Photovoltaic module to create a fixed window or a fixed external cover for a building and building comprising at least one such photovoltaic module

Abstract

Fixed photovoltaic module (1) in the form of a fixed window or external covering for a building (2), comprising: a first panel (4) made of photovoltaic glass and comprising a first face (5) configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second face (6) opposite the first face; a second panel (7) made of glass comprising a first face (8) facing the second face (6) of the first panel (4) to form a cavity between the first (4) and the second panel (7); an intermediate photovoltaic device (9) in the cavity; a perimeter frame (11) to hold the panels (4, 7) and the intermediate PV device in place and to insulate the cavity; an external frame (20) configured to install the module as a fixed window or as covering for a building; an electrical transfer system for transferring the current generated by the first panel (4) and by the intermediate PV device (9) to the building (2).

Description

[0001] PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE FOR PROVIDING A FIXED WINDOW OR A FIXED EXTERNAL COVERING FOR A BUILDING AND A BUILDING COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SAID PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000024252 filed on October 30 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The technical field of the present invention relates to a photovoltaic module configured for providing a fixed window or a fixed external covering for a building and to spontaneously generate electrical current as a result of exposure of the same to the sun . In said context , the present invention will provide a solution that on one si ze maximizes the production of current and on the other side addresses the problem of concentrating the current generated by multiple photovoltaic sources for the safe trans fer of current from the module to the electrical users of the building .

[0006] State of the Art

[0007] Fixed modules in the form of panels made of glass are currently known for use in buildings as fixed windows installed directly in the external brickwork or as modules of an external covering structure that acts as a shell for the building . Said fixed windows are widely used today because the spread of home automation and air conditioning via mechanical ventilation makes it increasingly unnecessary to open windows for ventilation . Furthermore , in public buildings , said fixed windows of fer a greater degree of security .

[0008] Photovoltaic glass , such as amorphous silicon, is now known and used in buildings for the dual function thereof , namely, to isolate the building from the outside environment while still allowing light to enter, and to exploit exposure thereof to the sun in order to generate electrical current . These photovoltaic modules in the form of fixed windows , however, are not capable of producing large amounts of current .

[0009] Description of the Invention

[0010] Based on said prior art , one obj ect of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic module in the form of a fixed window or external covering for a building that is capable of generating electrical current in signi ficant quantities and wherein the current is safely trans ferred from the module to the building by conveying the current generated by all the photovoltaic devices provided in the module into a single line . The term " fixed window" refers to a window without hinges or handles , and in any case , one that cannot be opened or moved relative to the building .

[0011] Said obj ects are achieved by providing a photovoltaic module in the form of a fixed window or external covering for a building; wherein the photovoltaic module comprises :

[0012] - a first panel , or external panel , made of photovoltaic glass , preferably made of amorphous sil icon, and compri sing a first face configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second face opposite the first ; the shape of the panel may be any type ;

[0013] - a second panel , or internal panel , made of glass and comprising a first face facing the second face of the first panel , so as to form a cavity between the first and second panels ; the shape of the second panel is obviously the same as that of the first in order to obtain a double-pane window;

[0014] - an intermediate photovoltaic device arranged in the cavity; a window perimeter frame to hold the panels and the intermediate photovoltaic device in place and to insulate the cavity;

[0015] - an external frame ( one piece with or made integral with the perimeter frame , preferably made of aluminium ( or other material ) designed to couple ( for example , by means of holes or threaded rods ) to the building structure ; an electrical trans fer system to trans fer the current generated by the first panel and by the intermediate photovoltaic device to the building .

[0016] The intermediate photovoltaic device can be of any type , and non-limitative examples thereof wi ll be listed in the following .

[0017] According to a first example , the photovoltaic device is a device that can be selectively switched between two configurations . In a first configuration, it is a sunshade element placed between the panels , capable of at least partially intercepting the sunlight passing through the outer panel . In a second configuration, it is compacted along one side of the frame to allow the sunlight passing through the panel to reach the inner panel and possibly penetrate the building . In this example , therefore , the intermediate photovoltaic device may be a Venetian blind comprising a plurality of slats , wherein at least some of the slats of the Venetian blind are coated with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells . In this case , the slats can all be selectively raised and packed along the upper edge of the module to completely free the window from the sunshade elements . In this example , the slats , in addition to being moveable as a pack, can also rotate along their axis to freely change the angle of incidence with the rays of the sun .

[0018] According to another example , the aforementioned slats can be fixed in height (namely, without the possibility of being compacted into a pack) , and are movable only around their axis to freely change the angle of incidence with the rays of the sun .

[0019] According to a third example , the aforementioned slats can be fixed both in height and in inclination ( that is , not movable in an absolute sense ) .

[0020] Alternatively, the intermediate photovoltaic device can be a flexible thin- fi lm photovoltaic panel . In this case , the flexible thin- film photovoltaic panel can be selectively wound along one edge of the frame .

[0021] As clearly described above , the present invention starts from a double-glazed window housing the intermediate photovoltaic device , for example , a plurality of adj ustable slats .

[0022] An innovative aspect of the present invention is having optimi zed the module by providing not only the external panel as the current-generating element but also by providing an intermediate photovoltaic device , for example , the slats . Said example is highly advantageous in terms of generating current because the silicon applied to the slats does not have the problem of being transparent , and the slats can be oriented in space , thus always of fering optimal exposure configurations as the position of the sun varies .

[0023] Preferably, the electrical connection system is integrated into the module so that the photovoltaic module is ready for installation and use . Even more preferably, the electrical current trans fer system comprises :

[0024] - an electrical j unction box housed in the window frame and in contact with an edge of the panels ( generally electrically connected to the panels and to the intermediate photovoltaic device ) ;

[0025] - electrical transfer cables extending within the window frame from a first end coupled to the electrical j unction box to a second end extending from the frame .

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the second panel ( the internal one ) can also be made of photovoltaic glass , preferably made of amorphous silicon .

[0027] The present invention also extends to the private or public building in which the module is installed in the form of a fixed window, wherein innovative features that interact with the module itsel f are provided . In particular, said a building comprises :

[0028] - a photovoltaic module as described; a fixed building frame configured to house the window photovoltaic module and to couple with the module frame ;

[0029] - an electrical distribution system for transferring the current generated by the first panel , by the intermediate photovoltaic device , and possibly by the second panel inside the building .

[0030] In said example , the electrical distribution system comprises :

[0031] - electrical distribution cables connected to or extending from the second ends of the electrical trans fer cables that extend inside the building up to an inverter device ;

[0032] - electrical power cables extending inside the building from a first end coupled to the inverter device to a second end coupled to at least one electrical device housed inside the building .

[0033] Preferably, in the embodiment with movable slats , the latter can be operated by the current generated by the said module .

[0034] Preferably, at least one electrical power cable exiting the inverter device is connected to an accessible mains socket in the building and connectable to a personal electrical device by the user .

[0035] List of the figures

[0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be made clear from the following description of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment thereof , with reference to the figures in the attached drawings , wherein :

[0037] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a photovoltaic module according to the present invention;

[0038] - Figures 2 and 3 schematically il lustrate how the photovoltaic module of Figure 1 can be integrated into the respective building so as to obtain a fixed photovoltaic window; - Figure 4 shows in detail the intermediate photovoltaic device in the form of adj ustable slats and an example of an electrical connection for the integration thereof into the respective building;

[0039] - Figure 5 shows a photovoltaic module according to the present invention that can be integrated into a covering structure as a fixed photovoltaic module for covering the building .

[0040] Description of an embodiment of the invention

[0041] With reference to the attached figures , an embodiment of the present invention is shown . Specifically, Figure 1 shows three elements of a fixed photovoltaic window module 1 according to the present invention . Said module comprises :

[0042] - a first panel 4 comprising a first face 5 configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second face 6 opposite the first face 5 ;

[0043] - a second panel 7 comprising a first face 8 facing the second face 6 of the first panel 4 ;

[0044] - an intermediate photovoltaic device 9 arranged in a cavity between the first panel 4 and the second panel 7 and comprising a plurality of photovoltaic slats 10 . Said intermediate photovoltaic device 9 is only one exemplary embodiment of an intermediate photovoltaic device generally provided by the present invention . As an alternative example (not shown) , a flexible , thin- f ilm photovoltaic panel of the roll-up type can be used in place of the photovoltaic slats 10 .

[0045] In said example , only the first panel 4 and both panels are made of photovoltaic glass , such as amorphous silicon, while at least some of the slats 10 are coated with monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells . The module 1 comprise a perimeter window frame 11 to hold the panels 4 , 7 , and the slats 10 in place and to insulate the cavity .

[0046] The module 1 comprise , furthermore , an electrical trans fer system for trans ferring the current generated by the first panel 4 and by the slats 10 to the building 2 ( illustrated in Figure

[0047] 2 as part of a wall housing the module 1 ) .

[0048] In this example , the electrical connection system is integrated into window frame 11 , so that the window photovoltaic module 1 is ready for installation and use . In particular, as also shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the module comprise a frame fixed to the frame 11 configured to couple the module directly to the building structure ( to obtain the fixed window) or to an external covering structure of the building ( to form a fixed covering module ) . In this example , the frame comprises holes 23 or threaded rods to allow fastening to the structure . Figure 4 shows the electrical trans fer system which comprise :

[0049] - an electrical j unction box 14 housed in the window frame 11 and in contact with one edge of the panels 4 and 7 ;

[0050] - electrical transfer cables 15 extending through the window frame 11 from a f irst end coupled to the electrical j unction box 14 to a second end exiting the frame 11 .

[0051] Figure 4 shows in detail how the slats 10 are connected to the electrical j unction box 14 and from there to the rest of the building . As can be seen, and as previously described, the slats 10 are parallel to one another along corresponding axes and extend between the two panels 4 and 7 . In this example , each slat 10 can rotate around its central hori zontal axis to vary its inclination as desired . Reference 26 in Figure 4 schemati zes the rotation pin of the slats 10 . In another example , the slats 10 can also all be li fted and packed on the upper edge of the module 1 to completely free the window from the sunshade elements 10 . Reference 25 in Figure 4 schemati zes the mechanism for adj usting the inclination of the slats 10 . As described, each slat has at least one face (preferably both) covered with silicon cells for the photovoltaic generation of current . In particular, as shown in the example in Figure 4 , the silicon cells cover the entire length of the slats 10 up to the lateral rotation pins 26 (made of conductive material ) , at which speci fic vertical cables 27 are provided acting as collectors for the current generated by the individual slats 10 and which trans fer the current to the electrical j unction box 14 . As shown, therefore , the cables 27 connected to the slats 10 and the cables indicated by the reference 28 that trans fer the current produced by the photovoltaic glasses 4 and 7 to the box 14 arrive at the electrical j unction box 14 . As already described with reference to the previous figures , the cables 15 then depart from the box 14 and directed towards the outside of the frame 11 .

[0052] Finally, Figure 5 shows how multiple photovoltaic modules 1 according to the present invention can be integrated with one another and be supported by a single structure 21 ( cross-shaped in this example ) that acts as the frame of an external covering 22 so as to form the external covering or photovoltaic shell for the building . In this example , it can be seen how cables 28 from di f ferent modules are conveyed in the same vertical and / or hori zontal portion of the structure 21 where special channels can be obtained ( as can also be obtained in the frame 11 ) .

[0053] It is evident that the invention described herein can be modi fied and varied with respect to the example shown in the figures .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fixed photovoltaic module (1) in the form of a fixed window or external covering for a building (2) ; wherein the fixed photovoltaic module (1) comprises:- a first panel (4) made of photovoltaic glass and comprising a first face (5) configured to be exposed to sunlight and a second face (6) opposite the first (5) ;- a second panel (7) made of glass and comprising a first face (8) facing the second face (6) of the first panel (4) to form a cavity between the first (4) and the second panel (7) ;- an intermediate photovoltaic device (9) in the cavity;- a perimeter frame (11) to hold the panels (4, 7) and the intermediate photovoltaic device in place and to insulate the cavity;- an external frame (20) one piece with or made integral with the perimeter frame (11) configured to install the module as a fixed window or as a covering for the building;- an electrical transfer system for transferring the current generated by the first panel (4) and by the intermediate photovoltaic device to the building (2) .

2. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic device comprises a Venetian blind (9) comprising a plurality of sunshade slats (10) ; the Venetian blind (9) being switchable between a first configuration in which the sunshade slats (10) are interposed between the panels so as to at least partially intercept the sunlight passing the first panel (4) and in a second configuration in which the sunshade slats (10) are compacted at one side of the perimeter frame (11) so as to allow the sunlight passing the first panel (4) to freely reach the second panel, in which at least some of the slats (10) of the Venetian blind (9) are covered with photovoltaic cells, preferably made of monocrystalline silicon.

3. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein theintermediate photovoltaic device comprises a plurality of sunshade slats (10) parallel to one another that extend from one side to the other of the perimeter frame along a corresponding axis; the sunshade slats (10) being rotatable about their axis to allow adjustment of the inclination thereof with respect to the solar rays.

4. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic device comprises a plurality of fixed sunshade slats (10) parallel to one another that extend from one side to the other of the perimeter frame along a corresponding axis .

5. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate photovoltaic device comprises a flexible thin-film photovoltaic panel of the rollable type so as to be selectively rollable to an edge of the perimeter frame (11) .

6. The photovoltaic module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical transfer system is integrated into the window frame (11) so that the photovoltaic window module (1) is of the ready-to-install and use type.

7. The photovoltaic window module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical transfer system comprises :- an electrical junction box (14) housed in the window frame (11) and in electrical contact with the panels (4, 7) and the intermediate photovoltaic device;- electrical transfer cables (15) extending in the window frame (11) from a first end coupled to the electrical junction box (14) to a second end that extends externally from the window frame (11) ;8. The photovoltaic window module as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein vertical cables (27) are provided extending along thesides of the intermediate photovoltaic device and configured to receive the current produced by the intermediate photovoltaic device and to deliver the same to the electrical junction box(14) .

9. A building (2) for private or public use comprising:- a fixed frame or portion of a building (2) configured to house the photovoltaic module (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims to obtain a fixed photovoltaic window; a photovoltaic module (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the external frame is coupled to the fixed frame or to a portion of the building;- an electrical distribution system for transferring the current generated by the first panel (4) , by the intermediate photovoltaic device and possibly by the second panel (7) inside the building (2) .

10. The building (2) for private or public use comprising:- a fixed frame (21) of an external covering for the building (2) configured to house a plurality of photovoltaic modules (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims to obtain a fixed photovoltaic covering; a photovoltaic module (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the external frame (20) is coupled to the fixed frame (21) of the external covering of the building (2) ;- an electrical distribution system for transferring the current generated by the first panels (4) , by the intermediate photovoltaic devices and possibly by the second panels (7) inside the building (2) .

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