WO2019122712A1

WO2019122712A1 - Modular assembly for floating solar power plant

Info

Publication number: WO2019122712A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/053406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexis GAVEAU
Original assignee: Ciel Et Terre International
Priority date: 2017-12-22
Filing date: 2018-12-19
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: FR3076125B1; KR20190076914A; FR3076125A1

Abstract

A modular assembly (1) for a floating solar power plant, comprising: - a floating support (2), - a photovoltaic panel (3), - an attachment system comprising: - a first retaining means (4) ensuring the retention of the photovoltaic panel (3) on the floating support (2), at at least one attachment point (F4), - a second retaining means (5) comprising two retaining arms (51, 52), the upper end of which (E51s, E52s) is mounted so as to pivot with respect to the photovoltaic panel (3), at an attachment point (F1, F1') and the lower end (E51i, E52i) is mounted so as to pivot with respect to the floating support (2), at an attachment point (F2, F2'), wherein the spacing (E24) between the attachment points (F2, F2') and the attachment points (F4) is configured to vary freely when the floating support deforms.

Description

MODULATER ASSEMBLY FOR FLOATING SOLAR CENTER

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a modular assembly for a floating solar power plant and a method of producing such a modular assembly.

The field of the invention is that of the installation and fixing of photovoltaic panels, in particular on a floating support for photovoltaic panel of a modular element for a floating solar power station.

Floating solar power plants are installations of electricity production from solar panels, made in the form of islands receiving photovoltaic panels, designed to float on water bodies, such as lakes or ponds. These islands may be composed of a plurality of modular assemblies assembled together and arranged in the desired form, each modular assembly receiving one or more photovoltaic panels.

A modular assembly generally consists essentially of a floating support, a photovoltaic panel and a fixing system for maintaining the photovoltaic panel on the floating support.

A photovoltaic panel is currently substantially rectangular in shape with two large edges and two small edges. It is currently provided that the fastening system maintains the photovoltaic panel at its two large edges.

For example, document KR 1020160083441 discloses a modular assembly comprising a photovoltaic panel, of rectangular shape, a floating support receiving the photovoltaic panel, as well as a device for fixing the photovoltaic panel on the floating support, designed to hold the photovoltaic panel, at the level of its two large edges.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 of this document, the fastening device comprises two identified fastening tabs 131, fixed substantially at the corners of a front edge of the floating support and two substantially parallel fastening tubes 134, fixed substantially at the level of corners of a rear edge of the floating support, so as to ensure the fixing of the photovoltaic panel, at its two large edges, at two points of each of said large edges. Each fixing lug and each fixing tube are provided with a through hole at the level of

FIREFUL LIGHT RECEIVED (RULE 91) ISA / EP its end located on the opposite side to the floating support to receive a pivot axis. The photovoltaic panel is mounted on the fixing lugs and on the fixing tubes by means of four copings 132 and 136, fixed at four fixing points of the photovoltaic panel, said screeds also including two holes in order to receive said pivot axis.

Each of the fixing screeds is thus pivotally mounted around the pivot axis on each of the fixing lugs and on each of the fixing tubes, at a first end of each of the fixing tubes, fixed to the floating support. In addition, each identified fixing tube 134 is slidably received in an adjustment tube 13a, at their second end. This adjustment tube 13a is pivotally mounted on the floating support, arranged parallel to the photovoltaic panel and perpendicular to the fixing tubes. Pins 135 are provided to immobilize in translation each fixing tube relative to the adjustment tube, when the photovoltaic panel is positioned at the desired inclination relative to the floating support.

Such a fixing device has the advantage of making a connection between the photovoltaic panel and the floating support which allows the panel to be adjusted in different inclinations on the floating support (see for example Figure 4 of this document). To do this, the fixing tubes 134 are slid into the adjustment tubes 133a until the inclination of the desired panel, then the position is locked by inserting the pins in the most suitable adjustment holes on the fixing tubes 134.

Nevertheless, such a fixing device has the disadvantage that the photovoltaic panel is connected to the floating support by means of pivot links having all parallel axes. Thus, this fixing device will not prevent the transmission of forces between the photovoltaic panel and the floating support when the forces are oriented along the axes of said pivot links, i.e. along the axis of the adjustment tube.

Indeed, the floating support will for example cash efforts generated by its deformation during the expansion or contraction of the component material. In addition, such a modular assembly is generally connected, at the level of the floating support, to other modular assemblies, in order to constitute the floating power station, or to the earth, in order to

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP to maintain in position said floating plant, which will also generate efforts in the floating support 2.

In addition, and according to the findings of the inventors, the fixing tubes of this fixing device, are necessarily arranged parallel to each other to allow the aforementioned inclination adjustment, which affects the stability of the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel on the floating support , the photovoltaic panel being in a position of unstable equilibrium with respect to the floating support.

Indeed, and according to the observations of the inventors, the fixing tubes describe with the upper wall of the floating support and the large edge of the photovoltaic panel a rectangle, which, in case of stress of the photovoltaic panel in the direction of the edge of large dimension will tend to turn into a parallelogram (not rectangle), thus preventing the return to its initial position of the photovoltaic panel relative to the floating support.

The system for adjusting the inclination of the photovoltaic panel, which consists in sliding the fixing tubes through the adjustment tube to a desired position, does not make it possible to envisage another positioning of the fixing tubes with respect to the support floating.

Consequently, the fixing screeds 136 on the photovoltaic panel are situated at two points situated in a median zone of the panel, closer to the median plane of the panel than to the ends of the large edge. Thus, the forces exerted on the lateral edges of the panel, especially those due to the wind, at a distance from these attachment points, create significant bending stresses in the panel, because of the important lever between the point of application of such a force and the point of attachment of the panel, which will also deteriorate the panel more or less long term.

Also known from WO 2014/165609 A1, a photovoltaic panel mounting system employing a rubber tire as a support for a photovoltaic panel.

Such a support is provided to ensure the provision of a photovoltaic panel directly on the ground.

According to this document WO 2014/165609 A1, and as visible in FIGS. 1 to 3 of this document, the panel is provided with a frame provided for covering the edges of the panel, and in particular the large-sized edges of the photovoltaic panel, which is

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP provided substantially rectangular shape. The beams forming the frame at the large edges are connected to bending plates, marked, 7 and 18, sliding along said beams.

The bending plate marked 7 at a front edge of the photovoltaic panel is fixed directly on the upper face of the tire.

The bitter bending plate 18 is fixed at a distance from the tire by means of a first pair of tubes 17 thus ensuring an inclination of the panel.

The first pair of tubes 17 is intended to be disposed substantially in a vertical plane at a rear edge of the photovoltaic panel and for the upper end of each tube to be fixed to the bending plate 18 at the rear edge of the photovoltaic panel. photovoltaic panel and that the lower end of each tube is fixed on the tire at a rear edge of the tire.

Notably a second pair of tubes, marked 26 is provided to be arranged in a substantially horizontal plane near the upper face of the tire by connecting the lower ends of each tube 17 of the pair of vertical tubes on the one hand, to the bending plate at the front edge of the panel, on the other hand.

Thus, after having given the desired inclination to the panel on the tire, an operator can ressemer the set of fixing means ensuring the attachment of the different pairs of tube on the tire and on the photovoltaic panel to stiffen the assembly and prevent that the photovoltaic panel does not move relative to the tire.

Such a device for fixing the panel on a tire has the disadvantage of ensuring rigid attachment of the photovoltaic panel on the tire. Indeed, the use of a pair of marked tubes 26 disposed substantially horizontally to connect an attachment point between the bending plate at the rear edge of the photovoltaic panel and the tire and a point of attachment of the bending plate to level of the rear edge of the photovoltaic panel on the tire, prevents relative movement of these attachment points.

Thus, the tire, in particular because it is made of flexible rubber, acts as a shock absorber by deforming in order to collect the forces received by the photovoltaic panel and by the fixing device of the photovoltaic panel. In

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Indeed, the forces received by the photovoltaic panel are taken up by the tubes 26 of the fixing device, so that it remains in a fixed position, and are transmitted to the tire which will deform to collect these forces.

Nevertheless, and according to the findings of the inventor such a fixing device is not suitable for mounting a photovoltaic panel on a floating support. Indeed, a floating support is generally made in the form of a hollow envelope of thermoplastic material, which therefore does not deform as easily as the rubber of a tire to collect shocks. Thus, the use of such a fixing device on a thermoplastic envelope, and in particular said pair of horizontal tubes will strongly constrain the floating support, in particular in a horizontal direction, which will deteriorate more or less long term.

The invention therefore proposes to overcome these disadvantages, by proposing a modular assembly for a floating solar power station, making it possible to reduce the stresses on the photovoltaic panel and the floating support receiving the solar panel, in particular when the floating support contracts or expands, while ensuring optimum maintenance of the photovoltaic panel on said floating support whatever the weather, and especially in strong winds.

The invention also proposes a modular assembly of simple and fast realization, and at reduced cost.

Thus, the invention relates to a modular assembly for a floating solar power station comprising:

a floating support for photovoltaic panel,

a photovoltaic panel of rectangular shape, comprising four parallel edges two by two: two large-sized edges and two small-sized edges,

a fixing system ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel on the floating support, at its two edges of larger size,

wherein said fastening system comprises:

a first holding means ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel on the floating support, connecting a first large edge of the photovoltaic panel to the floating support, at a point of attachment L4 on the floating support,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP - A second holding means ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel at a second large edge of the photovoltaic panel, comprising two holding arms, said first holding arm and second holding arm, each having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the first holding arm being pivotally mounted relative to the photovoltaic panel, via a first upper hinge, at a fixing point Fl on the photovoltaic panel and the upper end the second holding arm being pivotally mounted with respect to the photovoltaic panel, via a second upper hinge, at a fixing point Fl 'on the photovoltaic panel; the lower end of the first holding arm being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support, via a first lower hinge, at a fixing point F2 on the floating support, and the lower end of the second holding arm being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support, via a second lower hinge, at a fixing point F2 'on the floating support, wherein the spacing between the two fixing points Fl , Fl 'on the photovoltaic panel is strictly greater than the spacing between the two fixing points F2, F2' on the floating support.

and wherein the anchoring distance on the support floating between the fixing points F2, F2 'of the holding arm on the floating support, on the one hand, and the fixing points F4 of the first holding means on the support float, on the other hand, is configured to vary freely when the floating support is deformed,

the first upper hinge, the second upper hinge, the first lower hinge and the second lower hinge being configured to allow stress-free deformation of the structure formed by the two holding arms when said anchoring gap varies.

According to optional features of the invention taken alone or in combination:

the first lower articulation and / or the second lower articulation is an axis pivot connection, perpendicular to a horizontal direction and substantially vertical when the floating support is positioned on a body of water,

- At least one pivot connection is formed of a fixing housing torque / pivot axis, the axis of the fixing housing defining the axis of the pivot connection, the pivot axis being received in the fixing housing so to pivot around the axis of the pivot connection,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP the pivot axis is made in the form of a removable pin,

the first upper articulation and / or the second upper articulation is in the form of a ball joint,

the first upper hinge, the second upper hinge, the first lower hinge and the second lower hinge are made in the form of ball joints,

each ball joint is formed of a pair of fixing ring / pivot axis, the axis of the fixing ring defining a first axis of rotation A1, AG of the ball joint, the pivot axis being received in the ball joint, fixing ring so as to pivot about this first axis of rotation Al, A and about a second axis A2, A2 ', perpendicular to the first axis A1, AG, and about a third axis A3, A3', perpendicular to the first axis A1, AG and the second axis A2, A2 ', the angular amplitude of the rotation about the first axis A1, A being strictly greater than the angular amplitude of the rotation about the second axis A2, A2' and to the angular amplitude of the rotation about the third axis A3, A3 ',

the angular amplitude around the second axis A2, A2 'and around the third axis A3, A3' is between 5 ° and 30 °,

at least one fastening ring is of toric form,

- The fixing rings of the ball joints at the fixing points F2, F2 'on the floating support are arranged on the floating support so that their respective centers are connected by a straight line parallel to the large-sized edges of the photovoltaic panel,

- The upper end of at least one holding arm of the second holding means comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis of the ball joint, said pivot pin being also received in a ring fixing the ball joint, fixed on the photovoltaic panel at the fixing point Fl, Fl ', said fixing ring being configured to allow rotation of the pivot axis about the first axis of rotation A1 and around the two axes of rotation A2, A3, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A1, and / or the lower end of said holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis of the ball joint, said pivot axis being also received in a ring fixing the ball joint, fixed on the floating support at the fixing point F2, F2 ', said ring of

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP fixing being configured to allow rotation of the pivot axis about the first axis of rotation A1 and around the two axes of rotation A2, A3, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A1,

at least one pivot axis forming a ball joint is constituted by a removable pin,

the first fastening means of the fixing system comprises a flexible section, fixed on the floating support, in the longitudinal direction of the large parallel edges of the photovoltaic panel, the flexible section being configured so as to allow a pivoting of the photovoltaic panel by relative to the support floating around an axis oriented in said substantially transverse direction, only by deforming,

the photovoltaic panel is provided with a frame comprising at least two longitudinal members intended to cover the large-sized edges of the photovoltaic panel, the first and the second holding means of the fixing system holding the photovoltaic panel at the frame,

the photovoltaic panel is arranged protruding laterally on both sides of the floating support,

the fixing points F1, F1 'of the first and second holding arms on the photovoltaic panel are each located in an attachment zone ZF1, ZF1' such that the distance separating a fixing point F1, F1 'from the median plane of photovoltaic panel is strictly greater than the distance separating it from the end of the first large-dimension edge of the nearest photovoltaic panel,

the floating support is a plastic envelope.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a modular assembly for floating solar power plant according to the invention comprising the steps:

a) supplying the photovoltaic panel of rectangular shape, comprising four edges parallel two by two: two large edges and two small edges,

b) supply of the floating support for photovoltaic panel,

c) supplying the photovoltaic panel fixing system to the floating support for photovoltaic panel, comprising the first holding means and the second holding means,

FIREFUL LIGHT RECEIVED (RULE 91) ISA / EP d) fixing the first fixing means of the fastening system on the floating support,

e) fixing the photovoltaic panel at a first large edge on the first fastening means of the fastening system,

f) fixing the upper end of each holding arm of the second fastening means of the fastening system on the photovoltaic panel, g) fixing the lower end of each holding arm of the second fastening means of the fastening system on the floating support.

According to one embodiment, the upper end of each holding arm of the second holding means comprises a hole receiving a pivot axis, Al axis, said pivot axis being also received in a fixing ring, fixed on the photovoltaic panel at the fixing point Fl, Fl ', and / or the lower end of each holding arm of the second holding means comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis, axis Al', said pivot axis being also received in a fixing ring, fixed on the floating support at the point of attachment F2, F2 ', wherein step f) comprises the following substeps:

fl) fixing the two fixing rings at the fixing points Fl, Fl 'on the photovoltaic panel,

f2) matching the drilling of the upper end of each holding arm with the corresponding fixing ring,

O) setting up each pivot axis in each hole and in each corresponding fixing ring,

and / or, step g) comprises the following substeps:

gl) fixing the two fixing rings at the fixing points F2, F2 'on the floating support,

g2) matching the lower bore of each holding arm with the corresponding fixing ring,

g3) setting up each pivot axis in each piercing and in each corresponding fixing ring.

According to one embodiment, step f) and step gl) are carried out prior to steps g2) and g3), for example in the workshop or on the installation site of the modular assembly, at a first workstation. , in order to produce a first pre-assembled assembly comprising

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP the photovoltaic panel provided with fixing rings fixed at the fixing points Fl, Fl 'and the holding arms of the second holding means fixed to the photovoltaic panel by means of the pivot pins, and a second pre-assembled assembly comprising the support floating with fastening rings fixed at the fixing points F2, F2 ', the steps g2) and g3) being performed on the installation site of the modular assembly, at a second workstation, to assemble the two sets pre-assembled to form the modular assembly.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by the appended figures, among which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular assembly according to a first embodiment according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular assembly represented in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular assembly represented in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of FIG. 1 showing the connection between the upper end of a holding arm and the photovoltaic panel,

FIG. 5 is a detail view of FIG. 2, in which a holding arm has been removed,

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first pre-assembled assembly making it possible to implement the method according to an embodiment according to the invention,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second pre-assembled assembly making it possible to implement the method according to an embodiment according to the invention,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an isolated holding arm of a modular assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flexible section isolated from a modular assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 11 is a front view of the modular assembly shown in FIG. 1, in which the two holding arms have been removed,

FIG. 12 is a side view similar to FIG. 6, showing an embodiment in which the photovoltaic panel is provided with a frame, and a pinch profile receives a beam of this frame,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP FIG. 13 is a front view of a modular assembly according to a second embodiment according to the invention,

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the modular assembly of FIG. 13, in which a holding arm has been removed,

FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the modular assembly of FIG. 13,

FIG. 16 is a side view of a holding arm provided with the axis of rotation and the fixing ring of the first upper articulation, as well as the axis of rotation of the first lower articulation of FIG. the modular assembly of FIG. 13,

FIG. 17 is a front detail view of the modular assembly of FIG. 1,

- Figure 18 is a perspective view of a modular assembly according to a third embodiment according to the invention.

The invention relates to a modular assembly 1 for floating solar power plant comprising:

a floating support 2 for photovoltaic panel,

a photovoltaic panel 3, typically of rectangular shape, comprising four parallel edges two by two: two large edges Bl, B2 and two small-sized edges,

- A fastening system ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel on the floating support, at its two edges Bl, B2 of larger size.

According to the invention, said fixing system comprises:

a first holding means 4 ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the floating support 2, connecting a first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3 to the floating support 2, at the level of at least one fixing point F4 on the floating support 2

a second holding means 5 holding the photovoltaic panel 3 at a second large-dimension edge B2 of the photovoltaic panel, comprising two holding arms 51, 52, said first holding arm 51 and second holding arm 52 , each having an upper end E5ls, E52s and a lower end E5li, E52i, the upper end E51s of the first holding arm 51 being pivotally mounted relative to the photovoltaic panel 3, via a

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP first upper articulation A5ls, at a fixing point F1 on the photovoltaic panel 3 and the upper end E52s of the second holding arm 52 being pivotally mounted relative to the photovoltaic panel 3, via a second articulation upper A52s, at a fixing point Fl 'on the photovoltaic panel 3; the lower end E5li of the first holding arm 51 being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support 2, via a first lower articulation A5li, at an attachment point F2 on the floating support, and the lower end E52i of the second holding arm 52 being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support, via a second lower articulation A52i, at a point of attachment F2 'on the floating support 2.

The fixing points Fl, Fl 'of the holding arms 51, 52 on the photovoltaic panel 3 are preferably arranged symmetrical with respect to a median plane PM of the photovoltaic panel 3 and the attachment points F2, F2' of the holding arms 51 , 52 on the floating support 2 are preferably arranged symmetrical with respect to the median plane PM of the photovoltaic panel 3.

According to the invention the spacing E1 between the two fixing points F1, F1 'on the photovoltaic panel 3 is strictly greater than the spacing E2 between the two fixing points F2, F2' on the floating support 2.

Viewed from the rear, and as shown in FIG. 2, the structure formed by the two holding arms 51, 52 draws the two equal sides of an isosceles trapezium.

According to the invention, the anchoring distance E24 on the floating support enters, on the one hand, the fixing points F2, F2 'of the holding arms 51, 52 on the floating support 2 and, on the other hand, the fixing points F4 of the first holding means 4 on the floating support, in particular in a horizontal direction DH1, is configured to vary freely when the floating support deforms in said horizontal direction DH1. Thus and contrary to the devices of the state of the art, such as that described in WO 2014/165609 A1, there is no rigid connection between the fixing points, in particular by the tubes marked 26 in this anteriority. Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the invention reduces the number of parts necessary for the realization of such a modular assembly and therefore its complexity of implementation as well as its cost.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP According to the invention, the first upper articulation A5ls, the second upper articulation A52s, the first lower articulation A5li and the second lower articulation A52i are configured to allow the stress-free deformation of the structure formed by the two holding arms 51, 52 when said gap E24 varies.

Thus, unlike the devices of the state of the art, such as that described in document WO 2014/165609 A1, the fastening system of the modular assembly 1 according to the invention, and in particular the four joints A51s, A52s, A5li, A52i ensuring the assembly between the second edge B2 of large size of the photovoltaic panel 3 and the floating support 2, and configured to allow the strain-free deformation of the structure formed by the two holding arms 51, 52, allows a connection non-rigid between the photovoltaic panel 3 and the floating support 2 avoiding the transmission of forces during heterogeneous expansions between these two elements.

Thanks to the use of these four joints A5ls, A52s, A5li, A52i, the forces received by the floating support 2 are not transmitted to the photovoltaic panel 3, and conversely the forces received by the photovoltaic panel are not transmitted to the floating support . Such forces are, for example, those generated by the deformations occurring in the floating support 2, in particular during the expansion or contraction of the component material, or those generated by the anchoring of the modular assembly 1. other modular assemblies 1, in order to form the floating power station, or to earth, in order to maintain said floating power station in position, said anchoring being done at the level of the floating support 2.

The deformations that can occur at the level of the floating support 2 are in fact entirely encased by the rotation of the holding arms 51, 52 with respect to the floating support 2 and with respect to the photovoltaic panel 3 and are therefore not transmitted to the photovoltaic panel 3.

In particular, when the forces received by the floating support 2 are forces oriented in the horizontal direction DH1, as can be seen for example in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 6, these will generate an expansion or contraction of the material floating support 2, in said horizontal direction DH1. By authorizing the modification of the spacing E24 between an attachment point F2, F2 'and an attachment point F4 by the holding means 3, 4 according to the invention, this deformation of the

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP floating support 2 will not generate constraints in the voltaic photo panel. Conversely, this possibility of modifying the spacing E24 will allow the forces collected by the photovoltaic panel 3 to be absorbed by this relative displacement between said fixing points F2 (F2 ') and F4, and are not transmitted to the floating support 2.

Such a rotation of the holding support arms 51, 52 with respect to the floating support 2 and with respect to the photovoltaic panel 3 will cause a slight modification of the inclination of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to the floating support 2, and the photovoltaic panel will not deteriorate under the effect of the forces that would be transmitted to it by the floating support 2.

Furthermore, the fact that the spacing between the two fixing points Fl, Fl 'is strictly greater than the spacing between the fixing points F2, F2' advantageously allows the two holding arms 51, 52 to define with the second large-dimension edge B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3 and with the upper face 21 of the floating support 2 an isosceles trapezium, as visible in FIG. 2.

Fe photovoltaic panel 3 will therefore be maintained in a particularly stable manner at its second large-dimension edge B2 thanks to this isosceles trapezoidal arrangement of the holding arms 51, 52, allowing it to remain at its initial position relative to the floating support 2 of the photovoltaic panel, even in the event of stress in the direction of large edges Bl, B2 and unlike the devices of the state of the art, such as that described in document KR1020160083441.

According to one embodiment, the floating support 2 may consist essentially of a plastic envelope defining an upper wall 21, a lower wall 22 and four side walls 23, 24, 25, 26, as seen in FIGS. 1 to 3. , the fastening system can be positioned on the upper wall 21 of the floating support 2. Fa upper wall 21 can for this purpose be substantially parallel to the bottom wall 22.

The floating support 2 may be of generally parallelepipedal shape and comprise connecting means, for example ears (FIG. 18), preferably in one piece with the plastic envelope. These ears are for example arranged at the four corners of the floating support 2, in order to be assembled with other floating supports to form said solar power plant.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP According to one embodiment, the floating support 2 is a plastic envelope.

Thus, the floating support 2 may for example be made of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding.

Such a floating support 2 made of thermoplastic material produced by extrusion-blowing is for example visible on the embodiment of FIG. 18.

Indeed, the extrusion-blowing is a particularly suitable process for producing hollow parts made of thermoplastic material, and in particular hollow parts whose thickness of the envelope is less than 10 mm, for example of the order of 3 mm, as is usually the case for such floating supports.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first holding means 4 can be configured so as to maintain the first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3 near the upper wall 21 of the floating support 2, while the second means 5 can be configured to maintain the second large-dimension edge B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3 spaced from the upper wall 21 of the floating support 2.

Thus, the photovoltaic panel 3 is inclined relative to the horizontal when the modular assembly 1 is disposed on the water.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 or 14 to 16, the holding arms 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 may be made in the form of tubes, metal or plastic, for example of square section. Advantageously, to simplify the manufacture of the fastening system of the modular assembly 1, the first holding arm 51 and the second holding arm 52 are identical.

In addition, the length L51, L52 of the holding arms 51, 52 determines the spacing between the second edge B2 and the upper wall 21 of the floating support 2, and therefore the inclination of the photovoltaic panel 3 relative to the horizontal. This inclination can be between 5 ° and 40 °.

In particular, if it is desired to modify the inclination of the photovoltaic panel 3 relative to the horizontal, it suffices to replace the holding arms 51, 52 of length L51, L52 by holding arms 51, 52 of length L51, L52 different, or to provide telescopic holding arms 51, 52, length L51, L52 manually adjustable.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP 51 it is desired to modify the inclination of the photovoltaic panel 3 on a regular basis, for example to be able to adapt it in real time, and dynamically, to the position of the sun, it is conceivable that the arms 51, 52 are telescopic arms, their elongation possibly being electrically controlled, for example by a jack system.

According to one embodiment, the first lower hinge A51i and / or the second lower hinge A52i is a pivot link P5li, P52i, axis AP51I, AP52i perpendicular to the horizontal direction DH1 and substantially vertical when the floating support 2 is positioned on an expanse of water.

Thus, as can be seen for example in FIGS. 14 and 15, each holding arm 51, 52 is able to rotate along the axis AP5li or along the axis AP52i, at the point of attachment F2 or at the point of attachment F2. 'in order to cash a force, oriented in the direction DH1, at this attachment point F2, F2', as represented by the arrow FP. This pivoting will allow the strain-free deformation of the structure formed by the two holding arms 51, 52 during the variation of the spacing E24. This advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible in particular for the forces received by the photovoltaic panel 3, oriented in direction DH1, to be received by the two holding arms 51, 52 without being transmitted to the floating support 2, by pivoting relative to the support 2, and vice versa, in the same way, that the forces received by the floating support 2, oriented in the direction DH1, are not transmitted to the photovoltaic panel 3.

According to one embodiment, at least one pivot link P5li, P52i is formed of a fixing housing couple 56i / pivot pin 57i, the axis of the fixing housing 56i defining the axis of the pivot connection AP51I, AP52L. pivot pin 57i being received in the fixing housing 56i so as to pivot about the axis of the pivot connection AP51I, AP52L

Advantageously, the fixing housing 56i can be made partly in the holding arm 51, 52 and partly in the floating support 2. In this case, the fixing housing 56i may comprise a first portion P56i made in the form of a bore formed at a lower end E5li, E52i of the holding arm 51,

52 and a second portion P56i 'made in the form of a bore formed at the level of the floating support 2.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 17, the first portion P56i of the fixing housing 56i may advantageously be formed in one piece with the holding arm 51, 52, at the lower end E5li, E52i of said holding arm 51, 52. Alternatively, said first portion P56i of the fixing housing 56i may be provided on a separate part of the holding arm 51, 52, which is fixed at the lower end E5li, E52i of said arm maintenance.

Advantageously, the pivot pin 57i can be made in the form of a cylindrical piece, received in the fixing housing 56i, possibly via a bearing to facilitate the pivoting of the pivot axis 57i.

In order to facilitate the mounting of the pivot pin 57i on the floating support 2, it can be made in the form of a detachable pin, or a member that can be screwed.

According to one embodiment, the first upper articulation A5ls and / or the second upper articulation A52s is in the form of a rotule connection R. Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the photovoltaic panel 3 is able to pivot by relative to each of the holding arms 51, 52, at the fixing points Fl, Fl ', so as to ensure said flexible connection between the photovoltaic panel 3 and the floating support 2 accommodating the forces experienced by said photovoltaic panel or by said floating support.

In particular, as can be seen in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15, the rotation of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to a holding arm 51, 52 can take place along three axes A1, A2, A3, in particular with the axis A3 parallel to axis AP5 li, AP52i of pivot link P5 li, P52L

According to another embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 12, the first upper articulation A5ls, the second upper articulation A52s, the first lower articulation A5li and the second lower articulation A52i are produced in the form of R-ball links. .

Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the photovoltaic panel 3 is rotatable relative to each holding arm 51, 52, at the fixing points Fl, Fl ', along three axes of rotation Al, A2, A3 , and the floating support 2 is also rotatable relative to each holding arm 51, 52, at the attachment points F2, F2 ', along three axes of rotation Al', A2 ', A3'.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Thus, and again, the forces collected by the photovoltaic panel 3, whatever their orientation, are completely taken up by the deformation of the structure formed by the holding arms 51, 52, and are not transmitted to the floating support 2, and conversely, the forces collected by the floating support 2 are not transmitted to the photovoltaic panel 3, whatever their orientation, thanks to the deformation of the structure formed by the holding arms 51, 52.

According to one embodiment, each ball joint R is formed of a pair of fixing ring 53i, 53s / pivot axis 54i, 54s, the axis A53i, A53s of the fixing ring 53i, 53s defining a first axis of Al rotation, A of the ball joint R, the pivot pin 54i, 54s being received in the fixing ring 53i, 53s so as to pivot about this first axis of rotation Al, A and about a second axis A2, A2 ', perpendicular to the first axis A1, A, and about a third axis A3, A3', perpendicular to the first axis A1, A and the second axis A2, A2 ', the angular amplitude al, al' of the rotation about the first axis A1, AG being strictly greater than the angular amplitude a2, a2 'of the rotation about the second axis A2, A2' and the angular amplitude a3, a3 'of the rotation about the third axis A3 , A3 '.

Such a ball joint R is of simple construction, its use being made possible by the fact that, according to the findings of the inventor, it is not necessary to have a ball joint R offering an identical angular amplitude of rotation according to the three axes of rotation Al, Al ', A2, A2', A3, A3 ', which would require the use of complex parts, with spherical surfaces cooperating with each other, and which also have a significant cost.

Advantageously, and as visible in FIGS. 5 and 6, the axes of rotation A1, corresponding to the axes A53s of the fixing rings 53s, when integral with the photovoltaic panel 3, are oriented perpendicularly to the large-dimensioned edges B1, B2 and preferably parallel to each other. at the small-dimensional edges of the photovoltaic panel 3. The axes of rotation AG, corresponding to the axes A53i of the fixing rings 53i, when integral with the floating support 2 are oriented perpendicular to the large-dimensioned edges Bl, B2 and preferably parallel to the surface bottom 22 of the floating support 2.

Indeed, according to the findings of the inventor, and to adapt to the problem of the deformation of the floating support 2, during the expansion or contraction of the material

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP the component, it is not necessary that the angular amplitude of the rotation at the ball R about the axes A2, A2 'and A3, A3' is as important as that around the axes Al, AG to be able to ensure the rotation of the holding arms 51, 52 with respect to the photovoltaic panel 3 and the floating support 2 so that no effort is generated in the photovoltaic panel 3 because of the deformation of the floating support 2.

The amplitude of rotation around the axes Al, Al ', larger, can be useful during assembly, allowing the folding of the holding arms 51, 52, pre-assembled on the photovoltaic panel 3, to the photovoltaic panel 3 around the axes Al, ball joints R at the fixing points Fl, F1 on the photovoltaic panel 3, and for the purpose of limiting the size of a first premounted assembly 11 during storage and / or transport thereof.

During assembly, these axes of rotation Al, Al 'will allow the deployment of the holding arms, 51, 52 of the first pre-assembled assembly 11, by rotation around these axes of rotation Al, in order to ensure the fixing of the lower ends E5li , E52i holding arms 51, 52 to a second preassembled assembly 12. Such a method is described in detail later.

The rotation of the pivot axis 54i, 54s with respect to the fixing ring 53i, 53s along the axes of rotation A2, A2 'and A3, A3' can be enabled by the specific form of the fixing ring 53i , 53s and / or by the interlocking play between the pivot axis 54i, 54s and the fixing ring 53i, 53s.

The dimensions of the specific shape of the fixing ring 53i, 53s and / or of the interlocking play between the pivot axis 54i, 54s and the fixing ring 53i, 53s will notably determine the angular amplitude a2, a2 ', a3, a3' of the rotation about axes A2, A2 'and A3, A3'.

Advantageously, the angular amplitude a3, a3 'of the rotation about the axes A3, A3' is strictly less than the angular amplitude a2, a2 'of the rotation about the axes A2, A2'.

According to one embodiment, the angular amplitude around the second axis A2, A2 'and around the third axis A3, A3' is between 5 ° and 30 °.

Advantageously, the angular amplitude around the first axis Al, Al 'can be between 30 ° and 60 °.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP According to one embodiment, at least one fixing ring 53i, 53s is of toric form. The ring-shaped ring advantageously allows rotation of the pivot axis 54 i, 54 s about the three axes of rotation Al, Al ', A2, A2', A3, A3 '.

Alternatively, other shapes can be envisaged for the fixing ring 53i, 53s allowing rotation of the pivot axis 54i, 54s around the three axes of rotation Al, Al ', A2, A2', A3, A3 ' , for example a ring shape of triangular section or rhombus.

According to one embodiment, the fixing rings 53i of the ball joints R at the fixing points F2, F2 'on the floating support 2 are arranged on the floating support 2 so that their respective centers C53i are connected by a straight line Di parallel to the large dimensions B1, B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3.

According to one embodiment, the fixing rings 53s of the ball joints R at the fixing points F1, F1 'on the photovoltaic panel 3 are arranged on the photovoltaic panel 3 so that their respective centers C53s are connected by a straight line Ds parallel to the large-dimension edges B1, B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3. These arrangements are visible for example in Figures 2 and 11.

According to one embodiment, the upper end E5ls, E52s of at least one holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis 54s, the ball joint R, said pivot axis 54s being also received in a fixing ring 53s of the ball joint R, fixed on the photovoltaic panel 3 at the fixing point Fl, Fl ', said fixing ring 53s being configured to allow the rotation of the axis pivoting 54s about the first axis of rotation A1 and around the two axes of rotation A2, A3, perpendicular to the axis of rotation A1, and / or the lower end E51i, E52i of said holding arm 51, 52 of the second element 5 comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis 54i of the ball joint R, said pivot pin 54i also being received in a fixing ring 53i of the ball joint R, fixed on the floating support 2 at the point of attachment F2, F2 ', said fixing lug 53i being configured to allow the rotation of the pivot axis 54i about the first axis of rotation Al 'and around the two axes of rotation A2', A3 ', perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Al'.

With this advantageous arrangement, the realization and mounting of the second holding means 5 is particularly simple and low cost.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the pivot pins 54i, 54s are for example generally cylindrical shaped parts, metal or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bore 55i provided to receive the pivot pin 54i is parallel to the bore 55s intended to receive the pivot pin 54s, so that the pivot axis 54i and the pivot axis 54s are arranged parallel, once introduced into the bore 55i, 55s respective, as visible in Figure 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, each holding arm 51, 52 may be dimensioned so as to receive internally at least one, advantageously two fixing rings 53i, 53s.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the axis A54i of the pivot axis 54i may be merged with the axis A53i of the associated attachment ring 53i, in particular with regard to the pivot axes 54i, intended to cooperate with the rings of fixation 53i, fixed on the floating support

2.

Advantageously, a fixing ring 53i, 53s may comprise a threaded portion intended to be received in a bore formed on the floating support 2 or on the photovoltaic panel 3, and to cooperate with a nut, and optionally with one or more washers, in order to securing said fixing ring 53i, 53s to the floating support 2 or to the photovoltaic panel 3.

Alternatively, as can be seen in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 17, the fixing ring 53i, 53s may be formed in a fastener P53s comprising a plurality of flat surfaces, comprising a flat bearing surface FP53s, provided for press flat on a flat face of the photovoltaic panel 3, or the floating support 2, and a planar mounting face FA53s, inclined relative to the flat bearing surface FP53s, in which is formed the fixing ring 53i , 53s.

Said flat bearing surface FP53s can advantageously be fixed on a spar 32, 33 of a frame 31 surrounding the photovoltaic panel 3, for example by means of a fastening screw, or else by being welded to said spar 32 33. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, it could also be provided that at least one attachment ring 53i, 53s 54i, 54s is disposed at one end E5li, E5ls, E52i, E52s of an arm 51, 52, being fixedly secured to said holding arm 51, 52, a bore 55i, 55s being provided at the level of the photovoltaic panel 3, receiving

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP the corresponding pivot axis 54i, 54s in cooperation also with said fixing ring 53i, 53s.

According to one embodiment, at least one pivot axis 54i, 54s forming a ball joint R is constituted by a removable pin.

The use of a pin makes it easier and faster to mount and / or disassemble said pivot axis 54i, 54s in the associated fastening ring 53i, 53s.

In order to maintain the position of said pin 54i, 54s in the attachment ring 53i, 53s, associated, a holding member (not shown) can be provided on said pin pivot pin 54i, 54s. A handling ring (not shown) may also be provided on the pin.

Alternatively, any other element of generally cylindrical shape may be provided to form said pivot axis 54i, 54s, for example a bolt.

According to one embodiment, the first holding means 4 of the fixing system comprises a flexible section 41, fixed on the floating support 2, in the substantially longitudinal direction of the large parallel edges B1, B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3, the flexible section 41 being configured to allow a pivoting of the photovoltaic panel relative to the floating support about an axis AT oriented in said substantially transverse direction, only by deforming.

Such an arrangement facilitates the mounting of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the floating support 2, in that, once the first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3 fixed to the floating support 2 via the flexible section 41 of the first holding means 4, the photovoltaic panel 3 can be further inclined with respect to the upper face 21 of the floating support 2 in order to adjust this inclination and / or to facilitate the attachment of the second large-dimension edge B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3 to the second holding means 5.

As seen in Figures 2, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 11, the flexible section 41 may be made of metal or plastic. This flexible section 41 may advantageously be an L-shaped section piece, defining a horizontal branch 42 and a vertical branch 43.

A plurality of holes, distributed regularly on the two branches 42, 43 of the flexible section 41 may be provided to ensure the attachment of the flexible section 41 on the

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP floating support 2 and on the photovoltaic panel 3 by means of fastening means (not shown) such as screws. Any other fixing means may be provided in order to secure the flexible profile to the floating support 2 and / or to the photovoltaic panel 3, for example clips or clamps.

This embodiment of the flexible section 41 thus confers a certain flexibility, which will thus provide this flexible section 41 a similar operation to that of a hinge, allowing the pivoting of the photovoltaic panel 3 relative to the floating support 2 around a AT axis parallel to the first large edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3. For this purpose, a hinge may optionally be provided on the flexible section 41, especially at the junction between the two branches 42, 43.

Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first holding means 4 of the fastening system may comprise any type of element capable of ensuring the translational immobilization of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to the floating support 2, while by allowing a rotation of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to the floating support 2 about an axis of rotation parallel to the first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3.

Thus, the first holding means 4 could for example comprise a groove, for example of triangular section, formed directly on the floating support 2, and dimensioned so as to receive a rib of the first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel 3, the interlocking play between said rib and said groove being provided so as to allow the pivoting of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to the floating support 2.

According to one embodiment, the photovoltaic panel 3 is provided with a frame 31 comprising at least two longitudinal members 32, 33 intended to cover the large-dimension edges B1, B2 of the photovoltaic panel 3, the first 4 and the second means of maintaining the fastening system holding the photovoltaic panel 3 at the frame 31.

Such a frame 31 stiffens the photo voltaic panel 3, preventing it from bending under its own weight, especially when fixed on the floating support 2 through the fastening system.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Such a frame 31, receiving the holding means 4, 5 of the fastening system avoids damaging the photovoltaic panel to receive said holding means 4, 5.

As seen in Figures 1, 2 and 7, the frame 31 may comprise two longitudinal members 32, 33, and optionally two cross members 34, provided to cover the small-sized edges of the photovoltaic panel.

Advantageously, the frame 31 is made of metal or rigid plastic, each crosspiece 34 or spar 32, 33 consisting of a profile, dimensioned so as to receive an edge of the photovoltaic panel 3.

Bores may be provided on the longitudinal members 32, 33 to receive the elements for fixing the first 4 and / or second 5 holding means. For example two holes, positioned at the fixing points Fl, Fl 'on the beam 32 of the frame 31 may be provided to receive the fixing rings 53s of the second holding means 5, and ensure their attachment.

Alternatively, and as visible in FIG. 12, at least one pinch profile 35, made of thermoplastic or metal material, of substantially C-shaped section, may be provided in order to receive a spar 32, 33 and the attachment rings 53i of FIG. second holding means 5 or the flexible section 41 of the first holding means 4, and ensure their attachment. The attachment of the beam 32, 33 of the frame 31 in the pinch profile 35 can be ensured by the clamping force exerted by the clamping profile 35, thanks to its shape of C, and / or by the adhesion between the profile pinch 35 and the beam 32, 33, optionally accentuated or generated by the interposition of a non-slip polymer material between the nip profile 35 and the beam 32, 33, and / or by means of fasteners, for example screws of fixation.

According to one embodiment, the photovoltaic panel 3 is arranged protruding laterally on both sides of the floating support 2.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, this advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible to reduce the quantity of material necessary for producing the floating support 2, in that it is thus not necessary to provide a floating support 2 whose width L22 (ie the length of the side wall 22 and the side wall 23) is substantially equal to the width LB1 of the photovoltaic panel 3 (ie the length of the first B1 or second B2 large edge) .

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP According to one embodiment, the fixing points F1, F1 'of the first 51 and the second holding arm 52 on the photovoltaic panel 3 are each located in an attachment zone ZF1, ZF1' such that the distance DPM, DPM ', separating an attachment point Fl, Fl 'of the median plane PM of the photovoltaic panel 3 is strictly greater than the distance DEB1, DEBF separating it from the end EB1, EBG of the first large-dimension edge B1 of the nearest photovoltaic panel 3.

Thanks to this advantageous arrangement according to the invention, visible for example in FIG. 11, the forces, in particular those due to the wind, are exerted on the small-sized edges of the photovoltaic panel 3, close to the fixing points Fl, Fl of the second holding means 5, thus reducing the creation of stresses between the point of application of such a force and the fixing point Fl, Fl 'of the photovoltaic panel 3, thus preventing the deterioration of the panel at more or less long term, unlike devices of the state of the art, including that described in KR1020160083441.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a modular assembly 1 according to the invention, comprising the steps of:

a) supplying the photovoltaic panel 3 of rectangular shape, comprising four edges parallel in pairs: two large-sized edges B 1, B2 and two small-sized edges,

b) supply of the floating support 2 for photovoltaic panel,

c) supplying the fixing system of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the floating support 2 for photovoltaic panel, comprising the first holding means 4 and the second holding means 5,

d) fixing the first holding means 4 of the fastening system on the floating support 2,

e) fixing the photovoltaic panel 3 at its first large edge B1 on the first holding means 4 of the fixing system,

f) fixing the upper end E5ls, E52s of each holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 of the fixing system on the photovoltaic panel 3,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP g) fixing the lower end E5li, E52i of each holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 of the fastening system on the floating support 2.

Such a method is simple and quick to implement, in that it does not require any complex adjustment of the positioning of the photovoltaic panel 3 to ensure its fixation in a desired position on the floating support 2. An operator thus has only to assemble the different elements of the modular assembly 1 to obtain a fixation in the desired position of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the floating support 2.

Indeed, the position and inclination of the photovoltaic panel 3 with respect to the floating support 2 is predetermined by the position of the fixing points Fl, Fl ', F2, F2' of the second holding means 5, the length L51, L52 of the holding arm 51, 52, and the position of the first holding means 4 on the floating support 2.

Mounting errors can therefore be substantially minimized by such a method.

Steps a) to g), and more particularly steps d) to g) of the method according to the invention can be carried out chronologically in any order. In particular, step d) can be performed before step e), or vice versa, and / or step f) can be performed before step g), or vice versa.

Furthermore, each of the steps d) to g) can be carried out, at least in part, near the installation site of the modular assembly 1 or, at least in part, in a workshop remote from the installation site, for example in factory.

According to one embodiment, the upper end E5ls, E52s of each holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 comprises a bore 55s receiving a pivot axis 54s, of axis A1, said pivot axis 54s being also received in a fixing ring 53s, fixed on the photovoltaic panel 3 at the fixing point Fl, Fl ', and / or the lower end E5li, E52i of each holding arm 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 comprises a bore 55i receiving a pivot axis 54i, of axis Al ', said pivot axis 54i also being received in a fixing ring 53i, fixed on the floating support 2 at the point of attachment (F2, F2').

According to such an embodiment, step f) of the method comprises the following substeps:

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP fl) fixing the two fixation rings 53s at the fixing points Fl, Fl 'on the photovoltaic panel 3,

f2) matching the bore 55s of the upper end E51s, E52s of each holding arm 51, 52 with the corresponding fixing ring 53s,

O) setting up each pivot pin 54s in each hole 55s and in each corresponding fixing ring 53s,

and / or, step g) comprises the following substeps:

gl) fixing the two fixing rings 53s at the fixing points F2, F2 'on the floating support 2,

g2) aligning the bore 55i of the lower end E5li, E52i of each holding arm 51, 52 with the corresponding fixing ring 53i,

g3) placing each pivot pin 54i in each hole 55i and in each corresponding fixing ring 53i.

Such a step g) finds its application in the case where the four joints A5li, A5ls, A52i, A52s of the second holding means are ball joints R, as visible in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, 11 and 12 .

In the case where the first lower articulation A5li and the second lower articulation A52i are pivot links P5li, P52i, each pivot connection P5li, P52i is formed of a pair of fixing housing 56i / pivot axis 57i, the fixing housing 56i comprising a first portion P56i formed on the holding arm 51, 52 and a second portion P56i 'provided on the floating support 2, the axis of the fixing housing 56i defining the axis of the pivot connection AP5li, AP52i, the axis 57i pivot being received in the fixing housing 56i so as to pivot about the axis of the pivot connection AP5li, AP52i, as visible in the embodiments of Figures 13 to 18, it can be provided a step g) , comprising the following substeps:

gl ') matching the first portion P56i of the fixing housing 56i of the lower end E5I i, E52i of each holding arm 51, 52 with the second portion P56i' of the fixing housing 56i provided on the floating support,

g2 ') placing each pivot pin 57i in each fixing housing 56.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Such an arrangement of the method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve reliable and rapid fixing of the holding arms 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 on the photovoltaic panel 3 and / or on the floating support 2, especially in the case where the pivot axis (s) 54i, 54s is (are) constituted (s) by a removable pin, as described above.

According to one embodiment, step f) and step gl) are carried out prior to steps g2) and g3), for example in the workshop or on the installation site of the modular assembly, at a first workstation. PT1, in order to produce a first pre-assembled assembly 11 comprising the photovoltaic panel 3 provided with fixing rings 53s fixed at the fixing points Fl, Fl ', and the holding arms 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 fixed to the panel 3 by means of the pivot pins 54s, and a second pre-assembled assembly 12 comprising the floating support 2 provided with fixing rings 54i fixed at the fixing points F2, F2 ', the steps g2) and g3) being carried out at the installation site of the modular assembly, on a second workstation PT2, to assemble the two premounted assemblies 11, 12 to constitute the modular assembly 1.

In the same way, in the case where the first lower articulation A5li and the second lower articulation A52i are pivotal links P5li, P52i, step f) can be carried out before steps gl ') and g2'), for example in workshop or on the installation site of the modular assembly, at a first workstation PT1, to produce a first pre-assembled assembly 11 comprising the photovoltaic panel 3 provided with fixation rings 53s fixed at the fixing points Fl, FF , and the holding arms 51, 52 of the second holding means 5 attached to the photovoltaic panel 3 via the pivot axes 54s, and a second pre-assembled assembly comprising the floating support 2, possibly comprising the second portions P56i 'of the fixing housing 56i, the steps gl ') and g2') being performed on the installation site of the modular assembly, on a second workstation PT2, in order to assemble the two pre-assembled cables 11, 12 to constitute the modular assembly 1.

The installation site of the modular assembly 1 is understood to mean the place or the surroundings close to the place where the solar power station comprising said modular assembly 1 is intended to be installed during its operation, ie during its implementation for the production. of photovoltaic electricity.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Thus, the installation site of the modular assembly 1 may for example consist of an edge of the body of water on which is planned to be installed said floating solar plant. Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the method according to the invention, the realization of the modular assembly 1 according to the invention on the laying site is particularly simple and fast, since it is only necessary to perform the steps g2) and g3), or possibly the steps gl '), g2') of the method at the laying site to achieve said modular assembly 1. It is also conceivable, for the same advantages, to perform step d) of the process in the workshop remote from the installation site of the modular assembly, and step e) on the installation site of the modular assembly.

Thus, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 8, the second pre-assembled assembly 12 may comprise the floating support 2 on which is fixed the first holding means 4, in particular the flexible section 41.

Advantageously, the fixation of the fixing rings 53i at the fixing points F2, F2 'on the floating support 2 can also be carried out in the workshop, away from the laying site, said fixing rings 53i thus also belonging to the second pre-assembled assembly 12.

Moreover, such an arrangement also has the advantage of not complicating the transport of the various elements making up said modular assembly with respect to a method, in which the steps f) and gl) (or even d)) would be carried out on the site of pose, which requires the transport of the various components of the modular assembly 1 in a disassembled state.

Indeed, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 7, the holding arms 51, 52 can be fixed on the first large-dimension edge B1 of the photovoltaic panel so that they can be folded against a lower wall of the photovoltaic panel 3, which will limit the bulk of the first pre-assembled assembly 11 with respect to a photovoltaic panel 3 without said holding arms 51, 52.

Similarly, the bulk of the first holding means 4, in particular the flexible section 41, as well as the fixing rings 53i being relatively small compared to that of the floating support 2, the transport of the second pre-assembled assembly 12 is not more tedious than the floating support 2.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Of course, other embodiments could have been envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP NOMENCLATURE

1. Modular set

DH1. Horizontal direction

11. First pre-assembled set

12. Second premounted assembly

2. Floating support

21. Upper wall

22. Bottom wall

23. 24, 25, 26. Side wall

L22. Width of floating support

3. Photovoltaic panel

31. Framework

32, 33. Longeron

34. Traverse

35. Pinch profile

Bl. First large edge

B2. Second large edge

EB 1, EB 1 '. End of the first large edge

DEB 1, DEB 1 '. Distance between attachment point and end of the first large edge

DPM. Distance between fixing point and median plane

LB 1. Width of the photovoltaic panel

Fl, Fl ', F2, F2', F4. Attachment point

ZF1, ZFL. Fixing area

El, E2. spacing

Di, Ds. Right

PM. Median plane

4. First means of support

41. Flexible profile

42. Horizontal branch

43. Vertical branch

AT. Rotation axis

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP 5. Second holding means

51. First holding arm

52. Second holding arm

L51, L52. Length of holding arm

E5 li, E52i. Bottom end

E5ls, E52s. Upper end

A5ls, A52s, A5li, A52L Articulation

P5 li, P52L Pivot link

FP. Swivel direction

AP5li, AP52L Axis

53i, 53s. Fixing ring

P53s. Fixing piece

FP53s. Flat surface support

FA53s. Flat fixing surface

A53i, A53s. Fixing ring pin

C53i. C53s. Fixation ring center

54i, 54s. 57i Pivot shaft

P56i, P56i 'Drilling

56i. Fixing housing

Al, Al ', A2, A2', A3, A3 '. Rotation axis

al, al ', a2, a2', a3, a3 '. Angular amplitude

R. Patella connection

PT1. First workstation

PT2. Second workstation

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

Claims

A modular unit (1) for floating solar power station comprising:

a floating support (2) for photovoltaic panel,

a photovoltaic panel (3) of rectangular shape, comprising four parallel edges two by two: two large-sized edges (B1, B2) and two small-sized edges,

an attachment system ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel (3) on the floating support, at its two edges of larger size (B1, B2), characterized in that said fixing system comprises:

a first holding means (4) ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel (3) on the floating support (2), connecting the first large edge (B1) of the photovoltaic panel (3) to the floating support (2), to the level of at least one attachment point (F4) on the floating support (2)

a second holding means (5) ensuring the maintenance of the photovoltaic panel (3) at a second large edge (B2) of the photovoltaic panel (3), comprising two holding arms (51, 52), first holding arm (51) and second holding arm (52), each having an upper end (E5ls, E52s) and a lower end (E5li, E52i), the upper end (E5ls) of the first holding arm (51 ) being pivotally mounted with respect to the photovoltaic panel (3), via a first upper joint (A5ls), at a fixing point (F1) on the photovoltaic panel (3) and the upper end (E52s) of the second holding arm (52) being pivotally mounted with respect to the photovoltaic panel (3), via a second upper articulation (A52s), at a point of attachment (F1 ') on the photovoltaic panel (3); the lower end (E5li) of the first holding arm (51) being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support (2), via a first lower articulation (A5li), at a point of attachment ( F2) on the floating support (2), and the lower end (E52i) of the second holding arm (52) being pivotally mounted relative to the floating support (2), via a second lower articulation (A52i ), at an attachment point (F2 ') on the floating support (2), wherein the spacing (El) between the two fixing points (Fl, Fl ') on the photovoltaic panel (3) is strictly greater than the spacing (E2) between the two fixing points (F2, F2') on the floating support (2),

and wherein the anchoring gap (E24) on the floating support between the fixing points (F2, F2 ') of the holding arms (51, 52) on the floating support (2), on the one hand, and the fixing points (F4) of the first holding means (4) on the floating support, on the other hand, is configured to vary freely when the floating support is deformed, the first upper articulation, the second upper articulation, the first articulation lower and the second lower hinge being configured to allow the strain-free deformation of the structure formed by the two holding arms when said anchoring gap (E24) varies.

Modular assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first lower articulation (A5li) and / or the second lower articulation (A52i) is a pivot connection (P5li, P52i) of axis (AP51I, AP52i) perpendicular to a direction horizontal (DH1) and substantially vertical when the floating support (2) is positioned on a body of water.

Modular assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least one pivot connection (P5li, P52i) is formed of a couple of fixing housing (56i) / pivot axis (57i), the axis of the fixing housing (56i). ) defining the axis of the pivot connection (AP51I, AP52i), the pivot axis (57i) being received in the fixing housing (56i) so as to pivot about the axis of the pivot connection (AP51I, AP52i) ).

The modular assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot axis (57i) is in the form of a detachable pin.

5. Modular assembly according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first upper articulation (A5ls) and / or the second upper articulation (A52s) is in the form of a ball joint (R).

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first upper articulation (A5ls), the second upper articulation (A52s), the first articulation lower (A5li) and the second lower articulation (A52i) are made in the form of ball joints (R).

7. A modular assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each ball joint (R) is formed of a pair of fixing ring (53i, 53s) / pivot axis (54i, 54s), the axis ( A53i, A53s) of the fixing ring (53i, 53s) defining a first axis of rotation (Al, AG) of the ball joint R, the pivot axis (54i, 54s) being received in the fixing ring (53i, 53s), so as to pivot about this first axis of rotation (Al, AG) and about a second axis (A2, A2 '), perpendicular to the first axis (Al, AG), and around a third axis (A3, A3 '), perpendicular to the first axis (Al, AG) and to the second axis (A2, A2'), the angular amplitude (al, al ') of the rotation about the first axis (Al, AG) being strictly greater than the angular amplitude (a2, a2 ') of the rotation about the second axis (A2, A2') and the angular amplitude (a3, a3 ') of the rotation about the third axis (A3 , A3 ').

8. Modular assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the angular amplitude (a2, a2 ') about the second axis (A2, A2') and (a3, a3 ') around the third axis (A3, A3' ) is between 5 ° and 30 °.

9. Modular assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one fixing ring (53i, 53s) is of toric shape.

10. Modular assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the fastening rings (53i) of the ball joints (R) at the attachment points (F2, F2 ') on the floating support (2). ) are arranged on the floating support (2) so that their respective centers (C53i) are connected by a straight line (Di) parallel to the large-sized edges (B1, B2) of the photovoltaic panel (3).

11. Modular assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the upper end (E5ls, E52s) of the holding arm (51, 52) of the second holding means (5) comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis (54s) of the ball joint (R), said pivot axis (54s) also being received in a fastening ring (53s) of the ball joint (R), fixed on the photovoltaic panel (3) at the fixing point (Fl, Fl '), said fixing ring (53s) being configured to allow rotation of the pivot axis (54s) about the first axis of rotation (Al) and about the two axes of rotation (A2, A3), perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Al), and / or the lower end (E5li, E52i) of said holding arm (51, 52) of the second holding means (5) comprises a bore receiving a pivot axis (54i) of the ball joint (R), said pivot pin (54i) also being received in a fixing ring (53i) of the ball joint (R), fixed on the floating support (2) at the point of fixing (F2, F2 '), said fixing ring (53i) being configured to allow rotation of the pivot axis (54i) about the first axis (Al) of rotation and about the two axes of rotation (A2) , A3), perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Al).

12. Modular assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein at least one pivot axis (54i, 54s) forming a ball joint (R) is constituted by a removable pin.

13. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first holding means (4) of the fastening system comprises a flexible section (41), fixed on the floating support (2), in the longitudinal direction of large parallel edges (B1, B2) of the photovoltaic panel (3), the flexible section (41) being configured to allow pivoting of the photovoltaic panel (3) with respect to the floating support (2) about an axis (AT) in said substantially transverse direction, only by deforming.

14. Modular assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the photovoltaic panel (3) is provided with a frame (31) having at least two longitudinal members (32, 33) provided to cover the edges of large dimension (B1, B2) of the photovoltaic panel (3), the first (4) and second (5) holding means of the fixing system holding the photovoltaic panel (3) at the frame (31).

15. Modular assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the photovoltaic panel (3) is arranged protruding laterally on both sides of the floating support (2).

16. Modular assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fixing points (Fl, Fl ') of the first and second holding arm on the photovoltaic panel are each located in a fixing zone ( ZF1, ZF1 ') such that the distance (DPM) between an attachment point (Fl, Fl') of the median plane (PM) of the photovoltaic panel (3) is strictly greater than the distance (DEB1, DEB1 ') separating it from the end (EB1, EBG) of the first large-size edge (B1) of the nearest photovoltaic panel (3).

17. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the floating support (2) is a plastic envelope.

18. A method of producing a modular assembly (1) for floating solar power plant according to one of claims 1 to 17 comprising the steps:

a) supplying the photovoltaic panel (3) of rectangular shape, comprising four parallel edges in pairs: two large-sized edges (B1, B2) and two small-sized edges,

b) supply of the floating support (2) for photovoltaic panel (3),

c) supplying the photovoltaic panel fixing system (3) on the floating support (2) for photovoltaic panel (3), comprising the first holding means (4) and the second holding means (5),

d) fixing the first holding means (4) of the fastening system on the floating support (2),

e) fixing the photovoltaic panel (3) at a first large edge (Bl) on the first holding means (4) of the fastening system, f) fixing the upper end (E5ls, E52s) of each holding arm (51, 52) of the second holding means (5) of the fastening system on the photovoltaic panel (3),

g) fixing the lower end (E5li, E52i) of each holding arm (51, 52) of the second fastening means of the fastening system on the floating support.

19. A method of producing a modular assembly (1) for floating solar power plant according to claim 16, wherein the upper end (E5ls, E52s) of each holding arm (51, 52) of the second holding means (5) comprises a bore (55s) receiving a pivot axis (54s), of axis (A1), said pivot axis (54s) being also received in an attachment ring (53s), fixed on the photovoltaic panel (3) at the attachment point (Fl, Fl '), and / or the lower end of each holding arm (51, 52) of the second means of holding (5) comprises a bore (55i) receiving a pivot axis (54i), axis (Al '), said pivot axis (54i) also being received in a fixing ring (53i), fixed on the support floating (2) at the point of attachment (F2, F2 '), wherein step f) comprises the following substeps:

fl) fixing the two fixing rings (53s) at the fixing points (Fl, Fl ') on the photovoltaic panel (3),

f2) matching the hole (55s) of the upper end (E5ls, E52s) of each holding arm (51, 52) with the corresponding fixing ring (53s), f3) positioning each axis of pivot (54s) in each bore (55s) and in each corresponding fastening ring (53s),

and / or, step g) comprises the following substeps:

gl) fixing the two fixing rings (53i) at the fixing points (F2, F2 ') on the floating support (2),

g2) matching the hole (55i) of the lower end (E5li, E52i) of each holding arm (51, 52) with the corresponding fixing ring (53i), g3) setting up each axis of pivot (54i) in each bore (55i) and in each corresponding fixing ring (53i).

20. A method of producing a modular assembly (1) according to claim 19 wherein step f) and step gl) are performed prior to steps g2) and g3), for example in the workshop or on the site of placing the modular assembly (1) at a first workstation (PT1) to produce a first pre-assembled assembly (11) comprising the photovoltaic panel (3) provided with fixation rings (53s) fixed at the points for fixing (Fl, Fl ') and the holding arms (51, 52) of the second holding means (5) fixed to the photovoltaic panel (3) via the pivot pins (54s), and a second pre-assembled assembly (12) comprising the floating support (2) provided with fixing rings (53i) fixed at the fixing points (F2, F2 '), the steps g2) and g3) being carried out at the laying site of the modular assembly (1), at a second workstation (PT2), to assemble the two pre-assembled sets (11, 12) to form the modular assembly (1).