantation. It is applicable, in particular, in the field of energy and agriculture.

[0004] Prior state of the art

[0005]

[0002] Optimizing agricultural crop yields is a constant concern for producers, especially in a context where climatic conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

[0006]

[0003] For example, the production of blueberries, a fruit sensitive to climatic variations, clearly illustrates this challenge. Indeed, this crop requires specific conditions to thrive, including a temperate to cold climate and good distribution of rainfall and wind. However, in some regions, unfavorable climatic variations, such as prolonged periods of heat, drought, or late spring frosts, can compromise yields and make this crop unprofitable.

[0007]

[0004] One of the objectives of the invention is to optimize the arrangement of photovoltaic panels for a plantation.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009]

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach.

[0010]

[0006] More specifically, the invention aims to improve planting yields under unfavorable climatic conditions, particularly wind conditions.

[0011]

[0007] In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide such a technique making it possible to do without any other complex adjustment system.

[0008] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a protection and energy production element for a plantation, notable in that it comprises: at least two support posts intended to be fixed to the planting ground with at least one proximal portion in the ground having a given orientation with respect to the vertical, said posts having a distal portion in the ground, at least two first longitudinal crossbars arranged on either side of the at least two posts,said first longitudinal crossbeams defining a first support plane making a first angle with respect to the given orientation such that said first support plane is intended to form a second angle between 15° and 35° with respect to the vertical when the at least two support posts are fixed to the ground of the plantation, at least one first photovoltaic panel arranged along the first support plane, at least two second longitudinal crossbeams arranged on either side of the at least two posts, said second longitudinal crossbeams defining a second support plane making a third angle with respect to the given orientation such that said first support plane is intended to form a fourth angle between 75° and 115° with respect to the vertical when the at least two support posts are fixed to the ground of the plantation, at least one second photovoltaic panel arranged along the second support plane,in which at least one first and second photovoltaic panel delimits between them a space intended to be vertical when the at least two support posts are fixed to the planting ground.

[0012]

[0009] Thanks to these provisions, the plantation is protected against strong winds. Wind can be a major limiting factor for crop yields, particularly for fragile crops or those requiring specific climatic conditions, such as blueberries. Wind can cause direct losses, such as broken stems and branches, soil erosion, or even more pronounced water stress due to excessive evaporation. Therefore, implementing wind protection solutions is crucial for maintaining and optimizing agricultural yields. Furthermore, according to the invention, this protection is complemented by electricity production enabled by photovoltaic panels.

[0013]

[0010] Taking wind stress into account is crucial for the stability and durability of pole supports. Photovoltaic panels, when installed in large continuous areas, can act as solid barriers to the wind, increasing the pressure exerted on support structures, such as poles and ground anchors. This can lead not only to risks of deformation or breakage of the structures, but also to additional costs related to the need to reinforce them.

[0014]

[0011] The vertical space between the photovoltaic panels allows the installation to be less subject to mechanical stresses, which reduces the need to oversize the structure.

[0015]

[0012] By reducing the effort exerted by the wind, the support structures are less stressed over time, which increases the lifespan of the solar installation.

[0016]

[0013] The integration of a source of electricity production made possible by the invention makes the operation more autonomous and reduces energy costs related to other aspects of the operation, such as irrigation, lighting or heating.

[0017]

[0014] The electricity produced can also be used to power agricultural processes, such as the canning of fruit, whether in the form of whole fruit, in syrup, or in the form of jam.

[0018]

[0015] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0019]

[0016] In one embodiment, the first photovoltaic panel is arranged in such a way that when the at least two posts are fixed to the ground, the first panel is at a distance from the ground, the height from the ground is between 1m and 50cm, particularly advantageously between 60 and 70cm.

[0020]

[0017] Thanks to these arrangements, the lower part of the photovoltaic panels allows wind to pass through without damaging the plantings.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least two support posts each have two ends, the two ends of a distal end intended to be distant from the ground and a proximal end intended to be fixed to the ground, the distal end being intended to have, when the at least two support posts are fixed to the ground of the planting, a height vis-à-vis the vertical, said height being between 3 m and 1 m, preferably between 2.75 and 2 m and particularly advantageously between 2.65 and 2.3 m.

[0021]

[0019] In one embodiment, reinforcing tubes are arranged between the first crossbeams or between the second crossbeams.

[0022]

[0020] Thanks to these arrangements, these tubes help to support the weight of the photovoltaic panels.

[0023]

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a planting installation comprising: a planting area having a planting soil and a prevailing wind direction, at least one protection and energy production element according to the invention, the support posts being fixed to the planting soil with the given orientation with respect to the vertical, the crossbeams defining by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element, at least one row of crop plants planted in the planting soil along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction at a distance, in which the protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crop plants along this prevailing wind direction, the first horizontal direction preferably having an angle between 75° and 105° with respect to the prevailing wind direction.

[0022] The advantages, purposes and special characteristics of this installation being similar to those of the protection and energy production element for a plantation which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

[0024]

[0023] In one embodiment, a plurality of rows comprising successively a row of protective elements and a row of growing plants in the horizontal direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, a distance between each successive row of protective elements and each successive row of growing plants, said distance being between 2 and 4 m, preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 m.

[0025]

[0025] In one embodiment, the rows of crop plants are arranged on ground raised relative to the rows of protective elements, the elevation being preferably between 1 and 0.3 m, and particularly advantageously between 0.4 and 0.75 m

[0026]

[0026] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for forming a planting installation on a planting site having planting soil and a prevailing wind direction, the method comprising the following steps:

[0027] -a) provide at least one element of protection and energy production according to claim 1,

[0028] -b) fix posts to the planting ground with a given orientation relative to the vertical, the crossbeams defining by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element,

[0029] -c) plant at least one row of crops in the planting area along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction, the planting being carried out in such a way that the protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crops along this prevailing wind direction, wherein the first horizontal direction preferably has an angle between 75 and 105° with respect to the prevailing wind direction

[0030]

[0027] The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this process being similar to those of the protection and energy production element for a plantation which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings

[0032]

[0028] The present invention will be better understood by reading the description of exemplary embodiments, given purely by way of illustration and in no way limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a protection and energy production element for a plantation; Figure 2 illustrates a plantation installation; Figure 3 illustrates a plantation installation from another view; Figure 4 illustrates the steps of a process for forming a plantation installation.

[0033]

[0029] Identical, similar or equivalent parts of the different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0034]

[0030] The different parts represented in the figures are not necessarily shown on a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more legible.

[0035]

[0031] The different possibilities (variants and embodiments) should be understood as not being mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0036] Detailed description of specific implementation methods

[0037]

[0032] Figure 1 shows a protection and energy production element for a plantation.

[0038]

[0033] The cultivation planting is for example blueberries, asparagus, raspberries, blackcurrants and gooseberries or other berry shrubs.

[0039]

[0034] The protection element comprises the following elements: two support posts 20, two first cross members 21, two second cross members 22.

[0040]

[0035] The protective element is against the prevailing winds: mistral, tramontane, the autan wind and the Greek.

[0041]

[0036] The Mistral is a cold, dry wind that blows from the northwest to the southeast, mainly in the Rhône Valley and Provence. It can reach very high speeds and is known for its cooling effect in summer.

[0042]

[0037] The Tramontane is a northwesterly wind that blows in Languedoc and Roussillon. Like the mistral, it is often strong and dry, and it can bring clear, sunny weather.

[0038] The Autan is a hot, dry wind that blows from the southeast to the southwest, mainly in the Toulouse region. It is often associated with periods of hot, dry weather.

[0043]

[0039] For the Greek, this is a northeast wind that blows on the Mediterranean coast, particularly in Corsica. It is generally less well known than the others, but it can also influence the local climate.

[0044]

[0040] The two support posts 20 have a proximal part relative to the ground and a distal part relative to the ground.

[0045]

[0041] The proximal part has a given orientation with respect to the vertical.

[0046]

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first two cross members 21 are arranged on either side of the two support posts 20.

[0047]

[0043] The first two cross members 21 define a first support plane.

[0048]

[0044] The first support plane defines a first angle with respect to the given orientation in such a way that the first support plane is intended to form a second angle between 15° and 35° with respect to the vertical.

[0049]

[0045] The first support plane has a first photovoltaic panel, not shown.

[0050]

[0046] The two second cross members 22 are arranged on either side of the two support posts 20.

[0051]

[0047] According to an example, the first photovoltaic panel and the second photovoltaic panel have a width of lm, preferably 1.07m.

[0052]

[0048] It should be noted that, according to one example, the protection and energy production element extends over at least a portion of the width of the plantation, or even the entire width of the plantation. According to this same example, several protection elements can be provided, following one another along the width of the plantation, in order to cover a majority, or even the entire, of this width. It should be noted that each protection element can thus comprise a plurality of first and second photovoltaic panels in order to

[0053]

[0049] According to an example, the two second cross members 22 form a second support plane defining a third angle with respect to the longitudinal orientation.

[0050] The first support plane forms a fourth angle between 75° and 115° with respect to the vertical.

[0054]

[0051] The fourth angle is formed when the two support posts 20 are fixed to the ground.

[0055]

[0052] The second support plane has a second photovoltaic panel, not shown.

[0056]

[0053] The first photovoltaic panel and the second photovoltaic panel delimit between them a space intended to be vertical when the two support posts 20 are fixed to the ground and according to the first support plane or the second support plane.

[0057]

[0054] Taking wind stress into account is crucial for the stability and durability of the pole supports 20. Photovoltaic panels, when installed in large continuous areas, can act as solid barriers to the wind, increasing the pressure exerted on the support structures, such as the poles 20 and the ground anchors. This can lead not only to risks of deformation or breakage of the structures, but also to additional costs related to the need to reinforce them.

[0058]

[0055] The vertical space between the photovoltaic panels allows the installation to be less subject to mechanical stresses, which reduces the need to oversize the structure.

[0059]

[0056] By reducing the effort exerted by the wind, the support structures are less stressed over time, which increases the lifespan of the solar installation.

[0060]

[0057] The energy produced offers two main options for its use: it can either be fed back into the electrical grid or used for the internal operation of the farm, particularly for specific operations such as processing agricultural products, for example, canning fruit into jam or fruit in syrup. Furthermore, the spacing between the photovoltaic panels also contributes to better thermal management by improving air circulation around the photovoltaic modules, which can have a positive impact on energy conversion efficiency.

[0058] The proximal and distal ends of the pole are bent relative to each other.

[0061]

[0059] According to one variant, the distal part is intended to have a vertical orientation.

[0062]

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first photovoltaic panel arranged along the first support plane and the ground are separated by a distance from the ground with respect to a vertical axis.

[0063]

[0061] The two support posts 20 each have two ends.

[0064]

[0062] The two ends extend from a distal end intended to be distant from the ground and a proximal end intended to be fixed to the ground. The distal end is intended to have, when the at least two support posts 20 are fixed to the ground of the plantation, a height vis-à-vis the vertical. The height is between 3 m and 1 m, preferably between 2.75 m and 2 m and particularly advantageously between 2.65 m and 2.3 m.

[0065]

[0063] The protective element includes support tubes 23 arranged between the first two cross members 21 or between two second cross members 22.

[0066]

[0064] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0067]

[0065] Figure 2 shows a planting installation.

[0068]

[0066] This figure shows the first photovoltaic panel 25 and the second photovoltaic panel 26.

[0069]

[0067] The protective element further comprises a planting installation.

[0070]

[0068] This installation comprises:

[0071] - a planting plot 24 with suitable planting soil and prevailing wind direction,

[0072] - at least one protection and energy production element, the 20 support posts being fixed to the planting ground with the given orientation in relation to the vertical, the crossbeams defining by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element, - at least one row of crop plants planted in the planting ground along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction at a distance.

[0073]

[0069] The protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crop plants according to this prevailing wind direction.

[0074]

[0070] According to an example produced, the first horizontal direction has an angle depending on the direction of the prevailing wind.

[0075]

[0071] This angle is between 75° and 105°.

[0076]

[0072] The installation comprises a plurality of rows successively comprising a row of protective elements and a row of growing plants along the first horizontal direction.

[0077]

[0073] The row of protective elements and the row of crop plants are separated by a distance.

[0078]

[0074] This distance is between 1 m and 5 m. According to one variant, the distance is 3 m.

[0079]

[0075] According to one example, the row of crop plants is arranged on a raised ground relative to the rows of protective elements.

[0080]

[0076] Agricultural machinery can move easily between the photovoltaic panels, thus optimizing field operations without the need for major modifications to machinery or infrastructure.

[0081]

[0077] The height between the ground of the row of protective elements and the raised ground is between 1 m and 0.25 m. According to one variant, the height is 0.45 m.

[0082]

[0078] Figure 3 shows a planting installation from another view and showing the possible row sequences within the framework of the invention.

[0083]

[0079] This figure shows the succession of rows. One row comprises one or more protection and energy production elements, followed by another row of crop plants, which is then followed by another row comprising one or more protection and energy production elements. In this way, according to the invention, each row of crop plants is protected from the wind by the protection and energy production element(s) of the row located upstream in the direction of the prevailing wind.

[0080] The earth mound used to elevate the crop plants is visible.

[0084]

[0081] Figure 4 shows the steps of a process for forming a planting facility.

[0085]

[0082] Step 101 shows the step of supplying a protection and power production element as shown in the preceding figures.

[0086]

[0083] Step 102 shows the step of fixing the support posts with a given orientation with respect to the vertical.

[0087]

[0084] The first crossbars and the second crossbars define by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element.

[0088]

[0085] Step 103 shows the planting of at least one row of crop plants in the planting soil along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction.

[0086] The planting is carried out in such a way that the protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crop plants along this prevailing wind direction.

[0089]

[0087] The first horizontal direction has an angle between 75 and 105° with respect to the direction of the prevailing wind.

[0090]

[0088] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands 1. A protective and energy-producing element for a plantation, characterized in that it comprises: - at least two support posts (20) intended to be fixed to the planting ground with at least one part proximal to the ground having a given orientation with respect to the vertical, said posts having a part distal to the ground, - at least two first longitudinal crossbeams (21) arranged on either side of the at least two posts (20), said first longitudinal crossbeams (21) defining a first support plane making a first angle with respect to the given orientation in such a way that said first support plane is intended to form a second angle between 15° and 35° with respect to the vertical when the at least two support posts (20) are fixed to the ground of the plantation, - at least one first photovoltaic panel (25) arranged along the first support plane, - at least two second longitudinal crossbeams (22) arranged on either side of the at least two posts (20), said second longitudinal crossbeams (22) defining a second support plane making a third angle with respect to the given orientation in such a way that said first support plane is intended to form a fourth angle between 75° and 115° with respect to the vertical when the at least two support posts (20) are fixed to the ground of the plantation, - at least one second photovoltaic panel (26) arranged along the second support plane, in which at least one first and second photovoltaic panel (26) delimit between them a space intended to be vertical when the at least two support posts (20) are fixed to the planting ground.

2. A protective and energy-producing element for a plantation according to claim 1, wherein the proximal part of the post and the distal part of the post are angled relative to each other, with the distal part preferentially intended to present a vertical orientation.

3. Protection and energy production element for a plantation according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first photovoltaic panel (25) is arranged in such a way that when the at least two posts are fixed to the ground, the first panel is at a distance from the ground, the height from the ground is between 1m and 50cm, particularly advantageously between 60 and 70cm.

4. Protection and energy production element for a plantation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two support posts (20) each have two ends, the two ends having a distal end intended to be distant from the ground and a proximal end intended to be fixed to the ground, the distal end being intended to have, when the at least two support posts (20) are fixed to the ground of the plantation, a height vis-à-vis the vertical, said height being between 3 m and 1 m, preferably between 2.75 and 2 m and particularly advantageously between 2.65 and 2.3 m.

5. Protection and energy production element for a plantation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which reinforcing tubes (23) are arranged between the first crossbeams (21) or between the second crossbeams (22).

6. Planting installation including: - a planting site (24) with suitable planting soil and prevailing wind direction, - at least one protection and energy production element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the support posts (20) being fixed to the planting ground with the given orientation relative to the vertical, the crossbeams defining by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element, - at least one row of crop plants planted in the planting soil along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction at a distance, in which the protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crop plants along this prevailing wind direction, the first horizontal direction preferably having an angle between 75° and 105° with respect to the prevailing wind direction.

7. Installation according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of rows successively comprising a row of protective elements and a row of growing planes in the horizontal direction.

8. Installation according to claim 6, wherein the installation comprises a distance between each row of protective elements and each successive row of cropping plants, said distance being between 2 and 4 m, preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 m.

9. Installation according to claim 6, wherein the rows of crop plants are arranged on a ground raised relative to the rows of protective elements, the elevation being preferably between 1 and 0.3 m, and particularly advantageously between 0.4 and 0.75 m.

10. A method for forming a planting facility on a planting site (24) having planting soil and a prevailing wind direction, the method comprising the following steps: - a) provide at least one element of protection and energy production according to claim 1, - b) fix posts (20) to the planting ground with a given orientation relative to the vertical, the crossbeams defining by their length a first horizontal direction of the protection and energy production element, c) plant at least one row of crop plants in the planting ground along an axis parallel to the first horizontal direction, the planting being carried out such that the protection and energy production element is arranged upstream of the row of crop plants according to this prevailing wind direction, in which the first horizontal direction preferentially presents an angle between 75 and 105° with respect to the prevailing wind direction.

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