WO2008010250A2 - Support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking - Google Patents

Support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008010250A2
WO2008010250A2 PCT/IT2007/000443 IT2007000443W WO2008010250A2 WO 2008010250 A2 WO2008010250 A2 WO 2008010250A2 IT 2007000443 W IT2007000443 W IT 2007000443W WO 2008010250 A2 WO2008010250 A2 WO 2008010250A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
azimuth
photovoltaic
tracking
altitude
vertical support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2007/000443
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008010250A3 (en
Inventor
Marcello Navanteri
Original Assignee
Eric Research S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eric Research S.R.L. filed Critical Eric Research S.R.L.
Publication of WO2008010250A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008010250A2/en
Publication of WO2008010250A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008010250A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
    • F24S30/452—Vertical primary axis
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H02S20/32—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/131—Transmissions in the form of articulated bars
    • F24S2030/132—Transmissions in the form of articulated bars in the form of compasses, scissors or parallelograms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/136—Transmissions for moving several solar collectors by common transmission elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/137—Transmissions for deriving one movement from another one, e.g. for deriving elevation movement from azimuth movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present invention regards a support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking, and a plant comprising said device.
  • the invention refers to the field of the production of electric energy by means of sunlight as a primary source.
  • the invention concerns a device of the already said kind, comprising a support structure for photovoltaic panels and a mechanism for the moving thereof, devoted to the tracking of the displacement of the Sun on the celestial sphere, both in azimuth and in altitude (or elevation), and a plant in which said device is an integral part in repeated modules.
  • astronomic horizon the intersection of the celestial sphere and the plane tangential to the earth (horizontal plane) in the point wherein one is positioned
  • it is defined as zenith the point in which the vertical to the horizontal plane intersect the celestial sphere
  • it is defined as azimuth the angular distance of a point positioned on the astronomic horizon from the North direction
  • it is defined as altitude the angular distance of a point from the astronomic horizon measured on a great circle arc (that is a circle having the same diameter of the celestial sphere) perpendicular to the astronomic horizon itself.
  • local meridian the great circle passing on the zenith and on the points of the astronomic horizon respectively in North direction and in South direction and it is defined as astronomic noon the moment in which the Sun is positioned (during its path from East to West passing South) on the local meridian (and more in particular on its portion comprised between the zenith and the point of intersection of the local meridian and the astronomic horizon in South direction).
  • the panels are oriented so that they can be hit by sun rays for the longest time possible during the day (the azimuth of the point towards which panels are oriented is located in an intermediate position between that of the azimuth at dawn and that of the azimuth at sunset), thus also trying to minimise, during the same time interval, the resultant of the incident angles of sun rays with the surface of the panel.
  • the position of the panel depends on external factors, such as the facing direction and the angle of a pre-existent architectural or natural element that can conveniently be used as a support for the panel.
  • An example of this kind of plants is constituted by panels covering the walls and roofs of buildings.
  • a second kind of applications (especially applied in big production plants) differently provides for the photovoltaic panels being supported by structures having the possibility of tracking the Sun in his path in the sky.
  • This kind of applications can be, in turn, divided into applications according to which the tracking of the Sun occurs simply in azimuth (azimuth tracking obtained by rotating the panel support structure around an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, from the point where the Sun rises to that where it sets, passing South), or both in azimuth and altitude (altazimuth tracking, obtained by rotating around two axes, an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, for tracking the azimuth variations, and an axis that is parallel to the horizontal plane, for tracking the altitude variations).
  • the aim of such structures of tracking is obviously that of maximising the amount of produced electric energy, through the maximisation of the incident solar energy resulting from the lining up of the panels with the direction of origin of the solar rays.
  • a further increase of production for an amount of about 10-15% of the energy produced as a whole in a year, can be obtained by providing for a glass plate suitably dimensioned at the base of the panel, the function of which is to convey, thanks to the phenomenon of reflection, part of the sun radiation that, lacking such an element, would fall outside the useful surface of the panel.
  • the device according to the present invention provides for the following elements, each devoted to one of the phases of transformation of sun radiation: an electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction, a glass plate for increasing the percentage of incident radiation, photovoltaic panels on silicon cells for transforming the incident sun radiation into direct electric current, a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power into low tension alternating electric power (380 volt, 50 hz), transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network, said electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction presenting innovative features with respect to the solutions of the prior art.
  • a support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking comprising a frame for housing at least one photovoltaic panel, for transforming the incident sun radiation into direct electric current, sustained by a vertical support connected to an electromechanical system for tracking, in azimuth and in elevation, the direction of origin of sun rays, wherein said electromechanical system for tracking comprises a single actuation bar, controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC), controlling both the movement in azimuth and in altitude of the device.
  • PLC local programmable logic controller
  • said actuation bar cooperates with a system of compasses and hinges for actuating the tracking in azimuth and with a strut type system for actuating the tracking in altitude, said system of compasses and hinges being connected with one of its extremities to said actuation bar and with the opposed extremity to an upper portion of said vertical support, said upper portion be ing connected to the remaining fixed part of said vertical support through a articulated joint having a vertical rotation axis, and said strut type system being connected with one of its extremities to the fixed portion of said vertical support and with the opposed extremity a said housing frame, respectively connected to the upper and mobile part of said vertical support through an articulated joint having a vertical rotation axis.
  • the photovoltaic device can comprise reflecting elements in order to increase the percentage of incident sun radiation on the surface of each photovoltaic panel.
  • the photovoltaic device further comprises a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power into low tension alternating electric power, transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network.
  • a photovoltaic plant comprised of one or more photovoltaic devices as previously defined, connected to one another to form a single circuit.
  • said photovoltaic plant comprises a computerised electronic system for monitoring and controlling.
  • said present invention will be described in the foregoing, for illustrative non limitative purposes, according to a preferred embodiment, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly of support devices for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking according to the present invention, in a position of maximum elevation
  • figure 2 shows a side view of the assembly of devices of figure 1 ,
  • figure 3 shows a rear view of the assembly of devices of figure 1
  • figure 4 shows a side view of the assembly of devices of figure 1 , on which photovoltaic panels and reflecting elements are supported in order to increase the incident sun radiation.
  • the support devices 2 for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking forming the object of the present invention are provided with an electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction.
  • This electromechanical system comprises a common actuation bar 6 acting on the support frames 3 of each photovoltaic panel, allowing for their orientation both in azimuth and in altitude. Both movements are provided by means of the actuation bar 6, which is controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC).
  • PLC local programmable logic controller
  • the system 7 of compasses and hinges transforms the alternative motion of the actuation bar 6 in a rotary motion around the vertical axis of the vertical support 4, while the strut type system 8, having an extremity that is fixed, by means of the Oldham coupling 12, on the fixed portion of the vertical support 4 and the other extremity that is integral to each frame 3, forces the latter, during its rotation in azimuth, to change its altitude (elevation angle).
  • said strut 8 is composed of two parts, for example two cylindrical tubes with different diameters that can be assembled one inside the other and axially blocked by means of a pin passing through holes suitably provided on said elements. This will make possible, for example, having two different configurations, for the winter and summer, by simply decreasing or increasing the length of the strut 8. Further, according to the signals detected by suitable vibration sensors, the electromechanical system is able to put the device in safe position when the speed of the wind is higher than a preset threshold.
  • each photovoltaic panel is rigid and is comprised of angular elements welded to one another.
  • a very good way of realising the assembly can be put in practice by continuous raw submerged arc welding i n an inert atmosphere.
  • the finished structure is subjected to a protective cycle by painting.
  • the structure of the support frame 3 of each photovoltaic panel can be subjected to a cycle comprising: sandblast with Sa 2-1/2 degree compressed air according to the standard ISO 8501-1 :1988, having a sandblast profile of 25-30 ⁇ m, application of a coat of anticorrosion primer (such as zinc enriched ethylsilicate), in order to obtain a dry film final thickness of at least 75 ⁇ m, subsequent application of a coat of chlorinated rubber paint, to forma an intermediate layer that, after drying, has a final thickness of at least 40 ⁇ m.
  • a cycle comprising: sandblast with Sa 2-1/2 degree compressed air according to the standard ISO 8501-1 :1988, having a sandblast profile of 25-30 ⁇ m, application of a coat of anticorrosion primer (such as zinc enriched ethylsilicate), in order to obtain a dry film final thickness of at least 75 ⁇ m, subsequent application of
  • the final thickness of the dry multilayer film of applied paint will thus have a thickness of at least 155 ⁇ m.
  • the articulated joint 9 having a horizontal rotation axis is the result of the coupling of the vertical support 4 and the support frame 3 of the photovoltaic panel by means of two cylindrical hinges.
  • the articulated joint 10 having a vertical axis is realised by interposing a plane collar bearing between the cylindrical tube belongingo the lower and fixed part of the vertical support 4 and that belonging to the upper and mobile part of the same support.
  • the building material of such bearings is preferably Tefion.
  • Said bearings allow for the transfer of radial stresses, axial stresses and overturning moment to the foundation. Such loads derive from both the weight of the device and the action of the wind occasionally striking the device.
  • a plant according to the present invention is comprised of one or more photovoltaic devices comprising the support device 2, or one or more assemblies 1 , connected to one another to form a single circuit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a support device (2) for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking, comprising a housing frame (3) for at least one photovoltaic panel, for transforming the incident sun radiation in direct electric current, sustained by a vertical support (4) connected to an electromechanical system for tracking, in azimuth and in elevation, the direction of origin of sun rays, wherein said electromechanical system for tracking comprises a single actuation bar (6), controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC), controlling both the movement in azimuth and in altitude of the device (2).

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH AZIMUTH AND ALTITUDE SOLAR TRACKING
The present invention regards a support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking, and a plant comprising said device.
The invention refers to the field of the production of electric energy by means of sunlight as a primary source.
More in particular, the invention concerns a device of the already said kind, comprising a support structure for photovoltaic panels and a mechanism for the moving thereof, devoted to the tracking of the displacement of the Sun on the celestial sphere, both in azimuth and in altitude (or elevation), and a plant in which said device is an integral part in repeated modules. Herein below in the description it is defined as astronomic horizon the intersection of the celestial sphere and the plane tangential to the earth (horizontal plane) in the point wherein one is positioned, it is defined as zenith the point in which the vertical to the horizontal plane intersect the celestial sphere, it is defined as azimuth the angular distance of a point positioned on the astronomic horizon from the North direction and it is defined as altitude the angular distance of a point from the astronomic horizon measured on a great circle arc (that is a circle having the same diameter of the celestial sphere) perpendicular to the astronomic horizon itself. It is further defined as local meridian the great circle passing on the zenith and on the points of the astronomic horizon respectively in North direction and in South direction and it is defined as astronomic noon the moment in which the Sun is positioned (during its path from East to West passing South) on the local meridian (and more in particular on its portion comprised between the zenith and the point of intersection of the local meridian and the astronomic horizon in South direction).
Photovoltaic transformation systems commonly on trade can be divided into two different typologies, fixed or movable, depending on their ability of changing their position as a function of the direction from which incident sun rays comes.
Most installations are characterised, actually, by a plant geometry and functioning of the first kind. They are, in practice, flat panels, exposed towards a fixed point of the celestial sphere and supported by a fixed support structure. Preferably, these panels are exposed towards a point of the local meridian the altitude of which is in an intermediate position between that of the Sun at local midday at the summer solstice and that at local midday at the winter solstice. In practice, the panels are oriented so that they can be hit by sun rays for the longest time possible during the day (the azimuth of the point towards which panels are oriented is located in an intermediate position between that of the azimuth at dawn and that of the azimuth at sunset), thus also trying to minimise, during the same time interval, the resultant of the incident angles of sun rays with the surface of the panel.
More often, anyway, the position of the panel depends on external factors, such as the facing direction and the angle of a pre-existent architectural or natural element that can conveniently be used as a support for the panel. An example of this kind of plants is constituted by panels covering the walls and roofs of buildings.
A second kind of applications (especially applied in big production plants) differently provides for the photovoltaic panels being supported by structures having the possibility of tracking the Sun in his path in the sky.
This kind of applications can be, in turn, divided into applications according to which the tracking of the Sun occurs simply in azimuth (azimuth tracking obtained by rotating the panel support structure around an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, from the point where the Sun rises to that where it sets, passing South), or both in azimuth and altitude (altazimuth tracking, obtained by rotating around two axes, an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, for tracking the azimuth variations, and an axis that is parallel to the horizontal plane, for tracking the altitude variations). The aim of such structures of tracking is obviously that of maximising the amount of produced electric energy, through the maximisation of the incident solar energy resulting from the lining up of the panels with the direction of origin of the solar rays.
At present, the biggest limit for this kind of tracking structures is due to the complexity of realising both the support structure and the actuation device, in particular in the case of tracking according to two axes. In fact, this complexity involves not a few drawbacks both from an economical point of view, as a consequence of the high costs of construction that reduce the advantages due to the increase of energy production, and from the point of view of the reliability. In this context it is presented the solution according to the present invention aiming at providing for an innovative plant solution comprising, on the one hand the tracking of the sun radiation arriving on the photovoltaic cell both in azimuth and in altitude, on the other hand a geometry and a working principle so simple as to constitute a photovoltaic device that can be compared, both in terms of costs and reliability, with those of the fixed type, but can increase the production of energy of about 60% with respect to them. A further increase of production, for an amount of about 10-15% of the energy produced as a whole in a year, can be obtained by providing for a glass plate suitably dimensioned at the base of the panel, the function of which is to convey, thanks to the phenomenon of reflection, part of the sun radiation that, lacking such an element, would fall outside the useful surface of the panel.
More in particular, the device according to the present invention provides for the following elements, each devoted to one of the phases of transformation of sun radiation: an electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction, a glass plate for increasing the percentage of incident radiation, photovoltaic panels on silicon cells for transforming the incident sun radiation into direct electric current, a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power into low tension alternating electric power (380 volt, 50 hz), transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network, said electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction presenting innovative features with respect to the solutions of the prior art.
It is therefore a first specific object of the present invention a support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking, comprising a frame for housing at least one photovoltaic panel, for transforming the incident sun radiation into direct electric current, sustained by a vertical support connected to an electromechanical system for tracking, in azimuth and in elevation, the direction of origin of sun rays, wherein said electromechanical system for tracking comprises a single actuation bar, controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC), controlling both the movement in azimuth and in altitude of the device.
Preferably, according to the invention, said actuation bar cooperates with a system of compasses and hinges for actuating the tracking in azimuth and with a strut type system for actuating the tracking in altitude, said system of compasses and hinges being connected with one of its extremities to said actuation bar and with the opposed extremity to an upper portion of said vertical support, said upper portion be ing connected to the remaining fixed part of said vertical support through a articulated joint having a vertical rotation axis, and said strut type system being connected with one of its extremities to the fixed portion of said vertical support and with the opposed extremity a said housing frame, respectively connected to the upper and mobile part of said vertical support through an articulated joint having a vertical rotation axis.
It is a second specific object of the present invention a photovoltaic device of the kind comprising at least one photovoltaic panel, for transforming the incident sun radiation in direct electric current, wherein said at least one photovoltaic panel is housed on a support device with azimuth and altitude solar tracking as previously defined.
According to the present invention, the photovoltaic device can comprise reflecting elements in order to increase the percentage of incident sun radiation on the surface of each photovoltaic panel.
Always according to the invention, the photovoltaic device further comprises a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power into low tension alternating electric power, transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network.
It is further a third specific object of the present invention a photovoltaic plant comprised of one or more photovoltaic devices as previously defined, connected to one another to form a single circuit.
Preferably, according to the invention, said photovoltaic plant comprises a computerised electronic system for monitoring and controlling. The present invention will be described in the foregoing, for illustrative non limitative purposes, according to a preferred embodiment, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:
- figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly of support devices for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking according to the present invention, in a position of maximum elevation,
- figure 2 shows a side view of the assembly of devices of figure 1 ,
- figure 3 shows a rear view of the assembly of devices of figure 1, and
- figure 4 shows a side view of the assembly of devices of figure 1 , on which photovoltaic panels and reflecting elements are supported in order to increase the incident sun radiation.
Making reference to figures 1-4, it is shown an assembly 1 of five support devices 2 for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking forming the object of the present invention. Each support device 2 for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking comprises a support frame 3 for a photovoltaic panel (indicated by the reference number 11 and shown in figures 1 and 2 only on the support device 2 positioned at the very right) and a vertical support post 4, laying on a common base 5. In completion further elements, not shown, are present, in particular a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power in low tension alternating electric power (380 volt, 50 hz), transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network. The support devices 2 for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking forming the object of the present invention are provided with an electromechanical system for tracking the sun rays origin direction. This electromechanical system comprises a common actuation bar 6 acting on the support frames 3 of each photovoltaic panel, allowing for their orientation both in azimuth and in altitude. Both movements are provided by means of the actuation bar 6, which is controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC).
This is made possible, from a cinematic point of view, by the combined action of the system 7 of compasses and hinges on one side (azimuthal regulation) and of the strut type system 8 on the other side (altitude regulation). From a structural point of view, the orientation of the frames 3 is made possible by the presence, on the upper part of each vertical support 4, of an articulated joint 9 having an horizontal rotation axis and, on the underlying portion of the vertical support 4, of a articulated joint 10 having a vertical rotation axis.
More precisely, the system 7 of compasses and hinges transforms the alternative motion of the actuation bar 6 in a rotary motion around the vertical axis of the vertical support 4, while the strut type system 8, having an extremity that is fixed, by means of the Oldham coupling 12, on the fixed portion of the vertical support 4 and the other extremity that is integral to each frame 3, forces the latter, during its rotation in azimuth, to change its altitude (elevation angle). In order to foresee the possibility of varying the direction of the rotation around the horizontal axis as a function of the rotation in azimuth, during the different periods of the year, said strut 8 is composed of two parts, for example two cylindrical tubes with different diameters that can be assembled one inside the other and axially blocked by means of a pin passing through holes suitably provided on said elements. This will make possible, for example, having two different configurations, for the winter and summer, by simply decreasing or increasing the length of the strut 8. Further, according to the signals detected by suitable vibration sensors, the electromechanical system is able to put the device in safe position when the speed of the wind is higher than a preset threshold.
The support frame 3 of each photovoltaic panel is rigid and is comprised of angular elements welded to one another. A very good way of realising the assembly can be put in practice by continuous raw submerged arc welding i n an inert atmosphere. Such kind of welding ensures both the predictability of the welded joint mechanical efficiency (Z= 1) and the observance of the dimensional tolerances provided for the geometrical nominal values.
It is further a good rule that the finished structure is subjected to a protective cycle by painting. As an example, the structure of the support frame 3 of each photovoltaic panel can be subjected to a cycle comprising: sandblast with Sa 2-1/2 degree compressed air according to the standard ISO 8501-1 :1988, having a sandblast profile of 25-30 μm, application of a coat of anticorrosion primer (such as zinc enriched ethylsilicate), in order to obtain a dry film final thickness of at least 75 μm, subsequent application of a coat of chlorinated rubber paint, to forma an intermediate layer that, after drying, has a final thickness of at least 40 μm. Final application of a coat of an alkyd modified chlorinated rubber paint, to form an external layer having a final thickness in dry state of at least 40 μm. The final thickness of the dry multilayer film of applied paint will thus have a thickness of at least 155 μm.
The continuous lining up of the panels with the sun rays origin direction, as already said, is provided by the presence, on the vertical support 4, of a first articulated joint 9 having a horizontal rotation axis and a second articulated joint 10 having a vertical rotation axis.
In particular the articulated joint 9 having a horizontal rotation axis is the result of the coupling of the vertical support 4 and the support frame 3 of the photovoltaic panel by means of two cylindrical hinges. The articulated joint 10 having a vertical axis, on the contrary, is realised by interposing a plane collar bearing between the cylindrical tube belongingo the lower and fixed part of the vertical support 4 and that belonging to the upper and mobile part of the same support. The building material of such bearings is preferably Tefion. Such a solution was adopted especially in consideration of the quasi-static operating conditions of the kinematic mechanisms. In fact, the complete rotation of 40° in altitude, must be made in about six hours. With a tracking action every about ten minutes said rotation implies an angular speed of about 1 ,1 sexagesimal degrees
..per each action and a contact speed of some centimetres per second. The same situation occurs for the azimuth tracking action: the whole daily average 150° must be covered in ten hours, thus implying, always considering an action per every ten minutes, a unitary width of less than 5 sexagesimal degrees per each action.
Said bearings allow for the transfer of radial stresses, axial stresses and overturning moment to the foundation. Such loads derive from both the weight of the device and the action of the wind occasionally striking the device.
As far as the base 5 is concerned, it is possible to provide for either prefabricated s upports operating by gravity and reducing to the maximum degree the impact on the site (in terms of permanent modifications), or fixed anchorages by means of micropoles. Anyway the connection between the anchorage to the soil and the structure is obtained by means of threaded bars.
A plant according to the present invention is comprised of one or more photovoltaic devices comprising the support device 2, or one or more assemblies 1 , connected to one another to form a single circuit. In particular, it is possible to provide for the presence of reflecting elements 13, supported by a further portion 14 of the frame 3, the function of which is that of increasing the percentage of incident sun radiation on the surface of the panel 11.
The whole plant can be monitored and controlled by a computerised system of supervision.
The advantages of the photovoltaic device according to the present invention are evident, in particular the maximising of the ratio increase of produced energy/increase of fabrication costs. The present invention was described for illustrative non limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it has to be understood that any variation and/or modification can be made by the skilled in the art without for this reason escaping the pertinent protection scope, as defined according to the enclosed claims.

Claims

Claims
1. Support device (2) for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking, comprising a frame (3) for housing at least one photovoltaic panel, for transforming the incident sun radiation in direct electric current, sustained by a vertical support (4) connected to an electromechanical system for tracking, in azimuth and in elevation, the direction of origin of sun rays, characterised in that said electromechanical system for tracking comprises a single actuation bar (6), controlled by a local programmable logic controller (PLC), controlling both the movement in azimuth and in altitude of the device (2).
2. Support device (2) for photovoltaic panels according to claim 1 , characterised in that said actuation bar (6) cooperates with a system (7) of compasses and hinges for actuating the tracking in azimuth and with a strut type system (8) for actuating the tracking in altitude, said system (7) of compasses and hinges being connected with one of its extremities to said actuation bar (6) and with the opposed extremity to an upper portion of said vertical support (4), said upper portion being connected to the remaining fixed part of said vertical support (4) through an articulated joint
(10) having a vertical rotation axis, and said strut type system (8) being connected with one of its extremities to the fixed portion of said vertical support (4) and with the opposed extremity to said housing frame (3), respectively connected to the upper and mobile part of said vertical support (4) through an articulated joint (9) having a vertical rotation axis.
3. Photovoltaic device of the kind comprising at least one photovoltaic panel (11), for transforming the incident sun radiation in direct electric current, characterised in that said at least one photovoltaic panel
(11) is housed on a support device (2) with azimuth and altitude solar tracking as defined according to the previous claims.
4. Photovoltaic device according to claim 3, characterised in that it comprises further reflecting elements (13) in order to increase the percentage of incident sun radiation on the surface of each photovoltaic panel (11).
5. Photovoltaic device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises a solid state inverter for transforming the direct electric power into low tension alternating electric power, transformers, protection organs and measurement instruments for the controlled release of the produced electric energy to the distribution network.
6. Photovoltaic plant comprised by one or more photovoltaic devices as defined according to claims 3-5, connected to one another to form a single circuit.
7. Photovoltaic plant according to claim 6, characterised in that it comprises a computerised electronic system for monitoring and controlling.
PCT/IT2007/000443 2006-07-21 2007-06-21 Support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking WO2008010250A2 (en)

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IT000388A ITRM20060388A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2006-07-21 SUPPORT DEVICE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH SOLAR TRACKING IN AZIMUT AND HEIGHT
ITRM2006A000388 2006-07-21

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WO2008010250A3 WO2008010250A3 (en) 2008-06-19

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EP2163834A1 (en) 2008-09-12 2010-03-17 Massimo Venturelli Device for tracking solar radiation for panels used for absorbing the said solar radiation
NL2003092C2 (en) * 2009-06-26 2010-12-28 Marion Hillegonda Anna Jonge HOLDER PANEL HOLDER SYSTEM.
EP2375186A1 (en) * 2010-04-09 2011-10-12 Sol in G Sun-tracking device, in particular intended for installation on a building
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EP2439465A2 (en) 2010-10-06 2012-04-11 Theodor Haas Solar array
WO2012098565A3 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-12-20 Dimensione Solare S.R.L. Kinematic mechanism for bi-axial follower assemblies
US20130061909A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-03-14 Claude Jacquot Device shaped so that it can be used alone to secure a solar panel to a single beam of a support structure, and unit comprising one such device
WO2013036112A1 (en) 2011-09-05 2013-03-14 Wallvision B.V. Outside wall cladding element and an outside wall provided with such an outside wall cladding element
JP2013096058A (en) * 2011-10-27 2013-05-20 Added Value Corp Tiltable solar cell panel frame
ITMO20120053A1 (en) * 2012-03-05 2013-09-06 Roberto Odorici DEVICE FOR HANDLING PHOTOVOLTAIC OR SIMILAR PANELS
ITBA20120032A1 (en) * 2012-05-24 2013-11-25 Giuseppe Giacomino VERTICAL STRUCTURE FOR SOLAR PANELS
WO2014056049A1 (en) 2012-10-11 2014-04-17 Bilić Josip Device using multiple renewable energy sources (dumres)
CN108445920A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-08-24 国家电网公司 A kind of solar energy equipment and its control method
EP3510330A4 (en) * 2016-09-07 2020-05-20 C I Corporation Pty Ltd A dual axis solar tracker assembly
CN113206636A (en) * 2021-05-17 2021-08-03 北京鑫泰绿能科技有限公司 Photovoltaic power station work monitoring system and monitoring method
EP3844444A4 (en) * 2018-08-29 2022-09-07 C I Corporation Pty Ltd Single axis solar tracker assembly

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US20100192942A1 (en) * 2007-09-24 2010-08-05 Global Product Design Pty Ltd Solar tracking system
WO2009039556A1 (en) * 2007-09-24 2009-04-02 Global Product Design Pty Ltd Solar tracking system
EP2163834A1 (en) 2008-09-12 2010-03-17 Massimo Venturelli Device for tracking solar radiation for panels used for absorbing the said solar radiation
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US20130061909A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-03-14 Claude Jacquot Device shaped so that it can be used alone to secure a solar panel to a single beam of a support structure, and unit comprising one such device
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NL2005311C2 (en) * 2010-09-03 2012-03-06 Eeuwes Theodorus Maria SOLAR PANEL COMPOSITION.
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EP2439465A2 (en) 2010-10-06 2012-04-11 Theodor Haas Solar array
WO2012098565A3 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-12-20 Dimensione Solare S.R.L. Kinematic mechanism for bi-axial follower assemblies
WO2013036112A1 (en) 2011-09-05 2013-03-14 Wallvision B.V. Outside wall cladding element and an outside wall provided with such an outside wall cladding element
US9331630B2 (en) 2011-09-05 2016-05-03 Wallvision B.V. Outside wall cladding element and an outside wall provided with such an outside wall cladding element
JP2013096058A (en) * 2011-10-27 2013-05-20 Added Value Corp Tiltable solar cell panel frame
ITMO20120053A1 (en) * 2012-03-05 2013-09-06 Roberto Odorici DEVICE FOR HANDLING PHOTOVOLTAIC OR SIMILAR PANELS
ITBA20120032A1 (en) * 2012-05-24 2013-11-25 Giuseppe Giacomino VERTICAL STRUCTURE FOR SOLAR PANELS
WO2014056049A1 (en) 2012-10-11 2014-04-17 Bilić Josip Device using multiple renewable energy sources (dumres)
EP3510330A4 (en) * 2016-09-07 2020-05-20 C I Corporation Pty Ltd A dual axis solar tracker assembly
CN108445920A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-08-24 国家电网公司 A kind of solar energy equipment and its control method
EP3844444A4 (en) * 2018-08-29 2022-09-07 C I Corporation Pty Ltd Single axis solar tracker assembly
CN113206636A (en) * 2021-05-17 2021-08-03 北京鑫泰绿能科技有限公司 Photovoltaic power station work monitoring system and monitoring method
CN113206636B (en) * 2021-05-17 2022-05-13 北京鑫泰绿能科技有限公司 Photovoltaic power station work monitoring system and monitoring method

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