WO2023285720A1

WO2023285720A1 - Portable compact system for a solar installation

Info

Publication number: WO2023285720A1
Application number: PCT/ES2022/070450
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rafael MORENO MORENO; José Nieto Mocholí; Juan Fayos Sancho; Jorge Pinazo Serón; Manuel Ángel SIERRA HERNÁNDEZ
Original assignee: Polar Developments, S.L.
Priority date: 2021-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-13
Publication date: 2023-01-19
Also published as: ES1278081U; ES1278081Y

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable compact system for a solar installation, characterised in that it comprises a folding structure including a vertical frame and an extensible pantograph mechanism connected to the vertical frame. According to the invention, the vertical frame is housed inside a container, and the extensible pantograph mechanism includes solar panels attached thereto, such that when the extensible pantograph mechanism is in the folded position, the solar panels are stacked inside the container essentially vertically and adjacent to the frame, and when the extensible pantograph mechanism is in the deployed position, the solar panels extend outside the container essentially horizontally one after another.

Description

COMPACT PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR A SOLAR INSTALLATION

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs in general to the field of renewable energies, and more particularly to solar energy.

The object of the present invention is a compact system for a solar installation designed to move inside a container and to be deployed quickly and easily anywhere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Renewable energies, and more particularly solar energy, are becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change. A solar installation is mainly made up of a set of solar panels connected to electronic equipment that normally includes storage batteries and an inverter that transforms the DC electrical energy generated by the panels and accumulated in the batteries into AC electrical energy usable by the devices. conventional electrical.

Almost the entire area that requires a solar installation is occupied by solar panels. Solar panels must face south with a slope that depends on the latitude of the installation. A large solar installation, for example, with a nominal power of the order of megawatts, this means occupying an area of thousands of square meters. The deployment of such a solar installation is therefore a slow process that requires a lot of time. First of all, it is necessary to transport the solar panels and the rest of the elements of the installation to the desired location. Once there, it is necessary to individually place each panel in the position and with the desired inclination. From that moment on, the installation is fixed and cannot be moved to another location.

In view of this situation, it would be desirable to have a large solar installation that could be moved and deployed in any location quickly and easily. It would also be desirable for said solar installation to be able to subsequently collected and moved to a different location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A portable compact system for a solar installation that solves the above problems is described below. The compact system of the invention is configured to be transportable in a container, for example a standard 20 inch container. Once in the desired location, the solar panels are deployed out of the container quickly and easily thanks to a specially designed pantograph mechanism. If necessary, the collection of the installation would be as fast as its deployment, leaving the solar panels again housed inside the container. The system would thus be ready to be transported to any other location where it is to be installed.

In this document, the terms "proximal G" and "distar" are used with a meaning similar to that which they usually have in the field of medicine. The "proximal" side is the one located closest to the user who handles the system of the invention, while the "distal" side is the one located furthest from said user. In other words, the "proximal" side of any element of the system is the one located closest to the rear wall of the container, while the "distal" side is the one located furthest from said rear wall. In this context, the rear wall is the wall of the container opposite to that through which the system of the invention is deployed.

The portable compact system of the present invention essentially comprises a collapsible structure which, in turn, is formed by a vertical frame and an extendable pantograph mechanism connected to said vertical frame. The vertical frame is housed inside a container, and the extendable pantograph mechanism is attached to solar panels. Thanks to this configuration, when the extendable pantograph mechanism is in the folded position, the solar panels are stacked inside the container essentially vertically and adjacent to the frame, whereas when the extendable pantograph mechanism is in the unfolded position, the solar panels are stacked. they extend out of the container essentially horizontally one after the other.

In this context, the term "pantograph extension mechanism" refers to an accordion-type extension mechanism whose particular components are described in more detail later in this document.

Thus, when the solar panels are collected within the container, the container can typically be transported on a trailer, truck, train, or ship to a new location. Once in the desired location, simply deploy the pantograph mechanism so that the attached solar panels extend out of the container. The solar panels are directly ready to start working.

This configuration is advantageous because the pantograph mechanism allows the solar panels to be picked up and spread out quickly and easily. It is no longer necessary to build the supporting structure and fix the plates to it one by one, which translates into significant savings in time and costs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame is movable along the bottom surface of the container. Thus, the frame alternates between a rearward position adjacent to a first container face to allow storage space for the solar panels when the pantograph mechanism is in the folded position, and a forward position adjacent to an opposite second container face. to the first face, the second face being configured to open for the purpose of allowing extension of the pantograph mechanism out of the container.

In principle, the means that allow the frame to be moved along the inner surface of the container can be of any type. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the frame comprises rails arranged on the bottom surface of the container for movement along the bottom surface of the container. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the frame comprises wheels for movement along the bottom surface of the container.

Thus, when folded inside the container, the plates can occupy a considerable volume of the container and the frame can be located close to the first face of the container, that is to say, a first side of the container. For example, it can be the widest side of the container. The user then only has to push the frame towards the second side of the container, either manually or automatically using a motor or a cable. Naturally, all or part of the The panel that closes this second face will have been previously removed, thus leaving a hole on the second face through which the pantograph mechanism to which the solar panels are fixed can pass. Once the frame is close to the second open face of the container, the pantograph mechanism can be deployed to spread the solar panels horizontally on the ground facing this second face of the container.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it further facilitates the removal of the plates. The user only has to push the frame, and therefore also the pantograph mechanism to which the solar panels are attached in their folded position, towards the open face of the container. It is a quick and simple procedure.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises an inner frame and an outer frame that are slidably coupled in the vertical direction. Thus, when the frame is in the forward position adjacent the second container face with the inner frame essentially flush with said second container face, the outer frame alternates between an upper position and a lower position. In the top position, the outer frame is flush with the inner frame. In the lower position, the outer frame slides downwards out of the container parallel to said second face until it rests on the ground on which said container rests.

This configuration is advantageous because it makes it possible to reduce the stresses on the frame to which the pantograph mechanism is fixed. This makes it possible to reduce sections and weight, as well as the risk of breakage.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the frame further comprises manual actuation means for causing displacement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame between the upper position and the lower position. More preferably, the manual actuation means comprises a vertical threaded rod provided with a rotating key. This stem to the inner frame and connected by thread to the outer frame. Thus, when the rotary key is turned, the outer frame moves vertically along the stem relative to the inner frame, which remains stationary.

This configuration is advantageous because it makes it easier for the user to scroll the frame outside during the folding or unfolding operation.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the pantograph mechanism comprises a plurality of sections successively connected to one another, where each section comprises a pair of inner bars and a pair of outer bars. Each inner bar is connected to an outer bar through a rotary axis located in a middle zone of both. Furthermore, each of the pair of inner bars is attached to a respective opposite side of a solar panel. Thus, each length alternates between a collapsed position in which the inner and outer bars are essentially vertical, adjacent, and parallel to each other, and an unfolded position in which the inner and outer bars are essentially horizontal, adjacent, and parallel to each other.

Even more preferably, in a proximal section of the pantograph mechanism, proximal ends of the inner bars are rotatably attached to lower corners of the outer frame and proximal ends of the outer bars are rotatably and vertically sliding attached to lower corners of the pantograph mechanism. vertical sides of said outer frame.

This pantograph mechanism configuration is particularly advantageous due to its simplicity and robustness.

In yet another preferred embodiment, some connections between inner bars and/or between outer bars comprise wheels configured to rest on the ground during deployment.

This configuration is advantageous because it facilitates the deployment of the solar panels by being able to roll while the pantograph mechanism opens, resting on the ground.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the system further comprises stops that prevent the inner frame from sliding out of the container beyond the position in which it is flush with the second face of the container. Preferably, the stops are fixed to upper and/or lower beams of the second face of the container.

This configuration is advantageous in that it reduces the likelihood of breakdowns or accidents should the frame slide out of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the collapsible structure of the present invention in the collapsed position.

The Figs. 2a and 2b each show perspective views of the frame of the present invention with the outer frame respectively in upper and lower position.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view from inside the container of the folding structure in the folded position and with the frame in the advanced position.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the collapsible structure during a process of unfolding out of the container.

The Figs. 5a-5g show various steps in the process of deploying the system of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A particular example of the present invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the folding structure (2) formed by the vertical frame (3) and the pantograph mechanism (4). These two elements are connected to each other in the way that will be described in greater detail later, so that proper handling of the frame (3) allows the pantograph mechanism (4) to which the solar panels (6) are fixed to be moved more easily. ).

In Fig. 1 the container (5) that houses the folding structure (2) with the solar panels is not shown. This container (5), which is shown in other figures later in this document, can in principle be of any type, although it will preferably have a parallelepiped shape, that is, it will have a rectangular or square base with vertical side walls. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the container (5) is a standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container. In this document, the term "face" of the container (5) will refer to its laterals, or more specifically the vertical plane that defines each of its laterals.

The frame (3) is formed by two frames respectively called interior (3i) and exterior (3e). The frame (3) is normally located parallel to one of the faces of the container (5). Specifically, as can be seen more clearly in Fig. 4, the frame (3) is arranged parallel to a first face (5a) of the container (5), or rear face. Naturally, this implies that it is also parallel to the face opposite to said first face (5a) of the container (5), which will be called here the second face (5b) or front face. In addition, the second face (5b) or front face of the container (5) has a physical wall that can be removed in some way, for example by opening said wall like a door around hinges, disassembling it, making it slide, or in any other way. mode. In any case, the fact is that the second wall (5a) or front wall, or at least a part of it, can be removed to make way for the pantograph mechanism (4) with the solar panels (6).

The frame (3) in this example is supported on wheels or skids that slide along rails (7) arranged on the floor of the container (5) perpendicular to said first (5a) and second (5b) faces. In this way, by manually pushing it is possible to move the frame (3) from a rear position in which it is adjacent to the first face (5a) or rear face to a front position in which it is adjacent to the second face (5b) or face lead. The Figs. 3 and 4 show the frame in said forward position respectively with the pantograph mechanism (4) in the folded position and in the partially unfolded position.

The frame (3), as seen in Figs. 2a and 2b, in this example has the shape of a rectangular frame whose dimensions essentially coincide with the dimensions of the solar panels (6). However, note that configurations would be possible where the frame (3) had other shapes and dimensions. More particularly, the frame (3) is formed by two frames (3i, 3e) interconnected in a vertically sliding manner: an inner frame (3i), which is located on the side of the frame (3) closest to the first face (5a ) or rear face of the container (5); and an outer frame (3e), which is located on the side of the frame (3) closest to the second face (5b) or front face of the container (5). Both frames (3i, 3e) have in this example the same rectangular shape with some transverse reinforcements. In addition, the inner frame (3i) and the outer frame (3e) comprise a manual actuation means that allows one to move vertically relative to the other. This drive means can be configured in many different ways, although in this example a vertical threaded stem (3g) is used which, when rotated, causes the vertical displacement of one frame relative to the other. That is, when the threaded rod (3g) is rotated, the outer frame (3e) descends or rises vertically relative to the inner frame (3i). To do this, in this example the threaded stem (3g) is connected by thread to a transversal bar of the inner frame (3i) and its end is fixed to a piece integrally fixed to the outer frame (3e).

Thanks to this configuration, the user can push the frame (3) from the rear position to the front position in which the inner frame (3i) is flush with the second face (5b) or outer face of the container (5). In this position, operating the threaded rod (3g), the outer frame (3e) is lowered outside the container (5) parallel to the second face (5b) or outer face thereof until the lower side of the outer frame (3e) rests on the ground. Since the pantograph mechanism (4) to which the solar panels (6) are attached is connected to the frame (3), and more specifically to the outer frame (3e) of the frame (3), also the pantograph mechanism (4) descends until it rests on the ground. This mechanism is useful for saving, in a simple and convenient way, the existing step between the lower surface or floor of the container (5) and the ground on which the container itself (5) rests. Thus, it is achieved that the pantograph mechanism (4) is supported on the ground for the deployment of the solar panels (6).

The operation of the pantograph mechanism (4) is described below. The pantograph mechanism is formed by a plurality of successive sections, in each of which a solar panel (6) is fixed. In any case, note that other configurations are possible in which there is more than one solar panel (6) per section. Each section is basically made up of two pairs of bars, a pair of outer bars (4e) and a pair of inner bars (4i). The inner bars (4i) are fixed to two opposite sides of the solar panels (6), which naturally have a rectangular shape. The outer bars (4e) are rotatably connected to the inner bars (4i) through a rotary joint (Er) located in a central area of both the inner and outer bars (4i, 4e). In turn, a distal end of each inner rod (4i) is rotatably connected to a proximal end of a subsequent inner rod (4i), and similarly a distal end of each outer rod (4e) is rotatably connected to a proximal end of a subsequent outer rod (4e). In addition, some of the connections between interior bars (4i) and/or between Outer bars (4e) include wheels (8) configured to rest on the ground when the pantograph mechanism (4) is deployed.

In this way, each leg can alternate between two extreme positions. In the folded position of the pantograph mechanism (4), the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars are parallel to each other so that they remain in a vertical position. Therefore, also the solar panels (6) are located vertically next to each other, as seen in Fig. 3. In this extremely compact configuration, the entire collapsible structure (2) together with the solar panels (6) fits perfectly inside the container (5). In the deployed position, the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars are also parallel, although in this case they assume a horizontal position. The sections of the pantograph mechanism (4), therefore, are no longer stacked next to each other vertically but rather extend one after the other horizontally, thus deploying the solar panels (6) on the ground adjacent to the container ( 5).

The pantograph mechanism (4) is also fixed to the frame (3) through the proximal ends of the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars of the most proximal section, or first section counting from the frame (3) itself. In particular, the proximal ends of the inner bars (4i) are rotatably attached to lower corners of the outer frame (3e), while the proximal ends of the outer bars (4e) are slidably attached to lateral bars. verticals of the outer frame (3e), so that they can slide along said side bars up and down.

A deployment process for a solar installation using the system (1) of the present invention is described below. It starts from an initial state in which the pantograph mechanism (4) is in the folded position. As can be seen in Fig. 1, this implies that the sections are located parallel to each other so that the solar panels (6) are adjacent and parallel to each other. In addition, the outer frame (3e) is in its upper position, as is logical, since in the absence of a step or unevenness it is not possible to lower it. The space occupied by the folding structure (2) in this situation is minimal. At the same time, the frame (3) is in its rearward position next to the first wall (5a) or rear wall of the container (5). Therefore, in this state, all the mentioned elements are inside the container (5), which can be closed for transport, as shown in Fig. 5a. Next, the second wall (5b) or front wall of the container (5) is opened in any known way. In this example, inside the container there are four folding structures (2) equipped with solar panels (6) in the folded position, as can be seen in Fig. 5b. The user then pushes the frame (3) of each collapsible structure (2) forward, ie in a distal direction. The frame (3) slides along the rails (7) to the forward position shown in Fig. 3. This situation is shown in Fig. 5c.

Then, the user activates the rotary key (3g) which lowers the outer frame (3e) of the frame (3) in relation to the inner frame (3i) until its lower side rests on the ground. Since the pantograph mechanism (4) is fixed to the outer frame (4e), it also descends until it rests on the ground. Fig. 5d shows how the outer frame (4e) has lowered relative to its position in Fig. 5c. The wheels (8) of the solar panels (6) now rest on the ground. Fig. 5e shows a rear side view where it can be seen how the outer frames (3e) of the frames (3) have lowered in relation to the position of the corresponding inner frames (3i).

Once the outer frame (4e) and the solar panels (6) connected to the pantograph mechanism (4) are resting on the ground, the user can extend the pantograph mechanism (4) to bring it into its deployed position. This implies that the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars rotate relative to each other by 180°, passing from the stacked vertical position to an extended horizontal position. During this process, the proximal ends of the outer bars (4e) of the most proximal length slide down along the outer frame (3e). At the same time, the inner bars (4i) of the most proximal section rotate in relation to the articulation of the lower corners of the outer frame (3e). Fig. 5f shows a moment in this process, which ends when the proximal ends of the outer bars (4e) have descended until reaching the lower corners of the outer frame (3e). In that situation, the solar panels have reached their essentially horizontal final position, as shown in Fig. 5g.

Claims

1. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation characterized in that it comprises: a folding structure (2) comprising a vertical frame (3) and an extensible pantograph mechanism (4) connected to said vertical frame (3), where The vertical frame (3) is housed inside a container (5), and where the extensible pantograph mechanism (4) has fixed solar panels (6), so that when the extensible pantograph mechanism (4) is in position folded, the solar panels (6) are stacked within the container (5) essentially vertically and adjacent to the frame (3), and when the extendable pantograph mechanism (4) is in the unfolded position, the solar panels (6) are they extend out of the container (5) essentially horizontally one after the other.

2. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 1, wherein the frame (3) is movable along the bottom surface of the container (5), so that the frame (3) alternates between a rearward position adjacent to a first face (5a) of the container (5) to allow storage space for the solar panels (6) when the pantograph mechanism (4) is in the folded position, and a forward position adjacent to a second face (5b) of the container (5) opposite to the first face (5a), where the second face (5b) is configured to open in order to allow the extension of the pantograph mechanism (4) with the solar panels (6) out of the container (5).

3. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 2, wherein the frame (3) comprises rails (7) arranged on the lower surface of the container (5) for movement along the surface bottom of the container (5).

4. Compact portable system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 2, wherein the frame (3) comprises wheels for movement along the bottom surface of the container (5).

5. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the frame (3) comprises an inner frame (3i) and an outer frame (3e) which are slidably coupled in the vertical direction such that, when the frame (3) is in the forward position adjacent to the second face (5b) of the container (5) with the frame interior (3i) essentially flush with said second face (5b) of the container (5), the outer frame (3e) alternates between an upper position in which it is aligned with the inner frame (3i) to a lower position in which it slides in downward direction outside the container (5) parallel to said second face (5b) until it rests on the ground on which said container (5) is resting.

6. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 5, further comprising stops (9) that prevent the inner frame (3i) from sliding out of the container (5) beyond the position in which is flush with the second face (5b) of the container (5).

7. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 6, wherein the stops (9) are fixed to upper and/or lower beams of the second face (5b) of the container (5).

8. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the frame (3) further comprises a manual actuation means to cause the displacement of the outer frame (3e) in relation to the frame interior (3i) between the upper position and the lower position.

9. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 8, wherein the manual drive means comprises a vertical threaded rod equipped with a rotary key (3g), said rod being fixed to the inner frame (3i) and connected by thread to the outer frame (3e).

10. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pantograph mechanism (4) comprises a plurality of sections successively connected to each other, where each section comprises a pair of inner bars ( 4i) and a pair of outer bars (4e), where each inner bar (4i) is connected to an outer bar (4e) through a rotary axis (Er) located in a middle zone of both, and where each of the pair of inner bars (4i) is attached to a respective opposite side of a solar panel (6), such that each length alternates between a folded position in which the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars are essentially vertical, adjacent and parallel to each other, and a position deployed in that the inner (4i) and outer (4e) bars are essentially horizontal, adjacent and parallel to each other.

11. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to claim 10 wherein, in a proximal section of the pantograph mechanism (4), proximal ends of the inner bars (4i) are rotatably fixed to corners Lower ends (31 e) of the outer frame (3e) and proximal ends of outer bars (4e) are rotatably and vertically slidingly attached to vertical sides of said outer frame (3e).

12. Portable compact system (1) for a solar installation according to any of claims 10-11, where some connections between inner bars (4i) and/or between outer bars (4e) comprise wheels (8) configured to rest on the ground during deployment.