EP3060860A1

EP3060860A1 - System for holding at least one solar panel on a solar module and solar module comprising same

Info

Publication number: EP3060860A1
Application number: EP14798918.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: François PAPONNEAU
Original assignee: Exosun SAS
Current assignee: Exosun SAS
Priority date: 2013-10-25
Filing date: 2014-10-20
Publication date: 2016-08-31
Also published as: WO2015059391A1; FR3012586A1; US20160261225A1

Abstract

The system for holding at least one solar panel (1) on a solar module of a solar tracker comprises at least one spar (3) comprising a longitudinally elongate opening (30) and a bearing surface (31) against which the at least one solar panel is intended to press, and at least one clamping assembly comprising a clamp (4) defining a housing designed to accept an edge of the solar panel against the bearing surface, a threaded clamping element (2) collaborating with the clamp and a connecting element (10) that connects the threaded clamping element to the spar collaborating with the longitudinal elongate opening, the longitudinally elongate opening being produced along a lateral side of the spar adjacent to the bearing surface.

Description

System for maintaining at least one solar panel on a solar module and solar module comprising it

The invention relates to a system for maintaining at least one solar panel on a solar module of a solar tracker and a solar module comprising it.

Currently, in order to install a set of solar panels on a solar module of a solar tracker, as illustrated, for example, in US 6,672,018, a holding system is used for this purpose. This holding system comprises a set of longitudinal members comprising an elongate longitudinal opening which gives the longitudinal members a "U" shape, in section, the apex of the branches of the "U" defining a bearing surface on which abut, when 'an assembly, the solar panels. The latter are held pressed against the edges of the elongate longitudinal opening by means of a clamping assembly. However, the use of such a U-shaped spar section requires to provide at the clamping assembly an arrangement avoiding, during tightening, that the side walls of the spar forming the branches of the "U" are not on the one hand, and on the other hand, that these same lateral sides forming the branches of the "U" do not approach one another. This leads to the realization of a relatively complex clamping assembly to be made and installed. In addition, between two clamping assemblies, the side walls of the spar forming the branches of the "U" are not kept at a distance from each other, and are therefore free to deform when the set of solar panels mounted on this spar is subjected to forces due for example to the wind. These mechanical stresses experienced by the spar result in this the last is deformed to get closer to a neutral fiber of the spar, which weakens it.

An object of the invention is to provide a system for maintaining at least one solar panel on a solar module of a solar tracker which is simple to implement and use, while reinforcing the resistance of the side members when the at least one panel solar is subjected to external mechanical stresses.

For this purpose, it is provided, according to the invention, a system for maintaining at least one solar panel on a solar module of a solar tracker comprising at least one spar comprising an elongated longitudinal opening and a bearing surface on which the at least one solar panel is intended to bear, and at least one clamping assembly comprising a clamp defining a housing arranged to receive an edge of the solar panel against the bearing surface, a cooperating threaded clamping element. with the clamp and a connecting member of the threaded clamping member with the spar cooperating with the longitudinal elongated opening, the longitudinal elongate opening being made on a lateral side of the spar adjacent to the bearing surface.

Advantageously, but optionally, the holding system according to the invention has at least one of the following additional technical characteristics:

- The tail of the clamp has a length less than a thickness of the solar panel with which the clamp is intended to cooperate during use;

the connecting element comprises hook means arranged to cooperate with the longitudinal elongated opening; the hook means comprise an upper hook cooperating with an upper edge of the longitudinal elongate opening;

- The hook means comprise a lower hook cooperating with a lower edge of the longitudinal elongated opening;

the lower edge comprises a flange extending projecting from the lateral side towards the inside of the spar; and

- The connecting element comprises a through opening for receiving the threaded clamping element.

It is also provided according to the invention a solar module comprising at least one solar panel and a system for maintaining the at least one solar panel having at least one of the preceding technical characteristics.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of an embodiment of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

- Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a system for maintaining at least one solar panel according to the invention now a solar panel;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the holding system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a connecting element for the holding system according to the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2;

Figures 4, 5A to 5D are three-dimensional views of alternative embodiments of connecting elements for a holding system according to the invention of Figures 1 and 2; FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of a solar module for a solar tracker comprising a set of solar panels and a system for holding the solar panels according to the invention;

- Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the system for maintaining at least one solar panel according to the invention now a solar panel; and,

Figures 8 and 9 are three-dimensional views of other embodiments of the system for maintaining at least one solar panel according to the invention now a solar panel.

A solar module 5, like that illustrated in FIG. 6, is positioned on a ground S and comprises, for this purpose, a base 51 fixed on this ground S. The base 51 supports an orientation mechanism 52 of the solar module. On the other hand, the solar module 5 comprises means for treating solar radiation, here composed of a series of solar panels 1 which are held on the solar module 5 by means of a holding system according to the invention. invention which we will now describe in more detail. In a variant, the solar module is a fixed structure.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system for holding at least one solar panel on a solar module of a solar follower according to the invention comprises at least one spar 3. This spar is here a beam made from a metal sheet having followed a profiling using rollers ("roll-forming" in the English terminology) and having a rectangular general section. The spar 3 is hollow. It comprises two lateral sides 32 and 34 extending at a distance facing each other and connected to one another by an upper side 31 and a lower side 33. In general, the dimensions in section sides 32, 34 are greater than the sectional dimensions of the upper 31 and lower 33 sides. One of the lateral sides, 34, has an elongated longitudinal opening 30 extending parallel to and away from the upper side 31. This opening longitudinal elongate 30 has an upper edge 36 and a lower edge 35. The lower edge 35 has a flange projecting from the lateral side 34 towards the inside of the spar 3. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal elongate opening 30 is formed in the other lateral side 32. This gives, in section, a shape in "G" to the spar 3. As an alternative embodiment of the spar 3, the lateral sides 32 and the lower side 33 are oriented and / or of any shape.

The upper side 31 of the spar 3 provides a bearing surface on which, during use of the holding system according to the invention, the solar panel 1 bears. The production of an elongated longitudinal opening 30 in one of the lateral sides 32, 34 makes it possible to obtain a bearing surface on the upper side 31 which is continuous and maximized with respect to the dimensions of the spar 3. Such a situation contributes the stability of the solar panel thus maintained in support on the upper side 31 by the holding system of at least one solar panel according to the invention. In addition, the resistance of the spar 3 deformation to approach a neutral fiber of said spar is enhanced when the latter undergoes forces due to weather conditions such as wind.

To maintain this support on the surface formed by the upper side 31 of the spar 3, the system for holding at least one solar panel according to the invention comprises a clamp 4 of generally "T" in section with a tail 43 surmounted a hat whose flanges 42,41 extend perpendicularly to the tail 43. In an embodiment shown here, the tail 43 has a U-shaped section. The base of the tail 43 of the clamp 4 has at least one threaded orifice adapted to receive a threaded clamping element 2. For example, this clamping element 2 is a screw type "CHC". The clamping element 2 comprises a head 21 at one of its ends and a thread at the other end. In addition, the system for holding at least one solar panel according to the invention comprises a connecting element 10 of the threaded clamping element 2 with the spar 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting element 10 cooperates with the longitudinal elongated opening 30. The clamp 4 can hold two adjacent solar panels in place simultaneously.

Referring now to Figure 7, we will describe an alternative embodiment of the clamp. The clamp 6 comprises a shank 63 successively comprising an upper portion 66, an "u" shaped bowl 64 and a lower tongue 67. The tongue 67 makes it possible to hold the clamp 6 while bearing on the bearing surface on the upper side 31 to avoid, during tightening, its tilting. The clamp 6 further comprises a flange 61 extending perpendicular to the upper portion 66 of the tail 63 and overlying thereof. The rim 61 and the shank 63 define a housing arranged to receive an edge of the solar panel 1 against the bearing surface on the upper side 31. At the bottom of the bowl 64, the shank 63 of the clamp 6 has at least one orifice adapted to receive the threaded clamping element 2. A nut 65 is provided to cooperate with the threaded portion of the clamping element 2. This nut 65 has a lower surface having a shape complementary to that of the "u" cup. 64 which receives said nut 65 during use of the holding system according to the invention. This further allows the clamp 6 to be able to to orient themselves freely in order to tighten solar panels with varying thicknesses.

Another variant embodiment of the holding system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this variant embodiment, the clamp has disappeared. The solar panel 1 has a side 7 forming the edge of the solar panel. This side is formed of a profile having at its base a flange 74 having a series of orifices adapted to each receive a threaded clamping element 2. There are at least as many orifices as spar 3 that will cover the side 7 of solar panel 1 when in use. In order to ensure the tightening, a nut 75 (as well as a washer possibly) is able to cooperate with the threaded part of the clamping element 2.

In this variant embodiment, the presence of the series of orifices in the rim 74 imposes the position and the number of longitudinal members 3 to be used. To allow a free position, as well as a free number, of longitudinal members 3 to be used, provision is made for the use of a clamp 76 of the flange 74 with the spar 3, as illustrated in FIG. 9. This clamp 76 is of elongate form and comprises an orifice adapted to receive a threaded clamping element 2. A first part of the clamp bears on the bearing surface of the upper side 31 of the spar 3. This first part extends from the orifice receiving the clamping member 2 to a first end of the clamp 76. A second portion of the clamp 76 cooperates with the flange 74 on the side 7 of the solar panel 1 to keep it resting on the bearing surface of the upper side 31 of the spar 3. The second part extends from the orifice receiving the clamping element 2 to a second end of the clamp 76. The second end has a notch 77 arranged to receive the rim 74. To ensure the tightening, a nut 75 (thus that a washer possibly) is able to cooperate with the threaded portion of the clamping element 2.

Referring now to Figure 3, we will describe in more detail the connection element 10 of the holding system of at least one solar panel according to the invention. The connecting element 10 has two adjacent parts. The first adjacent portion 11 is formed of a body 11 in which is formed a through opening 16 for receiving the threaded clamping element 2. The first adjacent portion 11 is generally cylindrical in shape and the through opening 16 is coaxial with this general cylindrical shape of revolution. On the other hand, the first adjacent portion 11 has a slot 17 extending along a generatrix of the generally cylindrical shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 11. At one of the edges of this slot 17, connecting element 10 has the second adjacent portion 14. This second adjacent portion 14 extends radially centrifugally projecting from the first adjacent portion 11. This second adjacent portion 14 is generally planar and oriented parallel to a axis of the cylindrical general shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 11. In addition, an average plane of the second adjacent portion 14 passes through this axis of the cylindrical general shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 11. The second adjacent portion 14 comprises hook means. These hook means comprise an upper hook 12, 15 comprising a hook bottom 15 and a tip 12. When using the system for holding at least one solar panel according to the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper hook 12,15 cooperates with the upper edge 36 of the longitudinal elongated opening 30 of the spar 3, the upper edge 36 being supported in the hook bottom 15 while the tip 12 abuts with an internal lateral surface of the edge 36 of the longitudinal elongated opening 30 of the spar 3.

The second adjacent portion 14 further comprises an inclined surface 18 adjacent to the tip 12 of the upper hook. This inclined surface 18 connects the upper hook 12,15 to a lower hook 13. The lower hook 13, when using the system for holding at least one solar panel according to the invention, cooperates with the lower edge 35 of the elongate longitudinal opening 30 of the spar 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. We will now describe a method of using and implementing the system for maintaining at least one solar panel according to the invention that we have just described. The spar 3 is positioned on the solar module, at first. Then, the connecting element 10 is put in place in the longitudinal elongate opening 30. To do this, there are at least four possibilities of placing the connecting element 10 in the longitudinal elongated opening 30 of the spar 3.

According to a first method, the connecting element 10 is threaded into the longitudinal elongated opening 30 from one end of the spar 3. Thus, the connecting element 10 is placed in position on the spar 3 by sliding it along the elongate longitudinal opening 30, the upper hook cooperating with and sliding along the upper edge 36 of the longitudinal elongate opening 30, the lower hook 13 cooperating with the lower edge flange 35 by sliding the along this one.

According to a second method, the second adjacent portion 14 of the connecting element 10 is introduced directly to the correct position in the longitudinal elongate opening 30, the mean plane of the second adjacent portion 14 being parallel to said longitudinal elongate opening 30. Once the second adjacent portion 14 is introduced into the longitudinal elongate opening 30, an operator performs a quarter turn to the connecting element so as to bring the average plane of the second adjacent portion 14 perpendicular to the longitudinal elongated opening 30, the upper hook 12,15 cooperating with the upper edge 36 and the lower hook 13 cooperating with the lower edge 35 of the longitudinal elongated opening 30.

A third method is to first introduce the lower hook 13 into the longitudinal elongated opening 30, the middle plane of the second adjacent portion 14 being perpendicular to the longitudinal elongate opening 30. The lower hook 13 then comes into contact and engaged with the rim of the lower edge 35 of the elongated longitudinal opening 30. Then, the operator performs a tilting of the connecting element so as to bring into contact at first the inclined surface 18 with the upper edge 36 of the longitudinal elongate opening 30. By continuing its tilting movement, it closes the connecting element 10 in the longitudinal elongate opening 30 by passing the tip 12 of the upper hook through the longitudinal elongated opening 30. The clipping thus generated leads to the upper edge 36 being positioned in abutment on the bottom of the hook 15 of the upper hook.

A fourth method is to first introduce the lower hook 13 into the longitudinal elongated opening 30, the middle plane of the second adjacent portion 14 being perpendicular to the longitudinal elongated opening 30. The lower hook 13 enters the inside the spar 3. The operator continues the introduction of the connecting element 10 in the spar 3 through the longitudinal elongated opening 30 until the hook tip 12 passes through the longitudinal elongated opening 30. The operator then cooperating the hook bottom 15 with the upper edge 36 of the longitudinal elongated opening 30, the upper edge 36 bearing on the bottom of the hook 15 of the upper hook. Then, the operator performs a tilting of the connecting element 10 so as to bring the edge of the lower edge 35 of the longitudinal elongate opening 30 into contact with the lower hook 14.

Once the connecting element thus placed in good position in the spar 3, the threaded clamping element 2 is introduced into the through opening 16 of the first adjacent portion 11 of the connecting element 10. The head 21 of the threaded clamping element being positioned facing the lower hook 13 of the connecting element 10 and resting on a lower face of the first adjacent portion 11. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, the lower edge 35 of the longitudinal elongated opening 30 is held prisoner in the lower hook 13 of the connecting element 10 by the head 21 of the threaded clamping element 2. This secures the connecting element 10 on the spar 3

Then, the operator sets up the "T" -shaped clamp by cooperating the threaded hole provided for this purpose on the base of the tail 43 with the threaded end of the threaded clamping element 2. Thus, one of the flanges 41, 42 defines with the tail 43, a housing adapted to receive an edge of the solar panel 1. The solar panel 1 is positioned on the spar 3 so that one of its edges comes into the housing as well defined, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, in support against the surface support of the upper side 31 of the spar 3. Then, the operator only has to tighten the threaded clamping element 2 so that the edge of the solar panel 1 is found sandwiched tightly between one of the flanges 41,42 of the "T" -shaped clamp and the bearing surface of the upper side 31 of the spar 3. To ensure this clamping perfectly, the tail 43 has a dimension between a bottom of the flanges 41,42 and the bottom of the tail 43 which is less than a thickness of the edge of the solar panel 1 received in the housing defined by the clamp in the form of "T" as previously described.

All these operations are repeated as many times as necessary so as to achieve the positioning of the series of solar panels 1 mounted on the solar module 5 as shown in Figure 6.

In an alternative embodiment of the holding system according to the invention, the through opening 16 has dimensions that allow to retain by friction the clamping element 2, once it introduced into said through opening 16. It is a matter of course likewise for the through openings of the embodiments of the connecting element illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5A to 5D.

In another alternative embodiment of the holding system according to the invention, the through opening 16 is threaded. In this case, the threaded portion of the clamping element 2 is screwed into the through opening 16. The clamp 4 comprises, at its tail 43, no longer a threaded orifice, but a smooth orifice capable of receiving, possibly with friction to maintain it during manipulations, the clamping element 2, the head 21 of the latter being received in the clamp 4. The same applies to the through openings of the variants of embodiment of the connecting element illustrated in Figures 4, 5A to 5D.

Referring to Figures 4, 5A to 5D, we will describe alternative embodiments of the connecting element of the holding system of at least one solar panel according to the invention. In Figure 4, a first embodiment of the connecting element 100 has a shape, seen from above, in "U". The first adjacent portion 111 forming the bottom of this "U" shape while the second adjacent portion 104, 114 is in two parts, each of the parts forming a branch of the "U" shape. As for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, a through opening 106 is formed in the first adjacent portion 111 and is intended to receive the threaded clamping element 2. Similarly, as for the previous embodiment of the figure 3, each of the portions 104, 114 respectively, of the second adjacent portion of the connecting element 100 comprises an upper hook 102,105 (respectively 112,115) having a hook bottom 105 (respectively 115) and a tip 102 (respectively 112). Each of the portions of the second adjacent portion of the connecting member 100 has an inclined surface 108 (respectively 118) adjacent to the tip 102 (112 respectively). This inclined surface 108 (respectively 118) connects the upper hook to a lower hook 103 (respectively 113). In addition, the two parts 104, 114 of the second adjacent part of the connecting element 100 delimit a slot 107. The use of this variant embodiment of the connection element 100 of the solar panel holding system according to FIG. invention is identical to the use and implementation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5D illustrates an alternative embodiment of the connecting element 100 of FIG. 4. The connecting element 500 differs from the preceding connecting element 100 in that the parts 104, 114 forming the branches of the "U" are close together and then delimit a gap 507. At the extreme, the parts 104,114 are in contact with each other and the gap 507 is nonexistent. As for the previous embodiments, the use and implementation of this embodiment of a connecting element 500 is identical to the implementation and use of the connecting element 10 of FIG. 3.

In Figure 5A is illustrated a second alternative embodiment of a connecting member 200 of the solar panel holding system according to the invention. This embodiment variant 200 is very close to the embodiment of the connecting element 10 of FIG. 3. The first adjacent portion 201, of cylindrical general shape of revolution, has a through opening 206 coaxial with the generally cylindrical shape of revolution. of the first adjacent portion 201. A slot 207 extending along a generatrix of the generally cylindrical shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 201. At one edge of this slot 207, the second adjacent portion 204 projecting and has a mean plane which is parallel to an axis of the generally cylindrical shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 201. Here, the second adjacent portion 208 projects from the first adjacent portion 201 so as to tangential. Again, the second adjacent portion 204 has an upper hook 202,205 comprising a hook bottom 205 and a tip 202. An inclined surface 208 is adjacent to the hook tip 202 and connects the upper hook to a lower hook 203. As for the previous embodiments, the use and implementation of this embodiment variant of a connecting element 200 is identical to the implementation and use of the connecting element 10 of FIG. 3.

In Figure 5B is illustrated a third embodiment of a connecting element 300 of the holding system of at least one solar panel according to the invention. The connecting element 300 comprises a first adjacent portion 301 of cylindrical general shape of revolution in which a through opening 306 is made coaxially with the generally cylindrical shape of revolution of the first adjacent portion 301. A second adjacent portion 304 is radially projecting from the first adjacent portion 301. Again, as in the previous embodiments, this second adjacent portion comprises an upper hook 302,305 itself comprising a hook bottom 305 and a tip 302. Adjacent to this 302 tip, the second adjacent portion 304 compotes an inclined surface 308 which connects the upper hook to a lower hook 303. Here, the second adjacent portion 304 has a width identical to a diameter of the generally cylindrical shape of revolution of the first portion 301 Again, the implementation and use of this variant of realizat The ion of the connecting element 300 is identical to the implementation and use of the previous embodiments of this connecting element.

Finally, in Figure 5C is illustrated a fourth embodiment of a connecting element 400 of the holding system of at least one solar panel according to the invention. This embodiment variant 400 of the connecting element differs from the previous variant 300 only in that the first adjacent portion 401 does not have a generally cylindrical shape of revolution but defines a rectangle in section.

Another advantage of the holding system according to the invention which has just been described is to allow easy access to the clamping element 2 and to the connecting element 10,100,200,300,400,500, because of their lateral positioning on the spar 3.

Of course, it is possible to bring to the invention many modifications without departing from the scope thereof. For example, the solar panel 1 can be replaced by a mirror.

Claims

1. System for maintaining at least one solar panel (1) on a solar module (5) of a solar tracker comprising at least one beam (3) comprising an elongated longitudinal opening (30) and a bearing surface ( 31) on which the at least one solar panel is intended to bear, and at least one clamping assembly comprising a clamp (4; 6; 75,76) defining a housing arranged to receive an edge of the solar panel against the bearing surface, a threaded clamping element (2) cooperating with the clamp and a connecting element (10; 100; 200; 300; 400; 500) of the threaded clamping element with the spar co-operating with the longitudinal elongate opening, the elongated longitudinal opening being formed on a lateral side of the spar adjacent to the bearing surface, characterized in that the connecting element comprising hook means (12, 15, 13; 102, 105, 103, 112, 115, 113; 202, 205, 203 302,305,303) arranged so as to cooperating with the elongated longitudinal opening, the hook means comprise an upper hook (12, 15; 102, 105, 112, 115; 202, 205; 302, 305) cooperating with an upper edge (36) of the longitudinal elongated opening, and a lower hook (13; 103, 113; 203; 303) cooperating with a lower edge (35) of the longitudinal elongated opening.

2. Holder system according to claim 1, characterized in that the tail (43) of the clamp (4) has a length less than a thickness of the solar panel with which the clamp is intended to cooperate during use.

3. Holding system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower edge has a rim extending protruding from the lateral side towards the inside of the spar.

4. Holding system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting element comprises a through opening (16; 106; 206; 306) for receiving the threaded clamping element.

5. Solar module (5) comprising at least one solar panel, characterized in that it further comprises a system for maintaining the at least one solar panel according to one of claims 1 to 4.