JP7412744B2 - Solar power generation panels, snow melting equipment, and control methods for solar power generation panels - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a solar power generation panel, a snow melting device, and a method of controlling a solar power generation panel.

In recent years, power generation using renewable energy has become more important than thermal power generation or nuclear power generation. Among renewable energies, solar power generation is seen as promising because solar panels can be mass-produced and power can be generated anywhere on the earth where sunlight can be irradiated. In addition, governments around the world have implemented policies to introduce solar power, and large-scale solar power generation facilities have been put into operation, increasing the total amount of power generated and achieving a track record of being able to withstand long-term operation.

Solar power generation facilities that aim to sell electricity need to install a large number of solar panels over a large area, so it is necessary to secure a vast site such as a mountain forest or vacant land. On the other hand, even small-scale power generation facilities need to ensure a certain amount of sunlight, so they are often installed on the roofs of houses or buildings. However, depending on the orientation and shape of the building, it may be difficult to install solar panels on the rooftop, or it may not be possible to obtain the required amount of power.

Therefore, in order to secure the installation area, it has been proposed to place solar panels on the road surface. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a tile for road construction that has a cavity inside and holds a solar cell inside with an elastic body. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that a solar cell module is constructed by pasting flexible solar cells on the surface of a flexible substrate, and that the solar cell module is pasted on a road surface with an adhesive. There is. However, the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have problems with load-bearing performance, large area, and long-term reliability.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-118279 JP2013-038228A

In addition, in power generation using solar power panels, the amount of power generated is not limited to road power generation, but is easily affected by the weather, and especially when it snows, the surface of the solar power generation panels will be covered with snow, making it impossible to generate power. There was a problem. In particular, when solar power generation panels are installed on rooftops or in mountainous areas, it is difficult to remove snow that has accumulated on the solar power generation panels, so it is virtually impossible to guarantee continued power generation during the winter. It turns out.

Furthermore, even if solar power generation panels are installed on the road surface, it will be difficult to continue generating power, and the surface of the solar power generation panels will be damaged when snow is removed to allow vehicles and pedestrians to pass. There was also the problem that there was an increased risk of damage to snow removal equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a solar power generation panel, a snow melting device, and a method for controlling a solar power generation panel that can continue generating power even during snowy conditions in winter. With the goal.

In order to solve the above problems, the snow melting device of the present invention is a snow melting device installed on a road surface, and includes a photovoltaic module that converts light irradiated onto a light incident surface into electric power, and a photovoltaic module that converts electric energy into thermal energy. and a heating control unit that controls the heating module based on the temperature T of the photovoltaic module , the heating module being arranged on the opposite side of the light incident surface of the photovoltaic module. The heating control unit may start heating by the heating module when the temperature T is less than 20°C, and stop heating by the heating module when the temperature T is 30°C or higher .

The snow melting device of the present invention uses a heating module to heat the solar power generation panels so that the surface temperature does not fall below freezing, and can melt the snow adhering to the surface, so power generation can continue even during winter snowfall. It becomes possible to do so.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, a light-transmitting support member that transmits the light and has the photovoltaic module attached to one surface thereof; The device includes a surface coating layer, in which the light-scattering fine particles are exposed at least on the surface .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the translucent support member is made of polycarbonate .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the photovoltaic module includes a power generation cell that has flexibility and is made of amorphous silicon .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, a heat insulating material layer provided on a side of the heating module opposite to the photovoltaic module is provided .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the heating module and the heat insulating layer are configured separately, and the heat insulating layer is replaceable .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the power generated by the photovoltaic module is supplied to a secondary battery to charge it, and the heating module is driven by the current supplied from the secondary battery.

Further, the snow melting device of the present invention is characterized in that it uses any one of the above solar power generation panels.

Further, a method of controlling a snow melting device of the present invention is a method of controlling a snow melting device installed on a road surface, which converts light irradiated onto a light incident surface with a photovoltaic module into electric power, Electrical energy is converted into thermal energy by a heating module disposed on the opposite side of the light incidence surface, and heating by the heating module is started when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module is less than 20°C, and when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module is 30°C or more, the heating is started. It is characterized by stopping the heating by the heating module .

The present invention can provide a solar power generation panel, a snow melting device, and a method for controlling a solar power generation panel that can continue generating power even during snowy conditions in winter.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a solar power generation panel 10 according to a first embodiment. 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the heating module 13, FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the photovoltaic module 15, and FIG. 2(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the photovoltaic module 15. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure example of No. 18. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the heating module 13, FIG.3(a) is a top view, and FIG.3(b) is a side view. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the photovoltaic module 15, FIG.4(a) is a top view, and FIG.4(b) is a side view. 5A is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit included in a photovoltaic panel 10. FIG. 5(a) is a circuit diagram including a photovoltaic module 15, and FIG. 5(b) is a circuit diagram including a heating module 13. . It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control method of the solar power generation panel 10. 7(b) is a diagram schematically showing an example of the use of a solar power generation panel 10 and a snow melting device using the same. FIG. An example is shown in which the sensor is placed on a sidewalk where people walk, and FIG. 7(c) shows an example in which the sensor is placed on the roof of a building.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a solar power generation panel 10 according to this embodiment. 2(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the heating module 13, FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the photovoltaic module 15, and FIG. 2(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the photovoltaic module 15. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure example of No. 18. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic panel 10 includes, on a heat insulating layer 11, an adhesive layer 12, a heating module 13, an adhesive layer 14, a photovoltaic module 15, an adhesive layer 16, It has a structure in which a transparent support member 17 and a surface protection layer 18 are laminated. In the following description, translucency does not mean transmitting light in all wavelength ranges, but means transmitting the wavelength of light necessary for power generation well. For example, it may be visually recognized as being colored because it blocks part of visible light, but it may be one that satisfactorily transmits infrared light or red light.

The heat insulating material layer 11 is a layer made of a material with low thermal conductivity, and suppresses heat generated in the heating module 13 from being radiated from the back side of the solar power generation panel 10. The material constituting the heat insulating material layer 11 is not limited, but it is preferably lightweight and highly durable; for example, fiber-based heat insulating materials such as glass wool or urethane foam, foamed plastic-based heat insulating materials, etc. can be used. The thickness of the heat insulating layer 11 is preferably 10 mm or more so that it can effectively block the heat of the heating module 13 and withstand the passage of pedestrians and vehicles.

The adhesive layer 12 is a layer of adhesive applied on the surface of the heat insulating layer 11 and is a member for fixing the heating module 13 onto the heat insulating layer 11. As the material constituting the adhesive layer 12, it is preferable to use a resin material that has electrical insulation properties and is easy to apply. For example, epoxy resin can be used. The thickness of the adhesive layer 12 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 5 μm to 5 mm, since it is necessary to firmly bond the heat insulating material layer 11 and the heating module 13 to ensure mechanical strength. be.

The heating module 13 is a part that converts electrical energy into thermal energy, and is fixed to the upper surface of the heat insulating material layer 11 with an adhesive layer 12. Further, the heating module 13 includes electric wiring (not shown) to which electric current is supplied from the outside, and the electric current supplied from the outside is consumed by the electric resistance, so that the heating module 13 generates heat. Although the structure of the heating module 13 is not limited, when the solar power generation panel 10 is laid on a road surface or the like and vehicles and pedestrians pass over the solar power generation panel 10, it is preferable to use a flexible material and structure. It is preferable to use

As a structure of the flexible heating module 13, for example, as shown in a schematic cross-sectional view in FIG. 2(a), both sides of a heat generating layer 13a are covered with sealants 13b and 13c. The heat generating layer 13a is made of a material with a high electrical resistance value, and for example, carbon nanofibers, nickel chromium materials, iron chromium materials, etc. can be used. The sealing materials 13b and 13c are electrically insulating members that seal the front, back, and side surfaces of the heat generating layer 13a to prevent moisture and air from entering the heat generating layer 13a. As a material constituting the sealing materials 13b and 13c, for example, silicone resin or epoxy resin can be used. The heat generating layer 13a is preferably formed in a sheet shape over substantially the entire area of the heating module 13, but may be formed in a mesh shape.

The adhesive layer 14 is a layer of adhesive applied on the surface of the heating module 13 and is a member for fixing the photovoltaic module 15 onto the heating module 13. As the material constituting the adhesive layer 14, it is preferable to use a resin material that has electrical insulation properties and is easy to apply. For example, epoxy resin can be used. The thickness of the adhesive layer 14 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 5 μm to 5 mm, since it is necessary to firmly adhere the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15 to ensure mechanical strength. be.

The photovoltaic module 15 is a member that has a light incident surface and a back surface and converts light incident on the light incident surface side into electrical energy, and the back surface side is fixed to the heating module 13 with an adhesive layer 12. Further, the photovoltaic module 15 is equipped with electrical wiring (not shown) for extracting the current generated by power generation to the outside, and the electrical wiring extends to the outside of the photovoltaic panel 10. The structure of the photovoltaic module 15 is not limited, but when the photovoltaic panel 10 is installed on a road surface or the like and vehicles and pedestrians pass over the photovoltaic panel 10, flexible materials and structures are used. It is preferable to use

As a structure of the flexible photovoltaic module 15, for example, as shown in a schematic cross-sectional view in FIG. 2(b), there is a structure in which both sides of the power generation cell 15a are covered with sealants 15b and 15c. The power generation cell 15a is a member composed of a semiconductor material that converts light into electricity and a wiring layer, and has a structure in which semiconductor materials formed in multiple regions are connected in series and/or in parallel with the wiring layer. . The specific material of the power generation cell 15a is not limited, and single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, microcrystalline silicon, perovskite crystal, compound semiconductor, organic semiconductor, etc. can be used. Further, as the structure of the power generation cell 15a, a structure such as a multi-junction type (tandem type) or a quantum dot type may be used. The sealing materials 15b and 15c have translucency and electrical insulation, and are members that seal the front, back, and side surfaces of the power generation cell 15a to prevent moisture and air from entering the power generation cell 15a. For example, silicone resin or epoxy resin can be used as the material constituting the sealants 15b and 15c. In order to impart flexibility to the photovoltaic module 15, it is preferable to use amorphous silicon for the power generation cell 15a and to use silicone resin for the sealants 15b and 15c.

The adhesive layer 16 is an adhesive layer applied on the light incident surface of the photovoltaic module 15 and is a member for bonding the photovoltaic module 15 and the transparent support member 17. The material constituting the adhesive layer 16 is not particularly limited as long as it transmits light and has electrical insulation properties, and for example, epoxy resin can be used. The thickness of the adhesive layer 16 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 10 mm, more preferably 5 μm to 5 mm, since it is necessary to firmly adhere the photovoltaic module 15 and the transparent support member 17 to ensure mechanical strength. is within the range of

The translucent support member 17 is a substantially flat plate-like member having translucency, and its back side is fixed to the light incident surface of the photovoltaic module 15 by an adhesive layer 16, supporting the photovoltaic module 15 and increasing rigidity. secure. The material constituting the translucent support member 17 is not limited, and any known resin or glass may be used, and examples thereof include epoxy resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and the like. When the solar power generation panel 10 is laid on a road surface or the like and vehicles and pedestrians pass over the solar power generation panel 10, the transparent support member 17 is used from the viewpoint of weather resistance, durability, and impact resistance. Preferably, polycarbonate resin is used. Further, the thickness of the translucent support member 17 is preferably about 0.5 to 10 mm in order to ensure mechanical strength, and more preferably about 1 to 8 mm.

The surface protective layer 18 is a transparent layer formed on the surface side of the transparent support member 17, and is a layer that constitutes a light incident surface on the outermost surface of the solar power generation panel 10. The surface protective layer 18 has a structure in which fine particles 18b are mixed into a base resin 18a, as shown in FIG. 2(c), and at least a portion of the fine particles 18b are exposed on the surface of the base resin 18a. There is. The material constituting the base resin 18a is preferably one that has good translucency, durability, weather resistance, and oil resistance; for example, epoxy resin can be used. The fine particles 18b are made of a material that scatters light and have a particle size, and may be made of known glass, ceramic, or the like. The surface protective layer 18 contains fine particles 18b, and at least a portion thereof is exposed on the surface of the base resin 18a, so when the solar power generation panel 10 is laid on a road and vehicles and pedestrians pass by. It is possible to achieve an appropriate coefficient of friction.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the heating module 13, the photovoltaic module 15, and the adhesive layers 14 and 16 are formed with the same area, the area of the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15 is larger than that of the heat insulating material layer 11. The photovoltaic module 15 may be made smaller and its peripheral edge including the side surfaces of the photovoltaic module 15 may be covered with adhesive layers 14 and 16. By covering the side surfaces of the photovoltaic module 15 with the adhesive layers 14 and 16, the adhesion of the entire photovoltaic panel 10 can be made stronger, and the photovoltaic module 15 is sealed to prevent moisture from entering. You can also do that.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the heating module 13, with FIG. 3(a) being a plan view and FIG. 3(b) being a side view. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the heating module 13 is formed separately into two regions, and each region includes a heat generating layer 13a, sealing materials 13b, 13c, terminal portion 13d, electrical wiring 13e, heating It includes a control section 13f. In FIG. 3A, a dashed line extending from the terminal portion 13d indicates a wiring layer formed within the sealing materials 13b and 13c. Although FIG. 3A shows an example of the heating module 13 separated into two regions, the heating module 13 may be composed of one large region, or may be separated into a large number of regions.

The terminal portion 13d is connected to an electrical wiring 13e connected from the outside, and is electrically connected to the wiring layer to supply current to the heat generating layer 13a via the wiring layer. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the terminal portion 13d is also accommodated within the sealing materials 13b and 13c. The electrical wiring 13e is electrically connected to the terminal portion 13d, and is drawn out to the outside of the sealing materials 13b and 13c, and extends to the outside of the solar power generation panel 10. The end of the electrical wiring 13e opposite to the terminal portion 13d is connected to a secondary battery or load provided outside the solar power generation panel 10.

The heating control unit 13f is a part that is disposed on the heating module 13, measures the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15, and controls the heating module 13 based on the measured temperature T. The heating control section 13f is electrically connected to the heat generating layer 13a and the electric wiring 13e through a wiring layer (not shown) or the like, and is included in the electric circuit of the heating module 13. An example of the heating control section 13f is one in which a thermostat or a temperature sensor is arranged between the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the photovoltaic module 15, with FIG. 4(a) being a plan view and FIG. 4(b) being a side view. As shown in FIG. 4A, the photovoltaic module 15 includes a power generation cell 15a, sealing materials 15b and 15c, a terminal portion 15d, and electrical wiring 15e. An electrical wiring 15e is connected to the terminal portion 15d, and the power generation cell 15a and the terminal portion 15d are electrically connected through a wiring layer (not shown). Although FIG. 4A shows an example in which the terminal portion 15d is arranged at the center of the photovoltaic module 15, the terminal portion 15d may be arranged near the edge.

5 is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit included in the solar power generation panel 10, FIG. 5(a) is a circuit diagram including the photovoltaic module 15, and FIG. 5(b) is a circuit diagram including the heating module 13. It is a circuit diagram. In the photovoltaic module 15, the power generation cell 15a is connected to a backflow prevention diode 15f and an externally provided secondary battery B. In the heating module 13, the heat generating layer 13a is connected to the outside via a terminal portion 13d, and a thermostat is connected as a heating control portion 13f between the terminal portion 13d and the heat generating layer 13a. The terminal portion 13d of the heating module 13 is connected to an external circuit by an electric wiring 13e, and is supplied with current from the outside. As a power source for supplying current to the heating module 13, it is preferable to use a secondary battery B that stores electric power generated by the photovoltaic module 15. Although the material and structure of the secondary battery B are not limited, for example, a lithium ion battery, an all-solid battery, or the like can be used.

Although FIG. 5B shows an example in which a thermostat is used as the heating module 13, a temperature sensor and a microcomputer may be used to control the current value supplied to the heating module 13 within a preset temperature range. . In addition, the current control to the heating module 13 may be performed by intermittently supplying current by PWM (Pulth Width Modulation) control of the current value instead of simple on/off switching. Alternatively, a switch may be connected in the circuit to switch between energization and interruption of current, and the heat generation by the heating module 13 may be forcibly turned off when the possibility of snow accumulation is low.

In the solar power generation panel 10 of this embodiment, the light incident on the surface protection layer 18 is partially scattered by the fine particles 18b, and passes through the base resin 18a, the translucent support member 17, and the adhesive layer 16. It enters the power generation module 15. The photovoltaic module 15 converts the incident light into electrical energy and supplies power to the outside via the electrical wiring 15e. A known secondary battery B is provided outside the solar power generation panel 10, and the power generated by the solar power generation panel 10 is stored in the secondary battery B. The secondary battery B has an output section connected to an external circuit, and can drive the external circuit by supplying power thereto.

In addition, by connecting the heating module 13 to the output part of the secondary battery B, the electric power generated by the photovoltaic module 15 can be temporarily stored in the secondary battery B, and the electric power stored in the secondary battery B can be stored. can be consumed to drive the heating module 13. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), a thermostat is used as the heating control unit 13f, and the current supply to the heat generating layer 13a is controlled on/off at a predetermined threshold temperature. For example, when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 is less than 20° C., the ON control is performed to supply a current to the heat generating layer 13a to heat it, and when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 is 30° C. or higher, the OFF control is performed to stop the current flowing to the heat generating layer 13a. .

By maintaining the temperature of the photovoltaic module 15 within the range of 20°C to 30°C through current control by the heating control unit 13f, the surface temperature of the surface protective layer 18 can be maintained at 5°C to 5°C even in environments where the outside temperature has dropped to below freezing. It can be maintained at around 10°C. Therefore, even if snow falls on the surface protection layer 18, the snow can be melted by the temperature of the surface protection layer 18, and snow accretion, snow accumulation, and freezing on the solar power generation panel 10 can be prevented. As a result, light continues to enter the photovoltaic panel 10, so power generation by the photovoltaic module 15 and charging of the secondary battery B continue.

Furthermore, since the temperature of the photovoltaic module 15 is maintained within the range of 20°C to 30°C by the drive control of the heating module 13 by the heating control unit 13f, the temperature of the power generation cell 15a is also maintained within the range of 20°C to 30°C. temperature rise due to overheating can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency due to a temperature change of the power generation cell 15a, and to stabilize power generation in the photovoltaic module 15. Furthermore, if the temperature of the photovoltaic module 15 increases due to an increase in outside temperature, heat generated during power generation, sunlight irradiation, etc., the current supply to the heating module 13 is stopped, so that the current is stored in the secondary battery B. power consumption can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the heat insulating layer 11 is disposed on the opposite side of the heating module 13 from the photovoltaic module 15, the heat generated by the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15 is transferred from the back side of the photovoltaic panel 10. Heat radiation can be suppressed. Thereby, the energy consumed by the heating module 13 can be suppressed by controlling the temperature of the photovoltaic module 15 and the surface protection layer 18, and the power consumption stored in the secondary battery B can be suppressed.

Furthermore, by arranging the secondary battery B near the solar power generation panel 10, it is also possible to use the secondary battery B as an independent power source. This makes it possible to continue solar power generation and the supply of electricity even in areas where commercial power lines are not installed, in remote areas, and in areas where regular maintenance is difficult. Further, by making the secondary battery B replaceable, when charging of the secondary battery B is completed, it can be replaced with an uncharged secondary battery B to increase the total amount of power that can be stored. Furthermore, the snow melting function of the heating module 13 can be continued by replacing the secondary battery B with a separately charged secondary battery B using a commercial power source or the like in another region. Here, the secondary battery B may be placed underground near the solar power generation panel 10.

As described above, the photovoltaic power generation panel 10 of this embodiment includes the photovoltaic module 15 that converts the light irradiated onto the light incident surface into electric power, and the heating module 13 that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The module 13 is arranged on the opposite side of the photovoltaic module 15 from the light incident surface. This allows the heating module 13 to heat the solar power generation panel 10 so that the surface temperature does not fall below freezing and melt snow adhering to the surface, making it possible to continue generating electricity even during winter snowfall. Become.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Description of contents that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the first embodiment, a thermostat was used as the heating control section 13f, but in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the heating control section 13f is configured by combining a temperature sensor and a microcomputer. The microcomputer operates according to a program recorded in advance on a recording medium, and controls the driving of the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15 based on the information on the temperature T acquired by the temperature sensor.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling the solar power generation panel 10. First, in step S1, the heating control section 13f measures the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 using a temperature sensor, and transmits temperature information to the microcomputer. Next, in step S2, the microcomputer determines the heating policy of the heating module 13 based on the temperature T according to the program.

Next, in step S3, the driving of the heating module 13 is controlled according to the heating policy determined in the previous step S2. For example, when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 is less than 20° C., the ON control is performed to supply a current to the heat generating layer 13a to heat it, and when the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 is 30° C. or higher, the OFF control is performed to stop the current flowing to the heat generating layer 13a. . As another example, the current supply to the heat generating layer 13a is feedback-controlled so that the temperature T of the photovoltaic module 15 is 25°C. Next, in step S4, an operation for charging the secondary battery B with the power generated by the photovoltaic module 15 is determined and charging control is performed. After that, the process returns to step S1 again and the same control is repeated.

Also in the solar power generation panel 10 of this embodiment, the heating module 13 performs heating so that the surface temperature of the solar power generation panel 10 does not fall below freezing point, and the snow adhering to the surface can be melted. It becomes possible to continue power generation. By using a combination of a temperature sensor and a microcomputer as the heating control unit 13f, the temperature of the photovoltaic module 15 and the surface protection layer 18 can be adjusted in more detail, resulting in efficient snow melting and power consumption of the secondary battery B. This makes it possible to suppress this.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Description of contents that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the heat insulating material layer 11 and the heating module 13 were fixed with the adhesive layer 12, but the adhesive layer 12 between the heat insulating material layer 11 and the heating module 13 was omitted, and The material layer 11 may be separate from the solar power generation panel 10.

Since the heat insulating material layer 11 has a relatively soft material and structure, the load of the heating module 13, photovoltaic module 15, translucent support member 17, and surface protection layer 18 placed thereon is not applied to the heat insulating material layer 11. The deterioration tends to progress easily, and the insulation effect tends to decrease. In particular, when the solar power generation panel 10 is placed on a road or sidewalk and vehicles and pedestrians pass by, it is likely to be subjected to mechanical loads and deterioration will likely progress. Therefore, by making the heat insulating layer 11 separate from the photovoltaic panel 10, only the deteriorated heat insulating layer 11 can be replaced, and the effect of preventing heat radiation from the heating module 13 can be maintained. Here, even if the heat insulating layer 11 is made separate from the photovoltaic panel 10 and the heating module 13 is simply placed on the insulating layer 11 as in this embodiment, the heat insulation effect of the insulating layer 11 can be reduced. You get enough.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Descriptions of contents that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the use of the solar power generation panel 10 and a snow melting device using the same, and FIG. FIG. 7B shows an example in which the device is placed on a sidewalk where pedestrians pass, and FIG. 7C shows an example in which the device is placed on the roof of a building. Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which a plurality of photovoltaic panels 10 are arranged at intervals, a plurality of photovoltaic panels 10 may be arranged adjacently.

In the solar power generation panel 10 of the present invention and the snow melting device using the same, the solar power generation panel 10 is arranged on the roadway 20 as shown in FIG. It is also possible to run. Further, as shown in FIG. 7(b), it is also possible to arrange the solar power generation panel 10 on the sidewalk 40 and allow pedestrians 50 to pass over the solar power generation panel 10.

As described above, by using a flexible structure for the heating module 13 and the photovoltaic module 15, the photovoltaic module 15 will not be damaged even if a vehicle 30 or a pedestrian 50 passes over the photovoltaic panel 10. It is possible to continue power generation without any problems. Further, since the surface protective layer 18 contains fine particles 18b, and at least a portion of the fine particles 18b are exposed on the surface of the base resin 18a, it is possible to secure an appropriate coefficient of friction and prevent slipping. can.

Furthermore, by heating the photovoltaic module 15 with the heating module 13, the photovoltaic panel 10 also functions as a snow melting device, which prevents snow from accumulating in the area where the photovoltaic panel 10 is placed and continues power generation. be able to. In addition, by charging the secondary battery B and using the heat generated by the power supply from the secondary battery B, the snow melting device can be used continuously with an independent power source, such as in remote areas, mountainous areas, on bridges, and at stations. In addition to reducing the labor required to remove snow from platforms and other areas, it also prevents snow accumulation and icing, thereby increasing road safety.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(c), it is also possible to arrange the solar power generation panel 10 on the roof 60 of a building. In this case as well, the heating module 13 can be used to prevent snow from accumulating on the solar power generation panel 10 and continue power generation. As a result, power generation can be continued without removing snow from the roof, and the amount of snow removal work can also be reduced. Further, even in areas where solar power generation is difficult in winter, such as areas with heavy snowfall, the solar power generation panel 10 of the present invention can continue power generation.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

10... Solar power generation panel 11... Heat insulating material layer 12, 14, 16... Adhesive layer 13... Heating module 13a... Heat generating layer 13b, 13c, 15b, 15c... Sealing material 13d, 15d... Terminal part 13e, 15e... Electricity Wiring 13f...Heating control unit 15...Photovoltaic module 15a...Power generation cell 15f...Backflow prevention diode 17...Transparent support member 18...Surface protection layer 18a...Material resin 18b...Fine particles 20...Roadway 30...Vehicle 40...Sidewalk 50 …Pedestrian 60…Roof

Claims (8)

A snow melting device installed on the road surface,
A photovoltaic module that converts the light irradiated onto the light incident surface into electricity,
a translucent support member that transmits the light and has the photovoltaic module attached to one surface;
a heating module that converts electrical energy into thermal energy;
A heating control unit that measures the temperature T of the photovoltaic module and controls the heating module based on the temperature T,
The light-transmitting support member is arranged on the light incident surface side of the photovoltaic module,
The heating module is arranged on a side opposite to the light incident surface of the photovoltaic module,
The snow melting device is characterized in that the heating control unit starts heating by the heating module when the temperature T is less than 20°C, and stops heating by the heating module when the temperature T is 30°C or higher. The snow melting device according to claim 1,
comprising a surface coating layer formed on the other surface of the light-transmitting support member and transmitting the light;
The snow melting device is characterized in that the surface coating layer has at least the light scattering fine particles exposed on the surface. The snow melting device according to claim 2,
A snow melting device characterized in that the translucent support member is made of polycarbonate. The snow melting device according to claim 2 or 3,
The snow melting device is characterized in that the photovoltaic module includes a flexible power generation cell made of amorphous silicon. The snow melting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A snow melting device comprising: a heat insulating material layer provided on a side of the heating module opposite to the photovoltaic module. The snow melting device according to claim 5,
A snow melting device characterized in that the heating module and the heat insulating layer are constructed separately, and the heat insulating layer is replaceable. The snow melting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Supplying power generated by the photovoltaic module to a secondary battery to charge it,
The snow melting device is characterized in that the heating module is driven by current supplied from the secondary battery. A method of controlling a snow melting device installed on a road surface, the method comprising:
The snow melting device includes a photovoltaic module attached to one surface of a transparent support member that transmits light;
The light-transmitting support member is arranged on the light incident surface side of the photovoltaic module,
Converting the light irradiated onto the light incidence surface with the photovoltaic module into electric power,
converting electrical energy into thermal energy with a heating module disposed on a side opposite to the light incident surface of the photovoltaic module;
Measuring the temperature T of the photovoltaic module,
A method for controlling a snow melting device, characterized in that heating by the heating module is started when the temperature T is less than 20°C, and heating by the heating module is stopped when the temperature T is 30°C or higher.