Solar cell system for mounting on a tensioned fabric structure

Abstract

Solar cell system arranged for mounting on a tensioned fabric structure (10) comprising a frame construction (14) clad by a tensioned fabric (12) of plastic that covers the frame construction (14), wherein the tensioned fabric structure's (10) roof (16) and / or walls (18) are externally equipped with a number of solar cell panels (20). The solar cell panels (20) are flexible and / or rigid solar cell panels (20) arranged for attachment on a solar cell sheet (22), which solar cell sheet (22) is arranged to be disposed overlying the tensioned fabric (12), wherein the attachment comprises a keder system (26) for fastening the solar cell panel (20) to the solar cell sheet (22).

Description

[0001] Solar Cell System for Mounting on a Tensioned Fabric Structure

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a solar cell system arranged for mounting on a tensioned fabric structure comprising a frame construction clad by a tensioned fabric of plastic that covers the frame construction, wherein the tensioned fabric structure's roof and / or walls are externally equipped with a number of solar cell panels.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Tensioned fabric structures are used for a variety of purposes, such as storage halls, sports halls, work halls, etc. Tensioned fabric structures are often temporarily erected, but may also remain standing for longer periods. It is therefore important that the structure is solid and preferably also insulated. It is also important that unnecessary holes or the like are not made in the fabric material, which could otherwise impair the structure's lifespan and function. As plastic covering / fabric material, a PVC fabric is most often used, such as PVC-coated polyester weave, which clads an aluminum or steel construction. Such structures are versatile and can be used and filled with whatever is desired. Tensioned fabric structures come in a large number of variants and with a variety of different accessories.

[0006] DESCRIPTION OF KNOWN TECHNOLOGY

[0007] NO 20120482 Al concerns a tensioned fabric structure, where a plastic fabric covers a frame construction and the roof is equipped with flexible solar cells.

[0008] US 2011005560 Al D2 concerns a tent with integrated solar cells. Flexible solar cells are used which can be attached with adhesive directly to the fabric.

[0009] A keder system is a method for attaching textile materials, such as tent fabrics, banners or tarpaulins, to a frame or structure using a flexible keder strip. The keder strip usually consists of a core surrounded by a durable material that is sewn or welded along the edge of the textile. This strip is then inserted into a track profile (keder rail) on the frame, providing an even and tight mounting without the need for additional fastening means.

[0010] Advantages of keder systems are that they are weather-resistant and provide a tight seal between the textile and the frame, which protects against wind and rain. The system enables quick and efficient assembly and disassembly, which saves time and labor.OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide an efficient solar cell system suitable for mounting on tensioned fabric structures.

[0012] In further embodiments of the invention, the solar cell panels may be prefabricated in sections and mounted on a separate solar cell sheet which is placed covering over the existing fabric of the tensioned fabric structure.

[0013] The attachment method of the solar cell panels with keder system provides a clean and professional finish without visible fastening means. Wear on the textile is also reduced by distributing the load evenly along the edge, which ensures long service life.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The above-mentioned purpose is achieved with a solar cell system arranged for mounting on a tensioned fabric structure comprising a frame construction clad by a tensioned fabric of plastic that covers the frame construction, wherein the tensioned fabric structure's roof and / or walls are externally equipped with a number of solar cell panels. The solar cell panels are flexible and / or rigid solar cell panels arranged for attachment on a solar cell sheet, which solar cell sheet is arranged to be disposed overlying the tensioned fabric, wherein the attachment comprises a keder system for fastening the solar cell panel to the solar cell sheet.

[0016] Alternative embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] The keder system may comprise that said solar cell panel is equipped with a keder rail for receiving a keder strip attached with a keder cord or fabric to the solar cell sheet.

[0018] For example, the keder cord may be welded to the fabric via PVC-coated polyester weave.

[0019] The solar cell sheet preferably comprises a textile material in the form of a PVC fabric, such as PVC-coated polyester weave.

[0020] Furthermore, the solar cell sheet, with or without the solar cell panels, may constitute a pre-fabricated section or string, wherein several pre-fabricated sections are arranged to be hoisted up onto the tensioned fabric structure and to constitute a sheet of sections that covers all or parts of the tensioned fabric of the tensioned fabric structure.The solar cell sheets may be arranged for mutual attachment by means of a corresponding keder system.

[0021] An attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's roof, preferably at the hall's ridge, may in a first embodiment comprise a first tube pocket, with a first fastening tube, arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet and a second tube pocket, with a second fastening tube, arranged to be welded to the tensioned fabric, as well as a tensioning strap for connecting the first fastening tube with the second fastening tube.

[0022] The tensioning strap preferably comprises a tensioner arranged to lock the solar cell sheet in place.

[0023] An attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's roof, preferably at the hall's ridge, may in a second embodiment comprise a first tube pocket, with a first fastening tube, arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet, and a fastening hook mounted on the tensioned fabric, wherein the first fastening tube is arranged to be hooked onto the fastening hook.

[0024] An attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's wall may comprise a first tube pocket, with a first fastening tube, arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet and a second tube pocket, with a second fastening tube, arranged to be welded to the tensioned fabric, as well as a jack strap for connecting the first fastening tube tightly with the second fastening tube.

[0025] A first part of a fabric overlap may be attached to the solar cell sheet and a second part of the fabric overlap may be welded to the tensioned fabric, wherein the fabric overlap covers over the attachment system.

[0026] Furthermore, a snow strip may be used for protection of junction boxes, wherein the snow strip runs longitudinally or transversely on the solar cell panels.

[0027] In a first embodiment, the snow strip may comprise a U-shaped profile with screws through the solar cell panel and keder profile.

[0028] In a second embodiment, the snow strip may comprise a split profile, preferably square-shaped, wherein the snow strip is equipped with an opening or split, and which is arranged to slide onto the edge of the solar cell panel and over junction boxes.

[0029] A weight for dead weight handling may be placed between the solar cell panel and the solar cell sheet.The solar cell sheet may furthermore also comprise prefabricated pockets for installing cable conduits in which electrical DC / AC cables may be placed. The purpose is to provide protection against mechanical impact and UV.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention shall be described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a solar cell sheet and a tensioned fabric structure.

[0033] Figure 2 shows mounting of the solar cell sheet with solar cell panels on the tensioned fabric structure's roof and wall, respectively.

[0034] Figure 3 shows mounting of solar cell panels on the solar cell sheet by means of keder system.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of attachment of the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's roof at the ridge.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of attachment of the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's roof at the ridge.

[0037] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of attachment of the solar cell sheet on the tensioned fabric structure's wall.

[0038] Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of a snow strip mounted on the solar cell panels. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a snow strip mounted on the solar cell panels.

[0039] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Figure 1 shows a typical tensioned fabric structure 10. A frame construction 14 (shown in fig. 4-6), preferably a truss construction, of aluminum or steel is first erected. Thereafter, the frame construction 14 is clad by a tensioned fabric 12 of plastic, such as PVC fabric, such as PVC-coated polyester weave, so that walls and roof 16 are produced. Doors may be mounted in openings in the walls.

[0041] As shown in figures 1 and 2, strings of solar cell panels 20 may be attached on a fabric for mounting solar cell panels 20, a so-called solar cell sheet 22, which is mounted over the tensioned fabric 12.The solar cell sheet 22 with the solar cell panels 20 may constitute a pre-fabricated section 24 or string, wherein several pre-fabricated sections 24 are arranged to be hoisted up onto the tensioned fabric structure 10 and to constitute a sheet of sections that covers all or parts of the tensioned fabric 12 of the tensioned fabric structure 10.

[0042] The solar cell panels 20 are preferably flexible and / or rigid solar cell panels, and the solar cell sheet 22 preferably comprises a textile material in the form of a PVC fabric.

[0043] The solar cell sheet 22 may also have prefabricated pockets for installing cable conduits in which electrical DC / AC cables are to be placed. The purpose is to provide protection against mechanical and UV.

[0044] The solar cell panels 20 are mounted on the solar cell sheet 22 either at the workshop before folding and shipping or on-site before lifting or on the roof after mounting.

[0045] The lifting operation is carried out such that the solar cell sheet 22 is unfolded at ground level on a suitable surface. Solar cell panels 20 that are not mounted before folding and transport are now mounted. The solar cell sheet 22 is lifted with a crane in steel tubes that are to go up to the ridge.

[0046] The solar cell sheet is guided with rope in the steel tube that is to end on the wall below the eaves. Persons at ground level guide the ropes. Thereafter, the solar cell sheet is attached to the tensioned fabric 12 of the tensioned fabric structure 10. In addition to possibly being welded on the long sides to the tensioned fabric.

[0047] Several solar cell sheets 22 are hoisted up as needed and the fabrics may be attached to each other with keder system.

[0048] As shown in figure 2, a weight 34 for dead weight handling may be placed between the solar cell panel 20 and the solar cell sheet 22. The weight 34 may be designed in several ways. It may be a conventional weight or a strip (like a keder cord) or it may be a form of buttons or the like.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a keder system 26 for fastening the solar cell panel 20 to the solar cell sheet 22. The solar cell panel 20 is equipped with a keder rail 28 for receiving a keder strip 30 attached with a keder cord or fabric 32 to the solar cell sheet 22. The solar cell panels 20 may be attached to the solar cell sheet 22 in longitudinal and / or transverse direction.

[0050] Furthermore, several solar cell sheets 22 may be mutually attached by means of a corresponding keder system 26.Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of attachment on the roof 16 of the tensioned fabric structure 10, more specifically at the hall's ridge. The attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet 22 on the tensioned fabric structure's 10 roof comprises a first tube pocket 40 with a first fastening tube 42. The fastening tube 42 may be a steel tube or the like which is threaded into the solar cell sheet's 20 tube pocket 40. The first tube pocket 40 is made as a part of the solar cell sheet 22 or it is welded to the solar cell sheet 20. A second tube pocket 50, with a second fastening tube 52, is welded to the tensioned fabric 12. The solar cell sheet 22 is hoisted up to the ridge and a tensioning strap 44 is threaded around the first fastening tube 42 and the second fastening tube 52 to connect these. The tensioning strap 44 is tightened by means of a tensioner 46 equipped with a lock. An overlap 60 in the form of a fabric is welded to the tensioned fabric 12 and the solar cell sheet 22, at the tube pocket 40, and covers over the connection.

[0051] The first tube pocket 40 and the second tube pocket 50 are placed on each side of the ridge.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of attachment on the roof 16 of the tensioned fabric structure 10, more specifically at the hall's ridge. The attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet 22 on the tensioned fabric structure's 10 roof 16 correspondingly comprises a first tube pocket 40, with a first fastening tube 42. The fastening tube 42 may be a steel tube or the like which is threaded into the solar cell sheet's 20 tube pocket 40. One or more hooks 48 are attached through the tensioned fabric 12 to the hall's ridge beam. The hooks 48 may be connected to the ridge construction with a bracket. The solar cell sheet 22 is hoisted up to the ridge and the fastening tube 42 is hooked behind the hooks 48. Correspondingly, an overlap 60 in the form of a fabric is welded to the tensioned fabric 12 and the solar cell sheet 22, at the tube pocket 40, and covers over the connection.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet 22 on the tensioned fabric structure's 10 wall 18 and which correspondingly comprises a first tube pocket 40, with a first fastening tube 42. The fastening tube 42 may be a steel tube or the like which is threaded into the solar cell sheet's 20 tube pocket 40. A second tube pocket 50, with a second fastening tube 52, is welded to the tensioned fabric 12. The fastening tube 52 may correspondingly be a steel tube or the like which is threaded into the tube pocket 50. A jack strap 54 is threaded around the tubes 42, 52, tightened and connects these. Correspondingly, an overlap 60 in the form of a fabric is welded to the tensioned fabric 12 and the solar cell sheet 22, at the tube pocket 40, and covers over the connection.

[0054] A snow strip 70 may be used for protection of junction boxes (not shown) and for snow to slide off the roof more easily. Figures 7 and 8 show two examples.Figure 7 shows a snow strip 70 which may run longitudinally or transversely on the solar cell panels 20. The snow strip 70 comprises a U-shaped profile with screws 72 through the solar cell panel 20 and keder profile. One snow strip 70 per solar cell panel 20 may be used.

[0055] Figure 8 shows a snow strip 70 which comprises a split profile, preferably a split square tube. The snow strip 70 (the square tube) is equipped with an opening or split 70a near a corner. The snow strip 70 is mounted by sliding the square tube onto the edge of the solar cell panel 20 and over the junction boxes.

[0056] Snow on the solar cell panels 20 may in some cases be a problem. In addition to the above-mentioned snow strips 70 for protection of junction boxes, low-current may also be sent back on the solar cell panels 20, with the function of melting snow in winter so that the owner does not have to remove this manually. An alternative may also be to use heating cable to achieve the same melting function.

Claims

8PATENT CLAIMS1. Solar cell system arranged for mounting on a tensioned fabric structure (10) comprising a frame construction (14) clad by a tensioned fabric (12) of plastic that covers the frame construction (14), wherein the tensioned fabric structure's (10) roof (16) and / or walls (18) are externally equipped with a number of solar cell panels (20),characterized in that the solar cell panels (20) are flexible and / or rigid solar cell panels (20) arranged for attachment on a solar cell sheet (22), which solar cell sheet (22) is arranged to be disposed overlying the tensioned fabric (12), wherein the attachment comprises a keder system (26) for fastening the solar cell panel (20) to the solar cell sheet (22).

2. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the keder system (26) comprises that said solar cell panel (20) is equipped with a keder rail (28) for receiving a keder strip (30) attached with a keder cord or fabric (32) to the solar cell sheet (22).

3. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solar cell sheet (22) comprises a textile material in the form of a PVC fabric, such as PVC-coated polyester weave.

4. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solar cell sheet (22) with the solar cell panels (20) constitutes a pre-fabricated section (24) or string, wherein several pre-fabricated sections (24) are arranged to be hoisted up onto the tensioned fabric structure (10) and to constitute a sheet of sections that covers all or parts of the tensioned fabric (12) of the tensioned fabric structure (10).

5. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein solar cell sheets (22) are arranged for mutual attachment by means of a keder system (26).

6. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein an attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet (22) on the tensioned fabric structure's (10) roof (16), preferably at the hall's ridge, comprisesa first tube pocket (40), with a first fastening tube (42), arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet (22) and a second tube pocket (50), with a second fastening tube (52), arranged to be welded to the tensioned fabric (12),as well as a tensioning strap (44) for connecting the first fastening tube (42) with the second fastening tube (52).

97. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the tensioning strap (44) comprises a tensioner (46) arranged to lock the solar cell sheet (22) in place.

8. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein an attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet (22) on the tensioned fabric structure's (10) roof (16), preferably at the hall's ridge, comprisesa first tube pocket (40), with a first fastening tube (42), arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet (22), and a fastening hook (48) mounted on the tensioned fabric (12), wherein the first fastening tube (42) is arranged to be hooked onto the fastening hook (48).

9. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein an attachment system for fastening the solar cell sheet (22) on the tensioned fabric structure's (10) wall (18) comprisesa first tube pocket (40), with a first fastening tube (42), arranged for attachment to the solar cell sheet (22) and a second tube pocket (50), with a second fastening tube (52), arranged to be welded to the tensioned fabric (12),as well as a jack strap (54) for connecting the first fastening tube (42) tightly with the second fastening tube (52).

10. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 6, 8 or 9, wherein a first part of a fabric overlap (60) is attached to the solar cell sheet (22) and a second part of the fabric overlap (60) is arranged to be welded to the tensioned fabric (12), wherein the fabric overlap (60) covers over the attachment system.

11. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, comprising a snow strip (70) for protection of junction boxes, wherein the snow strip (70) runs longitudinally or transversely on the solar cell panels (20).

12. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the snow strip (70) comprises a U-shaped profile with screws (72) through the solar cell panel (20) and keder profile.

13. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the snow strip (70) comprises a split profile, preferably square-shaped, wherein the snow strip (70) is equipped with an opening or split (70a), and which is arranged to slide onto the edge of the solar cell panel (20) and over junction boxes.

14. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein a weight (34) for dead weight handling is placed between the solar cell panel (20) and the solar cell sheet1015. Solar cell system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solar cell sheet (22) comprises prefabricated pockets for installing cable conduits in which electrical DC / AC cables may be placed.

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