ES2804375A1 - DEFLECTION AND ANTI-TIPPING SYSTEM, FOR INSTALLATIONS THAT INCLUDE SOLAR PANELS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Deflection system for installations of solar panels (2), thermal or photovoltaic, which are inclined with respect to the ground, which aims to avoid the overturning of said panels (2) due to the action of the wind that affects their face later. Said system comprises a deflector element (1) configured to be fixed to a solar panel (2), comprising two deflector plates (11, 12) configured to join at the rear of said panel (2) forming a tubular structure comprising a three-sided section. Said sheets (11, 12) bifurcate the air stream avoiding creating a sail effect that can start and overturn the panels of their frame (3). The deflector element (1) has the possibility of adjusting its angle of inclination, with respect to the solar panel (2), depending on the speed or intensity of the wind and the climatic needs of the area. On the other hand, the system makes it possible to take advantage of part of the diverted air for use in buildings. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DEFLECTION AND ANTITIPPING SYSTEM. FOR INSTALLATIONS THAT

INCLUDE SOLAR PANELS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION AND SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention refers to a system whose objective is to avoid the effect of the wind on the fastenings of solar panels that allow the production of energy in a sustainable way. This objective is achieved by bifurcating the air stream that hits the back of said panels, being able to use part of it for natural ventilation of homes.

The present invention belongs to the technical field of construction, building and industrial constructions, for example and without limitation, to photovoltaic or solar thermal renewable energy production systems integrated in residential buildings and with a flat roof to incorporate the ventilation system developed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, buildings that have solar collectors, commonly flat plate, installed on the roof as well as on the façade of said buildings are becoming more and more frequent. In fact, many building regulations applicable in different regions or countries are encouraging the installation of such devices, whether they are solar thermal or photovoltaic panels, to generate clean, thermal or electrical energy respectively.

Although their installation is flexible enough to be located in different areas of a building that receives direct and / or diffuse radiation, these panels are normally installed on the roofs of buildings, with the aim of avoiding shading and making the most of solar radiation incident on its surface.

In order for this energy production to be possible, and the installation to be as efficient as possible, it is usually necessary to use supports, anchors and profiles, usually metal, which make it possible to fix the solar panels to the building and orient them to increase their performance.

Nowadays, there is a great variety of support structures that allow the photovoltaic modules or solar thermal collectors to be arranged in transverse and longitudinal rows, anchoring at their ends, screwed to the roof and setting an optimum angle of inclination that varies according to the latitude of the zone.

One of the main problems of these installations, derived from the inclination of the panels, is due to the effect of the wind on their surface, especially on their rear surface, which can imply a sufficiently large load, or generate fatigue, that cause the fixing elements to break or disengage as well as the frame that supports the panel.

Most of the installations comprise frames consisting of aluminum metal profiles, which have a not very high weight compared to their structural strength, so that the installation can be located on the roof without affecting its structural state. The problem is that these racks may not be strong enough to withstand the loads to which the panels are subjected, therefore, in recent years, where the number of this type of solar collection facilities has been increasing, they have been developed devices and systems that aim to reduce these loads. These devices or systems usually incorporate deflector elements that are intended to prevent the wind from hitting the panels, elements that can also make it possible to take advantage of the wind for energy production or ventilation.

Document US2013 / 000219A1 describes an aerodynamic wind deflector system for use in inclined solar panels or structures mounted on horizontal surfaces. This system uses a contoured surface as a deflector to deflect the aerodynamic forces of the inclined structure, and can include custom fins in the design to improve its efficiency. The main limitation of this invention is that it does not define the possibility of telescopically adjusting the deflector, adapting to the climatic needs of each region, nor does it include the possibility of channeling the resulting air flow through natural ventilation systems.

US D516017S shows a side air deflector for solar panels.

The proposed system comprises a folded metal sheet capable of fitting on the side of the structure that supports the solar panels and deflecting the incident wind. In this case, the deflector mechanism consists of a flat lateral surface that would make it difficult to deviate the air flow and its possible channeling. In addition, the possibility of channeling the bifurcated air for later use is not included.

Document US2015 / 256120A1 describes a series of systems and methods for mounting one or more solar panels on roofs. One of the novelties mentioned in said document is the possibility of including an elongated leg configured to support a deflector element, which projects outwards at a predetermined angle to the mounting surface. This invention is limited in that the proposed deflector element is not described in depth, the possibility of taking advantage of bifurcated air is not considered, and it does not comprise an adjustable telescopic system.

Document US9279415B1 also describes a method for mounting a large number of photovoltaic panels to generate electrical energy. The system presents as a novelty a deflector that can be wedge-shaped, configured to divert the front air flow over the first row of modules. However, the system is limited to the deviation of the air through the upper part of the modules, without the possibility of channeling the flows generated through natural ventilation systems. Furthermore, since it is a flat mechanism, the same system describes the difficulty encountered when generating turbulent flows that could be solved with the help of a more curved or sinusoidal geometry.

Among all the documents searched, none has been found that includes the technical characteristics that it comprises, to solve the existing problems in this type of solar collection facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes it possible to replace and improve the traditional systems for anchoring and mounting solar panels, whether photovoltaic or thermal, reducing the weight of the anti-tip ballasts that are placed on the roofs and improving their aerodynamic behavior thanks to the warped geometry of the designed deflector element.

To avoid and reduce the problems mentioned in the state of the art, a deflection and anti-roll system is described below.

one or more solar panels, supported by one or more frames, wherein said solar panel comprises an inclination with respect to a support on which the frame is supported, said support being able to be a floor or a horizontal roof where the panels are installed.

Said system comprises a deflector element configured to be fixed to a solar panel, although it could also be fixed to the frame itself that supports the panel, where said deflector element comprises:

- a first deflector plate configured to join, at a first longitudinal end, to a longitudinal upper end portion of the solar panel; Y

- a second deflector plate configured to join, at a first longitudinal end, to a lower longitudinal end portion of the solar panel; wherein a second longitudinal end of the second baffle plate is joined, by a joint comprising a longitudinal direction, to a second longitudinal end of the first baffle plate;

where the deflector element is configured to be located at a rear part of the solar panel, that is, on the opposite side from where the collecting surface of said panel is located, the junction of said deflector element and the solar panel forming a tubular structure, is that is, hollow and open at the ends, comprising a three-sided section; Y

where the deflector plates of the deflector element are configured to produce the deflection of an air stream directed on said rear surface of the solar panel, bifurcating said air stream. In this way, the loads generated by the air current on the panels and the frame can be reduced, avoiding the sail effect.

The longitudinal direction is that defined as the width of the solar panel, that is, that which is horizontal when the solar panels are installed on a horizontal ground.

The bifurcation of the current means that the deflector element divides it into two currents, up and down, reducing the intensity of the current in two smaller ones.

In one embodiment, the unions between:

the second longitudinal end of the second deflector plate to the second longitudinal end of the first deflector plate;

- the first longitudinal end of the second deflector plate to a lower longitudinal end portion of the solar panel; Y

- the first longitudinal end of the first deflector plate to a longitudinal upper end part of the solar panel;

they are hinged articulated joints that comprise the same longitudinal direction.

This type of articulated joints allow the first and second deflector plate to modify their inclination with respect to the solar panel by modifying its length, but the set formed by the deflector element and said panel is rigid, once said length of the plates has been determined and fixed, by forming a structure with a triangular section without degrees of freedom.

In one embodiment, the first and second baffle plates comprise curved rectangular shapes where, the baffle element being attached to the solar panel, the first baffle plate comprises a concave curved rectangular surface and the second deflector plate comprises a sinusoidal curved rectangular surface.

This curved shape of the sheets makes the path of the bifurcated currents less aggressive against the solar panel and the frame on which it rests, as the course and collision of said air current against the solar panel is more gradual and aerodynamic. . That is, the curved geometry makes the deflector element better able to sweep the surface of the wind (similar to how Pelton turbines do in hydroelectric plants).

In one embodiment, at least one of the elements selected between the first and second baffle plates, preferably the second baffle plate, is configured to extend and reduce its surface in a transverse direction, being said transverse direction, perpendicular to the previously defined longitudinal direction.

Said configuration may be possible if the sheet comprises some arrangement that allows it, such as comprising two superimposed rigid laminar bodies, joined by rigid detachable joints, or if the laminar body is flexible, like a fabric, which can be rolled up and unrolled but comprising a structure that allows maintaining the rigid state of the assembly formed by the deflector element with the solar panel.

Although the system would work if the plates did not have the ability to modify their extension and if the joints were rigid instead of articulated, this ability to extend and reduce the surface of at least one of the plates, together with the articulated joints hinged, it allows the deflector element to be adjusted to different directions and intensities of the air currents, so that the loads generated on the panel as well as on the frame are as low as possible.

In one embodiment, at least one of the elements selected between the first and the second deflector plate, preferably the second, comprises a telescopic configuration configured to extend and reduce its surface in a transverse direction. That is, it has the ability to modify its extension by means of a telescopic joint of two or more rigid components, one being embedded in the other or others, allowing sliding between them. This telescopic configuration may comprise a geared mechanized joint, such as a rack and pinion, which allows the modification of the extension of the plate, but maintaining the direction and rigidity of the deflector element.

In one embodiment, the system comprises an actuation means, consisting of a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, configured to vary an inclination of the first and second deflector plates with respect to the solar panel, said linear actuator being connected, preferably, at a first end to the hinged articulated joint of the first with the second deflector plate, and at a second end to a fixed point of the deflection system, such as the floor or the frame. In this way, when the linear actuator is activated, the first, the second or the two deflector plates could modify their length, and when they are anchored by their ends, only the inclination of said plates is varied.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a drive means, consisting of a servomotor or a stepper motor, connected to the deflector element, configured to vary an inclination of the first and second deflector plates with respect to the solar panel. This operation would have an effect similar to that of the linear actuator.

In one embodiment, the system comprises:

- an electronic instrument configured to measure the direction and intensity of the air current, such as an anemometer, directed on the rear surface of the solar panel; Y

- a control system, connected to said electronic instrument and configured to activate the actuation means.

That is, with this embodiment, the system can be automatic, so that the electronic instrument can measure the exact direction and intensity of the air and the control system modify the inclination of the deflector element, adjusted to said intensity and direction. The control system can be a programmable controller or a PLC that does not require control by a user for its operation.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a nozzle configured to be located under the solar panel, preferably under the lower end of said panel and horizontally, to suck, through natural convection, and channel the air stream directed on the rear surface of said panel. solar, deflected by the second deflector plate. For this, preferably, the nozzle is continuously connected to the panel, avoiding possible air leaks, that is, the nozzle is attached to the bottom of the panel by means of a watertight joint.

In the event that the system comprises more than one solar panel, there may be a single nozzle connected to all of them, or the system may comprise as many nozzles as are necessary to suck and channel the air through the plurality of solar collectors, not being necessary that each panel has a corresponding nozzle.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a grid configured to retain solid elements present in the stream of air sucked in and channeled by said nozzle.

In the same way, the nozzle can also comprise a filter or a filtering system to reduce the presence of volatile components in said air, depending on the use that is to be given to the channeled air.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a distribution installation connected to the nozzle, said installation configured to direct the air sucked in and channeled by the nozzle towards an interior of a building. This system may comprise a means of anti-vibration sealing to avoid possible acoustic problems inside the building, as well as subsystems for humidifying dry air or cooling and heating. In other words, the building can include installations that take advantage of the air channeled through the nozzle or nozzles, thereby reducing the electrical consumption of devices that are usually used to generate forced air currents.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a distribution installation configured to direct the air sucked in and channeled by the nozzle towards a ventilated facade installation of a building.

With this embodiment, it is possible to take advantage of the bifurcated air current in internal ventilation systems of houses, or in buildings that include ventilated facades, directing said current towards the gap generated by the double skin, being a useful way to combine an active strategy of generation of energy from the panels, with a passive, ventilation and / or cooling strategy.

In other embodiments, the air stream can be buried if it is desired to take advantage of the soil temperature to heat or cool the air, before being used.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a wind turbine configured to transform the air sucked in and channeled by the nozzle into electrical energy. This wind turbine can be located in some pipes connected to the nozzle, so that the air can also be used for use in the building, as a natural ventilation element, or in an outdoor part, suitable to make the most of the sucked air current through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the frame is fixed and immobile and comprises a plurality of metal profiles, preferably aluminum. In other embodiments, where the frame comprises a tracking mechanism that increases the performance of the solar panel by orienting it in a more perpendicular way to the sun's rays, for more hours a day than a fixed panel, it can also comprise a deflection and anti-tip system. as described, but its components, such as the deflector element and the nozzle, should be adapted to said configuration, these being flexible elements that allow it.

In one embodiment, the deflector element is also made of aluminum. Although in one embodiment, the deflector element can comprise some internal reinforcement configured to prevent it from buckling with the action of the wind and can weaken the mechanism due to constant fatigue. In the same way, the system can also comprise some type of side flap, cover or similar blocking element, which prevents a side current from affecting the structural state of the deflector element as well as the solar panel.

At present, there is no deflector that avoids the sail effect in a similar way to the described deflector, and that also allows channeling the bifurcated wind flow for natural ventilation for use in buildings. Nor have natural ventilation systems similar to the one presented in this invention been found.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the intention of helping to better understand the developed system and in relation to a practical example of a preferred embodiment thereof, a series of drawings is offered where the following has been represented:

- Figure 1.- Shows a profile view of the system in which an arrangement of the deflector element connected to an inclined solar panel installed on a frame can be seen, said frame fixed on a support which in this case consists of a flat roof of a edification. The figure also shows a nozzle located under the inclined panel, to suck the air deflected by the second deflector plate and to direct it to a distribution installation for use as a natural ventilation system inside the room. edification.

- Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the deflection and anti-tip system, in which the same embodiment as that shown in figure 1 can be seen.

- Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the deflector element in which the first and second deflector plates can be seen joined by means of a hinged articulated joint.

- Figure 4.- Shows a profile view of the deflector element shown in figure 3.

- Figure 5.- Shows a profile view of the deflector element shown in figures 3 and 4, the first and second deflector plates being extended. - Figure 6.- Shows a detailed perspective view of a possible fixing system of the first end of the first plate of the deflector element to the upper end of the solar panel.

Below is a list of the references used in the figures:

(1) Deflector element.

(11) First deflector plate

(12) Second deflector plate

(13) Unions

(2) Solar panel.

(3) Frame

(4) Support

(5) Nozzle

(6) Grid

(7) Air stream.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Both in flat plate solar thermal collectors and in photovoltaic panels, the wind can cause effects that cause the collapse of the structure and breakage of the panels (2). Both types of solar panels have a normally flattened and usually inclined surface, which is ideal for capturing solar radiation and producing thermal or electrical energy. However, this distribution also makes them very sensitive to the action of the wind known as the sail effect, consisting of the push that occurs on the rear face of the panels generating a turning moment that can overturn the frame (3) or unhook the panels (2), with the consequent risk of causing material and personal damage.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention comprises a sail-effect deflector element (1), which comprises a first (11) and a second deflector plate (12) of telescopic configuration, being said deflector element (1) assembled on the back of a solar panel (2), said solar panel (2) being inclined and installed on a support (4) of a building and supported by a frame (3) based on profiles of aluminum.

More specifically, said panel (2) is raised with respect to ground level, and inclined for better use of solar radiation.

As can be seen in Figures 3 to 5, the deflector plates (11, 12) of the deflector element (1) comprise curved rectangular surfaces, being sufficiently aerodynamic to bifurcate the air stream (7) that is directed to the rear of the solar panel (2) in two different directions. One vertical direction, in an upward direction, and another in a more horizontal and downward direction.

In order that the deflector element (1) can be adjusted to the conditions of intensity and direction of the air stream (7) directed towards the rear part of the solar panel (2), the system comprises an actuating means, which consists in a linear actuator, connected to the union (13) between the plates (11, 12), as well as some hinged articulated connections (13, 13 ', 13' ') visible in figure 5. Said configuration together with the telescopic configuration of the second plate (12) as well as a control system, connected to an anemometer, allows the system to adapt the inclination of the plates (11, 12) of the deflector element (1) as a function of the air current (7 ).

The defined elevation of the solar panel (2) allows coupling, in its lower part, a nozzle (5) similar to those used in ducted air conditioning equipment, as can be seen in figure 2, that is, in a flat trapezoidal. Said nozzle (5) is configured to suck and channel the air stream bifurcated by the second deflector plate (12), and use said stream by means of a natural ventilation system, to ventilate the interior of a building, being able to link said system with an air conditioning installation, thereby reducing the usual electrical energy consumption for the use of ventilation elements.

This nozzle (5) comprises a grid (6) that prevents the passage of solid components into the pipes to which it is connected, as well as a filtering system that prevents and blocks the passage of solid particles present in the stream of sucked air.

This deflection and anti-tipping system is specially designed to be located on flat roofs of buildings, however, it is also possible to use it in solar panel systems (2) located at ground level, so that the bifurcated wind can be channeled and directed to nozzles (5) buried. The advantage of burying the nozzles (5) lies in taking advantage of the ground temperature to cool or heat the sucked air. Furthermore, said air can in turn be taken to an ATU (Air Treatment Unit) before being introduced into the room.

The anchoring system of the deflector element is shown in figure 6, where you can see some hinges in the joint (13 ') hinged between the first plate (11) and the solar panel (2), as well as screws or staples of fixing, of those existing on the market, configured to avoid sudden movements of the deflector element (1).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The most immediate industrial application of the invention is as an anti-tipping system to avoid the sail effect in solar panels (2) photovoltaic or thermosolar flat plate. Its use applied in buildings, whether they are residential buildings or industrial warehouses, makes possible, through the arrangement object of this invention, the use of bifurcated air as a means of natural ventilation. This ventilation represents energy savings, a benefit in environmental terms and especially in terms of reducing C02 emissions.

The anti-sail deflector for solar panels, which is the object of this invention, has technical characteristics intended to offer considerable assembly simplicity, without damaging the roof surface on which it is located and facilitating maintenance.

Claims (15)

1. Deflection and anti-roll system solar panels (2), characterized in that said system comprises a deflector element (1) configured to be fixed to a solar panel (2) supported by a frame (3), where said solar panel (2) comprises an inclination with respect to a support ( 4) in which the frame (3) is supported, and where said deflector element (1) comprises: - a first deflector plate (11) configured to join, by a first longitudinal end, to a longitudinal upper end portion of the solar panel (2); Y - a second deflector plate (12) configured to join, at a first longitudinal end, to a lower longitudinal end portion of the solar panel (2); wherein a second longitudinal end of the second deflector plate (12) is joined, by means of a joint (13) comprising a longitudinal direction, to a second longitudinal end of the first deflector plate (11); wherein the deflector element (1) is configured to be fixed to a rear part of the solar panel (2), the junction of said deflector element (1) and the solar panel (2) forming a tubular structure comprising a three-sided section; Y where the deflector plates (11, 12) of the deflector element (1) are configured to produce the deflection of an air stream (7) directed on the rear surface of the solar panel (2) bifurcating said air stream (7). 2. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to the preceding claim, where the joints (13, 13 ', 13' ') between: - the second longitudinal end of the second deflector plate (12) to the second longitudinal end of the first deflector plate (11); - the first longitudinal end of the second deflector plate (12) to a lower longitudinal end part of the solar panel (2); Y - the first longitudinal end of the first deflector plate (11) to a longitudinal upper end part of the solar panel (2); they are hinged articulated joints that comprise the same longitudinal direction. 3. Deflection and anti-tip system, according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first (11) and the second deflector plate (12) comprise curved rectangular shapes; and where, being the deflector element (1) fixed to the solar panel (2), the first deflector plate (11) comprises a concave curved rectangular surface and the second deflector plate (12) comprises a sinusoidal curved rectangular surface. 4. Deflection and anti-tilt system, according to claims 2 and 3, where at least one of the elements selected between the first (11) and the second deflector plate (12) is configured to extend and reduce its surface in a transverse direction. 5. Deflection and anti-tip system, according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the elements selected between the first (11) and the second deflector plate (12) comprises a telescopic configuration configured to extend and reduce its surface in a transverse direction . 6. Deflection and anti-tilt system, according to any of claims 4 or 5, comprising an actuating means, consisting of a linear actuator, configured to vary an inclination of the first (11) and the second deflector plate (12) with respect to the solar panel (2), said linear actuator being preferably connected at a first end to the hinged articulated joint (13) of the first (11) with the second deflector plate (12), and at a second end to a fixed point of the deflection system. 7. Deflection and anti-tilt system, according to any of claims 4 or 5, which comprises a driving means, consisting of a servomotor or a stepper motor, connected to the deflector element (1), configured to vary an inclination of the first (11) and the second deflector plate (12) with respect to the solar panel (2). 8. Deflection and anti-tip system, according to any of claims 6 or 7, comprising: - an electronic instrument configured to measure the direction and intensity of the air stream (7) directed on the rear surface of the solar panel (2); Y - a control system, connected to said electronic instrument and configured to activate the actuation means. 1 Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a nozzle (5) configured to be located under the solar panel (2) and to suck and channel the air stream (7) directed on the rear surface of the solar panel (2), deflected by the second deflector plate (12). 10. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (5) comprises a grid (6) configured to retain solid elements present in the current of the air sucked and channeled by said nozzle (5). Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of claims 9 or 10, comprising a distribution installation connected to the nozzle (5), said installation configured to direct the air sucked and channeled by the nozzle (5) towards an interior of a building. 12. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of claims 9 or 10, comprising a distribution installation configured to direct the air sucked in and channeled through the nozzle (5) towards a ventilated façade installation of a building. 13. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of claims 9 or 10, comprising a wind turbine configured to transform the air sucked and channeled through the nozzle (5) into electrical energy. 14. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (3) is fixed and immobile and comprises a plurality of metal profiles. 15. Deflection and anti-tipping system, according to any of the preceding claims, where the deflector element (1) is made of aluminum. 1