ES2352767B1 - DOUBLE AXLE CIRCULAR SOLAR FOLLOWER. - Google Patents

Abstract

Dual axis circular solar tracker, which comprises a structure (1) composed of two or more beams circular (2) joined together by radial profiles (3), the which has a turning movement, thanks to an engine (5) and by supporting its center on a bearing (6), located on a concrete block, and that of the beams (2) on a plurality of wheels (7) whose axles are contained in pillars of concrete or steel adjustable in height, constituent of the movement azimuthal of the photovoltaic modules (4) it supports, which modules (4) are anchored, arranged in rows, on a plurality of transverse tubes (8), coupled to the structure, which provide the zenith turn, with an automatic system that modify the inclination of the modules (4), so that it allows reduce the distance of the shadows.

Description

Circular double axis solar tracker.

Object of the invention

The invention, as expressed in the statement of The present specification refers to a solar tracker double axis circular.

More specifically, the object of the invention is centered on a solar tracker, of the type that has two axes for the double azimuthal and zenithal movement, which has the peculiarity of having an innovative structural configuration, formed by a circle structure concentric, which rotates on its central axis and a " backtracking " system that automatically modifies the inclination of photovoltaic modules or panels, thanks to which it is possible to reduce the distance of the shadows, taking better advantage of the space since the distances between modules, advantageously allowing to obtain greater power with a smaller follower, with respect to the followers currently known in the market, with the consequent saving in electrical installations.

In addition, it allows to increase its size all that you want, only limited by the power of the engines to use but never because of its structural form, so it can be obtain great powers of energy, and consequently, a greater installation performance.

Field of application of the invention

The field of application of the present invention It is within the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of solar trackers.

Background of the invention

As is known, the global photovoltaic market It has been growing annually at a rate greater than 35% in the recent years and its growth is expected to continue at high rates in the next decades. Specifically, in recent years the photovoltaic connected to the network has experienced growth spectacular. If in 2002 there was a certain parity between the network connection segment and the isolated segment, with 66% and a 44% share respectively, in 2007 91% of the total market corresponded to the connected photovoltaic, having increased its 25% market share in total. Although the isolated segment of the electricity grid, this will be more and more marginal.

Photovoltaics is a sustainable technology and it has the greatest potential of all energy sources, for what will be a very important pillar in the future supply of Energy. Unfortunately, photovoltaics is more expensive today than Fossil sources and some of the other renewable. The photovoltaic exploits a free resource (sunlight), but demands a strong capital outlay at the time of building the installation; we could say that the electricity that will produce for the next 40 years or more, it must be paid at the beginning, at contrary to fossil electricity, whose cost is, about Everything, fuel to pay as it is consumed. The good news is that the photovoltaic has a great capacity to reduce costs and will soon be competitive with the other sources.

Currently, and as a reference to the state of the technique, usually solar trackers, are oriented on the "X" axis to position the elevation, and on the axis "Y" for azimuthal scanning. The movement on the axis "Y", is determined in most cases by one or several gearmotors, whose output pinion meshes with a crown which rotates the panel holder from the ortho to sunset. The pressure and gusts of wind on the structure, makes everything the mechanical stress is concentrated on the gearmotor pinion or any mechanical transmission system, which frequently causes its breakage and the consequent immobilization of the machine.

Below we review an important range of solar trackers currently implanted in the market, making reference to its main characteristics. We will divide them in two power ranges; up to 10 Kw, and from 10 Kw.

Followers with installed power <10 Kw:

- ECERSA FOLLOWER (Azimuthal drive by crown. Fixed zenith position).

- DEGER FOLLOWER: (Azimuthal drive by crown. Aerial operation by means of spindle).

- FEINA FOLLOWER (Azimuthal and zenith for endless crown).

- SOLTEC FOLLOWER (Azimuthal Drive by gearmotor and transmission chain at the base of the follower. Zenithal drive through worm-crown and transmission bar).

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Followers with installed power> 10 Kw:

- MECASOLAR FOLLOWER with features.

- TORO FOLLOWER. (Azimuthal drive by means of a gearmotor and rolling on a circular track. Hydraulic overhead drive).

- TITAN TRACKER FOLLOWER (Similar to previous).

- ADES FOLLOWER (Azimuthal activation by crown. Hydraulic overhead drive).

It should be noted that in the current market only there is a follower (S-WHEEL) that is shaped circular, but does not have concentric circles whereby its dimension is limited, also consists of a single axis, that is a just movement Moreover, said follower has a structure round but with overhangs, so when turning it sweeps one more area large so the distance between followers is greater.

Currently and as a reference to the state of the technique, then, can be said that, although multiple are known types of solar trackers, by the petitioner, are ignores the existence of any that has characteristics technical, structural and similar configuration, to which presents the one that is recommended here.

Explanation of the invention.

Thus, the dual axis circular solar tracker, that the present invention proposes, is configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, the details being characterizers that distinguish it and make it possible, suitably set forth in the final claims that accompany this specification.

Specifically, the recommended invention it consists of a double axis solar tracker, that is, with movement azimuthal and with zenith movement, which presents the particularity of have a structure that is essentially formed by concentric circles, as many as you like, depending on the required power

Each circle is supported by wheels which allow the indicated azimuthal turn. The older the More efficiency follower you get. So concentric hoops allow the structure to be as large as you want, it just makes more or less circles need to be introduced.

Following the invention, a plurality of transverse tubes are incorporated on said structure, which are the ones that hold the photovoltaic modules, and give them tilt movement, presenting the advantageous feature of having an automatic control system called " backtracking ".

The " backtracking " is an automatic system that modifies the inclination of the photovoltaic modules, so that it allows to reduce the distance of the shadows, therefore the structural and land use is much greater.

However, all this entails a small loss of incident energy on the module, so it will be taken into account when designing the follower dimensions. The optimal point between backtracking losses and the price of the structure, due to the weight.

As is known, the azimuthal movement is the east-west movement of the sun, from the moment it rises to that disappears and its degrees are from 0º to 240º maximum in our latitude. This movement will depend on the time of year, so which in summer will be maximum and in winter minimum. Also going to depend on the latitude you are in. Therefore the follower, will have a travel of 0 to 240 degrees for a latitude of 42nd.

To achieve this movement azimuthal, the recommended follower moves by turning on his central axis, with the force of an electric current motor alternating and low voltage, which is powered by electric current produced by the same follower.

To provide this movement to the aforementioned circular structure, its center is supported by a bearing located on a concrete block and supports its circular beams in some wheels whose axles are contained in concrete pillars or height adjustable steel.

For its part, the zenith movement is the South-north movement of the sun. To get the most solar performance the photovoltaic module has to be oriented, in such a way, that the incidence of solar rays is always perpendicular to it, the maximum inclination being 55 degrees and minimum of 0 degrees, reaching an inclination of up to 90º for necessary cases, such as in the case of hail. At recommended follower, only photovoltaic modules perform said movement.

It should be noted that the follower presents the distribution of photovoltaic modules by rows, each being one of them separated from the following the minimum distance for the which minimizes the losses produced by the shadows. Further, each module is positioned so that the moments are minimized produced by the wind.

To do this, the modules, which are anchored in the aforementioned transverse tubes that give them the turn, to minimize these effects, they are supported in such a way that the center of its vertical edges are in contact with the flange provided for its support, so the moments produced by the wind are cancel.

To place the modules in this way the Follower has some anchor pieces. These pieces, raise the cross tubes where the modules are attached at a height determined, because if they did not rise, the movement would be disabled due to the profiles that make radios in the lower circular structure, said anchor pieces being, distanced from each other at the minimum distance required by the dimension of the modules, both horizontal and longitudinally.

Apart from raising the modules, these pieces of clamping support the transverse axis or tube on which they rotate, for which they present a through hole through which it crosses the mentioned tube. This hole has a diameter slightly higher than the tube since to minimize friction, it houses also a polyethylene ring of suitable thickness or a needle bearing of the same thickness.

Each clamping piece, on the other hand, consists of two pieces, one upper and one lower joined together by two rectangular metal plates bolted to the sides same.

The main advantage of this design is the ease and speed of assembly and disassembly in case of change or breakage of both its bearing and the photovoltaic modules that supports

As mentioned, in the zenith movement, automatically controlled, as indicated by a " backtracking " system, the modules must rotate from 0 to 55 degrees (or up to 90 degrees), such movement occurring uniformly in all they, that is, move all at once.

For this, in a preferred embodiment, the follower has a single alternating low voltage motor that transmits the movement, by means of a reducer, to a system of crank-crank, which is composed of two horizontal bars that slide longitudinally over two grooved guides located at the top of the structure lower (these bars will be called, henceforth, bars Longitudinal movement).

These bars have a serrated end that is located in contact with the motor pinion and holes where other bars are articulated, one per modular tube, in a way that allows them to turn.

To do this, the mentioned holes in the above longitudinal movement bars, transmit the movement, by means of a through screw, to two other bars articulated with each other.

The first bar of these bars, which is in direct contact with the aforementioned longitudinal movement bar, and that in future we will call motor bar, it has its two extremes anchored, turning north-south allowed, through through screws. The movement of this bar It has a total travel of 32.1 degrees, starting from a position initial of 20 degrees and reaching a final of 52.11 degrees. With this route the module can be positioned from its position of 0 degree defense to its maximum operating position of 55 degrees.

The second bar (hereinafter modular bar), is responsible for transmitting the turn to the transverse tube that holds the modules Its lower end is anchored with the motor bar, mentioned above, using a through screw and its end upper is fixedly attached to the modular tube by means of a clamping flange. The total travel of this bar is 55 degrees, starting from an initial position of 0 degrees and reaching a final of 55 degrees.

In this way it is achieved, in addition to the module movement is uniform and synchronized, that the cost of the elements is economical, that the form of movement be simple, to facilitate possible repairs, and, above all, that The movement is effective.

In an alternative embodiment variant, the described zenithal movement of the modules is achieved by a mobile actuator that, coupled to a transmission bar to which respective attached levers are fixed jointly at their end opposite the modular tube, rotates said tube, which, in turn, move the panel following the inclination of the sun.

Optionally, in another variant embodiment, The described overhead rotation of the modules can be achieved by the incorporation of two-way hydraulic cylinders. Without However, these bowlers needed an auxiliary support where to be supported, and a hydraulic compressor to move them, rising considerably the price of the installation.

Finally, it should be noted that the follower of The invention is equipped with a complete communication system that allows to manage a whole photovoltaic park remotely

In conclusion, the advantages that the Recommended follower are:

- which can be designed large and larger power.

- that the dimensions of the shadows are They minimize.

- that the structure supports the wind action much better than the monoposte structures.

- which can work with a speed of wind over 115 km / h.

- that the land occupation ratio is much greater than single-pole structures for the same power, halving the necessary area. This reduction of terrain directly translates into a reduction in the cost of electric urbanization of the park; low and medium wiring voltage, number of transformers, number of buildings, fenced, etc.

- that the follower design facilitates the transport from the factory, being all components palletizing

- that the assembly of the follower on site is very simple and large cranes or other means are not required auxiliary

- that the cost of the follower is significantly lower than those in the market.

- that the optimal design of an entire park Photovoltaic in its entirety will lower the costs of installation.

The described double axis circular solar tracker represents, therefore, an innovative structure of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown up to now for that purpose, reasons that together with its practical utility, the provide sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity requested.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being performing and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, is attached herein descriptive, as an integral part of it, of a game of planes, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, represented the following:

Figure number 1.- Shows a view in perspective, of an embodiment example of the structure of support of the dual-axis circular solar tracker object of the invention, in which the modules for facilitate your understanding, appreciating the parts and elements that make up this structure, as well as the configuration and their disposition.

Figure number 2.- Shows a view schematic plan of the solar tracker assembly, in which appreciate the mechanism of azimuthal movement.

Figures numbers 3 and 4.- Show paths detailed views of the zenith and anchoring elements of the modules

Figure number 5.- Shows an exploded view of the connecting rods of the crank-crank system that transmits the turn to the modules.

Figure number 6.- Shows a view schematic of the zenith movement elements in a variant Alternative of the invention.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the aforementioned figures, and of according to the numbering adopted, you can see in them a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail to continuation.

Thus, as can be seen in these figures, the solar tracker in question includes, as seen in the Figure 1, a structure (1) composed of two or more beams circular (2), conveniently joined together by profiles radial (3), which has a turning movement on its axis central, constituent of the azimuthal movement of the modules photovoltaic (4) that supports.

To achieve said turning movement, said structure (1) has an electric motor (5), powered by the electric current produced by the own follower, having planned the support of his center on a bearing (6), located on a concrete block, and that of the circular beams (2) on a plurality of wheels (7) whose axles they are contained in some pillars planned for this purpose under the structure (1). These pillars are concrete or steel adjustable in height by four screws.

It should be noted that the motor (5) is located on the periphery of the structure (1), to minimize movement resistive, and that provides movement to it through a steel belt or link chain (17) covering the perimeter necessary for the 242º turn, as shown in figure 2, being anchored to the structure by means of a jaw or about screws

For its part, the aforementioned photovoltaic modules (4) are anchored, arranged in rows, on a plurality of cross tubes (8) that provide them with the zenith turn, counting on an automatic system that modifies its inclination of way that allows to reduce the distance of the shadows, said anchor being determined through clamping pieces (9), the which raise them slightly over the structure (1), avoiding their interposition with the radial profiles (3) provided therein.

The inclination of the modules (4) can go from 0º to 90º, in case of hail (for example), and 0º to 55º in normal operation.

It is important to note that the pieces of clamping (9), are arranged spaced apart from each other at a distance minimum required by the size of the modules (4), both horizontally as longitudinally, to avoid shadows.

As can be seen in figure 3, these pieces of clamping (9) are constituted, in turn, by two parts a lower (9a) and upper (9b), joined together by plates metal (10) bolted to its sides, and have a hole through (11) through which the above tube (8) passes through. This hole (11) has a slightly larger diameter than the tube (8) since to minimize friction, it also houses a friction ring of polyethylene or a needle bearing.

To achieve the aforementioned turn of the transverse tubes (8), constituent of the zenith movement of the modules (4), and which will occur uniformly in all at the same time, the incorporation of an engine is contemplated (not represented) of alternating voltage that transmits the movement, by means of a reducer, to a system of gear crank.

Said system, appreciable in figures 4 and the Exploded view of Figure 5, is essentially composed of two longitudinal movement bars (12) that slide longitudinally on two grooved guides located in the part upper of the lower structure (1).

Said bars (12) have one end (13) serrated which is located in contact with the motor pinion and about holes (14) to which they are anchored, articulated by respective through bolts, respective groups of connecting rods, a by modular tube, each formed by two bars articulated to its each other, so that it allows them to turn.

The first bar or motor bar (15) forming of these connecting rod groups, is in direct contact with the bar longitudinal movement (12), and fixed with the turn in direction North-South, through through screws. He This bar's movement has a total travel of 32.1 degrees, starting from an initial position of 20 degrees and reaching a end of 52.11 degrees. With this tour the module (4) can position yourself from your 0 degree defense position to your position maximum operating 55 degrees.

The second rod of the connecting rod, or modular bar (16), is responsible for transmitting the turn to the transverse tube (8) which holds the modules (4). Its lower end is anchored articulated with the motor bar (15), mentioned above, by means of a through screw and its upper end is fixed in solidarity with the modular tube (8) by means of a clamping flange. The total travel of this bar is 55 degrees, starting from one starting position of 0 degrees and reaching a final of 55 degrees.

In an alternative variant of the invention, shown in figure 6, the overhead rotation of the modules (4) is determined by a mobile actuator (18) which, coupled to a bar transmission (19) to which they are fixed articulately respective levers (20) joined together at its opposite end to the tube modular (8), rotates said tube (8) which in turn moves the module (4) following the inclination of the sun.

Describe sufficiently the nature of the The present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, is not considers it necessary to extend its explanation so that any subject matter expert understands its scope and advantages that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, may be implemented in other forms of embodiment that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection that collects as long as it does not alter, change or modify its principle fundamental.

Claims (9)

1. Dual-axis circular solar tracker, characterized by the fact that it comprises a structure (1) composed of two or more circular beams (2), joined together by radial profiles (3), which has a turning movement on its central axis, constituting the azimuthal movement of the photovoltaic modules (4) that it supports, which modules (4) are anchored, arranged in rows, on a plurality of transverse tubes (8), coupled to the structure, which provide them with the rotation zenith, with an automatic system that modifies the inclination of the modules (4), so as to reduce the distance of the shadows. 2. Circular double-axis solar tracker according to claim 1, characterized in that, in order to achieve its turning movement, the structure (1) has an electric motor (5), powered by the electric current produced by the follower himself, the support of his center being provided on a bearing (6), located on a concrete block, and the support of the circular beams (2) on a plurality of wheels (7) whose axes are contained in concrete or steel pillars, adjustable in height, provided for this purpose under the structure (1). 3. Circular double-axis solar tracker, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the motor (5) is located on the periphery of the structure (1), to minimize the resistive movement, and which provides the movement to it through an accelerated belt or chain of links (17) that covers the perimeter necessary for the 242 ° rotation, anchored to the structure by means of a jaw or screws. 4. Circular double-axis solar tracker, according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anchoring between the photovoltaic modules (4) and the transverse tubes (8) is determined through clamping parts (9), which raise them slightly over the structure (1), avoiding their interposition with the radial profiles (3) provided therein, and which clamping pieces (9) are arranged spaced apart from each other at the minimum distance required by the dimension of the modules (4), both horizontally and longitudinally, to avoid shadows. 5. Circular double-axis solar tracker, according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping parts (9) are constituted by two parts, one lower (9a) and one upper (9b), joined together by means of sheet metal (10) bolted to its sides; because they have a through hole (11) through which the tube (8) passes through; and because this hole (11) has a diameter slightly larger than that of the tube (8) since it also houses a polyethylene friction ring or a needle bearing to minimize friction. 6. Circular double-axis solar tracker, according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in order to achieve the rotation of the transverse tubes (8) uniformly in all of them, constituting the zenithal movement of the modules ( 4), it is contemplated the incorporation of an alternating voltage motor that transmits the movement, by means of a reducer, to a crank-crank system coupled to said tubes (8). 7. Circular double-axis solar tracker according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting rod-crank transmission system comprises two longitudinal movement bars (12) that slide longitudinally on two grooved guides located in the part upper of the lower structure (1), which bars (12) have a serrated end (13) that is located in contact with the motor pinion and holes (14) to which are articulated, articulated, respective groups of connecting rods , one per modular tube, each formed by two bars articulated in turn with each other, a motor bar (15) in direct contact with the longitudinal movement bar (12), and fixed with the turn in a north-south direction, and another modular bar (16), whose lower end is anchored articulated with the motor bar (15), and its upper end is fixedly fixed to the modular tube (8) by means of a clamping flange. 8. Dual-axis circular solar tracker, according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movement of the motor bar (15) has a total travel of 32.1 degrees, starting from an initial position of 20 degrees and reaching a final of 52.11 degrees, a path with which the module (4) can be positioned from its 0 degrees defense position to its maximum operating position of 55 degrees; and because the total travel of the modular bar (16) is 55 degrees, starting from an initial position of 0 degrees and reaching a final of 55 degrees. 9. Dual-axis circular solar tracker, according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in an alternative variant embodiment, the overhead rotation of the modules (4) is determined by a mobile actuator (18) which, coupled to a transmission bar (19) to which respective levers (20) fixedly joined together at its opposite end to the modular tube (8) are fixed, rotates said tube (8) which in turn moves the module (4) following the inclination of the sun.