DE102010041126A1 - Photovoltaic device used in e.g. solar park, has anti-theft device comprising radio element that emits radio signal based on acceleration characteristic received from acceleration signal output by acceleration sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The photovoltaic device (100) has an anti-theft device (120)that comprises an acceleration sensor (130) that is arranged for detecting acceleration of photovoltaic device and outputting the acceleration signal. The anti-theft device has a radio element (150) that emits radio signal based on the acceleration characteristic received from acceleration signal. A color cartridge activation device (160) is destroyed during transition of anti-theft device from one state to another state. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for manufacturing photovoltaic device; and (2) method for detecting theft of photovoltaic device.

Description

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device for generating electrical energy from light, in particular from sunlight. In particular, the present invention relates to a photovoltaic device with an anti-theft device. Further, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a photovoltaic device and a method of detecting a theft of such a photovoltaic device.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly the target of theft. Mainly already installed plant components such as solar modules and inverters from so-called solar parks are stolen. But also provided for delivery or installation equipment parts are z. B. stolen from warehouses, field barns or transport vehicles. However, the target of corresponding thieves can also be PV systems that are already installed on roof surfaces. Particularly vulnerable are roof areas that are located outside populated areas and / or are difficult to see due to the geographical location.

Theft of PV systems is typically done by division of labor, in a short time and probably at night. The perpetrators often make good use of the PV systems via paved roads and transport the stolen goods by vans or lorries. Here the proximity to national roads such as highways or federal highways has a positive effect on the data.

To complicate theft, it is known to larger PV systems such. B. so-called solar parks with simple wire mesh and / or wild fences. However, such barriers are only relatively easy for thieves to overcome obstacles.

Furthermore, in order to avoid or hinder theft, it is known to secure the PV systems with suitable mechanical fastening means, for example on a roof surface. This means for potential perpetrators, among other things, a longer "working time" and thus a greater risk to be discovered. Therefore, the factor "time" for potential thieves in the selection of suitable stolen material plays an important role. Mechanical fuses can extend this factor time. However, appropriate mechanical securing means are either very expensive and expensive to install or they can be solved quickly with simple, commercially available tools.

The use of surveillance techniques, safety-conscious behavior, and personal and organizational measures can also prevent thefts, or at least make them much more difficult. An important and not to be underestimated role also attracts the attention of neighbors and witnesses.

More recently known technical solutions for avoiding or complicating theft of PV systems are conducted safety systems (eg from the Company Engineering & Services Dipl. Ing. Egon Dübner, http://www.duebner.com ), Alarm systems for protection (eg from the Fa. K. Streib GmbH Electrical Systems Building Systems, http://www.streib.de ) or motion sensors with coupled camera surveillance systems.

The invention has for its object to provide a simple yet highly efficient theft protection for photovoltaic systems.

This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a photovoltaic device with an anti-theft device is described, which is non-detachably integrated in the photovoltaic device or attached to the photovoltaic device. The anti-theft device has an acceleration sensor which is set up in such a way that it outputs a signal at a predetermined minimum acceleration of the photovoltaic device, which signal converts the anti-theft device from a first state into a second state in a non-reversible manner.

The described photovoltaic device (PV device) is based on the finding that a PV device can be equipped with a self-sufficient anti-theft device, which is not detachably integrated in or on the photovoltaic device. Forcibly separating the anti-theft device from the PV device would inevitably lead to the destruction of the PV device. The same applies to an attempted deactivation of the anti-theft device, which would also be possible only with a destructive intervention in or on the PV device.

The first state of the anti-theft device is preferably characterized by the fact that the operation of the PV device is not or only slightly affected. An insignificant impairment of the operation of the PV device could be, for example, that the anti-theft device a small Amount of current from the total amount of current generated by the PV device branches off.

The second state of the anti-theft device can be characterized in that it acts on the PV device in such a way that it is no longer of interest to a potential thief. This may be done, for example, by destroying the PV device and / or identifying the location of the PV device by means of police or other location systems and thus stealing a stolen PV device in the thief, at a fence, and / or at a direct or indirect customer of the error can be found.

Due to the described integration of the anti-theft device in the PV device no additional effort of a structural nature is necessary in an advantageous manner. The functionality associated with the anti-theft device can thus be easily provided to a customer as an option.

It should be noted that the PV device can be interconnected with other PV devices in a known manner to a PV system. The PV device can thus also be referred to as a PV module.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic device additionally comprises a power supply element which (a) is non-detachably integrated in the photovoltaic device or attached to the photovoltaic device, which (b) is coupled to the anti-theft device and which (c ) is arranged such that the anti-theft device can be supplied with energy at least for a pre-determined period of time.

Preferably, the power supply element supplies the anti-theft device with electrical energy, so that all electrical components of the anti-theft device can be supplied with energy independently of the operation of the PV device. Thereby, a reliable operation of the anti-theft device can be ensured.

The energy supply element can be, for example, a battery, in particular a lithium battery. In a favorable in terms of energy consumption design of the anti-theft device, a lithium battery, for example, for a period of 10 years or more to provide them with the necessary electrical energy, so that in the case of theft reliably the anti-theft device can be transferred from the first state to the second state ,

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device is set up such that locatable signals are emitted when the anti-theft device is in the second state. This has the advantage that the position of a stolen PV device can be determined at any time by an evaluation of the positionable signals emitted by the anti-theft device. As a result, the location of a stolen PV device can be tracked at any time, and theft of such a PV device will result in significant risk to the thief, fence, and / or the direct or indirect customer of the fault.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device further comprises a radio module, in particular a GSM radio module, which is set up to send out the locatable signals. This has the advantage that such radio modules are very efficient in terms of their energy consumption and also can be procured very inexpensively. Thus, the described photovoltaic device can be realized very inexpensively.

After a theft, a signal or sequence of signals may be sent at a predetermined rate of every 10 hours, for example, to locate the stolen PV device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device further comprises a receiver configured to receive signals from a satellite positioning system. This has the advantage that the anti-theft device, when in the second state, can automatically determine its current position and thus the position of the (stolen) photovoltaic device by means of satellite radio systems. This position can then possibly be transmitted encrypted by suitable radio signals from the radio module to another radio receiver, which evaluates these signals and can output based on the evaluation of the current position of the PV device.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device is set up in such a way that at least part of the photovoltaic device is irreversibly destroyed during the transition from the first state to the second state. This means that after a motion-induced activation of the anti-theft device, the PV device can no longer be used. This gives it for a potential Thief no longer incentive to steal the described PV device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device further comprises a heating element, which is activated in the transition from the first state to the second state, thereby destroying an electrical connection within the photovoltaic device. The intentional destruction of at least one electrical connection within the photovoltaic device may be a particularly efficient means of rendering the entire PV device unusable, thereby depriving a potential thief of the incentive to steal the PV device.

Particularly effective appears in this context, the destruction of a solder joint, which can be destroyed with a comparatively low thermal energy input.

The energy for operating the heating element can in particular be provided by the energy supply element described above.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft device further comprises a color cartridge activation device, which bursts a color cartridge at the transition from the first state to the second state. In the case of bursting of the color cartridges, the PV device can for example be colored so that it can be easily recognized as stolen goods. Alternatively or in combination, the color emerging from the color cartridge can irreversibly damage the PV device, so that either no or only a small amount of current can be produced. In this case, the color cartridge can be arranged, for example, such that leaking paint covers the photosensitive side of the PV device and prevents or at least significantly restricts the production of electricity by a corresponding shading.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of making a photovoltaic device is described. The method comprises (a) providing a photovoltaic device, (b) coupling an antitheft device having an acceleration sensor to the photovoltaic device, wherein the antitheft device is non-detachably integrated with the photovoltaic device or attached to the photovoltaic device. The acceleration sensor is set up in such a way that it outputs a signal at a predetermined minimum acceleration of the photovoltaic device, which signal converts the anti-theft device from a first state into a second state in a non-reversible manner.

The manufacturing method described is based on the finding that a largely anti-theft and self-sufficient working PV device can be realized by a non-detachable integration or non-detachable attachment of an anti-theft device having an acceleration sensor. In a theft of the PV device, which is usually associated with an at least short-term mechanical acceleration of the entire PV device, the anti-theft device is then transferred from a first state in a non-reversible manner to a second state. In this case, the second state is recognizable from the outside, so that the PV device can be recognized as stolen goods.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for detecting theft of a photovoltaic device is disclosed that includes an anti-theft device that is non-detachably integrated with the photovoltaic device or attached to the photovoltaic device. The described method comprises (a) detecting a minimum acceleration associated with the theft of the photovoltaic device from an acceleration sensor of the anti-theft device, (b) outputting a signal from the acceleration sensor, and (c) transferring the anti-theft device from a first state to not reversibly into a second state based on detection of the signal by the theft deterrent device.

The described detection method is based on the finding that a theft of a PV device is usually associated with an at least short-term mechanical acceleration of the entire PV device, which is detected by the acceleration sensor of the anti-theft device. If the acceleration sensor measures at least a certain minimum acceleration, it outputs a signal which transfers the anti-theft device from a first state to a second state in a non-reversible manner. In this case, the second state is recognizable from the outside, so that the PV device can be recognized as stolen goods.

It should be noted that the PV module can also be marked accordingly, so that a potential thief immediately recognizes that in case of theft (a) the relevant PV module can be located and / or (b) the relevant PV Module destroyed by itself or at least badly damaged. By such a clear recognizable identification of the PV module, thus a potential thief can be effectively prevented from theft.

It is further noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with apparatus claims and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to a type of subject matter, any combination of features that may result in different types of features is also possible Subject matters belong.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of presently preferred embodiments. The individual figures of the drawing of this application are merely to be regarded as schematic and not to scale.

1 shows according to a first embodiment of the invention, a photovoltaic device with an anti-theft device having an acceleration sensor and a coupled to the acceleration sensor radio module and / or activated by the acceleration sensor color cartridge activation device.

2 shows according to a second embodiment of the invention, a photovoltaic device with an anti-theft device having an acceleration sensor and a plurality of activatable by the acceleration sensor heating elements for the targeted destruction of solder joints.

It should be noted that features of different embodiments, which are the same or at least functionally identical to the corresponding features or components of the embodiment, are provided with a reference numeral, which is only in its first digit of the reference numeral of a corresponding component different. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, features or components already explained on the basis of a previously described embodiment will not be explained in detail later.

It should also be noted that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. In particular, it is possible to suitably combine the features of individual embodiments with one another, so that a multiplicity of different embodiments are to be regarded as obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with the embodiment variants explicitly illustrated here.

1 shows a photovoltaic (PV) device 100 containing a variety of solar cells 102 has, which are interconnected in a known manner by unspecified connection lines. The PV device 100 has an anti-theft device 120 on, which according to the embodiment shown here in a part of the PV device 100 is integrated in a non-detachable way. Theft prevention device 120 has an acceleration sensor 130 and an energy supply element 140 on which the acceleration sensor 130 supplied with electrical energy. According to the embodiment shown here is the power supply element 140 a lithium battery.

Theft prevention device 120 also has a radio module 150 on which with the acceleration sensor 130 is coupled and which also from the lithium battery 140 is supplied with electrical energy. The radio module 150 may for example be a so-called. GSM module (Global System for Mobile Communications Module).

Alternatively or in combination with the radio module 150 can the theft prevention device 120 also a color cartridge activation device 160 which also in a manner not shown both with the acceleration sensor 130 as well as with the power supply element 140 is coupled.

The following is the operation of the anti-theft device 120 described. It is assumed that a theft always with a certain minimum acceleration of the PV device 100 is linked, since this must be removed in whatever way from its original location.

Once the accelerometer 130 detects an acceleration that is above a theft-specific minimum acceleration, the acceleration sensor gives 130 a signal coming from the radio module 150 and / or from the color cartridge activation device 160 Will be received.

With the receipt of a corresponding signal from the acceleration sensor 130 the radio module starts 150 Send radio signals that can be received by a known location system. To the energy consumption of radio module 150 which, as explained above, from the lithium battery 140 is supplied with energy to keep low, the radio signals are not transmitted continuously but in a predetermined rhythm. According to the embodiment shown here, after a theft of the PV device 100 every 10 hours each sent a locatable signal or a locatable signal sequence. By evaluating these signals or signal sequences, the position of the stolen PV device can then be determined in a known manner, and suitable, if necessary, police measures for the return of the PV device can be determined 100 be taken.

By receiving a signal indicative of a theft from the acceleration sensor 130 becomes the color cartridge activation device 160 activated. This means that preferably immediately or also with a certain time delay from the color cartridge activation device 160 a color cartridge 162 is bursting. According to the embodiment shown here is the color cartridge 162 within the color cartridge activation device 160 , The of the color cartridge 162 leaking paint colors the PV device 100 in such a way that it is irreversible no longer (fully) functional and possibly can be easily recognized as stolen property. Preferably covered from the color cartridge 162 leaked paint the photosensitive side of the PV device 100 , so that as a result of shading by this color, a power production of the PV device 100 prevents or at least significantly restricts.

2 shows a PV device 200 which as well as the PV device 100 a plurality of interconnected solar cells 202 having. One in the PV device 200 integrated anti-theft device 200 has an acceleration sensor 230 and a plurality of heating elements activatable by the acceleration sensor 250 on. Both the acceleration sensor 230 as well as the heating elements 250 be from a designed as a lithium battery power supply element 240 supplied with electrical energy. The same applies to one example, together with the acceleration sensor 230 in a unit realized control unit (not shown).

A theft characteristic signal from the acceleration sensor 230 is received by the control unit, which provides a targeted flow of current through the heating elements 250 causes. This creates a heat development, which after some time one for the operation of the PV device 200 relevant solder joint destroyed irreversibly. This makes the at least one essential part of the PV device 200 unusable and a potential thief is the incentive for theft of the PV device 200 taken.

It should be noted that theft-induced destruction of the PV device 200 can also be achieved by the destruction of a single solder joint, provided that this solder joint for the function of the PV device 200 has a central meaning. Accordingly, the theft-induced destruction of the PV device 200 also using only one heating element 250 respectively.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• Engineering & Services Dipl. Ing. Egon Dübner, http://www.duebner.com [0007]
• Fa. K. Streib GmbH Electrical Systems Building Management Systems , http://www.streib.de [0007]

Claims (10)

Photovoltaic device with an anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ), which are not detachable in the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) or at the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ), the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) comprising an acceleration sensor ( 130 . 230 ) which is set up in such a way that at a predetermined minimum acceleration of the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) outputs a signal which the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) is transitioned from a first state to a second state in a non-reversible manner. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, additionally comprising a power supply element ( 140 . 240 ) which is not detachable in the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) or at the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) attached to the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) and which is arranged such that the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) can be supplied with energy for a predetermined period of time. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) is arranged such that settable signals are emitted when the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) is in the second state. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-theft device ( 120 ) a radio module ( 150 ), in particular a GSM radio module, which is set up to send out the locatable signals. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-theft device ( 120 ) further comprises a receiver configured to receive signals from a satellite positioning system. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) is arranged such that at the transition from the first state to the second state at least a part of the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) is irreversibly destroyed. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-theft device ( 220 ) further a heating element ( 250 ) which is activated in the transition from the first state to the second state and thereby an electrical connection within the photovoltaic device ( 200 ) destroyed. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft device further comprises a color cartridge activation device ( 160 ), which at the transition from the first state to the second state, a color cartridge ( 162 ) causes it to burst. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device, the method comprising providing a photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) and coupling an accelerometer ( 130 . 230 ) anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) with the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ), the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) not detachable in the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) or at the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ), wherein the acceleration sensor ( 130 . 230 ) is set up such that, given a predetermined minimum acceleration of the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) outputs a signal which the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ) is transitioned from a first state to a second state in a non-reversible manner. Method for detecting a theft of a photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) containing an anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ), which are not detachable in the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) or at the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ), the method comprising detecting an associated with the theft minimum acceleration of the photovoltaic device ( 100 . 200 ) from an acceleration sensor ( 130 . 230 ) of the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ), Outputting a signal from the acceleration sensor ( 130 . 230 ), and transferring the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 from a first state in a non-reversible manner to a second state based on a detection of the signal by the anti-theft device ( 120 . 220 ).

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