ES2281307A1 - Solar supporter e.g. mono-post, has support column of which individual arms are of V shape, which support structure that tolerates solar paddles, all arms have cylindrical tubular body - Google Patents

Abstract

The supporter e.g. mono-post, has a support column of which individual arms are of V shape, which support the structure that tolerates the solar paddles. All arms have a cylindrical tubular body, which maintains their dimension and its diametrical thickness in all their length and incorporates an external helical fillet weld rigidly. These two arms rest on an inferior cradle in the inferior zone of their vertex. The arms are arranged between both cradles at point of contact.

Description

Improvements introduced in solar trackers.

Technical sector

The object of the present invention saves relationship with solar trackers, that is with systems constituted by a set of solar panels arranged in a support structure that in turn is mounted on a frame bearing, with the ability of said set of solar panels can perform an azimuthal rotation with respect to a vertical axis and of vary the inclination of the structure panel holder, all to get the adequate tracking of the sun's rays.

State of the art

Among the different mounting solutions that they know each other in relation to these solar trackers, there is a denominated "monoposte", according to which, the set of panels solar is arranged on a support column, of the type of used for the assembly of wind turbines, column is provided with an access door for the corresponding operators responsible for maintaining the installed media inside the column

In this solution "monoposte", like it happens with the wind turbines, it is arranged, in the upper part of the support column, a large bearing that inside conforms the teeth of a gear in which some driving means, whose drive sets the rotation of the structure that involves the set of solar panels with respect to the  longitudinal axis of the support column, to carry out the adequate azimuthal orientation of the structure that involves the photovoltaic panels.

In addition, one's disposition is also known. or more cylinders whose drive allows tilt adjustment of the structure that involves the solar panels.

Realizations of solar trackers "monoposte" of the type described above, are known by example, through the following patents:

U.S. Patent 5,929,530 describes a "monoposte" solar tracker that on top of the support column incorporates a "U" piece to which it is fixed the panel holder frame.

Also United States Patents numbers 6,123,067 and 6,662,801 describe solar trackers "monoposte", like European Patent 1,313,151.

Again, said "monoposte" solution is corresponds to the object of Spanish Patents ES 2.008.310 and ES 2,253,099 and Utility Models U9800711 and U200602649, the latter from the same applicant as this Patent.

On the other hand, patents such as the US 6,672,018 describes different fixation solutions for solar panels to its support frame.

In this type of solar tracker "monoposte" one of the critical aspects lies in the solidity of the support frame, since the structure that involves the photovoltaic panels occupies a large area, which transmits to the support framework important moments and efforts due, both to the weight of the set supported, as to the wind that can affect over the whole

Object of the invention

According to the improvements now recommended  has designed an extremely robust solar tracker and also with a realization that, in some aspects, simplifies the solutions hitherto known, as will be seen below.

Indeed, in the solutions so far known, from the support column are born, in relation to their upper end, large divergent arms that at its end free constitute the point of support and mooring of the structure which involves the photovoltaic panels. These footholds and mooring are joints that allow the structure to rotate support of photovoltaic panels, to vary your inclination.

The most common embodiments incorporate two of these large arms arranged in "V" or four arms, arranged according to the edges of a quadrangular pyramid inverted In any case, each arm adopts a configuration in conicity born from the support column with a larger diameter, to gradually reduce said diameter. Also in In some cases, the thickness of these arms is also variable along them.

This embodiment complicates and makes the cost more expensive. solar tracker manufacturing. Facing this solution, the improvements object of the present invention propose that such arms be conform by standard cylindrical tubes, whose diameter and whose thickness is the same throughout its length. These tubes present in its exterior and throughout its length, at least one weld bead that extends in helicoide by the outside of the tube as if it were a helical reinforcing nerve that endows the cylindrical tube with greater rigidity

Between the upper ends of the two arms cylindrical tubular extend a prestressed braces that stiffen even more if it fits those arms and endow the whole of the structure of greater strength.

These prestressed braces also allow establish a third point of support and mooring for the structure support of photovoltaic panels, in addition to the two points of the upper ends of the arms. This third point is located so centrally and it is also in articulation like those, to allow varying the inclination of said structure panel holder.

The aforementioned structure panel holder is fundamentally planar and it It consists of three metal trusses with a transverse profile in "U" lying down; so that in the central part or soul of these  trusses set the three aforementioned points of support and mooring articulated structure of the panel holder of the support frame.

The upper horizontal wing of these three trusses  allows the support and mooring of a plurality of belts that extend perpendicularly to the three mentioned trusses and paraxials with each other. On these belts rest the solar panels.

Each strap is fixed to the corresponding truss through a "U" clamp of twisted wings that by the fold of its wings is locked to the trusses and that is arranged cornered on the belt, thus allowing the games of dilation and contraction between trusses and belts. To the straps fix the solar panels through a usual solution, by the use of "U" forks with threaded ends in those that mount the corresponding pressure plates.

In the search for the greatest possible strength for the solar tracker, the union between the two big arms in "V" and the support column is carried out by two crib-pieces, arranged in contrast, a on the upper end of the support column and the other by on top of the tubes that make up the "V" arms, just in the vertex zone of them.

On the other hand, it is also worth noting that, in relationship with the motor means that establish the azimuthal turn of the panel holder structure is fitted with a brake that blocks this azimuthal turn, as long as they are not in operation such driving means, to prevent them from reaching these last undue efforts, motivated by blows from wind.

The driving means for azimuthal rotation are they constitute by one or two motor-reducers, in Follower size function. It is usually a single motor-reducer, although the support column has two supports in diametral contraposition, which allows the selective assembly of the motor-reducer group in one or another of the supports and, above all, that in the case that maintenance reasons it is necessary to replace the moto-reducer, can be installed on the other support the new motor reducer and proceed to the replacement of until then operational in a minimum time.

Like these media stands , the support column incorporates a pair of supports for The mentioned brake.

On the other hand, the follower incorporates a controller consisting of an industrial automaton with clock on real time, battery backed for the case of cuts in the electric power supply This controller allows you to control the positions of the panel holder structure both azimuthal, as in inclination, for which, the follower incorporates two absolute encoders, one for each movement.

For commissioning and maintenance it has been provided that each follower incorporates a terminal with a screen touch that is connected to one side of the corresponding cabinet control installed inside the support column.

It is also planned that supervision, parameterization and commissioning of a set of followers sites that constitute an installation called "orchard" solar, can be done one by one, from the corresponding monitor or globally, with a centralization of services, in terms of weather station, alarms, etc.

The configuration of the different followers it can be carried out from the network, or said configuration and the maintenance can be done from the outside via GSM-GPRS or via ADSL.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the follower, object of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the column of  support (1).

Figure 3 is a view like that of Figure 2,  but with a partial section to be able to appreciate more in detail the inside the column (1).

Figure 4 is a view like that of Figure 1,  but only of column (1), without the means of action and of control, to be able to appreciate the two flanges (15 and 18).

Figure 5 is a perspective view and exploded "V" arms (2) and other elements related to them.

Figure 6 is a perspective view like the previous, but with all the elements already arranged in their position mounting

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are the elevational views, profile and upper floor respectively of the set represented in figure 2.

Figure 10 shows the longitudinal section A-A indicated in figure 9.

Figure 11 is a perspective view given by the lower part of the arms (2) to be able to appreciate the branch of passage (25) located in the zone of encounter of those.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view and exploded of the three trusses (4) in relation to the whole of the arms (2).

Figures 12.1 and 12.2 show enlarged details indicated in figure 12.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the free end of one of the arms (2), where the plate is located lateral (24).

Figure 14 is a perspective view, by the  back, of one of the side plates (24), specifically of which incorporates an encoder (40).

Figure 15 is an elevational view of the follower  according to a practical embodiment variant, in which the two cylinders (8) are replaced by a single central actuator to spindle (42).

Figure 15.1 shows enlarged detail indicated in figure 15.

Figure 16 is a perspective view and longitudinally sectioned of the column (1) and the set of the arms (2), to appreciate the location of the brake (fifty).

Figure 16.1 shows enlarged detail indicated in figure 16.

Figure 17 is an elevation view of one of the three trusses (4).

Figure 18 shows the cross section B-B indicated in figure 17.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the three trusses (4), to be able to appreciate the disposition of the clamps (6), which establish the fixing of the straps (5) on the trusses (4).

Figures 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3 show enlarged  the respective details indicated in figure 19.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a row of panels (3 ') arranged on the corresponding belts (5), in order to appreciate its means of fixation.

Figures 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3 show enlarged  the details indicated in figure 20.

Figure 21 is a perspective view and exploded showing a variant in the realization of the brake (fifty).

Figure 21.1 shows enlarged detail indicated in the previous figure.

Figure 22 is a perspective view and partially sectioned from the support column (1) to be able to appreciate the emergency hydraulic accumulators (26).

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the present invention are improvements introduced in solar trackers, of the type of denominated "monoposte", whose general constitution is appreciated in figure 1.

This solar tracker is constituted, as it is conventional, by a support column (1), a pair of arms in "V" (2) and a structure (3) that includes the corresponding photovoltaic panels (3 ').

The support column (1), also already known, is determined by a cylindrical tubular body cast, inside which the different drive means are housed and control, incorporating an access door (13), as is appreciate in figure 2 and, on top, a large bearing (14) with a toothed crown inside, engaging in this gearwheel the pinion (16) of a motor reducer asynchronous (17), whose drive will determine the azimuthal rotation of the structure (3) around the theoretical vertical axis of the column support (1).

Everything described so far corresponds to state of the art

In accordance with the present invention, the Recommended improvements are aimed, primarily at increase the robustness of the solar tracker and for this, first instead, it has improved and, at the same time, simplified the execution of the arms in "V" (2). According to the invention each of these arms (2) is constituted by a cylindrical tubular body (21)  totally standard that presents the same thickness in all its length and which also has the same diametral dimension at along it, as seen in the longitudinal section of figure 10.

Around this cylindrical tubular body (21)  there is a weld bead (20) that follows a path helical along the entire exterior of said tubular body (21) as seen in Figures 5 to 9.

In figure 11 it is seen as in the vertex from the meeting of the two arms (2) there is an exit branch (25), where they pass, to the support column (1), all cables coming from the panels (3 ').

In this part of the vertex of the arms (2) is of seeing a lower cradle (12) provided with some posters stiffeners In contrast to the lower cradle (12) there is an upper cradle (11); so that between them they endow him of a great robustness to this crucial area, which is the meeting of the arms (2), see figures 5 and 6.

At the free ends of the arms (2) there are  vertical plates (24) welded to the arms (2), with the assembly of stiffening bevels (23) that can be seen in detail in figure 14.

At the top of the plates (24) you determine the articulated joint points between the structure (3) and the arms (2). These two points of articulated union of ends are complemented by a third junction point too articulated and central layout, in relation to two elongated vertical pieces (25) that arise from the horizontal plane (27) that closes superiorly to the cradle (11).

These two elongated vertical pieces (25) are stiffened by triangular brackets (10), as appreciate in figures 5 and 6.

Between the two central vertical pieces (25) and  the end plates (24) extend braces (9) prestressed that give the whole a great rigidity.

In relation to the end plates (24) they go arranged frames (22) where the cylinders (8) are mounted which allow varying the inclination of the structure (3), rotating with respect to the three aforementioned articulated junction points, see Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 12.1 shows how it is determined the central articulated joint point by means of an axis (29) that with a cover (30) is fixed to the two elongated vertical pieces (25). This axis (29) is made of iron and around it the structure rotates to through a bronze bearing that is constituted by a bushing (31) and a cover (32) arranged in the central truss (4) of the three trusses (4) that are part of the structure (3) panel holder (3 ').

The two extreme joints are constituted analogously, although in this case, as can be seen in Figure 12.2, bronze bearings consisting of a bushing (33) and its corresponding cover (34) are mounted on the side plates (24), to establish the joints with the two side trusses (4).

In the detail of figure 13 it can also be seen  as the two side plates (24) involve an opening of ventilation (27) covered by an orified cover (35) that allows the ventilation inside the arms (2) without letting Birds or other animals At the bottom of the caps (35) the existence of an elbowed tube (36) is appreciated by the that all the cables coming from the solar panels (3 ') pass inside the arms (2) and from these, by the branch (25) direct to a control cabinet (37) located in the column of support (1).

As shown in Figure 14, in one of  the two side plates (24) a "U" support is arranged (38) for an angular encoder (40), with its corresponding separator (39) and magnet (41). This encoder (40) allows controlling the degree of inclination of the structure and vary it by acting the cylinders (8).

It should be noted that for fixing the U-shaped brackets (38) are used squads (55), being torn through holes of corresponding elements fixing threads, to allow a positional adjustment of the Encoder (40).

Figures 15 and 15.1 show a possible practical embodiment variant, according to which, the two cylinders (8) are replaced by a central spindle actuator (42).

On the other hand and in regards to the embodiment of the structure (3), in figure 1 it can be seen as the solar panels (3 ') are arranged on a plurality of belts (5), which rest on the three trusses (4) that are extend perpendicular to the straps (5).

As shown in Figure 20.3, each belt (5) is shaped according to a quadrangular profile; so that to reach the precise longitudinal dimension, several sections, one after the other, and join each other through some splicers (43) that are introduced at the ends of two sections contiguous and screwed to these through the holes (44).

The three trusses (4) are formed according to a "U" profile lying with the upper wing turned down, as seen in the enlarged section of figure 18. For inside the trusses (4) are arranged some bevels (45) and reinforcing flanges (46), appreciable in the detail of the Figure 19.3.

On the upper wing of each truss (4) go arranged a plurality of clamps (6) configured by a piece of inverted "U" sheet, whose wings (47) have about bankruptcies (48) through which they are fixed on the trusses (4), see figures 19 and 19.2.

These clamps (6) are ribbed over the straps (5), establishing the fixing of these, but allowing at the same time the necessary expansion games and contraction between the straps (5) and the trusses (4).

For fixing the solar panels (3 ') you they use forks as an embankment (7) constituted by a "U" rod with threaded ends. As seen in the enlarged detail of Figure 20.2 on the threaded ends from the forks (7) pressure plates (56) are fixed which they keep the panels (3 ') in their mounting position.

Between the pressure plates (56) and the frames of  the panels (3 ') a putty is arranged anti-vibration On the sides, the plates of pressure (56) adopt a configuration in "L" (56 '), see Figure 20.1.

As can be seen in the detail of the figure  19.1 in the event that the forks (7) coincide with the clamps (6), these incorporate side plates (54) to fixing the pressure plates (56) through some torn holes of such side plates (54).

Returning to the support column (1), as and as seen in figure 3, it presents internally some reinforcement bevels (28), located in relation to both ends of said support column (1). On the other hand, the moto-reducer (17), for azimuthal drive of the structure (3) is arranged in a flange (15) integral to the inside the column (1), from which it protrudes in a cantilever.

In the same arrangement as the flange (15) but diametrically opposed to it there is another marked with the numerical reference (18), see figures 3 and 4, which remains free, for allow the motor reducer (17) to be mounted on one or the other according to convenient and so that, if necessary, replace the motor-reducer (17) in maintenance work, you can mount another motor reducer (17) on the free flange (18) before removing the defective flange (15), reducing the replacement and, therefore, stop times of the Solar Tracker.

In those cases that the dimensions of solar tracker as required two will be installed moto-reducers (17) and a third will be available free flange (54).

Through a flange (49), analogous to identified with references (15 and 18), a brake (50) is mounted which prevents azimuthal rotation of the structure (3) while not the motor reducer is operating (17). Thus the gear reducer (17) is prevented from supporting undue efforts to wind blows or similar, see figures 16 and 16.1.

This brake (50), as seen in the detail of figure 16.1 can be of the clamp type with hydraulic cylinder drive (51) or it can be any type of brake existing in the market for these purposes.

A variant can be seen in figures 21 and 21.1  in the embodiment of the brake (50) according to which, a hydraulic brake that is arranged in relation to a ring braking (57), which is mounted between the upper face of the bearing (14) and more specifically the large toothed crown arranged by the interior of this and the lower cradle (12) of the arms (2).

Inside the support column (1) is located also the corresponding hydraulic power plant (19) with level of oil, pressure switch and safety valve, for operating the cylinders (8) and other hydraulic components. Pressure switch if, for whatever reason, it detects a pressure greater than a value preset, give a stop order and if that value is exceeded, reaching a preset maximum value, then a valve of safety by diverting the oil flow to a free outlet.

In relation to the gear ring of the bearing  (14) a pinion (52) of an encoder (53) that allows control the angle of azimuthal rotation.

On the side of the control panel (37) there is a  connector so that, through a cable of about ten meters, connect a touch screen terminal, not represented by being A commercial element. This terminal incorporates the corresponding emergency mushroom and allows the operator the comfortable and safe system configuration, as well as carrying out a drive manual for maintenance work and similar.

In the control panel (37) a industrial automaton with real-time clock that is backed by a battery that maintains its power in the case of a Power supply interruption.

On the other hand, it should be noted that within hydraulic equipment of the solar tracker, the existence of two hydraulic accumulators (26), see figure 22, which, in the event of a failure in the supply of electricity, allows through the corresponding valves, set the passage of hydraulic fluid from one cylinder chamber to another (8); from so that the solar tracker happens to occupy the resting position in which offers the minimum wind resistance.

In effect, the two accumulators (26) go together in line and when through a solenoid valve (58) of the hydraulic power plant (19) the oil enters the corresponding chamber of the cylinders (8) to tilt the structure (3) in the upward direction, the two accumulators (26) are filled with oil. In an emergency, such as an unforeseen outage of the power supply an emergency valve (59) that up then it was energized, it is deactivated, so that, through of piloted valves (60) of cylinders (8) is established the passage of oil from the front of the chambers of the cylinders (8) towards the rear, together with the oil from the accumulators (26), which leads to the structure (3) to occupy automatically the resting or safety position, in which It offers minimum wind resistance.

These solar trackers are installed in what they are called solar "orchards"; so that supervision, parameterization and commissioning of the set of followers of an "orchard" can be done one by one, from the corresponding monitor or globally, with a centralization of services; so that in this centralization the theme of alarms, weather station and other common means to The different followers.

It is also planned that the configuration of the different followers can be carried out from the network or either remotely, via GSM-GPRS or via ADSL, in which case will also be carried out, in addition to a configuration a external maintenance

Claims (16)

1. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, of the type of so-called monoposte, being constituted by a support column (1) from which two arms (2) in "V" are born that support the structure (3) that the panels entail solar (3 '), characterized in that according to them, each of the arms (2) is constituted by a cylindrical tubular body (21) that maintains its diametral dimension and its thickness throughout its length and that incorporates a weld bead outside helical (20) stiffener; these two arms (2), in the lower area of its vertex, rest on a lower cradle (12) that constitutes the upper end of the support column (1), existing, in relation to the upper part of this zone of vertex, an upper cradle (11); so that between both cribs (11 and 12) the arms (2) are arranged at their meeting point, which gives the structure support assembly (3) a great robustness. 2. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the previous claim, characterized in that on the upper cradle (11) rest elongated central pieces (25), stiffened by respective triangular cartels (10); between these elongated pieces (25) and two vertical plates (24) for finishing off the free ends of the arms (2) there are two prestressed braces (9) that contribute to the robustness of the structure support assembly (3). 3. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and second claims, characterized in that in relation to the two vertical plates (24) of the ends of the arms (2) and of the pair of elongated center pieces (25 ) three points of articulated joint are determined for three trusses (4) that are part of the structure (3) panel holder (3 '); These three points of articulated joint are established on bronze bearings. 4. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and third claims, characterized in that, according to a preferred embodiment, the two ends of articulated joint are determined in the vertical plates (24) of the ends of the arms ( 2), being constituted by a bushing (33) and its corresponding cover (34), both of bronze, in relation to respective axes of rotation of the two extreme trusses (4); while the central articulated joint point is determined by an axis (29), arranged in the two central parts (25), in correspondence with a bushing (31) and a cover (32), both of bronze, mounted on the truss (4) central. 5. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and second claims, characterized in that each of the two vertical plates (24) for finishing the free ends of the arms (2), have an opening (27) of ventilation of the interior of the arms (2), with an orified cover (35) and, in relation to it, a bent tube (36) for the passage through its interior of the corresponding wiring of the solar panels (3 '); This wiring extends to a throttle branch (25) arranged inside the lower cradle (12). 6. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first, second and fifth claims, characterized in that in one of the two vertical plates (24) a "U" support (38) is arranged for the assembly of an encoder angle (40) that controls the degree of inclination of the structure (3); this "U" support (38) is coupled to the plate (24) through some squares (55), the corresponding holes of the anchoring means being torn to allow a positional adjustment of the "U" support (38) and with it, the positional regulation of the encoder (40). 7. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and third claims, characterized in that each of the three trusses (4) is constituted according to a lying "U" profile, with the upper wing defining a small break towards down; so that, inside the trusses (4), some bevels (45) and stiffening flanges (46) are arranged, thus constituting the upper wing of these three trusses (4) in the support and support of a plurality of belts (5) on which the panels (3 ') are mounted. 8. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and seventh claims, characterized in that each belt (5) is formed by the union of several sections of a quadrangular tubular profile, through the use of splicers (43), disposed within the adjacent ends of two sections of belt (5); while the different belts (5) rest on the trusses (4), being corrugated on those some metal clamps (6) and inverted "U" configuration, with their wings turned outward defining some breaks (48), to through which they are fixed on the trusses (4). 9. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first, seventh and eighth claims, characterized in that the belts (5) are embraced by a "U" rod forks (7), at whose threaded ends some pressure plates (56) that imprison the panels (3 ') with the interposition of an anti-vibration putty. 10. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first, seventh, eighth and ninth claims, characterized in that the "U" sheet clamps (6) that are fixed on the trusses (4), at the points of coinciding with the location of a fork (7) for fixing the panels (3 '), they carry, joined to its sides, plates (54) provided with torn holes, for fixing the pressure plates (56) through of these plates (54) instead of the forks (7). 11. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first claim, characterized in that the support column (1) incorporates, in relation to its extreme areas, internal reinforcing bevels (28) and, in relation to its mouth upper, two flanges (15 and 18) arranged in diametral contraposition, to establish the assembly in one of them of the corresponding motor reducer (17), leaving the other free for maintenance and / or replacement work. 12. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all in accordance with the first and eleventh claims, characterized in that in the case that by the dimensions of the solar tracker it is necessary to use two motor-reducers (17) the two flanges will be used ( 15 and 18) and another third free flange will be available (54). 13. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and eleventh claims, characterized in that like the flanges (15, 18 and 54) there is a fourth flange (49) for mounting brake means (50 ) that prevent the azimuthal rotation of the structure (3) while the motor reducer (17) is not operating. 14. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and eleventh claim, characterized in that within the support column (1) and next to the motor-reducer (17) a hydraulic power plant (19) with level of oil, pressure switch and safety valve and an encoder (53) to control the azimuthal angle. 15. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and fifth claims, characterized in that the wiring that comes from the panels (3 ') and passes through the angled tubes (36) to the branch (25) arranged in relation with the lower vertex of the arms (2), it extends to a control panel (37) disposed within the support column (1); this control panel (37) incorporates an industrial automaton with real-time clock and backed by a battery; while on its side a cable is connected that feeds a touch screen terminal and allows the configuration of the system with the operator located at a safe distance from the solar tracker. 16. Improvements introduced in solar trackers, in all according to the first and fourteenth claims, characterized in that among the hydraulic equipment of the follower there are two hydraulic accumulators (26) that together with piloted valves (60) of the cylinders (8), an emergency solenoid valve (59) and an electrovalve (58) establish that, in the event of a failure in the supply of electric power, the hydraulic fluid passes from one chamber to the other of the cylinders (8) next to the fluid itself of the accumulators (26); so that the structure (3) of the solar tracker automatically occupies a rest position in which it offers minimal wind resistance.