KR20120006795A - Device for tracking sunlight and fabrication method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A solar tracking system and a manufacturing method thereof are provided to prevent a deformation of a straight-line driving shaft by using connecting member having a high flexibility. CONSTITUTION: A solar tracking device(100) comprises one or more solar modules(110), straight-line driving shafts(120), and a first connecting unit. The solar tracking device tracks sunlight according to a change of the azimuth. One or more straight-line driving shafts are separately arranged in one side of one or more solar modules. The first connecting unit is arranged between the first solar module and the first straight-line driving shaft. The first connecting unit connects the first solar module and the first straight line driving shaft. The first connecting unit prevents an incomplete transmission of power through the first straight-line driving shaft by a distortion of the first straight-line driving shaft that caused by a positional change of solar modules.

Description

Device for tracking sunlight and fabrication method

The present invention relates to a solar tracking device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a solar tracking device that continuously converts the angle of the solar module according to the movement path of the sun in order to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation and its It is about a manufacturing method.

At present, the importance of eco-friendly and efficient solar power generation, which emits no carbon dioxide, is being emphasized due to the depletion of fossil fuel, a major energy source, and global warming due to environmental pollution.

In other words, as oil is expected to reach its peak in 2010-2020 and natural gas 2020-2025, it is urgent to develop energy sources that can replace them, raising awareness about pollution of the global environment. In the current situation, the burden of GHG reduction is expected to become visible. In such a situation, there is an increasing interest in the utility of solar energy, which does not emit any carbon dioxide and pollutants in the process of converting infinitely existing solar energy into electrical energy. Because.

Photovoltaic power generation is a power generation system that produces electricity on a large scale by using solar energy by unfolding panels with solar cells on a large scale. That is, photovoltaic power generation is a method of generating power using an optoelectronic effect in which power is produced by sunlight incident on a solar cell module. Major devices include solar modules and inverters and structures that convert DC power produced by solar modules to AC power.

Photovoltaic power generation can be classified into two types, fixed installation method and solar tracking method, depending on the installation method of the solar module. In the fixed installation method, the solar module is fixed at a predetermined angle to reduce the manufacturing cost and the installation cost of the structure. The installation angle of the photovoltaic module is the angle that can receive sunlight for the longest time depending on the region. On the other hand, the solar tracking method requires a lot of production and installation cost of the structure, but the solar cell module can move along the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset, so that the power generation can continue to generate power has the advantage of high electricity production efficiency. .

Therefore, there is a need for a photovoltaic power generation structure of a solar tracking method having a low production cost, easy installation and easy maintenance in such a situation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking device for connecting the solar module and the linear drive shaft as a connection means for preventing the deformation of the linear drive shaft due to the position change of the solar module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a solar tracking device for connecting the solar module and the linear drive shaft as a connection means for preventing deformation of the linear drive shaft due to the change in position of the solar module.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned object, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Solar tracking device according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is at least one photovoltaic module for tracking the sunlight according to a change in the orientation of the sun, is arranged spaced apart on one side of the at least one photovoltaic module Disposed between at least one linear driving shaft and the first solar module and the first linear driving shaft to connect the first solar module and the first linear driving shaft, and the distortion of the first linear driving shaft due to the change of position of the first solar module; And a first connection portion for preventing power from being incompletely transmitted through the first linear drive shaft.

On the other hand, the first photovoltaic module is a basic anchor installed on the ground, the power transmission unit is installed on the top of the base anchor, consisting of worm gears and spur gears, the support pillar, vertically erected on the ground and installed on the power transmission portion, the support pillar It may include a panel frame rotatably coupled to and a solar collector panel coupled to the panel frame to collect sunlight.

In addition, the solar tracking device may be characterized in that the worm gear and the first connection portion is connected through the hole in the side in the power transmission unit.

In addition, the solar tracking device is connected to a motor and a motor for rotating the solar collection panel according to the change in the orientation of the sun, and the motor control unit for controlling the rotation angle of the solar collection panel by the motor according to the position of the sun. It may further include.

In addition, the first photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft is disposed between the first photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft, and the second linear driving shaft due to the twist of the second linear driving shaft due to the position change of the first photovoltaic module It may further include a second connection for preventing the transmission of power incompletely through the linear drive shaft.

In addition, the second photovoltaic module and the second linear drive shaft is disposed between the second photovoltaic module and the second linear drive shaft, the second linear drive shaft by the twist of the second linear drive shaft due to the position change of the second photovoltaic module It may further include a third connection for preventing power from being incompletely transmitted through the linear drive shaft.

Meanwhile, the first connection part may be a universal joint.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a solar tracking device, the method comprising: installing at least one solar module for tracking sunlight according to a change in the orientation of the sun, and spaced apart from one side of the at least one solar module Providing at least one linear drive shaft and preventing the power from being incompletely transmitted to the first solar module through the first linear drive shaft by the distortion of the first linear drive shaft due to the positional change of the first solar module. And connecting the first photovoltaic module and the first linear drive shaft to the first connection portion.

According to the present invention, by introducing a highly flexible connection means that prevents deformation of the linear drive shaft due to the change of position of the solar module to cope with problems caused by product malfunction and installation errors, ground subsidence that occurs during the installation of the structure do. In other words, the present invention is characterized by being able to compensate for the deformation of the structure caused by malfunctions occurring during the installation work in the field or ground subsidence during long-term use. If this is not the case, a problem will occur that will cause the structure to not work smoothly or even stop working.

In addition, since the power transmission angle is easily changed by the connecting means, it is possible to install the solar tracking device on the terrain of various structures, and to install the solar tracking device for arranging the solar modules in various forms.

1 is a view showing a schematic basic configuration of a solar tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram in which a plurality of solar modules according to another embodiment of the present invention are continuously connected.
3 is a side view of the solar module shown in FIG. 1.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the shaft support portion and the rotating shaft portion of the solar module shown in FIG.
5 is a view showing a deformation of the linear drive shaft according to the ground subsidence.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a connecting portion used as a solution to the problem shown in FIG. 5; FIG.
FIG. 7A illustrates a photovoltaic tracking device in which a plurality of photovoltaic modules are connected to an inclined terrain by using the connection unit illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a solar tracking device in which a plurality of solar modules are connected in various forms, rather than in a straight line, by using the connection unit illustrated in FIG. 6.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various forms, and only the present embodiments are intended to complete the disclosure of the present invention, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

1 is a view showing a schematic basic configuration of a solar tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The solar tracking device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a solar module 110, a linear drive shaft 120, a connection unit 130, a motor 140, and a motor controller 150.

The solar module 110 is rotated according to the change in the orientation of the sun to collect sunlight, and converts the collected solar energy into electrical energy. The solar tracking device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is illustrated with one solar module 110, which is merely an example for convenience of description. It is also possible that the solar tracking device 100 is provided with two or more solar modules 110.

The linear driving shaft 120 is spaced apart from the solar module 110 by a predetermined distance and disposed on the side surface of the solar module 110. The linear drive shaft 120 transmits power generated from the motor driver 140 to rotate the solar module 110 connected to the linear drive shaft 120.

The connector 130 is disposed between the solar module 110 and the linear drive shaft 120 to connect the solar module 110 and the linear drive shaft 120. The connection part 130 prevents the power generated by the motor 140 from being incompletely transmitted to the solar module 110 by the distortion of the linear drive shaft 120 generated by the settlement of the ground.

In addition, unlike the conventional solar tracking device that can be installed only on a flat surface, it is possible to install in various types of terrain.

The structure and role of the connection unit 130 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

The motor 140 generates power for rotating the solar collection panel of the solar module 110 in accordance with the change in the orientation of the sun. The motor 140 is connected to the linear drive shaft 120, and transmits power to the solar module 110 through the linear drive shaft 120.

Although one motor 140 and the solar module 110 are connected to FIG. 1, installing a plurality of motors 140 will also be included in the scope of the present invention.

The motor controller 150 is connected to the motor 140 and controls the rotation angle of the solar collector panel by the motor 140 according to the position of the sun. The motor controller 150 may be connected to a solar tracking sensor for tracking sunlight.

Therefore, when the solar module 110 is rotated by the motor 150 and the rotation is controlled by the motor controller 150 and the solar tracking sensor, the solar power is generated while tracking the sunlight to be the optimal condition for solar power generation. The solar power generation structure will be born.

On the other hand, if necessary to implement the facility, the solar tracking sensor for detecting the position of the sunlight and sends a control signal to the motor control unit 150, the inverter that collects the electricity generated from the solar tracking module and converts into electricity of AC In addition, the KEPCO line linkage system, which integrates electricity generated and generated from various structures, with KEPCO's electric lines, may be provided.

2 is a diagram in which a plurality of solar modules are connected in series.

Since solar modules used in solar power generation have low electrical conversion efficiency per module, numerous solar modules are installed to increase the generation efficiency of solar power generation. In addition, low-voltage, low-current DC electricity obtained from sunlight should be connected in series and in parallel to convert the inverter into alternating current electricity. In this case, the present embodiment is designed to operate a number of solar modules disposed at a limited power plant site with a minimum configuration and minimum power.

In this embodiment, the connection part 130 connecting the linear drive shaft 120-1 and the linear drive shaft 120-1 and the solar module, which are basically spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, on the side of the solar module 110-1. -1) Install.

In addition, the linear drive shaft 120-1 is connected to the motor 140 and the motor controller 150 to transmit power to the solar module 110-1 connected to the linear drive shaft 120-1. That is, the side surface of the linear drive shaft 120-1 is connected to the solar module 110-1 through the connecting portion 130-1, and the motor 140 and the motor controller 150 are provided on the other side. ) Is connected.

The solar modules 110-2 and 110-3 may be continuously installed in the basic configuration thus connected. That is, the photovoltaic module 110-1 and the linear driving shaft disposed to be spaced apart from the linear driving shaft 120-1 and the linear driving shaft 120-1 connected to the sides of the motor 140 and the motor controller 150 by a predetermined distance ( 120-1) and a plurality of photovoltaic modules 110-2 and 110-3 are continuously installed in a basic configuration including a connection portion 130-1 connecting the photovoltaic module 110-1.

Meanwhile, when the plurality of solar modules 110-2 and 110-3 are continuously installed, the linear drive shafts 120-2 and 120-3 and the connection part 130-are connected to the side surfaces where the linear drive shafts 120-1 are not connected. 2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5) between the solar module and the solar module.

The structure in which the plurality of photovoltaic modules of FIG. 2 are continuously installed may be additionally installed in such a quantity as to generate the electric power generation capacity required by the shape of the site of the photovoltaic power plant. That is, a plurality of solar modules are arranged in a straight line on the left and right, and this is further arranged before and after to arrange and install as many as the number corresponding to the required power generation capacity of the solar power plant.

3 is a side view of the photovoltaic module of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an axis support part and a rotation shaft part of the photovoltaic module of FIG. 1.

Solar module according to an embodiment includes a solar collector panel 111, the frame portion 112, the support pillar 113, the power transmission unit 114 and the base anchor 115.

The support pillar 113 is a structure for vertically standing on the ground to support the solar collector panel 111 is rotated. In addition, a passage is formed therein so that the rotating shaft 112i passes, and power is transmitted from the power transmission unit 114 to the solar collection panel 111. Referring to the drawings, the support pillar 113 is vertically fixed to the lower end is fixed to the power transmission unit 114 located on the base anchor 115 installed on the ground. An upper end of the support pillar 113 is provided with a shaft support portion 113a for rotating the panel frame 112a on which the solar collection panel 111 is mounted. The shaft support part 113a has a bearing support end 113b provided at an upper portion thereof in such a manner that the rotating shaft 112i provided at the center portion is axially supported on the rear surface of the panel frame 112a. The bearing support end 113b is coupled to an outer ring of a bearing in which a rotating shaft 112i is coupled to an inner ring.

The panel frame 112a is rotatably supported by the shaft support part 113a and is a frame structure for laying the solar collector panel 111 on the upper surface. That is, the panel frame 112a is connected to the support pillar 113 so as to be rotatable about a vertical rotation shaft 112i supported by the shaft support 113a provided at the upper end of the support pillar 113.

Referring to the drawings, the panel frame 112a is coupled to the inner ring of the bearing of the shaft support portion 113a and is supported by the shaft support portion 113a so as to rotate about a vertical axis, and the upper end of the rotation shaft 112i and the rotation shaft 112i. The shaft bracket 112g integrally formed with the rotating shaft 112i and the shaft bracket 112g is connected to the beam and is connected to the beam portion 112 formed in the shape of a frame structure. The frame portion 112 includes a beams 112b coupled to the shaft bracket 112g and an inclined beam 112c having a lower end connected to the base beam 112b so that the solar collector panel 111 is inclined toward the south. . In addition, the main beam 112e and the main beam 112e, which are supported by the inclined beam 112c and the connecting beam 112d and are inclined in a horizontal direction, are included in the transverse beam 112f and coupled to the main beam 112e. In addition, it includes a support beam 112g spanned in the longitudinal direction to the transverse beam 112f and coupled to the transverse beam 112f, and the solar collection panel 111 is mounted on and coupled to the upper portion of the support beam 112g.

The solar collector panel 111 is a component for absorbing solar energy while being installed on the panel frame 112a and rotating to track the sun from each other in the east. The solar collector panel 111 may be configured as a solar heat collecting panel that obtains thermal energy from sunlight, or a solar power panel that obtains electrical energy from sunlight.

The power transmission unit 114 transmits power by the outside of the solar module 110 to the rotating shaft 112i formed inside the support pillar in a box shape. The power transmission unit 114 includes a worm gear 114a and a spur gear 114b to transmit the power. The axis of rotation of the worm gear 114a is parallel to the ground, and the axis of rotation 112i of the spur gear 114b is perpendicular to the ground. In other words, it can be said that the worm gear 114a is located on the side of the spur gear 114b.

In addition, the worm gear 114a and the spur gear 114b are engaged with each other, and the spur gear 114b is connected to the rotation shaft 112i. Therefore, the power whose rotation direction is changed through the worm gear 114a and the spur gear 114b is transmitted to the rotation shaft 112i. In addition, the power transmission unit 114 has holes formed at both sides, and the connection unit 130 and the worm gear 114a are connected through the holes. Therefore, the external power is converted to the rotation direction of the power through the worm gear 114a and the spur gear 114b provided in the power transmission unit 114 and transmitted to the rotation shaft 112i.

5 is a view showing a deformation of the linear drive shaft according to the ground subsidence, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a connecting portion used as a solution to the problem shown in FIG.

When installing a solar tracking device, the foundation anchors for fixing these structures to the ground should be buried in the ground. There are two methods for laying the foundation anchors in the ground: the RCD method of laying concrete after installing the reinforcing structure in the ground after drilling the ground, and the PC method of laying the ground after digging the ground by making the foundation anchors in advance.

However, even when the foundation anchors are installed and installed with a solar tracking device, the ground subsidence proceeds as time passes. In addition, the height of the support of the installed structure is also different due to the difference in the height of the settled ground, which eventually hinders the rotational operation of the structure and generates fatigue stress that causes problems in the safety of the structure. It will cause a problem. As such, when the basic anchors of some structures are settled, a problem occurs in the operation of the interconnected structures as shown in FIG. 5, and the support pillars are also settled, thereby deforming other structures assembled to the support pillars.

This problem acts as a major factor that prevents the smooth operation of the rotating operation part of the solar tracking structure moving along the path of the sun rather than the fixed installation method. Therefore, the design of the structure that can compensate for the problems caused by the ground subsidence after installation of the solar tracking device is required.

Referring to FIG. 5, as the solar modules positioned in the center of the solar modules arranged at regular intervals are settled, the height of the linear driving shaft connected to the solar modules is lowered. This causes the linear drive shaft to be struck down and the connecting parts and gears connected to the linear drive shaft are pulled down, causing component damage due to fatigue stress acting on the connecting parts and gears.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has been described in which the linear drive shaft and the solar module are connected to each other through a connection unit for freely transmitting power even when the position of any one of the plurality of solar modules is changed.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the two axes intersect at an angle, the connecting unit 130 combines the two axes so as to freely transmit power.

The connecting portion 130 is a plurality of yoke (133, 134) provided at the end of the two shafts, the cross-shaft (40) that is fitted between the plurality of yoke (133, 134) to couple the yoke (133, 134) at right angles ( 135).

The two shafts 131 and 132 are connected at right angles by the fitting holes 133a and 133b of the yokes 133 and 134 provided at the ends thereof and the cross shaft 135. The two shafts 131 and 132 are fitted to the cross shaft 135, and the cap 136 is fitted to the cross shaft 135, respectively.

Thus, the connecting portion is configured to transmit the rotational force to the other one of the two shafts 131, 132 through the cross member 135 when rotating one of the two shafts 131, 132.

As a result, the connecting portion 130 allows power to be transferred between the connected devices without generating distortion stress even if the positions of the devices connected to both sides are not straight. Therefore, even if any one of the plurality of photovoltaic modules is changed in position due to subsidence of the ground in the photovoltaic tracking device to which the plurality of photovoltaic modules are connected, power can be transmitted through the connection without generating distortion stress on the linear drive shaft.

7A and 7B are views illustrating an embodiment in which a plurality of solar modules are installed in various terrains using the connection part of FIG. 6.

The conventional solar tracking device was only able to connect a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a straight plane through a bolt nut coupling with a linear drive shaft.

The connection part 130 of FIG. 6 is characterized in that the two connecting parts to freely transmit power even if the device connected to both ends of the connection part 130 is formed at any angle rather than a straight line. Therefore, when the linear driving shaft 120 and the solar module 110 are connected through the connection unit 130 of FIG. 6, it is possible to configure the solar tracking device 100 in various terrains and in various forms.

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating a solar tracking device in which a plurality of solar modules are connected to an inclined terrain using the connection part of FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the solar tracking device may be installed on the inclined terrain, and the solar tracking device may be installed in various types of terrain such as uneven flat terrain.

FIG. 7B is a view illustrating a solar tracking device in which a plurality of solar modules are connected in various forms rather than in a straight line by using the connection part of FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the solar tracking device may not be configured of only a plurality of solar modules connected in a straight line, but may be connected in various forms such as zigzag.

7A and 7B are merely examples of a solar tracking device configured by connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules using the connection part of FIG. 6. The solar modules arranged in various forms such as zigzag on various terrains such as bumpy terrain To connect to the connection of Figure 6 to configure the solar tracking device will also be included in the scope of the present invention.

The solar module 110 includes a single-axis solar tracking module for tracking the sun in east and west, and a multi-axis solar tracking module for tracking the sun in east and west as well as considering the south and south altitude of the sun according to the season.

Naturally, the solar tracking device 100 according to the present embodiment may be applied to not only a single-axis solar tracking module but also a multi-axis solar tracking module.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. It is intended that the scope of the invention be indicated by the following claims rather than the foregoing description, and that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents shall be included within the scope of the invention. do.

100: solar tracking device
110: solar module
111: solar collector panel
112: support pillar
113: frame part
114: power transmission unit
115: basic anchor
120: linear drive shaft
130: connection
140: motor drive unit
150: motor control unit

Claims (8)

At least one photovoltaic module that tracks sunlight according to a change in the orientation of the sun;
At least one linear driving shaft spaced apart from one side of the at least one solar module; And
Disposed between the first photovoltaic module and the first linear driving shaft to connect the first photovoltaic module and the first linear driving shaft, and by the twist of the first linear driving shaft due to a change in position of the first photovoltaic module. And a first connection part for preventing power from being incompletely transmitted through the first linear drive shaft.
The method according to claim 1,
The first solar module
A foundation anchor installed on the ground;
A power transmission unit installed on the base anchor and configured of a worm gear and a spur gear;
A support column perpendicular to the ground and installed on an upper portion of the power transmission unit;
A panel frame rotatably coupled to the support pillar; And
A solar collector panel coupled to the panel frame and collecting solar light;
Solar tracking device comprising a.
The method according to claim 2,
In the power transmission unit
The solar tracking device, characterized in that the worm gear and the first connecting portion is connected through a hole in the side.
The method according to claim 1,
A motor for rotating the solar collection panel according to a change in the orientation of the sun; And
And a motor control unit connected to the motor and controlling a rotation angle of the solar collection panel by the motor according to the position of the sun.
The method according to claim 1,
Disposed between the first photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft to connect the first photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft, and to the distortion of the second linear driving shaft due to a change in position of the first photovoltaic module. And a second connection part which prevents incomplete transmission of power through the second linear drive shaft.
The method according to claim 5,
Disposed between the second photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft to connect the second photovoltaic module and the second linear driving shaft, and to the distortion of the second linear driving shaft due to a change in position of the second photovoltaic module. And a third connection unit for preventing power from being incompletely transmitted through the second linear drive shaft.
The method according to claim 1,
The first connection portion
Solar tracking device, characterized in that the universal joint.
Installing at least one solar module that tracks sunlight according to a change in the orientation of the sun;
Providing at least one linear driving shaft spaced apart from one side of the at least one solar module; And
A first connection part for preventing power from being incompletely transmitted to the first photovoltaic module through the first linear driving shaft by twisting of the first linear driving shaft due to a change in position of the first photovoltaic module, the first aspect Connecting the optical module and the first linear drive shaft; manufacturing method of a solar tracking device comprising a.

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