WO2012091475A2

WO2012091475A2 - Solar tracking apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012091475A2
Application number: PCT/KR2011/010275
Authority: WO
Inventors: 민광식
Original assignee: Min Kwang Sik
Priority date: 2010-12-29
Filing date: 2011-12-29
Publication date: 2012-07-05
Also published as: KR101191456B1; CN103283035B; WO2012091475A3; CN103283035A; KR20120075878A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar tracking apparatus, and more particularly, to a solar tracking apparatus which can save power when rotating a solar cell unit and which has a simple structure. In detail, the solar tracking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a solar cell unit that collects solar light and coverts the solar light into energy; a center shaft, one end of which is fixed onto a floor and extends upwardly, and the other end of which is coupled to the solar cell unit, wherein the center shaft is hinged onto the solar cell unit such that the solar cell unit rotates in the north and south directions; and a frame which is coupled to the center shaft, and which includes first rotation-limiting means for limiting the radius of rotation of the solar cell unit in the north and south directions, and second rotation-limiting means for limiting the radius of rotation of the solar cell unit in the east and west directions.

Description

Solar tracking device

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a solar tracking device, and more particularly, to a solar tracking device having a simple structure and reducing power for rotation of a solar cell unit.

In general, photovoltaic power generation is a technology for converting sunlight into electrical energy, and is a power generation method using a solar cell that generates photovoltaic power by photoelectric effect when light is irradiated. The general configuration of the system consists of a module consisting of solar cells, a battery and a power converter. Examples of solar cells include selenium photovoltaic cells using copper and metal sulfide photovoltaic cells, silicon photovoltaic cells using semiconductor pn junctions, and the like.

Such photovoltaic power generation has a merit of self-powered generation to obtain unlimited clean energy, easy maintenance and repair, and unmanned operation. However, production efficiency is lower than that of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, and it is pointed out as a problem that power generation fluctuations are severe depending on solar radiation. In order to solve this problem, tracking devices for moving solar panels in response to changes in the orbit of the sun have been developed.

Conventional solar tracking device is provided with a screw jack for connecting the rotating unit and the solar panel, these structures flow in total and track the sunlight. Therefore, the structure is complicated and requires a lot of power because the rotating central axis and each screw jack must be moved simultaneously. In addition, since the rotation angle of the rotating central axis and the tension and shrinkage of each screw jack must be simultaneously controlled in order to track sunlight, it is difficult to control and precise tracking is difficult.

In addition, even if the slope of the solar tracking device is accurately set according to the solar altitude data of the four seasons, an error occurs due to the tilt of the central axis of the solar tracking device, which makes it difficult to accurately track the sun.

Therefore, there is a need for the development of a solar tracking device that can accurately track sunlight with little power and simple control by simplifying the structure of the tracking device that tracks sunlight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a solar tracking device that can accurately track sunlight with less power and simple control by applying a solar tracking device with a simplified structure. There is this.

In addition, the gravity tracking indicator provides a solar tracking device that can accurately track the altitude of the sun through the relative tilt of the gravity indicator and the tracking device even if the center axis of the solar tracking device is not exactly level with the ground. have.

The solar tracking device of the present invention comprises: a first frame for supporting a solar cell unit for condensing sunlight to convert energy; A second frame hinged to rotate the first frame in a east-west direction; A central axis of which one end is extended upward while the other end is fixed to the bottom surface and the other end is coupled to the second frame, the central axis being hinged to rotate in the north-south direction; First rotation limiting means provided on the second frame and the central axis to limit a north-south rotation radius of the first frame; Second rotation limiting means provided in the first frame and the second frame to limit the east-west rotation radius of the first frame; And a central axis of which one end is extended upward while the other end is fixed to the bottom surface and the other end is coupled to the second frame, and the solar cell unit is hinged to rotate in the north-south direction. Characterized in that it comprises a.

At this time, the second frame, a gravity direction indicator for displaying the direction of gravity; characterized in that it is further provided.

The gravity direction indicator may include a connecting portion formed at a hinge coupling portion between the second frame and the central axis, a rod connected at one end to the connecting portion, and a weight connected to the other end of the rod. It is done.

Here, the first rotation limiting means is driven in engagement with the first worm gear and the first gear wheel, the second rotation limiting means is driven in engagement with the second worm gear and the second gear wheel.

The first gear wheel may be provided in the second frame along a trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the north-south direction, and the first worm gear may be rotated by a first motor provided in the central axis. It is characterized by being formed.

The second gear wheel may be provided in the first frame along a trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the east-west direction, and the second worm gear may be rotated by a second motor provided in the second frame. It is characterized in that it is formed to.

In addition, a point at which the other end of the central axis and the second frame are coupled is a center of gravity of the solar cell unit and the first frame.

Solar tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

First, the rotating unit for rotating the solar cell unit and a screw jack for supporting the solar cell unit and extending and contracting are not provided separately, and rotate in the east-west direction and the north-south direction by using the center of gravity of the solar cell unit. Therefore, the power to operate the equipment is reduced, and there is an advantage that is easier to control than when driving a complex structure at the same time. In addition, since only the rotation angle of the rotating part needs to be controlled, there is an advantage in that sunlight can be tracked more precisely than when each screw jack and the rotation angle must be controlled at the same time.

Second, when the first and second rotation limiting means for rotating the solar cell unit in the east-west direction and the north-south direction by the worm gear system, precise control is possible and the reversal phenomenon does not occur by adjusting the rotation speed of the worm. . Therefore, it is possible to reliably and precisely track solar light with little influence on weather conditions at the site where the solar tracking device is installed.

Third, even if the central axis of the solar tracking device is not orthogonal to the ground, it is possible to accurately track the altitude of the sun by applying a relative slope through the gravity direction indicator.

1 is a perspective view of the solar tracking device of the present invention

Figure 2 is a side view of the solar tracking device of the present invention

3 is a perspective view of a second frame of the solar tracking device of the present invention

4 is a side view of a second frame in which the gravity direction indicator of the solar tracking device of the present invention is installed;

5 is a perspective view of a first frame of the solar tracking device of the present invention

Figure 6 is a side view of the first frame of the solar tracking device of the present invention

In general, the solar tracking device includes a method of measuring and tracking sunlight with a sensor, a method of rotating according to a predetermined time according to a program, and a method of being manually driven by a user. As described above, in order to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation, it is important that the solar cell panel follow and rotate according to the amount of sunshine. In addition, the rotation method driven to follow the solar light may be divided into a short axis type that rotates in the east-west direction and performs only a round motion, and a biaxial type that simultaneously performs the round motion and playing motion while rotating in the east-west direction and the north-south direction.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described in detail with respect to the solar tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the solar tracking device 100 of the present invention includes a fixed frame S, a first frame 110, a central axis 120, a second frame 130, and a first rotation limiting means. 140, the second rotation limiting means 150, and the gravity direction indicator 160.

A solar cell unit (not shown) is a device that condenses sunlight and converts solar energy into other energy, and it is common to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Therefore, the solar cell unit may be provided with a solar panel for condensing sunlight, a conversion device for converting energy, and an energy storage device for storing the energy, which are the same as in the general case, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Solar cells convert the energy of sunlight into electrical energy and generate electricity using two types of semiconductors, P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors. When light shines on the solar cell, electrons and holes are generated inside. The generated charges move to the P and N poles, and a potential difference (photovoltaic power) is generated between the P pole and the N pole by this phenomenon. Connecting a load causes current to flow, which is called the photoelectric effect. Solar cells can be roughly divided into those using a silicon semiconductor as a material and a compound semiconductor as a material. In addition, the silicon semiconductor may be classified into a crystal system and an amorphous system (AMOLFASS).

The fixed frame (S) is a configuration for fixing the solar cell unit to the solar tracking device of the present invention can be applied to a conventional frame. The fixed frame (S) is a plurality of spaced apart a predetermined distance on the beam.

The first frame 110 is a means for supporting the fixed frame (S), the first horizontal frame 111, the first vertical frame 112, the first rotating shaft 113, the first reinforcing rod 114 and And a second gear wheel 153.

A plurality of the first horizontal frame 111 is formed spaced apart a predetermined distance on the beam. A plurality of first vertical frames 112 are formed on the beam spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and are coupled to be orthogonal to the first horizontal frames 111. A first rotating shaft 113 is formed at the center of the lower surface of the first vertical frame 112, and both ends of the first rotating shaft 113 are connected to the first rotating shaft 113, and the other end thereof is the first vertical axis. The first reinforcement 114 is connected to the frame 112 is installed. The first rotation shaft 113 and the first reinforcing rod 114 may be formed in each of the first vertical frames 112. The second gear wheel 153 is installed on any one of the first vertical frame 112, a detailed description thereof will be described later in the second rotation limit means (150).

1 and 2, the central axis 120 is an axis for supporting the solar tracking device 100 and is extended upward with one end fixed to the bottom surface. The other end of the central axis 120 is coupled to the second frame 130, it is preferable that the hinge coupled to rotate the solar cell unit in the north-south direction. The coupling position of the central axis 120 and the second frame 130 is preferably coupled at the center of gravity of the fixed frame (S) to which the solar cell unit is fixed and the first frame (110). Unlike the conventional structure, the solar tracking device 100 according to the present invention is provided with only a driving device for rotating the solar cell unit, and there is no auxiliary equipment such as a screw jack. Therefore, the solar cell unit, the fixed frame (S), the first frame 110 and the second frame 130 are all the central axis 120 that is the coupling point of the second frame 130 and the central axis 120. Is supported by the other end of the When the position where the central axis 120 and the second frame 130 are coupled is selected as the center of gravity of the solar cell unit, the fixed frame S, and the first frame 110, the solar cell unit may be at an angle. Even if it rotates, structural stability can be maintained. Since the central axis 120 corresponds to the proximal end supporting the solar tracking device 100, the central axis 120 may be formed of a material having sufficient rigidity.

3 and 4, the second frame 130 is coupled to the central axis 120 and includes a first rotation limiting unit 140 and a second rotation limiting unit 150 of the solar cell unit. The radius of rotation can be limited.

The second frame 130 of the rotary frame 135, the first gear wheel 143, one end of the rotary frame 135 and the first gear wheel 143 hinged to the first rotation shaft 113 The inclined frame 133 connecting one end, the lower frame 134 connecting the other end of the rotating frame 135 and the other end of the first gear wheel 143, the rotating frame 135 and the inclined frame 133 And a horizontal frame 131 on which the first rotation limiting unit 140 is installed, and a vertical frame 132 connecting the inclined frame 133 and the lower frame 134. The vertical frame 131 has a dual structure of the first vertical frame 132a and the second vertical frame 132b, and is fixed to each of the first, second and third

parallel frames

132c, 132d, and 132e. . The vertical frame 132 is configured in a double structure to ensure the structural strength of the second frame 130.

The rotation frame 135 is a second rotation shaft 135a for hinge coupling with the hinge coupling portion 121 formed at one end of the central shaft 120, the main rotation frame hinged to the first rotation shaft 113 135b, an auxiliary rotating frame 135c for reinforcing the structural strength of the rotating frame 135, a second reinforcing frame 135d, and a truss frame 135e.

The first rotation limiting unit 140 may be provided in various structures in a range of limiting the radius of rotation of the solar cell unit in the north-south direction. Since the first rotation limiting unit 140 is related to the playing movement of the sun in which the altitude of the sun varies depending on the season, it is preferable to limit the rotation angle to rotate within 60 degrees in consideration of the earth's axis tilt angle. 2 illustrates a case in which the first rotation limiting unit 140 is formed in a worm gear type in which the first worm gear 141 is driven in engagement with the first gear wheel 143 through the first connection gear 142. Is shown. In the case of the worm gear system, the first gear wheel 142 may be formed in the circumferential direction of the second frame 130 along the rotational trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the north-south direction. In addition, in the first rotation limiting means 140, as described above, it is sufficient to have a rotation angle within 60 degrees. Thus, the acute angle is within 60 degrees by using the coupling point of the central axis 120 and the solar cell unit as the rotation center. The first gear wheel 142 may be formed to be. The first worm gear 141 is preferably formed to rotate by using the first motor (M1) provided in the central shaft 120 as a power. As such, when the first rotation limiting unit 140 is provided in a worm gear type, the rotation angle of the worm can be controlled in a precise manner so that the rotation angle can be precisely controlled to accurately follow sunlight. In addition, the worm gear system is stable because no reversal phenomenon occurs.

The second rotation limiting means 150 may be provided in various structures in a range of limiting the radius of rotation of the solar cell unit in the east-west direction. In the case of the second rotation limiting means 150, only the difference from the first rotation limiting means 140 will be described. The second rotation limiting means 150 limits the east-west rotation radius of the solar cell unit, whereas the first rotation limiting means 140 limits the north-south rotation of the solar cell unit. Therefore, since the second rotation limiting means 150 is related to the circumferential motion of the sun moving from east to west according to the rotation of the earth, the rotation angle is limited to rotate within about 170 degrees in consideration of the east and west horizons. It is preferable. FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a case in which the second rotation limiting means 150 is formed in a worm gear type similarly to the first rotation limiting means 140. As described above, when the second rotation limiting means 150 is formed by the worm gear method, the second gear wheel 153 is arranged along the rotation trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the east-west direction. Located in frame 110. Therefore, unlike the first gear wheel 143 is provided to be horizontal to the second frame 130, the second gear wheel 153 is perpendicular to the second frame 130, the first frame 110 It may be provided in. The second rotation limiting means 150 is formed in a worm gear type in which the second worm gear 151 is driven in engagement with the second gear wheel 153 through the second connecting gear 152. When the second worm gear 151 is rotated by the power of the second motor M2 provided in the second frame 130, the second gear wheel 153 is integral with the first frame 110 in the east-west direction. Will rotate.

At this time, the sun tracking device of the present invention has the following configuration to accurately track the altitude of the sun irrespective of the inclination of the central axis 120 and the ground.

Referring to FIG. 4, the gravitational direction indicator 160 is installed on the second frame 130 and displays a location on the second gear wheel 143 that is perpendicular to the gravitational direction, that is, the indicator. The gravity direction indicator 160 is composed of a connecting portion 161, rod 162 and weight 163. The connection part 161 is formed on the second rotation axis 135a on the second frame 130. One end of the rod 162 is connected to the connecting portion 161, and any configuration may be applied as long as the connecting portion 161 and the weight 163 can be connected in a straight line. The weight 163 is connected to the other end of the rod 162, a conventional weight configuration can be applied.

Although the central axis 120 is not orthogonal to the ground through the configuration as described above, the gravity direction indicator is displayed on the second gear wheel 143 by measuring the point perpendicular to the ground through the gravity direction indicator 160. It is possible to accurately track the altitude of the sun through the relative inclination between the 160 and the second gear wheel 143.

The technical spirit should not be interpreted as being limited to the above embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications may be made at the level of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims. Therefore, such improvements and modifications fall within the protection scope of the present invention as long as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

A first frame that supports a solar cell unit that condenses sunlight to convert energy;

A second frame hinged to rotate the first frame in a east-west direction;

A central axis of which one end is extended upward while the other end is fixed to the bottom surface and the other end is coupled to the second frame, the central axis being hinged to rotate in the north-south direction;

First rotation limiting means provided on the second frame and the central axis to limit a north-south rotation radius of the first frame;

Second rotation limiting means provided in the first frame and the second frame to limit the east-west rotation radius of the first frame; And

A central axis of which one end is extended upward while the other end is fixed to the bottom surface and the other end is coupled to the second frame, the central axis being hinged to rotate in the north-south direction;

Photovoltaic tracking device comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

In the second frame,

And a gravity direction indicator for displaying the gravity direction.
The method of claim 2,

The gravity direction indicator,

And a connecting portion formed at the hinge coupling portion between the second frame and the central axis, a rod connected at one end to the connecting portion, and a weight connected to the other end of the rod.
The method of claim 1,

The first rotation limiting means is driven by meshing the first worm gear and the first gear wheel, the second rotation limiting means is a solar tracking device characterized in that the second worm gear and the second gear wheel is driven in engagement.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The first gear wheel is provided in the second frame along the trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the north-south direction,

The first worm gear is a solar tracking device, characterized in that formed to rotate by a first motor provided on the central axis.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The second gear wheel is provided in the first frame along the trajectory of the solar cell unit rotating in the east-west direction,

The second worm gear is a solar tracking device, characterized in that formed to rotate by a second motor provided in the second frame.
The method of claim 1,

The point at which the other end of the central axis and the second frame are coupled is a center of gravity of the solar cell unit and the first frame.