WO2015116911A1 - Module solaire ayant un ensemble bâti pliable intégré - Google Patents

Module solaire ayant un ensemble bâti pliable intégré Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015116911A1
WO2015116911A1 PCT/US2015/013719 US2015013719W WO2015116911A1 WO 2015116911 A1 WO2015116911 A1 WO 2015116911A1 US 2015013719 W US2015013719 W US 2015013719W WO 2015116911 A1 WO2015116911 A1 WO 2015116911A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar module
solar
ballast
frame
laminate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/013719
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Carl OUDHEUSDEN
Original Assignee
Sunedison Llc
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 Sunedison Llc filed Critical Sunedison Llc
Publication of WO2015116911A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015116911A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F24S25/13—Profile arrangements, e.g. trusses
    • 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
    • F24S25/16—Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
    • 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
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
    • 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
    • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
    • H02S30/20—Collapsible or foldable PV modules
    • 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
    • F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
    • F24S2025/012—Foldable support elements
    • 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
    • F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
    • F24S2025/02—Ballasting means
    • 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
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • 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 field relates generally to mounting systems for solar laminates and, more specifically, to solar modules having a collapsible racking assembly for mounting photovoltaic laminates on a structure.
  • Solar modules for converting solar energy into other forms of useful energy are typically mounted on a support surface by a separate frame or rack structure.
  • This rack is also typically mounted to position the solar module at an angle relative to the support surface to minimize an angle of incidence between the solar module and the solar rays. Minimizing the angle of incidence increases the amount of solar energy gathered by the solar module.
  • Solar racks are typically formed from a plurality of structural members, which may be assembled at a factory or other remote site and then transported to an installation location. The structural members may also be transported to the installation location and then assembled to form the racks on site prior to installation of the rack on the support surface. A more efficient mounting system that reduces the cost of the system and the time and labor required to install the system is needed.
  • a system for mounting solar modules to a structure includes a solar module that is movable from a collapsed state to an expanded state.
  • a bottom surface of the solar module In the collapsed state, a bottom surface of the solar module is substantially parallel with a top surface of the solar module.
  • the bottom surface In the expanded state, the bottom surface forms an angle with the top surface.
  • the solar module has a solar panel and a rack assembly connected with the solar module.
  • the solar panel includes a photovoltaic laminate and an edge seal.
  • the edge seal extends around an outer edge of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the rack assembly includes a laminate frame pivotally connected with a mount frame.
  • a method of installing a solar module to a structure includes positioning the solar module upon the structure, expanding the solar module from a collapsed state to an expanded state; and securing the solar module in the expanded state.
  • the solar module has a solar panel attached to a rack assembly. In the collapsed state, a bottom surface of the solar module is substantially parallel with a top surface of the solar module. In the expanded state, the bottom surface forms an angle with the top surface.
  • a device for attaching wires in spaced relation to a structure includes a body, a grip, and a pair of hooks extending from the body.
  • the grip is connected with and extends substantially parallel to the body.
  • a portion of the grip is movable from an undeformed position to a deformed position to form a biasing force for urging the grip toward the undeformed position.
  • the hooks are directed toward each other to define an opening therebetween. At least one of the hooks is movable to allow the wire to be placed therebetween.
  • a wire clip for attaching a wire to a structure in spaced relation to an edge of a structural flange includes a body, a grip, and a pair of hooks.
  • the grip is connected with the body.
  • a portion of the grip is movable with respect to the body to attach the wire clip to the structural flange.
  • the hooks extend from the body in spaced relation to the grip. At least one of the hooks is movable in relation to the other hook to allow the wire to be placed and retained therebetween.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective of a solar module in accordance with one embodiment in an expanded state
  • Figure 2 is a cross-section of the solar module of Figure 1 taken along line
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective of the solar module of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a front perspective of the solar module of Figure 1 in a collapsed state
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the solar module of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a bottom perspective of the solar module of Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 is a top perspective of a rack assembly of Figure 1 in a collapsed state
  • Figure 8 is a bottom perspective of the rack assembly of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a front perspective of multiple solar modules in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1 assembled into a solar array
  • Figure 10 is a side view of the solar array of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a cross-section of the solar module of Figure 9 taken along line 1 1-11 ;
  • Figure 12 an enlarged view of a base of Figure 9 indicated at 12;
  • Figure 13 is a front perspective of the base in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a top perspective of the rack assembly of Figure 7 in an expanded state;
  • Figure 15 is a cross-section of the rack assembly of Figure 14 taken along line 15-15;
  • Figure 16 is a cross-section of the rack assembly of Figure 14 taken along line 16-16;
  • Figure 17 is a cross-section of the rack assembly of Figure 7 taken along line 17-17;
  • Figure 18 is a front perspective of a clip in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 19 is a bottom view of the clip in accordance of Figure 18;
  • Figure 20 is a right side view of the clip in accordance of Figures 18 and
  • Figure 21 is a left side view of the clip in accordance of Figures 18-20;
  • Figure 22 is a left side view of the solar module in accordance of Figure 1 in a collapsed state
  • Figure 23 is a left side view of the solar module in accordance of Figure 1 in a partially expanded state.
  • Figure 24 is a left side view of the solar module in accordance of Figure 1 in an expanded state.
  • the system 10 includes a solar module 12, an inverter 330, and a ballast 340.
  • the solar module 12 is an integrated, single unit that includes a solar panel 30 and a rack assembly 60.
  • the solar panel 30 has a top surface 32, which is also the top surface of the solar module 12, and a bottom surface 34.
  • the rack assembly 60 has a top surface 62, which is attached to the bottom surface 34 of the solar panel 30, and a bottom surface 64, which is also the bottom surface of the solar module 12.
  • the solar module 12 is movable between a collapsed state (shown in Figures 4-6) and an expanded state (shown in Figures 1-3).
  • a collapsed state shown in Figures 4-6
  • an expanded state shown in Figures 1-3.
  • the top surface 20 of the solar module 12 and bottom surface 22 of the solar module 12 are substantially parallel with each other.
  • the top surface 20 forms an angle with the bottom surface 22.
  • the angle between the top surface 20 and bottom surface 22 of the solar module 12 is suitably between approximately 8° and approximately 15°, though other angles may be used. In the example embodiment, the angle between top surface 20 and bottom surface 22 is approximately 10°.
  • the solar panel 30 includes a photovoltaic laminate 40 that has several layers 42 and an edge seal 48 that circumscribes edges 44 of the photovoltaic laminate 40.
  • Layers 42 may include, for example, glass layers, non-reflective layers, electrical connection layers, n-type silicon layers, p-type silicon layers, and/or backing layers.
  • solar panel 30 may have more or fewer, including one, layers 42, may have different layers 42, and/or may have different types of layers 42.
  • solar module 12 includes a single solar panel 30, but in other embodiments, two or more solar panels 30 may be mounted on the solar module 12. In this embodiment, both the solar module 12 and solar panel 30 are rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the solar module 12 and/or the solar panel 30 may have other suitable shapes.
  • the solar panel 30 is a glass-backsheet laminate. In other embodiments, the solar panel 30 is a glass-to-glass laminate that is edge sealed.
  • the edge seal 48 is coupled to the photovoltaic laminate 40 for protecting the edges 44 of photovoltaic laminate 40 and inhibiting moisture ingress.
  • the moisture may cause an electric potential difference and induce Potential Induced Degradation (PID) of the solar cells, rendering the solar cells less efficient.
  • PID Potential Induced Degradation
  • the edge seal 48 may be a tape or other material that protects the edges 44 by preventing contaminates, such as water, from penetrating the layers 42 of the photovoltaic laminate 40.
  • the edge seal 48 eliminates the need for the photovoltaic laminate 40 to have a hard frame, such as metallic or plastic. As a result, the solar panel 30 is devoid of a solid frame about the perimeter of the photovoltaic laminate 40 to protect the edges 44.
  • the top surface 32 of the solar panel 30 is substantially uncovered, in that solar module 12 does not include a circumscribing hard frame that obstructs a portion of the solar panel 30.
  • the solar panel 30 is attached to the rack assembly 60 with an adhesive 50.
  • the adhesive 50 may be silicon glue, an adhesive tape, or other known adhesive material.
  • the adhesive 50 is applied directly to the photovoltaic laminate 40, the edge seal 48, a top surface 62 of the rack assembly 60, or a combination of these.
  • the solar panel 30 is attached to the rack assembly 60 along the top surface 62, which is also the upper surface 64 of the rack assembly 60, the laminate frame 80.
  • the rack assembly 60 includes a laminate frame 80 connected with a mount frame 200.
  • a front portion 82 of the laminate frame 80 is pivotally attached to a front portion 202 of the mount frame 200.
  • the laminate frame 80 is movable about the pivot axis from a first or collapsed position (shown in Figures 7, 8, and 17), defining the collapsed state, to a second or expanded position (shown in Figures 14-16), defining the expanded state.
  • the mount frame 200 In the collapsed state, the mount frame 200 is substantially nested within the laminate frame 80.
  • a rear portion 84 of the laminate frame 80 is spaced from a back portion 204 of the mount frame 200, and the mount frame 200 at least partially extends out from the laminate frame 80.
  • rack assembly 60 is rectangular in shape.
  • the rack assembly 60 may also have other suitable shapes.
  • the laminate frame 80 has a left jamb 100, a right jamb 120, a sill 140, and a head 160 connected with each other to form a rectangle.
  • a center rail 180 divides the rectangle into two smaller rectangles.
  • the right jamb 100 and left jamb 120 are in spaced relation to each other, forming the left and right sides of the rectangle, respectively.
  • the sill 140 and head 160 are connected with each jamb 100, 120, forming the bottom and top of the rectangle, respectively.
  • a left end 142 of sill 140 is connected with a front end 102 of the left jamb 100, and a right end 144 of sill 140 is connected with a front end 122 of the right jamb 120.
  • a left end 162 of head 160 is connected with a back end 104 of the left jamb 100, and a right end 164 of head 160 is connected with a back end 124 of the right jamb 120.
  • the center rail 180 extends across the middle of the laminate frame 80 to provide a center support for the photovoltaic laminate 40.
  • a front end 182 of the center rail 180 is connected with a center portion 146 of the sill 140.
  • a back end 184 of the center rail 180 is connected with a center portion 166 of the head 160.
  • the laminate frame 80 may be configured to house the solar panel 30 therein.
  • the laminate frame 80 is built or assembled the around solar panel 30, and is not attached to the top surface 62 of the rack assembly 60.
  • the laminate frame 80 may be made from extruded metal or plastic material and include a slot to accept a portion of the solar panel 30 therein. Thus, the laminate frame 80 circumscribes the solar panel 30.
  • the mount frame 200 is sized and shaped to be substantially nested within the laminate frame 80 in the collapsed state.
  • the collapsed state can also be defined as the laminate frame 80 and mount frame 200 being substantially parallel.
  • the laminate frame 80 forms an angle with respect to mount frame 200 and at least partially extending therefrom.
  • the laminate frame 80 and photovoltaic laminate 40 are sized and shaped to substantially nest within the mount frame 200.
  • mount frame 200 includes a left runner 220, a right runner 240, and a crossbeam 260.
  • the right runner 220 is spaced from the left runner 240 to form the left and right sides of the mount frame 200.
  • the crossbeam 260 connects to runners 220, 240 along the back portion 204 of the mount frame 200.
  • a left end 262 of crossbeam 260 is connected with a back portion 224 of the left runner 220, and a right end 264 of crossbeam 260 is connected with a back portion 244 of the right runner 240.
  • crossbeam 260 is a channel having a "C" shape.
  • the crossbeam 260 is open along a top and has a front wall 268 and a back wall 270 of different lengths. Alternatively, the walls 268, 270 may be of equal lengths.
  • Front wall 268 and back wall 270 are connected by a web 272.
  • Web 272 has a width that is substantially similar to the width of the ballast 340 to allow placement of the ballast 340 therein, between front wall 268 and back wall 270.
  • Front wall 268 and back wall 270 extend upward from web 272 at an angle thereto. In some embodiments, front wall 268 and back wall 270 may not be parallel. Front wall 268 and back wall 270 may have substantially the same height or differing heights.
  • the front wall 268 and back wall 270 form a receiving structure 266 that has a complimentary shape and size to the ballast 340 for accepting and retaining at least a portion of the ballast 340 therein.
  • the receiving structure 266 may be a "C" channel that extends the length of the crossbeam 260.
  • the crossbeam 260 may have discreet pockets for accepting the ballast 340 therein.
  • the crossbeam 260 may include two or more components for sandwiching a portion of the ballast 340 therebetween to retain the ballast 340 in connection with the solar module 12.
  • crossbeam 260 Other configurations of the crossbeam 260 are also contemplated, including shapes that enable ballast 340 to be attached to a surface of the crossbeam 260.
  • the laminate frame 80 is held in the expanded position by a left support 280 and a right support 300, which are connected with and extendable from the mount frame 200.
  • a first or bottom end 282 of the left support 280 is pivotally attached to the back portion 224 of left runner 220.
  • a bottom or fixed end 302 of the right support 300 is pivotally connected with the back portion 244 of right runner 240.
  • the left support 280 and right support 300 each have a first connection structure 288, 308 that is complimentary to a second connection structure 106, 126 on each of the left jamb 100 and right jamb 120.
  • the connection structures 106, 126, 288, and 308 may include complimentary predrilled holes, interference fit structures, interlocking structures, and other connection means known in the art.
  • the supports 280, 300 are attached to and are pivotal with respect to the laminate frame 80.
  • the free end of the supports 280, 300 have a complimentary connection structure to a connection structure on the mount frame 200.
  • a strap 318 is pivotally connected with a center portion 274 of the crossbeam 260. The strap 318 provides additional support to the laminate frame 80 in the expanded position. Strap 318 also ties the laminate frame 80 to the mount frame 200 to prevent the laminate frame 80 from moving when the strap 318 is attached thereto.
  • rack assembly 60 is suitably made of bent galvanized steel sheets. Other material and means of construction may be used to manufacture the crossbeam 260. In other embodiments, rack assembly 60 may be made of any other suitable material providing sufficient rigidity including, for example, rolled or stamped stainless steel, other metallic alloys, plastic, or carbon fiber. Among the various manufacturing processes that may be used are extrusions and molded bars.
  • connection structures 106, 126, 288, and 308 may include aligned through-holes that are sized to accept a fastener 320 therethrough.
  • the connection structures 106, 126, 288, and 308 may also be any known connection means that permanently or semipermanently connects the supports 280, 300 with the jambs 100, 120 to hold the laminate frame 80 in the expanded position with respect to the mount frame 200.
  • the system 10 includes the inverter 330 forconverting direct current (DC) electrical output from the solar panel 30 to alternating current (AC) electrical output for connecting with an electrical grid or other electrical system
  • the inverter 330 may be attached to or connected with the solar panel 30 and/or the rack assembly 60.
  • the system 10 includes a wire clip 380 attached to the solar module 12 for wire management and attaching a wire 334 in spaced relation to a structure such as the solar module 12.
  • the wire clip 380 attaches the wire 334 to the structure in spaced relation to an edge of a structural flange.
  • the wire clip 380 includes a body 382, a grip 384 for connecting the wire clip 380 to the solar module 12, and a pair of hooks 386 for receiving one or more wires for placement therebetween.
  • the grip 384 is connected to and extends substantially parallel to an axis of the body 382. A portion of the grip 384 is movable from an undeformed position to a deformed position in relation to the body 382 to form a biasing force. The biasing force biases the grip toward the undeformed position when it is in the deformed position.
  • the grip 384 has a wave shape such that a middle portion of the grip does not extend as far from a top surface of the body 382 as the fore and aft portions.
  • a portion of the grip 384 acts as a flexible spring to allow outward flexing of the grip 384 to pass over a portion of the rack assembly 60 or another structural flange and connect therewith.
  • the spring portion of the grip 384 then biases the grip toward the body 382 and forces the grip into a void 70 in the rack assembly 60. This biasing force sandwiches a portion of the rack assembly 60 between the grip 384 and the body 382 to attach the wire clip 380 to the solar module 12.
  • one or both of the body 382 and grip 384 of the clip 380 may have a protrusion for extending into a hole in the solar module 12 or other structure to facilitate retention of the clip.
  • the body 382 and/or grip 384 may have one or more protrusions formed to mate with one or more holes in the structure to maintain the wire clip 380 in a particular orientation relative to the structure.
  • the hooks 386 extend from the body 382 in spaced relation to the grip 384 and are directed toward each other but are spaced apart to define an opening therebetween. At least one of the hooks 386 is configured to flex or move with respect to the other hooks 386 and the body 382. This flexure of the hooks 386 enables a wire 334 to be placed or passed therebetween into the opening to retain the wire 334 in the opening.
  • the hooks 386 are biased together so that the hooks 386 move back together after the wire 334 passes through to retain the wire 334 therebetween, as shown in Figure 1 1.
  • the biasing force of the hooks 386 prevents the wire 334 from passing back between the hooks 386 after it is inserted into the wire clip 380.
  • the curvature of the hook 386 directs the wire 334 away from between the hooks 386, e.g., when a translational force is applied to the wire.
  • the wire clip 380 allows the wire 334 to extend perpendicular to a structure. This provides the shortest path from one side of the structure to the other side of the structure, without the need to pass the wire 334 through the structure.
  • Embodiments of the wire clip 380 and the method for installation of the wire clip 380 described herein provide a wire retaining device with a lower cost to manufacture and to install when compared to prior art two-piece threaded-grommet systems and methods.
  • the wire clip 380 is a single snap-fit piece that reduces costs associated with tracking the wire retaining device before installation because there is only one part to track.
  • the wire clip 380 also reduces time and complication during installation because multiple pieces do not need to be attached to each other from opposite sides of a flange. In addition, neither the wire nor one of the threaded grommet pieces needs to be threaded through a hole in the flange.
  • the wire clip 380 of one embodiment is a one-piece molded plastic part of low complexity.
  • a through-hole in a flange of the frame 80 may be pre-drilled, or alternatively, drilled during installation of the solar module.
  • the wire clip 380 is then quickly and easily attached to the solar module by aligning the grip 384 with the through- hole and pushing the wire clip 380 over the flange of the frame 80 until the grip is secured in the through-hole.
  • the wire 334 may then be pushed past the hooks 386 and into the wire clip 380 to retain the wire within the wire clip.
  • the wire 334 is retained in spaced relation relative to the edge of the flange to protect a cover of the wire from contacting the edge of the flange.
  • the edge of the flange is prevented from rubbing against the wire 334 and wearing off the cover and cutting the wire 334 as the wire 334 is moved in relation to the edge, for example, by undergoing thermal expansion and contraction.
  • ballast 340 is connected with the solar module 12 for supplying a downward force to the solar module 12.
  • the downward force from the ballast 340 prevents the solar module 12 from moving with respect to a structure 14.
  • the solar module 12 is secured in place on the structure 14.
  • Ballast 340 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape.
  • ballast 340 is suitably a pre-cast concrete block.
  • the ballast 340 is a 6 in. x 8 in. x 12 in. solid cement block.
  • the ballast 340 is a 4 in. x 8 in. x 12 in. solid cement block.
  • ballast 340 be constructed of other material.
  • metal plates or sand filled blocks are among the various materials that may be used to form the ballast 340.
  • Ballast 340 also acts as a wind deflector to inhibit or prevent wind from entering under the solar module 12.
  • the ballast 340 thereby also prevents the solar module 12 from moving relative to the structure 14 due to wind entering from the backside of the solar module 12.
  • the solar module 12 includes multiple ballasts 340 that are spaced from each other.
  • the ballast 340 may be evenly spaced along the solar module 12.
  • the space between ballasts 340 facilitates air flow for reducing the temperature of the solar panel 30 and increasing power output.
  • the space is suitably between approximately 0.78 inches (20mm) and approximately 1.57 inches (40 mm). In this embodiment, the space between ballast 340 is approximately 1.10 inches (28mm).
  • ballast 340 rests against and is supported by crossbeam 260 of the rack assembly 60 in spaced relation to solar panel 30.
  • head 160 is shaped to receive a portion of ballast 340 therein.
  • Head 160 has a recess 168 that is sized and shaped to at least accept a portion of the ballast 340.
  • the ballast 340 may rest against one or more surfaces of the recess when the laminate frame 80 is in the expanded position.
  • ballast 340 is received and retained within the head 160.
  • the ballast 340 may be used to maintain the laminate frame 80 in the expanded position.
  • the ballast 340 may be attached to the laminate frame 80.
  • ballast 340 is rectangular in shape and sized to span at least a portion of the back 26 of solar module 12. As disclosed herein, ballast 340 is suitably a pre-cast concrete block. However, it is envisioned that ballast 340 be constructed of other material. For example, metal plates or sand filled blocks are among the various materials that may be used to form the ballast 340.
  • a base 350 is connected to solar module 12 for mounting the solar module 12 in spaced relation to the structure 14.
  • the base 350 has a stiffener 352 and a pad 354 that is a roof compatible material such as rubber.
  • the stiffener 352 has an upward or vertically extending flange 360 and at least one outward or horizontally extending flange or floor 362.
  • the pad 354 is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
  • EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
  • the pad 354 includes two materials (e.g., EPDM rubber over a polystyrene foam, such as Styrofoam® available from The Dow Chemical Company).
  • the base 350 suitably has a T-shape with the pad 354 extending downward from the stiffener 352.
  • base 350 may be constructed of different shapes.
  • the stiffener 352 may be an extruded or bended sheet metal angle and the pad 354 may be a flat sheet extending across a lower surface of the angle.
  • the base 350 has at least one through-hole 364 in the flange 360 for connecting the base 350 to the solar module 12.
  • the base 350 is attached to the runners 220, 240 of the mount frame 200.
  • the base 350 enables the solar module 12 to be connected with other solar modules 12 to form an array 400.
  • the array 400 of solar modules 12 are formed by attaching a second solar module 12 to the base 350 connected with the first solar module 12. More than two solar modules 12 may be assembled by attaching additional bases 350 and additional second solar modules 12.
  • the holes 364 may be in a front portion and/or a rear portion of the upward extending flange 360.
  • the solar module 12 has four bases 350 and is connected with at least one other solar module 12.
  • the front two solar modules 12 are connected to each other through the second base 350.
  • Each of the front bases 350 are connected with a pair of crossbars 370 for supporting the ballast 340 thereon.
  • ballast 340 may also be connected with the front 24 of the solar module 12.
  • the pair of crossbars 370 is connected with a pair of bases 350 extending from the front 24 of the solar module 12.
  • the crossbars 370 are configured to accept ballast 340 thereon to supply a downward force to the front 24 of the solar module 12.
  • One base 350 is connected with the front portions 222, 242 of each runner 220, 244.
  • the crossbars 370 are attached in spaced relation to each base 350 to support the ballast 340 therebetween.
  • the ballast 340 may be attached to or supported between the crossbars 370.
  • a single crossbar 370 may also be used to support the ballast 340 thereon.
  • a plurality of solar modules 12 may be assembled together and mounted on the structure 14 in the array 400.
  • the array 400 may include, for example, two, four, six, eight or any number of solar modules 12.
  • a first end 356 of the base 350 is connected with one solar module 12 and another solar module 12 is connected with a second or other end 358 of the base 350 such that the base 350 is coupled between the pair of solar modules 12.
  • the solar modules 12 may be connected to each other by more than one base 350.
  • the solar module 12 andinverter330 arebundledtogetherasakitforfor installing the solar modules 12 to the structure 14.
  • Theldt maymchdeoneormorebases350configuredtoteato 12 and support the solar module 12 in spaced relation to the stnicture 14.
  • the crossbar 370 is included for connecting with the bases 350 and supporting the ballast 340 thereon.
  • the bases350 may be attached to the fiont24ofthe solar module 12 to supply a downward force thereto.
  • the ballast 340 may also be included for connecting with the solar module 12 and supplying a downward force to the solar module 12.
  • each kit may be provided in a single large box.
  • the kit may include multiple solar modules 12 in separate boxes that are banded together on a pallet.
  • Components of the rack assembly 60 are suitably bent or rolled sheet metal that has been cut to length.
  • the bent metal components are easy to manufacture and reduce the cost of the system.
  • the sheet metal may be pre-drilled before forming. As a result, the parts can be assembled, transported to the site of installation, and then installed relatively quickly and inexpensively.
  • the solar module 12 can be preassembled and then collapsed or folded to reduce the overall space needed to transport the solar module 12.
  • the preassembled solar module 12 can then be transported to the installation sight. All the solar module components nest into one another when collapsed to create a tight packing space, which is optimal for shipping and transporting.
  • the solar module 12 may be provided as part of a kit, as discussed above.
  • the preassembled solar module 12 and inverter 330 can be bundled together in the kit and transported to the installation site.
  • Ballast 340 may be transported to the installation site either separately from or together with the kit.
  • thesolarmodule l2 ispositionedonthestucture l4.
  • the solarmodule 12 is unfolded and secured in the expanded state. Then the solarmodule 12 is connected with the structure 14.
  • the solar module 12 is positioned on the structure 14 and expanded fom the collapsed state to the expanded state, as illustrated in Figures 22-24.
  • Figure 22 shows the solar module 12 in the collapsed state.
  • Figure 23 shows the solar module 12 in a partially expanded state.
  • Figure 24 shows the solar module 12 in the expanded state.
  • the supports 280, 300 are attached to the jambs 100, 120 to hold the solar module 12 in the expanded state.
  • the strap 318 is attached to the laminate frame 80 to help support the laminate frame 80 and provide a tension force to prevent the laminate frame 80 from moving with respect to the mount frame 200.
  • ballast 340 are connected to the solar module 12 to prevent the solar module 12 from moving with respect to the structure 14 and to secure the solar module 12 in place.
  • the inverter 330 is provided for attach ⁇ 12 andconvertingtheDC electrical output from the solar panel 30 to the AC electrical output
  • the inverter 330 may be attached to the solar module 12 either before or afler the solar module 12 is secured to the structure 14.
  • the inverter 330 is attached to the solar panel 30.
  • the inverter 330 may also be attached to the rack assembly 60.
  • Thebase350imybeprovidedtosupportthesolarmodule 12 in spaced relation to the structure 14.
  • the base 350 is connected with the solar module 12 by attaching the base 350 to the runners 220, 240.
  • the base 350 may be fastened to the font portions 222, 242 and/or backportions 224, 244 of each runner 220, 240.
  • the base 350 is connected with the solar module 12, which enables the solar module 12 to be connected with other solar modules 12 in the field to form the array 400.
  • the array 400 of solar modules 12 are formed by attaching a second solar module 12 to the base 350 connected with the first solar module 12. More than two solar modules 12 may be assembled by attaching additional bases 350 and additional second solar modules 12.
  • a pair of bases 350 and a pair of crossbars 370 may also be provide to be attached to the front 24 of the solar module 12 for accepting the ballast 340 thereon.
  • the base 350 is connected with the front portions 222, 242 of each runner 220, 240.
  • the crossbars 370 are attached to each of the bases 350 to support the ballast 340.
  • the ballast 340 may be attached to or supported between the base 350.
  • a single crossbar 370 may also be used to support the ballast 340 thereon.
  • ballast 340 are connected with the solar module 12 to prevent the solar module from moving with respect to the structure 14 and to secure the solar module 12 in place.
  • BaUast340 iscomectedtothesolarmodule l2 inspaced relation to the solar panel 30.
  • a single or multiple ballast 340 may be connected with the solar module 12.
  • the ballast 340 may be connected with either the front 24 and/or the back 26 of the solar module 12.
  • the ballast 340 is connected with the crossbars 370 along the front 24 of the solar module 12 and the crossbeam 260 along the back 26 of the solar module 12.
  • the embodiments of the solar module and method for installation described herein provide a system with a lower associated cost to manufacture and to install when compared to prior systems and methods.
  • most of the parts described are simple sheet metal parts of low complexity.
  • the sheet metal parts are pre-cut to specified lengths and include simple bends that are relatively easy to manufacture.
  • the sheet metal parts are pre- drilled at specific locations to ease assembly. The assemblies are then quickly and easily manufactured by aligning the pre-drilled holes and attaching the parts together using
  • the assembly and related parts may be bundled together into kits and transported to the installation site.
  • the bundled assemblies and parts reduce the area needed to transport and store the solar modules, while reducing the parts required to be tracked and assembled at the installation site. Additionally, the solar module can quickly be installed at the installation site using a reduced number of fasteners, which reduces both the needed installation labor and installation times.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système (10) pour le montage de modules solaires sur une structure (14), ledit système comprenant un module solaire (12) qui est mobile entre un état replié et un état déployé. Le module solaire (12) comprend un panneau solaire (30) et un ensemble bâti (60) raccordé au module solaire (12). Le panneau solaire (30) comprend un stratifié photovoltaïque (40) et un joint périphérique entourant le bord extérieur du stratifié photovoltaïque (40). L'ensemble bâti (60) comprend un cadre de stratifié (80) relié mobile en pivotement à un cadre de support (200). À l'état replié, une surface inférieure du module solaire (12) est sensiblement parallèle à une surface supérieure du module solaire (12). À l'état déployé, la surface inférieure forme un angle avec la surface supérieure.
PCT/US2015/013719 2014-01-30 2015-01-30 Module solaire ayant un ensemble bâti pliable intégré WO2015116911A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201461933622P 2014-01-30 2014-01-30
US61/933,622 2014-01-30

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WO2015116911A1 true WO2015116911A1 (fr) 2015-08-06

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017027485A3 (fr) * 2015-08-07 2017-03-23 Beamreach Solar, Inc. Système de montage et d'installation de module photovoltaïque
US11431288B2 (en) 2018-03-30 2022-08-30 Sunpower Corporation Photovoltaic module with a cross rail assembly
CN115172525A (zh) * 2022-07-21 2022-10-11 江苏瑞晶太阳能科技有限公司 一种光伏组件自动装框机
US11725876B2 (en) * 2019-08-21 2023-08-15 Rasp, Llc Modular, portable cold room storage system

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US20120298201A1 (en) * 2011-11-18 2012-11-29 Erich Kai Stephan Solar panel racking system
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DE202012001833U1 (de) * 2012-02-24 2013-05-28 Sportgeräte 2000 GmbH Halterahmen sowie aus Halterahmen zusammengesetzte Photovoltaikanlage
WO2013091906A2 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-27 Dometic S.A.R.L. Dispositif générateur mobile et système de refroidissement
US20130298962A1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2013-11-14 Jerry Sorgento Portable modular solar energy power generating system

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US4421943A (en) * 1982-02-19 1983-12-20 Cities Service Company Collapsible mobile solar energy power source
US20110005581A1 (en) * 2008-02-28 2011-01-13 Kyocera Corporation Photovoltaic Power Generating System
FR2950956A1 (fr) * 2009-10-07 2011-04-08 Dani Alu Dispositif de lestage de panneau solaire
WO2011054943A1 (fr) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 Ilzhoefer Werner Module solaire à paroi de support pivotante
US20120312356A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2012-12-13 Kazuhiro Mizuo Solar cell module
US20130298962A1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2013-11-14 Jerry Sorgento Portable modular solar energy power generating system
DE102010060154A1 (de) * 2010-10-25 2012-04-26 Michael Huhn Modulblock zur Aufnahme eines Photovoltaikmoduls
US20120186632A1 (en) * 2011-01-25 2012-07-26 Computer Components Corporation Mounting Assembly for Supporting a Solar Panel, and Method of Employing Same
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US8307606B1 (en) * 2011-07-07 2012-11-13 Solon Corporation Integrated photovoltaic rooftop modules
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US20120298201A1 (en) * 2011-11-18 2012-11-29 Erich Kai Stephan Solar panel racking system
WO2013091906A2 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-27 Dometic S.A.R.L. Dispositif générateur mobile et système de refroidissement
DE202012001833U1 (de) * 2012-02-24 2013-05-28 Sportgeräte 2000 GmbH Halterahmen sowie aus Halterahmen zusammengesetzte Photovoltaikanlage

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017027485A3 (fr) * 2015-08-07 2017-03-23 Beamreach Solar, Inc. Système de montage et d'installation de module photovoltaïque
US11431288B2 (en) 2018-03-30 2022-08-30 Sunpower Corporation Photovoltaic module with a cross rail assembly
US11831274B2 (en) 2018-03-30 2023-11-28 Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd. Photovoltaic module with a cross rail assembly
US11725876B2 (en) * 2019-08-21 2023-08-15 Rasp, Llc Modular, portable cold room storage system
CN115172525A (zh) * 2022-07-21 2022-10-11 江苏瑞晶太阳能科技有限公司 一种光伏组件自动装框机
CN115172525B (zh) * 2022-07-21 2023-07-25 江苏瑞晶太阳能科技有限公司 一种光伏组件自动装框机

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