ITBO20110155A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY BY PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus and method of electricity generation using photovoltaic panels

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for generating electricity by means of photovoltaic panels, in particular an apparatus configured to be arranged in a basin of water.

A plurality of photovoltaic systems of different types are known.

Some of these devices are designed to be placed in a basin of water.

The fact of arranging a photovoltaic apparatus in a basin advantageously allows the solar energy incident on the surface of the basin to be converted into electrical energy, avoiding the occupation of land.

An example of a photovoltaic system arranged on a water basin is the one described in the patent document W02010026542.

This apparatus comprises a solar panel support structure comprising a plurality of solar panels.

The support structure and the panels fixed to it are arranged completely immersed in water, so that the panels are arranged under the free surface of the water or, alternatively, emerge from the water and are covered by a flow of water generated by means of a pump.

A strongly felt need is that of being able to exploit the radiation incident on water basins in an extremely simple, inexpensive and efficient way. The purpose of the present invention is to satisfy the need expressed above, or to make available a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin and a method of generating electricity in a water basin which are particularly simple, inexpensive and efficient.

A further object is to make available a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin and a method for generating electricity in a water basin that allow to efficiently convert the solar radiation incident on the surface of a basin in electricity.

A further object is to make available a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin whose installation costs are particularly low.

Said purposes are fully achieved by the apparatus of the present invention, which is characterized by the contents of the claims reported below. In particular, the electrical energy generation apparatus using photovoltaic panels that can be placed in a water basin, includes:

- a fixed structure anchored to the basin;

- a floating platform operatively arranged in said water basin and coupled to the fixed structure to be constrained to rotate around a predetermined axis orthogonal to the surface defined by the free surface of said basin;

- a plurality of photovoltaic panels arranged on the floating platform so that one upper face of the panels receives solar radiation; - a plurality of reflecting elements (consisting of reflecting panels) which allow an increase in the radiation collected by the photovoltaic panels;

- movement means for rotating the floating platform with respect to the fixed structure, the apparatus comprising: locking means configured to lock the platform with respect to the fixed structure in a plurality of predetermined angular positions; a control and piloting unit, configured to activate the handling means so as to move the platform between the various predetermined positions.

Said objects are also fully achieved by the method object of the present invention, which is characterized by the contents of the claims reported below. In particular, the method of generating electricity by means of photovoltaic panels in a water basin, comprises the steps of: preparing a floating platform to support a plurality of photovoltaic panels and placing it in said water basin; providing a fixed structure and anchoring it with respect to said basin; coupling the platform to the fixed structure so that the platform is constrained to rotate around a predetermined axis orthogonal to the surface of the said basin, said method comprising the following steps: rotating the platform between a plurality of predetermined angular positions; block the platform with respect to the fixed structure in said angular positions.

This and other characteristics will be more evident from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawing tables, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus object of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view in perspective of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a detail K of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate respective schematic plan views of the detail K of Figure 4 in two respective configurations;

figure 6 illustrates a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the apparatus object of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic plan view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus object of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a schematic plan view of a further variant of the apparatus object of the present invention;

Figures 9 and 10 show respective schematic plan views of a plurality of apparatuses connected to each other to define a corresponding energy conversion system;

Figure 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a variant of the detail of Figure 3;

- figure 12 shows a perspective view of the detail of figure 2 of the apparatus of figure 1, according to a variant embodiment.

In accordance with the attached drawings, numerical reference 1 indicates an apparatus for generating electrical energy by means of photovoltaic panels 2 which are the object of the invention.

The apparatus 1 can be placed in a basin 5 of water, where by basin 5 of water we mean both a freshwater and saltwater basin (for example a reservoir, a lake, a portion of the sea etc. ).

A preferred embodiment will be described hereinafter, illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a floating platform 3 for supporting photovoltaic panels 2. This platform 3 is floating in the water basin 5. The floating platform 3 supports a plurality of photovoltaic panels 2 (hereinafter also referred to as panels 2), arranged so that an upper face 6 of the panels 2 receives solar radiation.

Preferably, the photovoltaic panels 2 are angularly arranged with respect to the surface 7 of the free surface of the water of the basin 5.

In particular, the panels 2 are arranged above the floating support platform 3 so as to emerge from the water of the basin 5.

However, it should be noted that, according to a variant not illustrated, a portion of these panels 2 can be immersed in water (ie be arranged below the free surface of the basin 5).

Figure 1 illustrates an example in which the floating platform 3 is clearly visible.

It should be observed that this platform 3 is preferably a grid structure defined by a plurality of beams (18,19).

In particular, the platform 3 comprises first beams 18 of plastic material (preferably PVC) and second beams 19 of metallic material.

It should be noted that the first beams 18 are connected to the second beams 19 so as to define the platform 3. It should also be noted that the platform 3, in the example illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, has a circular shape .

In particular, the platform 3 is preferably bounded by a ring 20.

According to the example illustrated in Figure 1, this ring 20 is a circular ring.

It should be noted that the ring 20 is connected to the first beams 18 and / or to the second beams 19, or arranged outside the grid.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a fixed structure 4. This fixed structure 4 is fixed with respect to the basin 5, that is, it is anchored to the basin 5.

It should be noted that, in the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the fixed structure 4 has the conformation of a circular ring 21.

It should also be noted that this ring 21 defines a seat 8 for housing the platform 3.

In this light it is observed that the platform 3 is coupled to the fixed structure 4 so that the platform 3 is free to rotate around a Z axis orthogonal to the surface 7 defined by the basin 5.

According to the example illustrated in Figure 1, the fixed structure 4 contains the platform 3, i.e. the platform 3 is arranged inside the seat 8 of the fixed structure 4.

Figure 1 illustrates the platform 3 not covered with photovoltaic panels 2; it should be noted that platform 3 is preferably completely covered by photovoltaic panels 2.

The platform 3 covered by photovoltaic panels 2 is visible in figures 2 and 3.

According to another aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises first 12 and second engagement means 13 configured to engage with each other to allow locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

It should be noted that, since the platform 3 is free to rotate with respect to the fixed structure 4, the first 12 and second engagement means 13 allow the platform 3 to be stably locked with respect to the fixed structure 4 in a plurality of angular positions.

It should be noted that the first engagement means 12 are associated with the platform 3 and the second engagement means 13 are associated with the fixed structure 4.

Preferably the first engagement means 12 comprise one or more pincers 15 and the second engagement means 13 comprise one or more pins 14.

It should be observed that each gripper 15 is movable between a first interacting position P1 with a pin 14 to allow locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 in a determined angular position and a second non-interacting position P2 with the pin 14.

In particular in Figure 5a the gripper 15 has been represented in the non-interaction position P2 and in Figure 5b the gripper 15 has been represented in the interaction position Pi (hereinafter also referred to as the locking position PI).

It should be noted that, preferably and not limitedly, the pincers 15 are configured to move radially between the non-interacting position P2 and the locking position Pi.

It should also be noted that, more generally, the interaction position Pi is a position of the forceps 15 proximal to a pin 14 and the non-interaction position P2 is a position of the forceps 15 distal to the pins 14.

Preferably, the gripper 15 comprises a fork-shaped element, movable between the position Pi and the position P2.

According to the example illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of grippers 15 (in particular three grippers) and a plurality of pins 14.

According to the invention, the first 12 and the second 13 engagement means define a plurality of angular locking positions of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

With reference to the example of figure 1 and not limitedly, the pegs 14 are distributed along the periphery of the fixed structure 4, that is, along the edge of the fixed structure 4 facing the platform 3. Furthermore, the pegs 14 are distributed along the periphery of the structure. fixes 4 according to a constant angular pitch.

Furthermore, again with reference to the example of Figure 1, the pincers 15 are arranged together so that they can engage simultaneously with corresponding pegs 14 (in this opening, each pincer 15 engages with a peg 14 different from the one with which it is engage the remaining pincers 15); this determines an angular locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 with several locking points which is advantageously very stable and effective, even against any waves that may rise in the basin.

According to the above, it can be observed that each gripper defines a locking point of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

The following should be noted with regard to the arrangement of the pins 14 / pliers 15.

According to the invention, it is preferable that the pegs 14 are in a greater number than the pliers 15, so as to allow a reduction in costs with the same angular locking positions (each pliers 15 is, individually, more expensive than a peg 14).

Furthermore, it is preferable that the apparatus 1 is provided with a plurality of grippers 15 arranged in such a way as to allow locking according to several locking points, according to methods similar to those described previously.

According to another variant of the apparatus 1 not illustrated by means of drawings, the pins 14 and the pliers 15 can be arranged so that not all the pliers 15 engage simultaneously with corresponding pins 14 (i.e. in a preselected position a first group of pliers 15 engages with corresponding pegs 14 and a second group of pliers 15 does not engage with pegs); according to this variant, for the same number of pins 14, it is possible to advantageously increase the number of angular locking positions of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

In particular, it should be noted that the number of locking positions of the platform 3 is related to the number of rungs 14 and to the number of pliers 15 (regardless of the arrangement of the pegs 14 and the pliers 14 respectively on the platform 3 and on the fixed structure 4 or vice versa).

In particular, it is further specified that if the rungs 14 are angularly distributed according to a first angular step and the pincers 15 are angularly distributed according to a second multiple step of the first step, the number of locking positions of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 equals the number of rungs 14.

On the other hand, if the pins 14 are angularly distributed according to a first angular step and the pliers 15 are angularly distributed according to a second step which is not a multiple of the first step, the number of locking positions is a multiple of the number of pins 14.

It should be noted that, according to a variant not shown, the first engagement means 12 comprise one or more pins 14 and the second engagement means 13 comprise one or more grippers 15 (in this light it is reiterated that either the pins 14 or the grippers 15 must be at least two to allow for at least a plurality of angular locking positions).

It should also be noted that the pegs 14 define first constraint elements and the grippers 15 define second constraint elements adapted to interact with the first constraint elements to allow the angular locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

It should be noted that, according to the invention, the first engagement means 12 and the second engagement means 13 (i.e. the first and second shaft elements) define more generally means 11 for locking the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4, configured to allow locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 in a plurality of angular positions.

According to another aspect, the platform 3 carries on the peripheral ring 20 a plurality of rollers 22, which rotate around their own axis.

It should be noted that these rollers 22, according to variants not illustrated, can also be carried by the fixed structure 4 or not be carried by either of the two structures (3,4) and be interposed between these structures (3,4).

The rollers 22 define, according to the invention, a plurality of rotating bodies 16 interposed between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4.

It should be noted that, advantageously, the fact of interposing rotating bodies 16 between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4 allows to avoid collisions / sliding between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4 (in particular during the rotation of the platform 3), consequently reducing the risk of damage and / or wear of the platform 3 and / or of the fixed structure 4. According to the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one motorized propeller 17, fixed to the platform 3 and operationally active on the water of the basin 5.

It should be noted that, in the example illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a first 17a and a second helix 17b, or a plurality of helices 17.

These propellers 17 are arranged, preferably but not limitedly, diametrically opposite on the peripheral edge of the platform 3.

The propellers 17 are arranged at a certain distance with respect to the rotation axis Z of the platform 3 so as to define, as a consequence of their activation, an angular torque C suitable for determining the rotation of the platform 3 about the rotation axis Z.

It should therefore be observed that, advantageously, the propellers 17 are arranged in such a way as to generate a thrust force on the platform 3 with a component having a head tangential with respect to the platform 3 itself.

It should be noted in more general terms that, according to the invention, the propellers 17 define rotation means 23 able to rotate the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 around an axis Z orthogonal to the surface of the water basin 5. It should also be noted that, according to the invention, the handling means 23 are configured to be operationally active on the water of the basin 5 so as to allow the aforementioned rotation of the platform 3.

In particular, these handling means 23 are configured to produce a displacement of water in the basin, to cause (by reaction or by direct action) the displacement of the floating platform.

In this opening, according to a variant not shown, the handling means 23 comprise one or more nozzles fixed to the fixed structure 4 (or, vice versa, to the platform 3) and one or more stop blades fixed to the platform 3 (or, vice versa, to the fixed structure 4).

In accordance with this variant, the nozzles are activated to direct a jet of water at high speed on the abutment vanes so as to determine a moment, or a torque, suitable for determining a rotation of the platform 3 around the axis Z.

Figures 2, 3 and 11 illustrate the arrangement of the photovoltaic panels 2 with respect to the platform 3; these figures will be described by way of non-limiting example.

The photovoltaic panels 2 are arranged side by side, in a row arrangement.

It should be noted that, preferably, the photovoltaic panels 2 are rigidly fixed to the platform 3.

According to a variant not illustrated by the drawings, the apparatus comprises means for adjusting the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 2 with respect to the surface of the free surface of the water of the basin 5. According to this variant, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 2 with respect to the surface of the free surface of the water of the basin 5 can be adjusted according to the geographical position of the installation site of the apparatus 1 and / or according to the actual position of the sun (according to a continuous or discrete adjustment).

According to yet another aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises a control and actuation unit, connected to the propellers 17 to activate the latter in rotation.

It should be noted that the term "control and drive unit" also means a plurality of electronic modules not necessarily connected to each other, with each of these modules capable of performing a specific function.

According to a further aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises means 24 for detecting the relative position of the gripper (s) 15 with respect to the pins 14.

In fact, during the rotation of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4, each gripper 15 is arranged in the first positions in which it is opposite (i.e. arranged opposite) to one of the pegs 14 (and, therefore, the gripper 15 can therefore be moved by position P2 to position PI to interact with the pin 14 and determine the angular locking of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4) and in second positions in which the gripper 15 is not facing a pin 14 (i.e. the gripper 15 does not interact with any peg 14).

Said detection means 24 are connected to the control and actuation unit to make available to the latter a signal relating to the proximity of one or more pincers 15 with respect to a pin 14.

It should be noted that, when the detection means 24 signal a state of proximity or proximity of one or more pincers 15 with respect to a peg 14 (pincer 15 arranged in one of the first positions), the actuation of the pincer 15 determines the blocking of the platform 3 compared to the fixed structure 4.

Said detection means 24 can comprise sensors of the mechanical type and / or sensors of the optical type, configured to generate a signal of proximity of a clamp 15 to a pin 14.

Said detection means 24 can be arranged on the floating platform 3 or on the fixed structure 4 or on both; they are preferably arranged in correspondence with the pincers 15 and / or the pins 14.

It should be noted that the control and actuation unit controls the gripper (s) 15 between the non-interaction position P2 and the locking position Pi as a function of the value of the signals received by the detection means 24, as will be better clarified hereinafter. . According to this aspect, the control and actuation unit controls the movement of the gripper 15 from the non-interacting position P2 to the locking position Pi when a gripper 15 is opposite to, or is capable of interacting with, a pin 14 (in the specific case and detail of Figure 1, the pincers 15 are capable of interacting with the pins 14 substantially simultaneously).

The operation of the preferred embodiment will be described hereinafter, with reference to a preferred operating mode.

In fact, it should be observed that the apparatus 1 can operate according to a plurality of different modes.

To allow rotation of the platform 3, the grippers 15 are moved from the locking position P1 to the non-interacting position P2; this makes the platform 3 freely rotating with respect to the fixed structure 4.

The control and drive unit is programmed to activate the propellers 17 at pre-established time intervals (preferably programmable); the activation of the propellers (with the pincers 15 previously arranged in the non-interacting position P2) causes a rotation of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

It should be noted that the propellers 17 are preferably activated for a predetermined time; even more preferably, the propellers 17 are activated for a time sufficient to allow the platform to perform a determined rotation.

The control and actuation unit, when the signal from the sensor of a gripper 15 indicates that the gripper 15 has reached an interaction position with a pin 14, commands the movement of the gripper 15 from the non-interacting position P2 to the locking position PI . It should be noted that in this way the platform 3 is angularly locked with respect to the fixed structure 4. The operating cycle described above is preferably repeated at certain time intervals to vary the angular position of the platform with respect to the fixed structure.

Preferably, the cycle is repeated every twenty minutes and each cycle corresponds to a rotation of about five sexagesimal degrees.

In particular, it should be noted that an angle of between three and fifteen sexagesimal degrees and even more preferably between five and fifteen degrees is preferably provided between an angular locking position and the subsequent one.

It should be noted that the angular locking positions of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4 are determined by the relative arrangement of the pegs 14 and of the grippers 15 on the platform 3 / fixed structure 4. It should be noted that the rotation of the platform 3 allows to determine a tracking of the position of the sun; in this way the panels 2 are arranged in such a way as to maximize the amount of radiant energy received.

According to a variant not shown, the apparatus 1 comprises a solar tracking device.

This tracking device is configured to generate a signal relating to the optimal irradiation angle, i.e. relative to the angle of rotation with respect to the Z axis of the platform 3 to which the maximum intensity of irradiation on the surface of the panels 2 corresponds.

According to this variant, the control and actuation unit moves the pincers 15 and activates the propellers 17 according to the signal of the tracking device to position the platform 3 at a certain angle with respect to the axis Z so that the flow of solar energy is maximized. on the surface of the 2 photovoltaic panels.

Further examples of apparatuses 1 will be described below, with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the platform 3 has a circular shape while the fixed structure 4 has the shape of a square substantially circumscribed to the circle defined by the platform 3 (with the substantially circumscribed expression we mean that the fixed structure 4 is shaped , with respect to platform 3, so that the latter can also have a freedom, albeit small, of translation).

According to this variant, preferably the fixed structure 4 carries the gripper 15 / the grippers 15 and the platform 3 carries the pegs 14; this arrangement of the pegs 14 / grippers 15 allows to minimize the costs of the apparatus 1 with the same angular locking positions of the platform 3 with respect to the fixed structure 4.

It should be observed that, more generally, the fixed structure 4 can have the shape of any regular polygon substantially circumscribed to the platform 3.

For example, the fixed structure 4 could have a hexagonal conformation (as illustrated in Figure 9).

According to the variant of Figure 6, the fixed structure 4 preferably carries the rotating bodies 16.

Figure 7 illustrates a variant in which the fixed structure 4 has a circular shape (i.e. it defines a circular seat 8 for accommodating the platform 3) and the platform 3 has the shape of a triangle substantially inscribed within the circle defined by the seat 8 .

It should be observed that, more generally, the platform 3 can have the shape of any regular polygon substantially inscribed in the seat 8 defined by the fixed structure 4.

According to this variant, preferably the platform 3 carries the gripper 15 / the grippers 15 and the fixed structure 4 carries the pegs 14; this arrangement of the pegs 14 / grippers 15 allows the costs of the apparatus 1 to be minimized with the same angular positions for locking the platform with respect to the fixed structure.

According to this variant, the platform 3 preferably carries the rotating bodies 16.

Figure 8 describes a further variant in which the platform 3 has a circular conformation and the fixed structure comprises a plurality of constraint elements 9 of the platform 3, angularly distributed with respect to the rotation axis Z to define a plurality of constraint points of the platform 3.

In particular, it should be noted that the constraint elements 9, as a whole, allow the platform 3 to be constrained in such a way that only rotation around the Z axis is substantially allowed.

It should be noted that, preferably, each fastening element 9 comprises an internal portion 25 fixed with respect to the basin 5 and an external portion 26 rotatably carried by the internal portion 25.

Note that the outer portion 26 is configured to rotate with respect to an axis orthogonal to the surface of the basin 5.

This internal portion 25 performs the same technical functions as the rotating bodies 16 described above, ie it allows to avoid collisions and relative sliding between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4.

In the example illustrated in Figure 8, the apparatus 1 comprises three constraining elements 9, arranged with respect to the axis of rotation Z, angularly spaced by 120 sexagesimal degrees.

It should be noted that, more generally, the apparatus 1 could comprise any number of constraint elements 9.

It should be noted that the fixed structure 4 can be constrained with respect to the basin 5 according to a plurality of different ways, in particular it can be fixed to the bottom of the water basin 5 and / or to the bank 28 of the basin 5.

By way of example, the fixed structure 4 can be fixed with respect to the basin 5 with pylons immersed in the bottom of the basin 5 and / or with means of connection with the bank 28 of the basin (beams, connecting piers, etc.).

More generally, the apparatus 1 comprises means for anchoring the fixed structure 4 with respect to the bottom of the basin 5 and / or means for fixing the fixed structure 4 with respect to the side 28 of the same basin 5.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate examples of a system 100 for the generation of electricity, which is also an object of the present invention.

This system 100 is a modular system, ie it comprises a plurality of apparatuses 1 connected to each other.

It should be noted that, in the example illustrated in Figure 9, there are five apparatuses 1 indicated individually with the references la, Ib, le, ld, Im.

It should be observed that the apparatus la is connected to the bank 28 and that all the apparatuses (la, lb, le, ld) are connected to each other (and therefore linked with respect to basin 5).

System 100 is a modular system, that is, it can be configured in such a way that it includes a plurality of apparatuses 1 at will according to the actual dimensions of the basin 5 / design requirements.

It should be noted that in the example illustrated in Figure 10, there are four apparatuses 1 indicated individually with the references le, lf, lg, Ih.

It should be observed that the apparatus le is connected to the bank 28 and that all the apparatuses (le, lf, lg, Ih) are connected to each other.

Preferably, the platform 3 comprises a plurality of reflecting elements 27, consisting for example of reflecting panels, made according to a technology known per se. In this regard, see the examples illustrated in figures 11 and 12.

These reflecting elements 27 have the function of increasing the irradiation effect on the photovoltaic panels 2, so as to increase the efficiency of the system.

As regards the arrangement of the reflecting elements 27 on the platform 3 (with respect to the photovoltaic panels 2), two embodiments are provided, illustrated by way of example in Figures 11 and 12, respectively.

In the solution exemplified in Figure 11, the photovoltaic panels 2 are arranged inclined with respect to the surface of the water (for example by a predetermined angle, for example by about 30-50 degrees). The reflecting elements 27 are approached to the rear of a row of photovoltaic panels and inclined in the opposite direction substantially by the same angle, to form an edge facing upwards with the panels 2 with adjacent axes; in this way, the reflecting elements approached to a row of panels 2 reflect the solar radiation onto the panels 2 of an adjacent row of panels 2.

In the solution exemplified in Figure 12, the photovoltaic panels 2 are parallel to the surface 7 of the basin 5 and the reflecting elements 27 are arranged inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the water basin.

Preferably, pairs of rows of reflecting elements are placed side by side and inclined in opposite directions, to define an inverted V configuration (with the edge facing upwards). In this way, a row of panels 2 arranged horizontally is interposed between pairs of rows of reflecting elements 27 arranged in an inverted V shape.

This solution is preferable, as it allows to make the platform particularly simple and efficient.

In particular, it should be noted that a group G of reflecting elements 27 defining an inverted V comprises first reflecting elements 27a, facing towards a first row Fi of photovoltaic panels 2, and second reflecting elements 27b, facing towards a second row F2 of photovoltaic panels 2.

In other words, each row (Fl, F2) of photovoltaic panels 2 is arranged between reflecting elements 27a and 27b belonging to groups defining a different inverted V.

According to this embodiment, the platform 3 is rotated so as to orient the photovoltaic panels 2 always in the direction of the sun.

It should be observed that, in this way, with the same position or orientation of the sun, the platform 3 is positioned in a direction rotated by 90 ° with respect to that described in figure 11.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is presented as an extremely simple and inexpensive apparatus.

In fact, the installation of the apparatus 1 is quite simple and does not require any particular precautions and / or characteristics of the installation site (for example it can be advantageously installed even in shallow basins).

Furthermore, this apparatus 1 provides for a movement with propellers 17 which, in addition to being extremely simple, is in itself very reliable.

Furthermore, this apparatus 1 is rather efficient, since the possibility of rotating the platform 3 allows to maximize the solar radiation received.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (1) for generating electricity by means of photovoltaic panels (2) that can be placed in a basin (5) of water, comprising: - a fixed structure (4) anchored to the basin (5); a floating platform (3) operatively arranged in said water basin (5) and coupled to the fixed structure (4) to be constrained to rotate around a predetermined axis (Z) orthogonal to the surface (7) defined by the free surface of said pelvis (5); - a plurality of photovoltaic panels (2) arranged on the floating platform so that an upper face (6) of the panels (2) receives solar radiation; handling means (23) for rotating the floating platform (3) with respect to the fixed structure (4), the apparatus (1) being characterized by the fact that it comprises: - locking means (11) configured to lock the platform (3) with respect to the fixed structure (4) in a plurality of predetermined angular positions; - a control and piloting unit, configured to activate the movement means (23) so as to move the platform (3) between the various predetermined positions. 2 . Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said moving means (23) are operatively active on the water of the basin (5) to cause a rotation of the floating platform (3). 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said moving means (23) comprise at least one propeller (17) operatively active on the water of the basin, fixed to said platform (3) at a predetermined distance from said axis (Z ) of rotation. 4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of first fastening elements (14) and at least one second fastening element (15) adapted to interact with the first fastening elements (14) to lock the platform (3) floating with respect to the fixed structure (4), in which said plurality of first constraint elements (14) is associated with the floating platform (3) and said at least one second constraint element (15) is associated with the fixed structure (4) , or viceversa. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said second fastening element (15) is a gripper movable between a first position (Pi), in which it interacts with the first fastening elements to lock the platform (3) with respect to the structure fixed (4), and a second position (P2), in which it does not infer with the first constraint elements (14) to allow a rotation of the platform (3) with respect to the fixed structure (4). 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of first restraining elements (14) is arranged along the edge of the floating platform (3) facing the fixed structure (4) or along the edge of the fixed structure (4 ) facing the floating platform (3) in corresponding angularly equally spaced positions so as to define at least a subset of said predetermined angular positions. 7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor associated with said floating platform (3) or said fixed structure (4) and connected to the control and driving unit to send a signal relating to the relative angular arrangement between the platform ( 3) floating and the fixed structure (4), said control and piloting unit being programmed to activate the locking means (11) and block the floating platform (3) with respect to the fixed structure (4) as a function of said signal. 8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of rotating bodies (16) interposed between the platform (3) and the fixed structure (4). 9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the platform (3) is shaped in the shape of a circle and the fixed structure (4) defines a seat (8) for housing said platform (3), said seat ( 8) housing having the shape of a polygon circumscribed to said circle. 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixed structure (4) defines a seat (8) in the shape of a circle for a housing of said platform (3) and the platform (3) is shaped as a polygon inscribed in said circle defined by the housing seat (8). 11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 8, in which the fixed structure (4) defines a seat (8) for housing said platform (3) having a circular shape and the platform (3) is shaped like a of a circle. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said platform (3) comprises a plurality of first beams (18) in plastic material and second beams (19) in metallic material, said first beams (18) and second beams ( 19) being connected to each other. 13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the floating platform (3) comprises a plurality of reflecting elements (27), adapted to reflect the solar radiation incident on its surface in the direction of the photovoltaic panels (2), and in which the photovoltaic panels (2) are arranged parallel to the surface (7) defined by the free surface of said basin (5) and in which said reflecting elements (27) are arranged inclined with respect to said surface (7). Electric power generation system (100), comprising a plurality of apparatuses (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixed structures (4) of the apparatuses (1) are connected to each other and at least one fixed structure ( 4) is connected to a bank of said basin (5) or to a bottom of the latter. 15. Method of generating electricity by means of photovoltaic panels (2) in a basin (5) of water, comprising the steps of: - providing a floating platform (3) to support a plurality of photovoltaic panels (2) and place it in said water basin (5); providing a fixed structure (4) and anchoring it with respect to said basin (5); - coupling the platform (3) to the fixed structure (4) so that the platform (3) is constrained to rotate around a predetermined axis (Z) orthogonal to the surface (7) of said basin (5), said method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps: to operate the platform (3) in rotation between a plurality of predetermined angular positions; - block the platform with respect to the fixed structure in said angular positions. Method according to claim 15, in which the step of activating the floating platform (3) in rotation provides for acting on the water of the basin by means of at least one propeller (17) associated with the floating platform (3).