DE102006010781A1 - Sun position tracking device for e.g. photovoltaic module, has driving motor for pivoting solar module around axis and elevation axis, where axes are driven, such that elevation axis is guided with respect to its inclination - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a driving motor (5) e.g. stepper motor, provided for pivoting a solar module (1) around an axis (3) and an elevation axis (4). The axes are mechanically coupled with one another and are driven in such a manner that the elevation axis is guided with respect to its inclination through the pivoting of the solar module during day time. The axis is inclined with respect to a stand (10) of the solar module defining a longitudinal axis.

Description

The The invention relates to a sun position tracking device for a solar module. The solar modules may be photovoltaic modules, solar thermal Modules, also collectors called, or Brennspiegelmodule act.

It It is known to assemble such modules into large units and stationary to arrange. In particular are for it building parts such as roofs, walls and parapets especially suitable. Existing construction areas, which anyway the sun are exposed, are used profitably for energy production. In a stationary Arrangement of solar modules, the energy is not optimal, because the sunlight depending on the time of day and season is very different, with changes the weather is particularly disadvantageous in local latitudes can affect. Changes in the course of each day the sun the direction of their irradiation from east to west. Add to that the different height of the sun above the Horizon depending on the time of day. In winter, the sun is lower anyway than in the summer, and the apparent movement of the sun over that Horizon is much shorter.

Out For this reason, numerous proposals are known, the solar modules to track the sun, so that the yield of energy derived from solar energy preferably gets high.

So is in DE 295 198 57 U1 pointed out that in tracking solar systems, the largest energy yield can be achieved by the tracking around the axis parallel to the axis, which is also referred to as azimuth axis or a corresponding adjustment as azimuth adjustment. This adjustment about the azimuth axis takes into account the apparent course of the sun over a day from east to west. However, in order to obtain the best possible solar irradiation and thus energy yield, taking into account the seasonal elevation of the sun, Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtungen for solar modules often an adjustment about a second axis, the so-called elevation axis, ie an elevation position realized. However, the energy yield from the tracking according to the seasonal state is considered to be only about 10% of the recoverable from the azimuth adjustment energy yield.

In DE 100 59 721 A1 an automatic solar tracking device for solar modules is described. This known Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung has a driven by a rotary drive turntable and a pivotally mounted on the turntable and driven by a pivot drive pivoting frame for the solar module. In addition to such a dual drive for tracking about two axes, an optical sensor system is additionally provided, which generates signals depending on the state of the sun and feeds a control unit, from which corresponding signals can be fed to the rotary and / or rotary drive.

Furthermore, in DE 94 05 983 U1 a photovoltaic solar system described in which, compared to known systems, the total amount of sunshine to be made cheaper in terms of energy yield. For this purpose, the solar module designed as a panel is trackable by rotation about an axis inclined from the vertical to the north of the sun, wherein in addition to the inclination of this axis, the panel is inclined relative to this axis. Although this dual inclination is intended to improve the energy yield, an adjustment by means of a geared motor takes place only about one axis.

Out DE 20 2005 011 800 U1 Furthermore, a holder of a plate-shaped solar module is known in which the solar module is also inclined about two axes, wherein a pivoting means of a motor drive is provided about a support shaft. By means of the drive around an axis, although an improved adaptation to both the daytime and the seasonal position of the sun is created due to the double inclination of the solar module, however, it is in any case a compromise in which the maximum energy yield, especially during the summer months and the Can be reached at lunchtime, whereas at times of lower energy yield consciously deviates from the optimum angle of incidence of the sun's rays is accepted.

In DE 100 22 236 B4 is a mechanical / hydraulic adjustment system for biaxial tracked solar position solar generators described. The adjustment about the azimuth axis by means of a linear movement of a rack, which is in engagement with a gear-like round part, whereby the stator is rotated and thus takes place a pivoting of the solar module about the azimuth axis. In order to provide an adjustment about the elevation axis, a hydraulic cylinder is additionally provided, which is extendable and retractable, whereby the elevation angle of the solar module is changeable. The drive of the rack by means of a hydraulic unit by applying a pressure oil flow. The movement of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder for an elevation adjustment is also effected by a pressure oil flow, which is provided by the same hydraulic unit. Although the pressure oil flow of one and the same hydraulic unit for both drive units provided, however, the drive units are operated independently, which takes place at certain intervals. The number of elevation tracks in comparison with the azimuth tracks is approximately 1:20 in practical operation. This means that elevation adjustments are made only occasionally and independently of the azimuth tracks.

The Generation of electricity from solar energy is on the one hand ecological useful, the use of hydraulic oil, which in case of leaks penetrate into the ground, but at least appears questionable.

Furthermore, in US Pat. No. 5,632,823 a solar tracking system for a solar collector described in which the daily movement is carried out by a uniaxial tracking stepper motor, wherein an adjustment is described stepwise by 5 ° every 20 min. During the summer months, the solar collector is flattened by an additional elevation angle, a permanent adjustment to the ever changing seasonal sun position does not occur.

In JP 2002 25 23 65 A It is described to replace a stepper motor with reduction gear for a Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung by a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a toothed disk, which is rotated by a certain angle temporarily. In addition, it is described that a solenoid via a pull rod drives this pulley step by step. However, this is a tracking around an axis; a simultaneous tracking around a second axis, the elevation axis, is not addressed in this prior art.

In contrast there is the object of the invention is a Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung to create a day and seasonally optimized energy yield secures, but still simple in construction, inexpensive, trouble-free, low maintenance or even maintenance-free and ecological is harmless.

These Task is by a Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung for a solar module with the features according to claim 1 created. Appropriate further education are in the dependent claims Are defined.

The Sun tracking device according to the invention for a Solar module has a stand and a supporting structure supporting or mounting the solar module. The Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung according to the invention has a pivoting possibility for the Solar module about a first axis and about an elevation axis by means of of a drive. Under adjustment around the first axis is a To understand adjustment or pivoting, which is a tracking of the Solar module according to the daytime conditional variable sun position allows. A tracking of the solar module around an elevation axis takes into account the seasonal variable Sun. According to the invention Both axes are mechanically coupled to each other and such driven that when adjusting the drive such that the Solar module around a first axis during one day is pivoted, at the same time the elevation axis with respect to their inclination tracked or carried becomes. Carrying the solar module about the elevation axis is preferably carried out continuously such that the entrainment of the solar module to the Elevation axis the respective seasonal position of the sun approximated is. This means that the adjustment of the solar module to the Elevation axis with the drive for adjustment to the first Axis takes place and thus daily adapted to the seasonal solar status course. The solar module is doing daily from his orientation eastward in the morning to his Orientation led west in the evening and will end at one Day or immediately at sunrise or before that again in the East direction moved back. The pivoting of the solar module about the elevation axis takes place however during of a first season section always in one direction only, that Driving direction. In the other direction to Rückverschwenkung to a sunrise position it remains in the carry-forward position of the previous day. While a second season section, this is reversed. Of the substantial advantage of such a simple mechanical device is that without additional Sensor technology or additional Drives with a single drive both the pivoting order reached the first axis and the pivoting about the elevation axis can be. Because of that no hydraulic means needed is the simple mechanical coupling between the pivoting around the first axis and the pivoting around the elevation axis ecologically harmless, also inexpensive and just under construction.

Preferably, the first axis is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis defining stator and the elevation axis is arranged substantially perpendicular thereto and to this longitudinal axis of the stator. Preferably, the elevation axis is arranged horizontally. Both axes are preferably arranged in space so that they do not intersect. A significant advantage in the first axis, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stand, is that the inclination of the solar module is relatively high during the course of the day is flat. When tilting the solar module about the first axis in the direction of east or westward thereby increases the inclination of the solar module, whereby the solar radiation even at a relatively low position in the sun in the morning or in the evening at a relatively large angle to the Solar module hits and thus the energy yield is improved.

Preferably is the drive with respect to its axis of rotation so attached to the structure, that the axis of rotation is aligned with the first axis, i. the drive sitting on the first axle. The drive for the pivoting of the solar module around the first axis is over a coupling linkage connected to a transmission adjusting device, which in turn stand and supporting structure and / or solar module connects and via which a pivoting of the solar module can be realized around its elevation axis. The coupling linkage is preferably connected to the output shaft of the drive, so that a pivoting of the solar module about its first axis on the coupling linkage the gear shift device is supplied, i. it lies one mechanical coupling between the pivoting of the solar module about the first axis and its pivoting about the elevation axis in front.

Preferably has the gear adjustment a telescopic threaded spindle and one through the coupling linkage actuated Ratchet up. The telescopic threaded spindle is preferably so formed that by twisting either an extension or by twisting in an opposite direction a shortening of the length of the Threaded spindle can be achieved. Now when the drive is actuated, will over the coupling linkage also the ratchet operated. The ratchet in turn leads to a pivoting about the elevation axis in the movement of the Solar module, for example during of a day section from its eastward direction towards his western orientation. However, at the end of a day or at the beginning the next Day the solar module from its westward orientation back to the east orientation brought, transfers the ratchet this movement on the elevation axis is not. This is true, for example for one first season section from June 22 to December 21 of a year to. During one second part of the year from 22 December to 21 June the pivoting and non-driving on to reverse day sections. The function of such a ratchet is basically identical with a ratchet for a tool to solve for example, wheel nuts in a car. Through this coupling between the drive for the pivoting of the solar module about the first axis with the pivoting around the elevation axis and the transmission the pivoting of the elevation axis by the ratchet in only one Direction is ensured that while the first season section the elevation axis to the day the elevation of the position of the sun is tracked or approximated. The tracking by a corresponding arrangement of the threaded spindle between the stand and the structure or the solar module leads to its extension, which leads to, that the inclination angle of the solar module to the preferably horizontal arranged elevation axis becomes flatter. If, however, during a second season, in which the sun is lower which, for example, in the second semester of a year, will be Summer solstice to the winter solstice is the case, a steeper one Tilt angle of the solar module is advantageous, then the ratchet pressed or changed so that when you actuate the telescopic threaded spindle shortening is moved. In a daily change from the west orientation in the direction of the east alignment around the first axis, however also in this case, the telescopic threaded spindle through the ratchet neither extended even shorter.

Preferably can instead of the ratchet according to a another embodiment a cam in the manner of a swash plate be provided, on which the threaded spindle is guided supporting. This cam will be his first half-circumference within the first season pass only in one direction, so that the telescopic threaded spindle prolonging is moved when the threaded spindle from the bottom to the top Part of the cam becomes. After passing the top of the cam is then for the second Passing over the second half-circumference of the season section, which causes the telescopic threaded spindle shortening is moved. The threaded spindle is guided on the cam so that in the backward movement from the azimuth orientation west to the azimuth orientation east the Threaded spindle in its length adjustment remains constant. This can for example be done by that at the backward movement from west facing to east facing the cam is fixed, i.e. does not move, whereas the cam for warranty a daily elevation adjustment in the azimuth adjustment moved from east to west.

Of the Angle to the one adjustment of the solar module about the elevation axis done, hangs among others, from the chosen one Slope of the thread of the threaded spindle, in the case of a cam from Inclination angle of its inclined surface.

The telescopic threaded spindle is preferably connected to the stand and the supporting structure and / or the solar module such that from the beginning to the end of the first season section, that is, from December 22 to June 21, the elevation tilt of the solar module decreases, ie, its slope angle becomes flatter, and increases from the beginning to the end of the second season, ie, from June 22 to December 21 of each year, ie whose inclination angle becomes steeper. This ensures that the solar radiation impinges on the solar module at as large an angle as possible, so that an increased energy yield is possible.

In A preferred embodiment is the transmission adjustment designed so that at the end of a season section the ratchet from the one direction in which the entrainment of the elevation axis during the ensures a season section is switched to the opposite direction, in the a carry the elevation axis is done in the other season section. This manual changeover has the advantage of being a particularly easy one constructive structure, which is also inexpensive and is also susceptible to interference, is feasible. However, it is also possible that at the ratchet a stop is provided or a scan is made, so that continuously automatically at the end of a season ending the other direction is each convertible, in which the ratchet a carry the elevation axis when successful drive the adjustment of the Solar module causes about its first axis.

Preferably is the pitch of the thread of the threaded spindle, which by the Ratchet in one direction for pivoting the solar module around the Elevation axis acts, over a season section not constant, i. mutable. Especially during the winter solstice it is possible that the adjustment is carried out more slowly or less, because the energy yield during this Time is relatively low anyway. On the other hand, the adjustment around the summer solstice also turn out lower, because during this Time a high energy yield is guaranteed anyway. The modification the thread of the threaded spindle can also be designed so that while the solstice times an idle or freewheel is provided which, for example, over a period 10 days before and 10 days after the respective solstice acts. As a result, there is no entrainment of the elevation around the solstice times with the adjustment or pivoting of the solar module to the first axis, and for the reasons mentioned above. If the adjustment therefore not over full 180 days, there is another mechanical simplification The Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung invention.

Preferably is at the Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung the solar module around its first axis in an angular range of +55 Degrees to -55 degrees, especially +40 degrees to -40 Degrees, in particular +35 degrees to -35 degrees, in each case based on the Middle position, which is the noon position (0 ° position) at the time of day corresponds, is adjustable. Due to this relatively large Winkelverstellbereich of a maximum of 110 degrees 120 degrees, if necessary, is inclined by the first axis a steeper alignment of the solar module in the morning or Evening hours one day.

The Elevation axis of the solar module is preferably in an angular range from 20 degrees to 60 degrees, especially 20 degrees to 40 degrees, in particular 25 degrees to 35 degrees adjustable. Through this relatively large pivoting range Is it possible, over the day each half a year an optimal orientation of the solar module on the respective position of the sun both daily and seasonal to realize.

Preferably the drive has a servomotor, in particular a stepping motor on. The control program of the stepper motor can be in a control board be stored in the engine itself and usually takes into account the Daytime course of the sun, so that the stepper motor if necessary gradually or essentially continuously in very small slow steps is controlled.

Preferably the solar module is a photovoltaic module, a collector module or a burning mirror module.

With The Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung invention Thus, it is possible in a simple manner, by providing a single drive to adjust the solar module to its first Axis simultaneously over a simple mechanical coupling in conjunction with a ratchet the elevation axis to the day to the respective seasonal changing Adapting or approaching the course of the sun's position without having to use any pivoting axis a separate drive would be required. The continuous adjustment over one Threaded spindle allows while a particularly simple and low-maintenance mechanical Verschwenkmöglichkeit. However, it is also possible in place of a continuous adjustment via a threaded rod also a discontinuous, i. to provide gradual adjustment, preferably also a daily elevation pivoting should be made. To improve the effectiveness and increase in the In any case, it is preferred to achieve an elevation adjustment of the energy yield in significantly smaller steps than in the state of Technique is provided.

A simple design of Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung according to the invention is also given in such a way that, for example, during the Winters yet the east facing of the solar module already in the morning being approached before sunrise, using the drive for the azimuth adjustment while The night, so to speak, is blindly adjusted, so that at sunrise the solar module still optimally on the still low sun is directed. This is a further simplified control of entire Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung guaranteed.

In order to a reliable one Coupling and optimal power transmission from the drive motor for the azimuth adjustment for adjusting the transmission adjustment for the Elevation adjustment is given, the coupling mechanism with ball heads to the provided respective hinge points. This will ensure that even with adjustment and changing angles, a smooth and reliable power transmission guaranteed is.

One Another significant advantage of Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung invention exists across from known devices also in that a fixed stand considerably less energy required for adjustment around the respective axes requires, therefore, the Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung energetically is further improved.

Further Advantages and embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment detailed below with reference to the accompanying drawings explained. In the drawing show:

1 a basic structure of the Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung invention;

2 an enlarged detail view of the coupling rod and the Getriebeverstelleinrichtung;

3 the Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung with seasonally altered elevation angles each for a midday position;

4 a side view for seasonal low sun in noon position; and

5 The sun tracking device according to the invention with two Azimutstellungen, a lunch and a morning or evening position.

In 1 the sun position tracking device according to the invention is shown in a spatial representation. For simplification, the actual solar module 1 omitted, only the structure 2 is shown in detail. The structure 2 consists of a lower carrier 2.1 and an upper carrier 2.2 (please refer 3 ), on which non-designated cross member are arranged, on which a plate-shaped solar module can be attached. The lower part 2.1 and the upper part 2.2 of the structure 2 are about a first axis 3 movable against each other, the lower part 2.1 of the structure around a horizontal axis 4 , the elevation axis, at the top of a stand 10 is pivotable. An adjustment by means of a drive motor 5 around the first axis 3 is in principle by the double arrow 7 shown. In the 1 The illustration shown corresponds approximately to the midday position, in which the lower part 2.1 and the upper part 2.2 of the structure are arranged in their so-called zero position or 0 ° position to each other. An adjustment around the elevation axis 4 is by the double arrow 8th characterized.

2 shows an enlarged view of a detail A, which is a coupling linkage 11 shows which at the top 2.2 of the structure 2 is articulated and during the pivoting about further coupling members a movement, which by the drive motor 5 is exercised on a ratchet 14 transmits which with a telescopic threaded spindle 13 connected is. The ratchet 14 and the telescopic threaded spindle 13 together form the gear adjustment 12 , When moving the upper part 2.2 of the structure 2 around the first axis 3 when the solar module is moved following the daily sun gradient, the ratchet will turn 14 operated, so that, depending on the season section, the telescopic threaded spindle 13 lengthened or shortened and thus the daily precision elevation adjustment or approximation of the invention Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung is guaranteed. The ratchet is constructed so that in the return against the ratchet entrainment direction a coupling is interrupted, ie a movement to the elevation adjustment does not take place.

In 3 the sun position tracking device according to the invention for two elevation positions is shown. The steeper elevation position corresponds to a position at a time of year in which the position of the sun is relatively low, ie, for example, during winter, whereas the shallower orientation of a summer time shows the alignment of the elevation axis. Both positions are shown in an exemplary manner for lunch. In this 3 it can be seen that the telescopic threaded spindle 13 in the steeper elevation is retracted almost to the stop, whereas for the shallower elevation adjustment, the telescopic threaded spindle 13 is almost completely extended. Thus, the 13 essentially the complete elevation adjustment range.

4 shows a side view of a planned for winter elevation position, wherein also only the midday position is shown for simplicity. Once again, the telescopic threaded spindle, which is essentially completely retracted for this steep elevation position, can be seen 13 ,

And finally are in 5 for the sun position tracking device according to the invention two positions of the azimuth adjustment shown: The noon position and a morning or evening position. It can be seen that by the inclination of the first axis 3 when pivoting about this first axis 3 the angle of attack of the solar module at times of day with relatively low sun, ie essentially morning and evening, the solar module occupies a relatively steep angle, whereas during the noon time the angle is much flatter to ensure optimum solar radiation conditions during the apparent sun.

1

solar module

2

Structure

2.1

lower Part of the structure

2.2

upper Part of the structure

3

first axis

4

elevation axis

5

drive

7

pivoting around the first axis

8th

pivoting around the elevation axis

9

longitudinal axis of the stand

10

stand

11

coupling linkage

12

Getriebeverstelleinrichtung

13

Telescopic screw

14

ratchet

Claims (12)

Sun position tracking device for a solar module with a stand and a solar module ( 1 ) supporting structure ( 2 ), in which the solar module ( 1 ) about a first axis ( 3 ) and about an elevation axis ( 4 ) by means of a drive ( 5 ) Is pivotable, characterized in that both axes ( 3 . 4 ) are mechanically coupled to each other and driven in such a way that by a pivoting ( 7 ) of the solar module ( 1 ) about the first axis ( 3 ) during one day the elevation axis ( 4 ) is carried along with respect to their inclination, which entrainment is approximated to the respective seasonal position of the sun. Sun position tracking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first axis ( 3 ) with respect to a longitudinal axis ( 9 ) defining stand ( 10 ) and the elevation axis ( 4 ) substantially perpendicular thereto and to the longitudinal axis ( 9 ) of the stand ( 10 ), in particular horizontally, runs. Sun position tracking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive ( 5 ) on the first axis ( 3 ) and via a coupling rod ( 11 ) by means of a stand ( 10 ) and structure ( 2 ) and / or solar module ( 1 ) connecting gear adjusting device ( 12 ) an adjustment ( 8th ) of the solar module ( 1 ) about its elevation axis ( 4 ) generated. Sun position tracking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission adjusting device ( 12 ) a telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) and one through the coupling linkage ( 11 ) operable ratchet ( 14 ), which within a first season section only in a first direction, the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) extending along and within a second season section only in a direction opposite to the second direction second direction the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) shortened, with movement of the ratchet ( 14 ) in a direction opposite to the respective first or second direction of the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) neither extended nor shortened. Sun position tracking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission adjusting device ( 12 ) a telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) and a threaded spindle ( 13 ) leading cam in the manner of a swash plate, the first half-circumference within a first season portion is traversable in one direction and thereby the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) is moved along and whose second half-circumference of a second season section is subsequently traversable while the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) moved along shortening, wherein the threaded spindle ( 13 ) is guided on the cam, that in a reverse movement against the only one direction, the threaded spindle ( 13 ) remains constant in its length adjustment. Sun position tracking device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the telescopic threaded spindle ( 13 ) so with the stand ( 10 ) and the structure ( 2 ), that from the beginning to the end of the first season section (22 December to 21 June) the elevation gradient of the solar module ( 1 ) and increases from the beginning to the end of the second season section (22 June to 21 December). Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the transmission adjustment manually at the end of a season section of the one Direction to the other direction is convertible. Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the transmission adjusting device ( 12 ) via a stop or continuously automatically at the end of a season section from one to the other direction is reversible. Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the solar module ( 1 ) about its azimuth axis ( 3 ) in an angular range of + 55 ° to -55 °, in particular + 40 ° to -40 °, in particular + 35 ° to -35 °, based on its central position, is adjustable. Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the solar module ( 1 ) about its elevation axis ( 4 ) in an angular range of 20 ° to 60 °, in particular 20 ° to 40 °, in particular 25 ° to 35 °, is adjustable. Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the drive ( 5 ) has a servomotor, in particular a stepper motor. Sun position tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the solar module ( 1 ) is a photovoltaic, a collector, or a Brennspiegelmodul.