WO2019086731A1

WO2019086731A1 - Adjustable head and tracker for photovoltaic panels

Info

Publication number: WO2019086731A1
Application number: PCT/ES2017/070747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcos GÓMEZ PANEDAS; Alfredo GONZÁLEZ VILLANUEVA; Víctor GÓMEZ OJEA; Elia ROBLEDA CRESPO; Jesús IGLESIAS ACUÑA; Carla TEJA CASAL
Original assignee: Manufacturas Braux, S.L.
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2019-05-09
Also published as: ES2715508A1; ES2715508B2

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable head (100) and tracker for photovoltaic panels, which allows the adjustment of a position and an angle of a torque tube (300) parallel to a first axis (x), in accordance with a second horizontal axis (y) perpendicular to the first axis (x) and in accordance with a third vertical axis (z) perpendicular to the first axis (x), while extending the service life and corrosion resistance of the head (100). For this purpose, the head comprises a base (110) with a cross-section mostly in the shape of an inverted U in a plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z), and with first slotted holes (141) parallel to the third axis (z), and a bottom support (120) with a mostly U-shaped cross-section in a plane formed by the first axis (x) and the third axis (z). The base (110) is joined to a post (600) through the first slotted holes (141) parallel to the third axis (z), and to the bottom support (120) through second slotted holes (151) parallel to the second axis (y).

Description

ADJUSTABLE HEAD AND TRACKING SYSTEM FOR PANELS

PHOTOVOLTAIC

DESCRIPTION

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of mechanics, and more particularly, support structures for photovoltaic panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To optimize the energy generated by a photovoltaic system, it is essential to have tracking systems (also known by their English name, "trackers"), capable of reorienting the panels that make up the system. The difficulty of supporting horizontal or inclined axes of great length, which in some cases exceeds 90 meters, joins the additional problem of installation on uneven terrain and / or slopes. Consequently, adjustable heads are needed to compensate for the lack of flatness of the ground, both in position and at an angle.

However, the heads known in the state of the art present serious limitations in terms of their regulation capacity. There are heads in which a turning tube (also called by its name in English "torque tube") is hooked or physically attached to the head by bolted, riveted or similar connection, so that deviations of position of the inlets directly affect the position and correct behavior of the head, thus greatly limiting the regulation, the ability to absorb irregularities of the ground, and the tolerances in assembly.

Additionally, in the photovoltaic sector, solar trackers have a typical lifespan of 25 years, often subject to contractual guarantee. Therefore, it is desirable to have components capable of guaranteeing its durability throughout this period with minimum maintenance. This problem results especially challenging considering both the resistance to rotation of the rotator tube, and the deterioration and corrosion typically associated with systems installed outdoors. In this sense, the majority of heads known in the state of the art are based on plastic ball joints, with the disadvantage that the plastics manufacturers do not allow to guarantee the durability of the same in the periods of 25 years desired, mainly due to the effects of ultraviolet exposure. In addition, the friction between the rotating parts of the heads is produced by sliding, which implies an increase or oversize of the drive system of the turning tube. Finally, these heads are sensitive to the entry of external particles in them, generating a marked wear on the patella. There is therefore in the state of the art the need for tracking systems for solar panels based on heads with regulation capacity in height, angle and position, including both the north-south direction (longitudinal direction of the turning tube) and the East-west direction (direction perpendicular to the turning tube). In addition, it is desirable that the adjustable heads are resistant, compact and easy to install.

Description of the invention

The present invention solves the problems described above by means of a head that can be adjusted in height, angle and position thanks to a set of open pieces joined through adjustable holes in multiple axes.

Consider the set formed by one or more photovoltaic panels, a "torque tube" (understood as a tube-shaped element of the tracking system that supports said photovoltaic panels), and a piling (understood as a bar, pillar or any other vertical support element on which the adjustable head is installed). Depending on these elements, and in order to facilitate the understanding of the morphology and operation of the adjustable head, we will use the following definitions of axes in this document: - A first axis, which we will call the x axis, parallel to the main axis of the turning tube.

- A second axis, which we will call the y axis, mostly perpendicular to the axis of the turning tube. Note that the exact orientation of the y axis can vary between realizations, always maintaining the relation of perpendicularity with the x axis. However, the axis y preferably forms a horizontal plane with the x axis, that is to say mostly parallel to a flat ground.

- A third axis, which we will call the z axis, mostly vertical and parallel to the pile. Note that the present invention is valid for both photovoltaic systems with horizontal axis and inclined axis. Therefore, while in some particular embodiments, the x axis, the y axis and the z axis will be orthogonal to each other, there may be embodiments that do not meet said orthogonality, with angles other than 90 ° being established between the z axis and the x and y axes.

We will also consider the XY plane as a plane containing the x-axis and the y-axis, the XZ-plane as a plane containing the x-axis and the z-axis, and the YZ-plane as a plane comprising the y-axis and the z-axis.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is an adjustable head that is installed on a jacking (parallel to the z-axis) and supports at least one turning tube

(parallel to the x axis). The head consists of the following parts:

- A base, with an inverted U-shaped section according to the YZ plane, adapted to be fixed to the jacking through first fastening means passing through a first set holes. Said first slots are elongated openings with rounded edges, presenting their greatest length in a direction parallel to the z-axis. This allows both adjusting the height of the base (and therefore the head assembly), as well as establishing adjustable angles between the base and the jacking.

- A lower support, with a U-shaped section according to the XZ plane, adapted to be fixed to the base by means of second fixing means passing through a second set-through hole. Said second holes colisos presenting their greater length in a direction parallel to the axis y. This allows both adjusting a lateral displacement of the turning tube and establishing an angle of rotation between the base and the lower support. Of In accordance with respective preferred options, the hollow holes can be made both on one side of the base and on one side of the lower support, the opposite element comprising conventional circular holes that do not allow displacement of the second fixing means.

- Preferably, a top support with a U-shaped section according to the plane YZ, adapted to be fixed to the lower support through third fixing means passing through a third set of holes. Said third holes colisos presenting its greater length in a direction parallel to the z axis. This allows adjusting the size of an opening formed by the upper support assembly and the lower support, into which the turning tube is inserted. According to respective preferred options, the slots can be made both on one side of the lower support and on one side of the upper support, the counter element comprising conventional circular holes that do not allow displacement of the second fixing means. Preferably, the upper support is formed by two opposing flat parts, although, in other embodiments of the invention, said parts may be joined by bridges or other connections.

- First rollers, parallel to the x axis and connected to the lower support, which support the turning tube. Preferably, the head also comprises at least one second roller, also parallel to the x-axis, and connected to the upper support. Note, however, that the exact number and position of the rollers may vary depending on the particular embodiment.

As regards the materials that make up the adjustable head, the base, the lower support and the upper support are preferably made of a metallic material, increasing the useful life of the head and its resistance to corrosion. More preferably, said metallic material is chosen from stainless steels; a steel composed of zinc, magnesium and aluminum (commonly known as "ZM steel"); hot galvanized steel and aluminum. On the other hand, the first rollers (and the second one at least one roller if there is one), are also preferably made of stainless steels, ZM steel, hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminum, which may be the same or different material. used for the base and the upper and lower supports. In particular, ZM steel has the advantage of being coated, without a postfabrication process such as hot dip galvanizing, which increases production times. In addition, the ZM steel coating acts as protection against drilling and cutting.

Note that the possibility of using metallic materials is not an independent feature of the proposed geometry, but is precisely the configuration and morphology of the adjustable head, which allows the use of metallic materials, thus improving their lifespan and their resistance to degradation for environmental reasons. For example, in the usual solution of the state of the art, a ball joint consisting of two hemispherical parts, one of which hugs the tube and rotates inside the other, it would be impossible to use metallic materials. This is due to the fact that in order to achieve low friction, we would need machining of the ball joint, increasing its complexity and its difficulty and manufacturing cost. In addition, to avoid oxidation of metal parts, additional coatings should be used, which would be lost during use, because the ball joint works by sliding. On the contrary, the present invention works by rolling, so that coating wear does not occur.

Finally, the first fixing means, the second fixing means and the third fixing means (if any) are preferably selected from screws, pins, rivets and bushings. In the same way, the first rollers (and the second one at least one roller if there is one) are preferably connected by fourth fixing means also selected from among screws, pins, rivets and ferrules.

In a second aspect of the invention there is presented a tracking system for photovoltaic panels comprising at least one adjustable head according to any embodiment and / or preferred option of the first aspect of the invention. Also, the system comprises at least one axis or torque tube, which is housed by said adjustable head, and at least one jacking that supports the head. The described head and regulation system provide regulation in height, angle and position; being also resistant, compact and easy to install. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent in light of the detailed description thereof.

Description of the figures

In order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, and to complement this description, the following figures are included as an integral part thereof, whose character is illustrative and non-limiting:

Figure 1 illustrates a possible scenario of application of the adjustable head and tracking system for photovoltaic panels, according to respective preferred embodiments.

Figure 2 shows the main parts of a preferred embodiment of the adjustable head of the invention, as well as a jacking to which said head is fixed.

Figure 3 shows an extruded view in greater detail of the base and the lower support of the head, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows an extruded view in greater detail of the upper support of the head, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a first height adjustable movement of the head (displacement in Z axis), according to a preferred embodiment thereof.

Figure 6 presents a second adjustable angular movement of the head (rotation about the Y axis), according to a preferred embodiment thereof.

Figure 7 illustrates a third horizontally adjustable movement (displacement on the Y axis), transverse to the turning tube, according to a preferred embodiment of the head. Figure 8 presents a fourth movement adjustable in height for adjustment to the turning tube, according to a preferred embodiment of the head. Figure 9 presents a fifth adjustable movement of rotation of the head (rotation with respect to Z axis), according to a preferred embodiment of the head.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In this text, the term "comprises" and its derivations (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that What is described and defined can include more elements, stages, etc. Note also that while the examples of preferred embodiments of the invention are described for independent channeling devices, the same features and features, or any combination thereof, can be integrated into the fuse bases themselves or in the monitoring system, according to the second and third aspects of the present invention as claimed. In the context of the present invention, the terms "approximately" and their derivatives should be understood as indicators of values close to those that accompany the term. That is, a deviation is contemplated within reasonable limits with respect to the exact value, since the expert in the matter will understand that said variations may occur due to manufacturing or measurement limitations, or by design decisions that do not affect the functionality of the elements. . The same reasoning applies to the term "mostly" and its derivatives.

Figure 1 presents a possible scenario of application of the adjustable head (100) of the invention, formed by a plurality of photovoltaic panels (200) controlled by an axis or torque tube (300). The torque tube (300) is connected to the photovoltaic panels (200) through a plurality of fasteners (400) lane-torque, and to a first jacking (600) by means of a rotation unit (500). Along the turning tube (300) there are located the heads (100), which are crossed by said turning tube (300), and which rest on second ones (600). Of this way, when the rotation unit (500) induces a turn on the turning tube (300), said turning tube (300) can rotate inside the head (100) with a minimum of friction, and maintaining a firm, resistant support and adaptable to the terrain topology.

Figure 2 shows the elements that make up the head (100), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The head (100) comprises a base (110) in the form of an inverted U, that is, it consists of three flat faces mostly rectangular, joined to each other by two rounded corners, so that the three flat faces form angles of 90 ° to each other . For simplicity, we will call the two parallel faces of the base (110) as side faces, and the remaining face as the top face. The side faces comprise first holes (141), adapted to face holes of the jacking (600). The relative position between the first holes (141) and the holes of the jacking is vertically adjustable, being fixed by first fixing means (140). Said first fixing means (140), like the rest of fixing means of this embodiment, can be, for example, sets of nuts and screws. The head (100) also comprises a lower support (120) and an upper support (130), which when joined form a cavity mostly cylindrical whose axial direction is parallel to the axis x, and into which the turning tube (300 is inserted) ). The lower support (120) has a U-shaped section in the XZ plane. That is, the lower support (120) is formed by three faces that form two 90 ° angles with each other. For simplicity, we will call the two parallel faces of the lower support (120) to each other as side faces, and to the remaining face as the bottom face. The two lateral faces comprise respective grooves that make up the lower limit of the cylindrical cavity. For its part, the lower face comprises a second collet hole (151), which when being crossed by a second fixing means (150), faces said lower face of the lower support (120) to the upper face of the base (10). ).

The upper support (130) is formed by two equal flat pieces, in the form of an inverted U. The interior of said inverted U delimits the upper end of the cylindrical cavity. Each piece also comprises two third collet holes (171) which, when being crossed by third fixing means (170), fix in a regulable way the size of said cylindrical cavity. Finally, the head comprises three cylindrical rollers (180), whose position is fixed by both fourth fixing means (160): two first rollers (180) whose bases are facing the parallel faces of the lower support (120), and one third roller whose bases are in front of the pieces of the upper support (130).

Figure 3 presents a first extruded view of the same embodiment of the head (100), in which the interconnections between the base (1 10) and the lower support (120) can be observed more clearly. In particular, four first circular holes (161) can be seen in the lower support (120), into which are inserted the fourth fixing means (160) that traverse and support the first rollers (180). Likewise, a second circular hole (152) can be seen that faces the second collision hole (151), both of them being through the second fixing means (150).

Figure 4 presents a second extruded view of the same embodiment of the head (100), in which the elements that make up the upper support (130) can be seen more clearly. In particular, the third circular holes (131) can be seen, one in each piece of said upper support (130), which are pierced by the fourth fixing means (160) which in turn support the third roller (180). Figures 5 to 9 illustrate some of the adjustable movements allowed by the morphology of the head. In particular, Figure 5 illustrates a first height adjustment movement, achieved by moving the first fixing means (140) along the first set holes (141). This achieves a relative displacement of the base (1 10) and the driving (600) according to the z-axis.

Figure 6 presents a second angular adjustment movement, achieved by rotating the base (110) with respect to the jacking (600) inside the XZ plane, maintaining constant the position of the first fixing means (140) inside of the first holes (141).

Figure 7 illustrates a third adjustment movement on the y-axis, ie, transverse to the turning tube (300), achieved by moving the second fixing means (150) along the second set-in holes (151) .

Figure 8 presents a fourth movement of regulation, which allows adapting the size of the opening formed by the lower support (120) and the upper support (130) depending on the size of the rotation tube (300). For this, the third fixing means (170) move along the third set holes (171).

Figure 9 presents a fifth movement of regulation, which allows the lower support (120) to rotate with respect to the base (110) in the XY plane, keeping the position of the second fixing means (150) constant within the second holes. (151).

In view of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments, without departing from the object of the invention such and how it has been claimed.

Claims

1. Adjustable head (100) for a turning tube (300) of photovoltaic panels

(200), configured to be fixed on a jacking (600), considering a first axis (x) parallel to the turning tube (300), a second axis (y) perpendicular to the turning tube (300) and a third axis (z) ) parallel to the jacking (600), characterized in that the head (100) comprises:

- a base (1 10) with a section in the form of an inverted U mainly according to a plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z), and with first holes (141) parallel to the third axis (z) );

- first fixing means (140) configured to fix the base (1 10) to the jacking (600) through the first set holes (141);

- a lower support (120) with a section in the shape mostly of U according to a plane formed by the first axis (x) and the third axis (z), and with first rollers (180) parallel to the first axis (x), the first rollers (180) being adapted to support the turn tube (300); Y

- second fixing means (150) configured to fix the base (1 10) to the lower support (120) through at least one second collet hole (151) parallel to the second axis (y).

Head (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second collet hole (151) is on one side of the lower support (120) parallel to a plane formed by the first axis (x) and the second axis (y).

3. Head (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that the at least one second hole collision (151) is on one side of the base parallel to a plane formed by the first axis (x) and the second axis ( Y). 4. Head according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises:

- a top support (130) with a section in the form of

U inverted according to the plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z); Y

- third fixing means (170) configured to fix the upper support (130) to the lower support (120) through some third set holes (171) parallel to the third axis (z).

5. Head (100) according to claim 4 characterized in that the third holes (171) are located on faces of the lower support (120) parallel to the plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z) . Head (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the third hollow holes (171) are on faces of the upper support (130) parallel to the plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z) .

7. Head (100) according to any of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the upper support (130) comprises two facing flat pieces, the two pieces being flat parallel to the plane formed by the second axis (y) and the third axis (z).

8. Head (100) according to any of claims 4 to 7 characterized in that the upper support (130) comprises second rollers (180) parallel to the first axis (x), the second rollers (180) being adapted to support on the turning tube (300).

9. Head (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the base (1 10) and the lower support (120) are made of a metallic material.

Head (100) according to claim 4 characterized in that the metallic material is selected from stainless steels, hot galvanized steel and aluminum.

1. Head (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the first rollers (180) are made of a material selected from stainless steels, hot galvanized steel and aluminum.

Head (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fixing means (140) and second fixing means (150) are selected from screws, pins, rivets and ferrules.

Head (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the first rollers (180) are attached to the first rollers (180) by means of fourth fixing means (160) selected from among screws, pins, rivets and caps.

14. Monitoring system for photovoltaic panels (200) comprising the minus a vertical jacking (600) and at least one cylindrical turning tube (300), characterized in that it further comprises an adjustable head (100) according to any of claims 1 to 13, said head (100) being adapted to house the at least one turning tube (300), and the driving comprising openings adapted to receive the first fixing means (140) of the head (100).