WO2020110807A1

WO2020110807A1 - Solar-powered electricity generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2020110807A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/045107
Authority: WO
Inventors: 岩崎　孝; 宏治森; 靖和古結; 塁三上; 開路杉山; 山本　誠司; 正貴小林; 博之小中; 義哉安彦; 鍛平山
Original assignee: 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date: 2018-11-29
Filing date: 2019-11-18
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

This solar-powered electricity generating device comprises: a light receiving panel on which solar light impinges, said panel having planar spread; a support mechanism that supports the light receiving panel and includes a drive unit that controls the orientation so that the light receiving panel tracks the sun; a pressure plate that is provided in parallel with the light receiving surface at the end part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel and generates displacement in response to the static pressure and dynamic pressure of the wind; and a displacement sensor that is provided near the pressure plate and detects when the displacement reaches a prescribed amount.

Description

Solar power generator

The present invention relates to a solar power generation device.
This application claims priority based on Japanese application No. 2018-223749 filed on Nov. 29, 2018, and incorporates all the contents described in the above Japanese application.

There are two types of solar power generators, a fixed type that fixes the light receiving panel to the ground or a building, and a solar tracking type that moves the light receiving panel supported on the ground by a support mechanism to follow the sun. In the case of the sun tracking type, a large light receiving panel mounted on a pedestal is supported by columns and a driving unit is caused to perform a tracking operation. The solar tracking type solar power generation device has a limitation in the shape of the pillar in that it does not interfere with the movement of the light receiving panel, as compared with the fixed type solar power generation device, in that it supports a moving light receiving panel. Therefore, the light receiving panel is supported by, for example, one column. In this case, if a strong wind blows on the light receiving panel, a load is applied to the entire support mechanism including the gantry, and particularly a large load is likely to be concentrated on the support column and the drive section. Therefore, it is necessary to give the supporting mechanism (the support, the drive unit, the pedestal) a mechanical strength with a sufficient margin to withstand a strong wind load.

However, in reality, there is a tradeoff with cost, and it is not rational to create a support mechanism that can withstand any furious wind. Therefore, if the wind speed and the wind direction are grasped by the sensor and the load due to the wind exceeds the threshold value, for example, the retracted posture with the light receiving panel in a horizontal position is passed, the wind is passed, and the load is suppressed within the strength range of the support mechanism. That is realistic (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP, 2014-203911, A International Publication No. 2012/073705

The present disclosure includes the following inventions. However, the present invention is defined by the claims.

A solar power generation device according to an expression of the present disclosure has a planar spread, supports a light receiving panel on which sunlight is incident, and the light receiving panel, and controls an attitude so that the light receiving panel tracks the sun. A support mechanism including a drive unit, a pressure receiving plate that is provided in an end portion of the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel in parallel with the light receiving surface, and causes a displacement in response to static pressure and dynamic pressure of wind, and the pressure receiving plate. And a displacement sensor that is provided in proximity to detect that the displacement has reached a predetermined amount.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a concentrating solar power generation device viewed from the light receiving surface side, and shows the solar power generation device in a completed state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of a concentrating solar power generation device viewed from the light receiving surface side, and shows the solar power generation device in the state of being assembled. As an example, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the posture of the light receiving panel facing the sun. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the retracted posture. Similar to FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a side view when the light receiving panel of the solar power generation device has a vertical posture. FIG. 6 is a side view when the light receiving panel of the solar power generation device is in an oblique posture while tracking the sun. FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of the retracted posture. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the right pressure receiving plate in FIG. 3 as an example. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which wind is blown from the front side of the light receiving panel. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a state where wind is blown from the back surface side of the light receiving panel. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an installation example of the displacement sensor in the image of the pressure receiving plate in FIGS. 8 to 10 as viewed from the side. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing another installation example of the displacement sensor in the image of the pressure receiving plate in FIGS. 8 to 10 as viewed from the side. FIG. 13 is an example of a block diagram of control in one solar power generation device. FIG. 14 is a first example of a flowchart executed by the control unit. FIG. 15 is a second example of a flowchart executed by the control unit. FIG. 16A is an example in which an optical sensor is used as a displacement sensor. FIG. 16B is an example in which an optical sensor is used as a displacement sensor. FIG. 16C is an example in which the optical sensor is a displacement sensor.

[Problems to be solved by the present disclosure]
The wind flow is constantly changing at the location where the photovoltaic power generator is installed, and it is surprisingly difficult to accurately grasp how much wind is actually applied to the light receiving panel only by the wind speed and direction. .. Further, for example, when several tens of solar power generation devices are lined up in one area, the wind power may be different between the outside and the inside of the arrangement. For example, there is a case where the outer solar power generation device exerts a so-called windbreak effect and the load of wind on the inner solar power generation device is reduced.

　In this way, it is difficult to accurately grasp the wind load that is actually applied to each unit only by the wind speed and direction. Therefore, it has been considered preferable from the viewpoint of the safety side to take the retracted posture of all the plants early when the possibility of damage to the photovoltaic power generation device is expected from the wind speed and the wind direction.

However, in that case, there may occur a situation in which it may be necessary to evacuate without actually evacuating, or evacuate all the units without having to evacuate all the units. .. In other words, although it was originally possible to generate electricity without having to evacuate, it was evacuated, and as a result, there was a situation in which the opportunity to generate electricity was lost. In particular, in the case of a concentrating solar power generation device, if the tracking is largely deviated, power cannot be generated at all, and thus power generation loss is large.

In view of such a problem, the present disclosure aims to provide a solar power generation device capable of suppressing loss of power generation opportunity as much as possible while limiting the increase in mechanical strength of the support mechanism from the viewpoint of cost.

[Effect of the present disclosure]
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a solar power generation device that can suppress the loss of power generation opportunities as much as possible while limiting the increase in mechanical strength of the support mechanism from the viewpoint of cost.

[Summary of Embodiment]
The gist of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least the following.

(1) The solar power generation device of the present disclosure has a planar spread, supports a light receiving panel on which sunlight is incident, and the light receiving panel, and controls the posture so that the light receiving panel tracks the sun. A support mechanism including a drive unit, a pressure receiving plate provided at an end of the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel in parallel with the light receiving surface and causing displacement in response to static pressure and dynamic pressure of wind, and close to the pressure receiving plate. And a displacement sensor that detects that the displacement has reached a predetermined amount.

In the above-mentioned solar power generation device, for example, when a strong wind is received, the pressure receiving plate is displaced. When the displacement reaches a predetermined amount, the light receiving panel is in a state in which a corresponding wind load due to wind force including static pressure and dynamic pressure is applied. This state can be detected by the displacement sensor. Therefore, the wind load actually applied to each light receiving panel can be detected more accurately. Accurate detection makes it possible to change the posture by the drive unit or set the retracted posture at an appropriate timing that is neither too early nor too late. In addition, such a solar power generation device may be tracking by uniaxial driving (only azimuth angle) or may be tracking by biaxial driving (azimuth angle and elevation angle).

　Since such a solar power generation device can know the proper timing to take a posture such as evacuation for each group, there is an advantage that wasteful loss of power generation opportunity can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a photovoltaic power generation device that can suppress the loss of power generation opportunities as much as possible while limiting the mechanical strength enhancement of the support mechanism from the viewpoint of cost. Note that the pressure receiving plate and the displacement sensor have a simple detection configuration, and visual inspection is easy.

(2) Further, in the solar power generation device of (1), one end of the pressure receiving plate is fixed to the end portion and the other end is a free end, and the outer edge portion is separated from the outer edge portion. It may have a leaf spring portion that is inside in the closed state.
In this case, for example, the free end that receives a strong wind is bent by the wind force. At this time, the outer edge portion exerts an effect of suppressing formation of blade tip vortices behind the leaf spring portion, and facilitates displacement of the leaf spring portion.

(3) Moreover, in the solar power generation device of (2), the contour shape of the leaf spring portion may be a parabolic shape.
Such a leaf spring portion is easily bent, and metal fatigue does not easily occur even if it is made of metal.

(4) Further, in the solar power generation device according to any one of (1) to (3), for example, the pressure receiving plate is provided on the upper end of the light receiving panel in a state of tracking the sun.
Since the upper end of the light receiving panel is susceptible to wind, it is a position suitable for detecting wind force.

(5) Further, in the solar power generation device according to any one of (1) to (4), when the displacement reaches a predetermined amount, the posture is changed with respect to the drive unit so as to reduce the displacement. It may be provided with a control unit.
In this case, the control unit tries to reduce the wind load by changing the posture of the light receiving panel. When the wind load does not fall below the predetermined amount even if the posture is changed, the control unit searches for a posture in which the wind load falls below the predetermined amount while changing the posture changing direction. It is possible to uniformly change the retracted posture, but if the wind load can be reduced without significantly changing the current posture, for example, do not go to the retracted position for wind conditions that can change from moment to moment. It is possible to reduce the time required for returning by keeping the posture.

(6) Further, in the solar power generation device according to any one of (1) to (5), the displacement sensor includes an evacuation displacement sensor that detects a timing of taking an evacuation posture and a timing at which the evacuation may return from the evacuation. A return displacement sensor for detecting may be included.
In this case, it is possible to quickly and surely detect the timing at which the return may be made.

(7) Further, in the solar power generation device of (2), the displacement sensor may be a limit switch that operates by directly receiving the displacement of the leaf spring portion.
In this case, the displacement sensor is inexpensive and the operation state can be easily confirmed.

In the solar power generation device of (8) or (2), the displacement sensor may be an optical sensor that optically detects the displacement of the leaf spring portion.
In this case, since the displacement of the leaf spring portion can be detected in a non-contact manner, such a displacement sensor has excellent durability.

(9) In the solar power generation device according to any one of (1) to (8), for example, the light receiving panel is a concentrating solar power generation panel.
The concentrating solar power generation device is more likely to generate power loss due to the retracted posture than the tracking-type crystalline silicon solar power generation panel in that it cannot generate power at all if the tracking is largely deviated. Therefore, it is very significant that the posture can be controlled by the drive unit at an appropriate timing that is neither too early nor too late.

[Details of Embodiment]
<<Main composition of solar power generation system>>
Hereinafter, a solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are perspective views of an example of a concentrating solar power generation device for one unit as viewed from the light receiving surface side. FIG. 1 shows the solar power generation device 100 in a completed state, and FIG. 2 shows the solar power generation device 100 in a state where it is being assembled. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the framework of the tracking mount 25 is visible in the right half, and shows a state in which the concentrating solar power generation module (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a module) 1M is attached to the left half. When the module 1M is actually attached to the tracking mount 25, the mounting is performed with the tracking mount 25 lying on the ground.

In FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation device 100 is a planar light receiving panel (also referred to as a photovoltaic power generation panel or array) 1 that is continuous on the upper side and is divided into left and right sides on the lower side, and a support mechanism 2 thereof. It has and. The light receiving panel 1 is configured by arranging the modules 1M on the tracking mount 25 (FIG. 2) on the back side. In the example of FIG. 1, the light receiving panel 1 is formed as an assembly of 200 modules 1M in total (96 (=12×8)×2) constituting the left and right wings and 8 in the central crossover portion. Is configured. In the module 1M, a known configuration is provided in which optical systems that collect sunlight and guide the sunlight to the power generation elements are arranged side by side in a matrix.

The support mechanism 2 includes a column 21, a foundation 22, a drive unit 23, a horizontal shaft 24 (FIG. 2) serving as a drive shaft, and a tracking mount 25. The column 21 has a lower end fixed to the foundation 22 and an upper end provided with a drive unit 23.

In FIG. 1, the foundation 22 is firmly buried in the ground so that only the upper surface can be seen. With the foundation 22 buried in the ground, the pillar 21 is vertical and the horizontal shaft 24 (FIG. 2) is horizontal. The drive unit 23 can rotate the horizontal shaft 24 in two directions of an azimuth angle (an angle with the column 21 as a central axis) and an elevation angle (an angle with the horizontal shaft 24 as a central axis). In FIG. 2, a reinforcing member 25 a that reinforces the tracking mount 25 is attached to the horizontal shaft 24. A plurality of horizontal rails 25b are attached to the reinforcing member 25a. The module 1M is attached so as to fit into this rail. When the horizontal shaft 24 rotates in the azimuth or elevation direction, the light receiving panel 1 also rotates in that direction.

The vertical direction of the light receiving panel 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is usually before dawn and before sunset.
During the daytime, the drive unit 23 operates so that the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel 1 always faces the sun, and the light receiving panel 1 performs the sun tracking operation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the attitude of the light receiving panel 1 facing the sun as an example. Also, for example, at the time of south-central time near the equator, the light receiving panel 1 is in a horizontal posture with its light receiving surface facing the sun.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a retracted posture in strong wind. In this case, the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel 1 is horizontal and faces upward. Note that the light receiving panel 1 in the night standby posture is in the opposite direction, that is, in a horizontal posture with the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel 1 facing the ground.

<<Example of pressure plate installation>>
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the solar power generation device 100 configured as described above is provided with a pressure receiving plate 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure receiving plate 30 is provided at the end of the light receiving surface (XY plane in FIG. 3) of the light receiving panel 1 in parallel with the light receiving surface. The pressure receiving plate 30 causes a displacement according to the wind force as a total pressure including static pressure and dynamic pressure of the wind hitting it. The wind power in the present disclosure is wind energy, and does not mean the wind power class as a meteorological term.

As an example of the present disclosure, the pressure receiving plates 30 are provided at both corners (corners) of the upper end of the light receiving panel 1 in the state of tracking the sun. The upper end (especially the corner) of the light receiving panel 1 is a position that is suitable for detecting wind force because it is susceptible to wind. Further, it is generally understood that the wind becomes stronger at a position higher than the ground, so that the light receiving panel 1 can receive the maximum wind force.
Although a displacement sensor is actually provided near the pressure receiving plate 30, details will be described later.

Similarly to FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a side view when the light receiving panel 1 of the solar power generation device 100 is in a vertical posture. The wind basically blows laterally. In the case of the posture shown in FIG. 5, for example, the wind load applied to the light receiving panel 1 is small with respect to the wind blowing from the front side to the back side of the drawing sheet in parallel with the light receiving panel 1. However, for example, when a strong wind blows from left to right in the figure (or vice versa), the light receiving panel 1 is in a state of being most likely to receive the largest wind load. Here, the pressure receiving plate 30 is located at the highest ground clearance.

FIG. 6 is a side view when the light receiving panel 1 of the solar power generation device 100 is in an oblique posture while tracking the sun. In FIG. 6, when the wind blows on the light receiving panel 1 and flows along the light receiving surface, the light receiving panel 1 and the pressure receiving plate 30 receive not only the static pressure of the wind but also the dynamic pressure of the wind as a fluid.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of a retracted posture similar to FIG. Even in the daytime, it is possible to take this retracted posture in strong winds. In this posture, the wind load received by the light receiving panel 1 and the pressure receiving plate 30 is very small even if a strong wind blows.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the pressure receiving plate 30 on the right side in FIG. 3 as an example. In the figure, the pressure receiving plate 30 is attached to the right end of the upper end of the module 1M in the light receiving panel 1. The pressure receiving plate 30 is, for example, a thin metal plate, and has an outer edge portion 31 on the outer side and a leaf spring portion 32 on the inner side. There is a minute gap between the outer edge portion 31 and the leaf spring portion 32, and they are separated from each other. The pressure receiving plate 30 is held like a “cantilever” with respect to the upper end of the module 1M. That is, one end (base end) on the lower side of the pressure receiving plate 30 is fixed to the upper end of the module 1M, and the other end on the upper side of the drawing is a free end.

Assuming that there is only one pressure receiving plate, if a strong wind hits such a pressure receiving plate, a vortex at the blade tip will form and the pressure receiving plate will not easily bend (bend). However, since the outer edge portion 31 and the leaf spring portion 32 have the two-piece structure as described above, the outer edge portion 31 exerts an effect of receiving the wing tip vortex, and wind wraps around the back side of the leaf spring portion 32. Suppress. As a result, the outer edge portion 31 is hard to bend, but the leaf spring portion 32 becomes easy to bend. The contour shape of the leaf spring portion 32 is parabolic. The leaf spring portion 32 having such a shape is more likely to bend toward the apex side of the parabola, and is less likely to cause metal fatigue.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a state where wind is blown from the front side of the light receiving panel 1. In the figure, at this time, the leaf spring portion 32 bends rearward with respect to the outer edge portion 31.
On the contrary, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a state where wind is blown from the back surface side of the light receiving panel 1. In the figure, at this time, the leaf spring portion 32 bends forward with respect to the outer edge portion 31.

<< Displacement sensor installation example >>
FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an installation example of the displacement sensor in a side view of the pressure receiving plate 30 in FIGS. 8 to 10. First, as shown in (a), the displacement sensor 40 is provided near the pressure receiving plate 30. The displacement sensor 40 may be fixed to, for example, the outer edge portion 31 by using a suitable supporting material. As the displacement sensor 40, typically, a small limit switch (rainproof type), which is a mechanical sensor, can be used. Limit switches are widespread, inexpensive, and easy to check the operating status during installation.

In FIG. 11A, the upper limit value of the wind load capable of maintaining safety is checked in advance from the mechanical strength of the support mechanism 2, and the leaf spring portion 32 is operated so that the displacement sensor 40 operates when the upper limit value is exceeded. And the operating position of the displacement sensor 40 are set. (A) is the state of wind below the upper limit. Although the leaf spring portion 32 bends, the displacement sensor 40 still does not operate. Next, when the wind becomes strong and becomes the state of (b), the wind load exceeds the upper limit value, the bending of the leaf spring portion 32 becomes large, and the displacement sensor 40 operates. Using this as a trigger, the light receiving panel 1 changes its posture or moves to the retracted position.

The same applies to the wind blown from the back side of the light receiving panel 1, and for example, the displacement sensor 41 is provided at a position symmetrical with respect to the outer edge portion 31.
(C) is the wind condition below the upper limit. Although the leaf spring portion 32 bends, the displacement sensor 41 still does not operate. Next, when the wind becomes strong and the state becomes (d), the wind load exceeds the upper limit value, the deflection of the leaf spring portion 32 becomes large, and the displacement sensor 41 operates. Using this as a trigger, the light receiving panel 1 changes its posture or moves to the retracted position.

<<Other installation examples of displacement sensor>>
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing another installation example of the displacement sensor in the image of the pressure receiving plate 30 in FIGS. 8 to 10 as viewed from the side. First, similarly to FIG. 11, the displacement sensor 40 is provided near the pressure receiving plate 30 as shown in FIG. The displacement sensor 40 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b).

In FIG. 12, assuming that the displacement sensor 40 is for withdrawal, a displacement sensor for return is further provided. As the return displacement sensor 42, for example, a limit switch that is operable between the retracting displacement sensor 40 and the outer edge portion 31 without interfering with the bending operation of the leaf spring portion 32 is used.

Fig. 12(a) shows the wind condition below the upper limit. Although the leaf spring portion 32 bends, the displacement sensor 40 still does not operate. The displacement sensor 42 operates in the middle of the bending operation, but this does not affect control. Next, when the wind becomes strong and becomes the state of (b), the wind load exceeds the upper limit value, the bending of the leaf spring portion 32 becomes large, and the displacement sensor 40 operates. Using this as a trigger, the light receiving panel 1 changes its posture or moves to the retracted position.

On the other hand, assume that once the state of (b) is reached, for example, the light receiving panel 1 takes the retracted posture. After that, as a condition for returning from the retracted posture to the normal sun tracking posture, for example, it is conceivable that the displacement sensor 40 stops operating and returns when the time reaches a predetermined time. On the other hand, FIG. 12C is an example of a configuration that positively captures the timing at which the return may be made. That is, when the wind weakens, the leaf spring portion 32 operates the displacement sensor 42. In this way, if the displacement sensor 42 for return operates after the displacement sensor 40 for retreat once operates, it can be determined that it is time to return. By doing so, it is possible to quickly and surely detect the timing for returning.

After that, when the wind stops, as shown in (d), it returns to the initial state in which the leaf spring portion 32 is not bent.

Note that FIGS. 11 and 12 show only a limited number of examples. Various designs are possible as to where and how the

displacement sensors

40, 41, 42 are arranged. Further, various combinations of the purpose and type of the displacement sensor are possible.

《Control block diagram》
FIG. 13 is an example of a block diagram of control in one solar power generation device 100. The drive unit 23 receives the drive signal from the control unit 60, and drives the light receiving panel 1 to follow the sun with two axes of azimuth and elevation. Although there are various methods for tracking the sun, for example, a tracking sensor 50 is provided, and the control unit 60 gives a drive signal to the drive unit 23 based on the signal thereof. The displacement sensor 40 (41, 42) provides the control unit 60 with a trigger signal for retracting or returning from the retracting. The control unit 60 can control the attitude of the light receiving panel 1 via the drive unit 23 based on the signal from the displacement sensor.

The control unit 60 includes, for example, a CPU 61, and the CPU 61 executes software (computer program) to realize a necessary control function. The software is stored in the memory 62 (including an auxiliary storage device if necessary) 62 of the control unit 60. The control unit 60 is provided, for example, for each solar power generation device 100.

<<First Example of Flowchart>>
FIG. 14 is a first example of a flowchart executed by the control unit 60. In the figure, the control unit 60 starts processing immediately before dawn based on a sunrise time signal from the tracking sensor 50, for example. The control unit 60 sets the attitude of the light receiving panel 1 to the state of FIG. 1 so as to wait for the sun (step S1). At this time, if the wind load is less than or equal to the upper limit value (Yes in step S2), the control unit 60 repeats steps S1, S2, and S3 on the condition that it is during the day (Yes in step S3). After that, the control unit 60 causes the light receiving panel 1 to track the rising sun. When the sunset comes, the control unit 60 sets the light receiving panel 1 to the night standby posture (step S7), and the processing for one day ends. Unless strong winds blow, such processing is repeated every day.

On the other hand, when a strong wind blows and the wind load exceeds the upper limit value (No in step S2), the control unit 60 changes the posture of the light receiving panel 1 to reduce the wind load or to take the retracted posture (step S4). .. When the wind load does not fall below the upper limit value even if the posture is changed (No in step S5), the control unit 60 searches for a posture in which the wind load falls below the upper limit value while changing the direction in which the posture is changed. It is possible to uniformly change the retracted posture, but if the wind load can be reduced without significantly changing the current posture, for example, do not go to the retracted position for wind conditions that can change from moment to moment. It is possible to reduce the time required for returning by keeping the posture.

After the wind load becomes equal to or lower than the upper limit value (Yes in step S5), the control unit 60 waits for a predetermined time (step S6) in which the wind is likely to subside, and during the daytime, tracks the sun again. Return (step S1). If the sunset comes while waiting for a predetermined time, the control unit 60 sets the light-receiving panel 1 to the night standby posture (step S7), and the processing for one day ends.

<<Second Example of Flowchart>>
As shown in FIG. 12, when the displacement sensor 42 detects the return from a strong wind, for example, the following flowchart is also possible.

FIG. 15 is a second example of a flowchart executed by the control unit 60. In the figure, the control unit 60 starts processing immediately before dawn based on a sunrise time signal from the tracking sensor 50, for example. The control unit 60 sets the attitude of the light receiving panel 1 to the state of FIG. 1 so as to wait for the sun (step S1). At this time, if the wind load is less than or equal to the upper limit value (Yes in step S2), the control unit 60 repeats steps S1, S2, and S3 on the condition that it is during the day (Yes in step S3). After that, the control unit 60 causes the light receiving panel 1 to track the rising sun. When the sunset comes, the control unit 60 sets the light receiving panel 1 to the night standby posture (step S7), and the processing for one day ends. Unless strong winds blow, such processing is repeated every day.

On the other hand, when a strong wind blows and the wind load exceeds the upper limit value (No in step S2), the control unit 60 changes the posture of the light receiving panel 1 to reduce the wind load or to take the retracted posture (step S4). .. When the wind load does not fall below the upper limit value even if the posture is changed (No in step S5), the control unit 60 searches for a posture in which the wind load falls below the upper limit value while changing the direction in which the posture is changed.

Next, when the control unit 60 knows that the wind load has been reduced to a level at which the attitude of the light receiving panel 1 can be returned to the sun tracking, for example, by a signal from the displacement sensor 42 (Yes in step S8), If it is daytime, the sun tracking is performed again (step S1). On the other hand, when the level is not yet at the recoverable level (No in step S8), the system waits for recovery (Yes in steps S9 and S10). If the sunset comes while waiting for the return (No in step S10), the control unit 60 sets the light receiving panel 1 to the night standby posture (step S7), and the one-day processing ends. Become.

<<Other examples of displacement sensor>>
Although the displacement sensors described above are all mechanical limit switches, it is also possible to use optical sensors. 16A, 16B, and 16C are examples in which the displacement sensor 43 is an optical sensor. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, a pressure receiving plate 30P having a shape as shown in the drawing is brought into contact with an optical displacement sensor (optical sensor) 43 having a light emitting/receiving section for LED laser light. The pressure receiving plate 30P has an outer edge portion 31P and a leaf spring portion 32P shaped like a fan. The two are separated from each other at the contour shape of the leaf spring portion 32P.

As shown in FIG. 16B, when the pressure receiving plate 30P is in contact with the displacement sensor 43 as described above and the wind is not blown, the leaf spring portion 32P does not block the optical path, and the displacement sensor 43 does nothing. Not detected.

Next, when a strong wind blows against the pressure receiving plate 30P and the plate spring portion 32P undergoes a constant displacement, the bending of the plate spring portion 32P obstructs the optical path. Thereby, the displacement sensor 43 can detect that the leaf spring portion 32P is in a state in which a wind load is applied so as to cause a certain amount of bending.

By using the optical displacement sensor 43, the displacement of the leaf spring portion 32P can be detected in a non-contact manner, so that it has excellent durability. However, since it is used in a place exposed to strong sunlight, it is necessary to make it difficult for sunlight to enter the light receiving portion of the displacement sensor 43 so that the detection accuracy does not deteriorate. Besides, it is also possible to use a magnetic displacement sensor.

<<Summary of Disclosure>>
The photovoltaic power generation apparatus 100 of the present disclosure has a planar spread, a light receiving panel 1 on which sunlight is incident, and a drive that supports the light receiving panel 1 and controls the attitude so that the light receiving panel 1 tracks the sun. A support mechanism 2 including a portion 23, a pressure receiving plate 30 (30P) that is provided at an end of the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel 1 in parallel with the light receiving surface, and that is displaced in response to static pressure and dynamic pressure of wind.

Displacement sensors

40, 41, 42 (43) that are provided close to the pressure receiving plate 30 (30P) and detect that the displacement has reached a predetermined amount are provided.

In the solar power generation device 100 as described above, for example, when a strong wind is received, the pressure receiving plate 30 (30P) is displaced. When the displacement reaches a predetermined amount, the light receiving panel 1 is in a state in which a corresponding wind load including wind pressure including static pressure and dynamic pressure is applied. This state can be detected by the

displacement sensors

40, 41, 42 (43). Therefore, the wind load actually applied to each light receiving panel 1 can be detected more accurately. Accurate detection enables the drive unit 23 to change the posture or set the retracted posture at an appropriate timing that is neither too early nor too late. The solar power generation device 100 may be uniaxially driven (azimuth only) or biaxially driven (azimuth and elevation).

Since such a solar power generation device 100 can know the proper timing to take a posture such as evacuation for each solar power generation device 100, there is an advantage that wasteful power generation opportunities can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide the photovoltaic power generation device 100 capable of suppressing the loss of power generation opportunities as much as possible while limiting the increase in the mechanical strength of the support mechanism 2 from the viewpoint of cost. The pressure receiving plate 30 (30P) and the

displacement sensors

40, 41, 42 (43) have a simple detection configuration, and visual inspection is easy.

《Others》
In the above disclosure, the solar power generation device 100 is a condensing type. The concentrating solar power generation device is more likely to generate power loss due to the retracted posture than the tracking-type crystalline silicon solar power generation panel in that it cannot generate power at all if the tracking is largely deviated. Therefore, it is very significant that the posture can be controlled by the drive unit 23 at an appropriate timing that is neither too early nor too late.

However, as described above, even in the case of a non-concentrating crystalline silicon solar power generation device, as long as it has the function of tracking the sun, wind load countermeasures are similarly required, which is within the scope of the present disclosure. .. The drive of the drive unit is not limited to the biaxial drive, and is applicable to other drive shafts.

Also, the form of the pressure receiving plate in the above disclosure is merely an example, and various changes can be made. Basically, it is conceivable that the form and the mounting position should best reflect the static pressure and the dynamic pressure of the actual wind on the light receiving plate 1.

Also, the pressure receiving plate disclosed above assumes wind, but a similar pressure receiving plate can be applied as a snow amount sensor, for example, in an area with a lot of snow. In this case, since the blade tip vortex does not matter, it is necessary to make a change, for example, using an elongated pressure receiving plate so that the blade weight vortex reacts faithfully to the weight of the snow to cause displacement. Alternatively, snowfall can be easily detected by devising a tip of a long limit switch (a type such as the displacement sensor 42 in FIG. 12) of the actuator in a spoon shape so that snow can easily be placed on the tip. The snow accumulated on the light receiving panel can be naturally dropped by setting the light receiving panel in a vertical posture. As a result, it is possible to prevent the power generation opportunity from being lost or the power generation amount from decreasing due to snowfall.

<Other meanings of light receiving panel>
Although the above-mentioned light receiving panel 1 is a planar solar power generation panel (array), in the solar power generation device, sunlight is concentrated at one point by a parabolic curved reflecting mirror, and power is generated at the concentrated location. It is also known to have a configuration. Such a curved reflecting mirror is also a kind of “light receiving surface”. Even with such a configuration, it is common to receive the wind load due to the spread of the curved reflecting mirror and track the sun. Therefore, by providing a pressure receiving plate and a displacement sensor similar to those of the present disclosure, for example, on the outer end portion of the curved reflecting mirror, it is possible to obtain the same effect. In addition, as a configuration similar to this, solar power generation with a parabolic curved reflector that concentrates sunlight at one point, generates steam by heat at the concentrated point, and rotates a turbine like thermal power generation. Devices are also known. This device is also a solar power generation device in a broad sense, and by providing a pressure receiving plate and a displacement sensor similar to those of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same operational effect.

《Supplementary note》
It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 Light receiving panel 1M module (concentrating solar power generation module)
2 Support mechanism 21 Strut 22 Foundation 23 Drive part 24 Horizontal axis 25 Tracking stand 25a Reinforcing material 25b Rail 30, 30P

Pressure receiving plate

31, 31P

Outer edge part

32, 32P

Leaf spring part

40, 41, 42 Displacement sensor 43 Displacement sensor 50 Tracking sensor 60 control unit 61 CPU
62 memory 100 solar power generation device

Claims

A light receiving panel that has a planar spread and receives sunlight.
A support mechanism that supports the light receiving panel and includes a drive unit that controls the attitude so that the light receiving panel tracks the sun;
A pressure receiving plate that is provided in parallel with the light receiving surface at the end of the light receiving surface of the light receiving panel and that is displaced in response to static pressure and dynamic pressure of wind;
A displacement sensor that is provided in proximity to the pressure receiving plate and that detects that the displacement has reached a predetermined amount,
Solar power generator equipped with.
The pressure receiving plate has one end fixed to the end portion and the other end being a free end, and has an outer edge portion and a leaf spring portion inside the outer edge portion in a state of being separated from the outer edge portion. 1. The solar power generation device according to 1.
The solar power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the contour shape of the leaf spring portion is parabolic.
The solar power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure receiving plate is provided on an upper end of the light receiving panel in a state of tracking the sun.
5. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that changes the posture of the drive unit in a direction that reduces the displacement when the displacement reaches a predetermined amount. Solar power generator.
The displacement sensor includes a retracting displacement sensor that detects a timing of taking a retracting posture, and a return displacement sensor that detects a timing at which the retracting can be resumed. The solar power generation device described in.
The solar power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement sensor is a limit switch that operates by directly receiving the displacement of the leaf spring portion.
The solar power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement sensor is an optical sensor that optically detects the displacement of the leaf spring portion.
The solar power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light receiving panel is a concentrating solar power generation panel.