WO2009087252A1

WO2009087252A1 - Solar tracker

Info

Publication number: WO2009087252A1
Application number: PCT/ES2008/070245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Héctor CLIMENT SANESTANISLAO; Ximo Montaner Soler
Original assignee: Solartiva Mediterranea S.L.
Priority date: 2008-01-08
Filing date: 2008-12-30
Publication date: 2009-07-16
Also published as: ES2304116A1; ES2304116B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual-axis solar tracker comprising: a stand for securing same to a supporting base (20); a single drive shaft (21); a body (3) provided with a movement distribution mechanism located on the securing stand (20); an element (8) supporting the structure (11) carrying the panel (12), which can rotate about the drive shaft; a horizontally arranged joint for joining the panel (12) to the supporting element (8); and a stationary adjustable part (5) provided with a rod (7) which is hinged at one end to the part (5) and at the other end to the plate (12) -supporting element. When the panel (12) rotates one way, under the action of the drive shaft, one of the ends of the rod (7) remains hinged to the stationary part (5) while the other end thereof remains hinged to the structure (11) carrying the oriented solar panel (12), such that the panel not only rotates, but is lowered in relation to the horizontal axis.

Description

SOLAR TRACKER

The present invention consists of a device for the orientation of solar panels, and especially, although not exclusively, for solar panels located on substantially flat surfaces, such as industrial roofs or rural floors.

Solar energy is an inexhaustible source of energy (on a human scale). For this reason, the technology of solar panels has been developed with an important evolution, being, in fact, in current times much more affordable than a few years ago because its price / performance ratio is much more advantageous. The different subsidies that the public administrations of some countries grant to the facilities or the acquisition, also subsidized by the corresponding state, of the energy produced by said panels at a generous price, make the installation of said source of energy more and more attractive. Energy. In addition to the economic terms, it should be considered that electricity production from solar energy prevents a significant amount of pollution, which results in the well-being of all the inhabitants of the planet.

However, the manufacture, installation and maintenance of these panels nevertheless requires significant effort, and it is desirable that the performance in KWh / year per panel be as high as possible.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

To do this, optimizing the energy collection of solar collectors located on a fixed plane, two types of followers have essentially been developed.

Of these, a first type is uniaxial, so that the solar panel is provided with a certain, fixed inclination, and is oriented by means of a maneuver that provides a rotation with respect to a vertical axis. However, energy collection is insufficient and unsatisfactory at sunrise and sunset, as well as at noon, resulting in only two points.

An optimal type of follower consists of biaxial orientation, that is, it comprises a first follower moved by a motor, which acts on a vertical axis and produces a movement from west to west along the hours of sun, returning to its initial position once night falls, and a second follower, which acts on a horizontal axis, and produces a movement of variation of the inclination of the panel.

Of this type of followers there are those that comprise a pillar that supports a carrier structure of a set of panels, so that it is the whole of said structure that is rotated with respect to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis to provide the optimal orientation . However, this type of followers requires a large infrastructure, an adequate foundation and a high price, and is therefore not applicable to light surfaces, such as industrial building roofs.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Another type of biaxial trackers that can be used on ship decks takes place through the action of two motorization means, one of which acts on one of the axes (vertical or horizontal) and the other means on the other of the axes.

This has the disadvantage of requiring a significantly higher installation cost than uniaxial orientation devices, as well as greater maintenance.

Since the apparent trajectory of the sun with respect to an observer on the ground has a regular curve, whose amplitude is variable according to the proximity in time to the solstices, the orientation of each of the panels by means of the present invention is provided a single motor means, but the follower mechanism of a device that ensures a certain orientation of elevation (with respect to its horizontal axis) depending on the given radial position (with respect to its vertical axis) is provided. The radial orientation takes place by means of the direct action of the motor means, while the elevation orientation takes place by means of a link that joins a fixed base with a certain movable panel in an articulated way, so that when the panel is turned a certain angle with respect to the zenith solar position (south in the northern hemisphere, north in the southern hemisphere), one of the ends of the connecting rod is obliged to move with said panel, which results in the maximum height being related to the angle of displacement by means of the cosine of said angle, thus forcing the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) panel rotate with respect to its axis of horizontal articulation to adjust to the maximum height of said connecting rod, consequently causing a "verticalization" of the panel as the angle of rotation increases and a "horizontalization" of it as the rotation approaches the solar position zenithal

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to illustrate the explanation to be followed, we attach to the present specification ten sheets of drawings, in which the essence of the present invention is represented in ten figures, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of the solar tracker of the invention, facing south, in zenith position; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the solar tracker of Figure i; Figure 3 shows a front view of the solar tracker of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the solar tracker of the previous figures, in which the fastening device to the base and the panel support can be seen, as well as the follower device;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a detail of the articulation of the articulation base of a connecting rod which, together with other elements, constitutes the follower device;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a connecting device of the connecting rod with the corresponding solar panel;

Figure 7 shows a view in another perspective of the articulation device of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the solar tracker in a position rotated 30 ° with respect to the zenith position, in which the panel has its inclination increased with respect to the horizontal;

Figure 9 shows a front view of the solar panel oriented according to Figure 8; Y

Figure 10 shows a side view of the solar tracker with the panel oriented according to Figures 8 and 9;

Figure 11 shows a detailed perspective view of a body that forms an input-output device and / or transmission forwarding, and the corresponding support of the solar panel orientation rod; Y

Figure 12 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment in which a regulating axis of the azimuthal orientation is arranged, said axis being capable of being moved by a motor or manually at regular or irregular intervals, and in which the support of the Orientation rod of the solar panel is articulated with respect to the body with the input-output device and / or transmission forwarding.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated briefly, a solar tracker capable of being oriented in two axes, horizontal and vertical, by the action of a single motor means is described.

The follower basically understands:

• at least one support bracket for the support base 20;

• a single drive shaft 21; "A body 3 provided with a movement distribution mechanism located on said fixing support 20, which receives and possibly transmits the movement of the drive shaft 21; said body has at least one pivot output shaft 22 of at least one solar panel support;

• at least one support 8 of the carrier structure 11 of the panel 12, said support being located on the body 3 comprising the movement distribution mechanism, and capable of rotating relative to a substantially vertical axis as a function of the movement provided by the axis motor 21; said support attached at the opposite end to the one of rotation at least one solar panel 12; • at least one solar panel 12 articulated to the panel support 8 relative to a substantially horizontal axis joint 9;

• at least one piece 5 whose position is fixed with respect to the fixing bracket 20 and the body 3 provided with the movement distribution mechanism; this piece is likely to be oriented, usually towards noon

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) for being the orientation in which the sun reaches its highest elevation, to be fixed in said position; Y

• at least one tie rod or connecting rod 7 of predetermined fixed length or of variable length, for example telescopic, provided with a first articulation mechanism 24 with the part 5 and a second articulation mechanism 25 with the carrier structure 11 of the panel 12 which allows its movement in any orientation, so that when the panel 12 rotates towards one of the sides by action of the driving axle one of the ends of the connecting rod 7 is articulated to the fixed position part 5 and the other to the carrier structure 11 of the solar panel 12 oriented, forcing in addition to the rotation, its dejection with respect to said horizontal axis.

According to one embodiment, the output shaft 22 that moves the panel is jointly connected to a carrier sleeve of one piece 15, in turn attached to the support 8 of the solar panel. Said support 8 is formed by a "U" shaped piece whose horizontal part is attached to said piece 15, while the upper ends of the arms of said "U" comprise the corresponding joint 9 which allows the panel to be folded down. The connecting rod 7 is shaped so as to allow its free rotation and articulation with respect to each of the supports, lower 24 to the fixed part 5, and superior 25 to the rotating structure 11 constituting the support of the solar panel.

Depending on the orientation of the surface on which the panels are to be located, the latitude, and the time of the year, the length of the connecting rod 7, the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) position of the lower joint 24 or the upper joint 25, and the orientation of the part 5.

When the panel 12 rotates a certain angle, the upper articulation means 25 of the connecting rod 7 also undergoes a displacement. As the connecting rod 7 cannot be lengthened, the distance between the articulation ends 24 and 25 must be kept fixed and with it, in order to adapt the distance of the upper joint support 25 to the articulation base 24, required by the length of the connecting rod 7, there is a progressive turning due to a reduction between a central position and the extreme positions.

In accordance with the embodiment shown, the body 3 carrying the movement transmission and distribution means is located on the fixing support 20, and the fixed part 5 is fixedly fixed to said body 3 once it has been adjusted to the appropriate position . Also, said piece 5 is optionally provided with a set of holes that allow the arrangement of the articulation base 24 in different positions. The panel-bearing structure 11 optionally also comprises different positions, such as different holes, of location of the corresponding articulation end 25 of the connecting rod 7.

In this way, a good orientation of the panel is obtained from sunrise to sunset, through a reduced investment and with maintenance

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) also reduced compared to the necessary in the case of understanding the installation two motor means, one for each of the axles.

Obviously, according to the invention, a single engine can act on a set of modules provided with one or more panels by means of the corresponding transmission means, providing as many engines and as many transmission means as necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the same and proper orientation of each of the panels.

In certain types of plates the orientation to the sun must be very precise, which requires that the incidence of the sun's rays be practically perpendicular to the surface of the plate. Therefore, according to a second embodiment, the follower of the invention comprises a regulating shaft 31, normally fed with a second motor, which is fixed on a second distributor of the movement 30. This second distributor acts on an extensible support of the piece 5, which in this case will be articulated to the first movement distributor 3 by means of a joint 34, so that said support will normally also be articulated to piece 5. The seasonal differences in the height of the sun can thus be corrected by a small turn of the regulating shaft 31, which will cause the tension or contraction of an extendable body 32, which will be fixed or articulated to the part 5 in the joint 33. This will cause a free end elevation of said part 5, in which the movement will be restricted to the plane perpendicular to the axis of articulation.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Thus, with a single regulating motor, the azimuthal orientation value can be corrected through the regulating axis 31, maintaining the operation of the follower with a single driving axis 21.

Thus, the regulating axis 31 will make small corrections at regular or irregular intervals, for example once a week, while the driving axis 21 will have continuous operation during the daily monitoring period.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

1.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, which includes:

• at least one support bracket for a support base (20); • a single drive axle (21);

• at least one support (8) of the structure (11) carrying the panel (12), capable of rotating relative to a substantially vertical axis; said support holds at its upper end at least one solar panel (12);

• a support structure (11) of at least one solar panel (12) articulated to the panel support (8) (12) relative to a substantially horizontal axis joint (9);

• at least one part (5) whose position is fixed or capable of being fixed with respect to the fixing support (20); Y

• at least one tie rod or connecting rod (7) of predetermined fixed length or of variable length, for example telescopic, provided with a first articulation mechanism (24) with the part (5) and a second articulation mechanism (25) with the structure (11) carrying the panel (12) that allows its movement in any orientation, so that when the panel (12) turns towards one of the sides one of the ends of the connecting rod (7) is articulated to the piece (5 ) of fixed position and the other to the carrier structure (1 1) of the solar panel (12) oriented, forcing in addition to the rotation, its reduction with respect to said horizontal axis,

Characterized because it also includes:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) • a body (3) provided with a movement distribution mechanism located on the fixing support (20), which receives and possibly transmits the movement of the drive shaft (21); said body has at least one pivot output shaft (22) of at least one solar panel support; • because the support (8) of the structure (11) carrying the panel (12) is located on the body (3) comprising the movement distribution mechanism;

• and because the movement distribution mechanism comprises an output shaft (22) attached to a carrier sleeve of a piece (15) connected in turn to the solar panel support.

2. A biaxial orientation solar tracker according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (8) is formed by a "U" shaped piece whose horizontal part is attached to the piece (15), while the upper ends of the arms of said "U" comprise an articulation (9) that allows the solar panel to be supported.

3,. Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting rod (7) comprises at each of its ends a mechanism that allows its free rotation and articulation with respect to each of the supports, lower (24) to the fixed part (5), and superior (25) to the rotating structure (11) that constitutes the support of the solar panel (12).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

4.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting rod (7) is adjustable in length.

5.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (3) carrying the movement transmission and distribution means is located on the fixing support (20).

6.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed part (5) is adjustable in position and is capable of being fixed in solidarity with the body 3 carrying the transmission means.

7.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed part (5) is provided with a set of holes that allow the arrangement of the articulation base (24) in different positions.

8.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (8) of the panel (12) is provided with a set of holes that allow the arrangement of the articulation end (25) in different positions.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

9.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single motor is capable of acting on a set of modules carrying one or more panels by means of the corresponding transmission means.

10, - Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part (5) is fixed to the body (3) comprising the mechanism of distribution of the movement by means of a joint (34), which allows the rotation of said piece (5) with respect to said joint (34) only in a plane perpendicular to the axis of articulation.

11.- Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a regulating axis (31) acting on a second movement distributor (30), which in turn acts on an extensible body (32) joined in its upper end to the piece (5).

12. Biaxial orientation solar tracker, according to claim 11, characterized in that the joint between the extensible body (32) and the part 5 is formed by a joint.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)