BE1020007A3 - SOLAR PANEL BEARING WITH OR NOT WITH A SOLAR PANEL. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar panel support comprising a mounting foot; a first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing; and a second, preferably spherical wedge-shaped, sub housing. The first sub-housing is rotatably mounted on top of the mounting foot and the second sub-housing is hingedly mounted on the first sub-housing. The second part housing is suitable for carrying a solar panel. The second partial housing can be tilted between a minimum vertical tilt angle a and a maximum vertical tilt angle b.

Description

SOLAR PANEL BEARING WITH OR NOT WITH A SOLAR PANEL Technical field

The present invention relates to solar panel support, whether or not provided with a solar panel.

State of the art

Solar panel carriers are known and described, such as in NLI017314, NL8304155 and US 5,125,608. These patents and patent applications relate to a carrier or housing for a solar panel and the assembly of such a carrier or housing and a solar panel.

The known solar panel holders are generally flat plate-shaped holders, provided with a complex tracking system. Moreover, these known containers are heated up considerably, requiring heat exchangers. The object of the present invention is to provide an easily adjustable solar panel carrier, wherein the expensive, electronic tracking system is not necessary, but which is, however, capable of achieving optimum solar energy collection with a minimal human action. Moreover, an additional object of the invention is to provide a simple, panel-displaceable and position-adjustable solar panel carrier, which makes commissioning and use easier. Moreover, the present solar panel carrier is suitable as an information carrier on its housing.

Summary

The present invention provides for this purpose a solar panel support comprising a mounting foot; a first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing; and a second, preferably spherical wedge-shaped, sub housing; wherein the first sub-housing is rotatably mounted on top of the mounting foot and the second sub-housing is hingedly mounted on the first sub-housing and wherein the second sub-housing is suitable for supporting a solar panel. Such a solar panel carrier simplifies the position adjustment both in rotation and in the angular position of the solar panel.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a hollow mounting base on which a first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing is rotatably mounted. On this first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing, a second spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing is hingedly provided which comprises a holder suitable for carrying a solar panel. The radius of the second sub-housing differs somewhat from the radius of the first sub-housing. The second partial housing can be tilted between a minimum vertical tilt angle α and a maximum vertical tilt angle β. Preferably, there are six angular position positions between tilt angle α and β, one for each month of the year.

Further preferred embodiments are described in the subclaims 2-15. Description of the figures

The following figures show cross-sectional views of preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

Figure 1 shows the disassembled parts of a solar panel carrier and a solar panel;

Figure 2 shows the composite embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate the maximum tilt angle β and the minimum tilt angle α, respectively;

Figure 5 shows a mounting foot in top view; and

Figure 6 shows a front view of a solar panel carrier with a solar panel that is tilted in the maximum vertical tilt angle β.

Detailed description

The present invention relates to a solar panel support 1 comprising a mounting foot 2, a mounting pin 5, a first spherical wedge-shaped sub housing 3 and a second, preferably spherical wedge-shaped sub housing 4. The first wedge-shaped spherical sub housing 3 is mounted on top of the mounting foot 2 and the second sub-housing 4 is hingedly arranged on the first sub-housing 3 and furthermore, the sub-housing 4 comprises a holder 17 which is suitable for carrying a solar panel 16.

The term "first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing" 3 is understood to mean a casing which preferably encloses a space 13, which is furthermore suitable for being provided on top of a mounting foot 2 and which can further support another casing. In a plan view, the shape of the first sub-housing 3 can be round or angular, the shape in plan view is preferably a circle with a diameter suitable for providing the sub-housing 3 on a mounting foot 2. The partial housing 3 can for instance be provided on the mounting foot 2 by means of a notch in the underside into which the mounting foot 2 fits. In side view, the shape of a first sub-housing 3 is beam-shaped with rounded side edges, such beam shape lying horizontal and wider than high. Preferably, the first partial housing 3 has a wedge shape in side view with rounded side walls. Furthermore, an embodiment of the first sub-housing 3 according to the invention preferably encloses a space '13 "that is dimensioned such that a second housing im fits. This space 13 preferably comprises means on the wall for making frictional contact with the second sub-housing 4 Non-limiting examples of such means are grooves on the inside of the first sub-housing 3 or protrusions on the outside of the first sub-housing 3. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-housing 3 is made of a material selected from the group of plastics, natural materials or composite materials.

As described herein, "mounting foot" refers to an element that can be placed on a substantially horizontal surface and which is suitable to be provided with a first sub-housing 3 and that the whole of first sub-housing 3, second sub-housing 4, holder 17 and can support solar panel 16. In an embodiment according to the invention, the mounting foot 2 has a polygonal shape in top view, preferably the angular points of such polygonal shapes can be connected by a defining circle. Most preferably, the mounting foot 2 has a circular shape in plan view. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the mounting foot 2 is further subdivided into compartments 26 which are separated from each other by means of partitions 25.

The preferred embodiment of the mounting foot 2 according to the invention is further provided with a mounting pin 5 which is suitable for anchoring and stabilizing the solar panel support 1 on a substantially horizontal surface on which the solar panel support 1 can be mounted and wherein the longitudinal direction of the mounting pin 5 is the center point 24 of the mounting foot 2 runs. The fastening pin 5 preferably extends through the top and bottom of the fastening foot 2 and preferably comprises a fastening device 19 suitable for engaging a notch 18 of the first sub-housing 3. If the fastening device 19 engages the notch 18, then the first sub-housing 3 is anchored on the mounting foot 2. The mounting provision can for instance be provided with a tap on the upper part of the pin 5.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-housing 3 is rotatably mounted on the mounting foot 2. In such an embodiment, the first sub-housing 3, together with the second sub-housing 4 and the solar panel 16, can rotate in both directions about the central central axis. passing through the center of the mounting foot 2, included at an angle between 0 ° and 180 °.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel carrier 1 is further provided with a motor suitable for sequentially driving the horizontally rotating movement of the first sub-housing 3. Non-limiting examples of the aforementioned motor are an electric motor or a stepper motor. In another embodiment, the drive can be programmed by the motor in the time between sunrise and sunset. The advantage of such a programmed drive is that a maximum of sunlight is collected in the course of a day because the movement of the sun can be followed.

In yet another embodiment according to the invention, the solar panel carrier 1 is provided with an automatic sun tracking system. This ensures optimum utilization of sunlight during the course of the day and requires no manual adjustment.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the fixing foot 2 is hollow and is provided with a supply opening suitable for introducing a stabilizing material into or out of the hollow space of the fixing foot 2. This stabilizing material is suitable for weighting the mounting foot 2 and ensures that the solar panel support 1 is stable. The embodiment of a solar panel carrier 1 in which the mounting foot 2 is hollow has the advantage that the entire solar panel carrier 1 has a sufficiently low weight to be carried by one adult person. The compartments 26 in the mounting foot 2 offer the advantage that it is possible to correct for small slopes and unevenness in the substantially horizontal plane on which the solar panel support 1 is placed. In an embodiment according to the invention, the fixing foot 2 is made from a material selected from the group of plastics, natural materials or composite materials. In an embodiment according to the invention, the mounting foot 2 has a round shape in perspective view, for example the shape of a cylinder or a truncated cone, more preferably the mounting foot 2 has a cylindrical shape in perspective view wherein the height is smaller than or equal to the radius . In another embodiment, the mounting foot 2 has a "surface" shape in perspective view, for example a "cube" or a truncated pyramid. In the preferred embodiment according to the invention, the top and bottom surfaces of the mounting foot 2 are parallel to each other.

The term "second sub-housing" 4 is understood to mean a casing which is preferably spherical in shape and suitable for being provided on a first sub-housing 3. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the second sub-housing 4 is hinged along a common hinge line 14 with the first sub-housing 3. "common hinge line" 14 is understood to mean the spindle which lies in the plane of the top of the first sub-housing 3 and around which the second sub-housing 4 can pivot, the hinge direction being perpendicular to the horizontal plane 23 on which the solar panel carrier 1 is provided. The common hinge line 14 runs centrally through the hinge element 15. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, this hinge element 15 is a hinge.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the second sub-housing 4 further comprises a holder 17 which is suitable for carrying a solar panel. As described herein, "holder" 17 refers to a structure suitable for providing a solar panel 16 and wherein said solar panel 16 is supported. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a holder 17 comprises at least two upright edges 9 and 10 which are turned inwards at the top and which face each other and furthermore the holder 17 has a concave bottom. In this embodiment, the solar panel 16 rests on the top of the second sub-housing 4. Another embodiment of a holder 17 comprises four upright edges between which a solar panel 16 can be provided and a concave bottom. In an embodiment of the invention, the holder 17 is provided on the upper side of the second part housing 17. In another embodiment of the invention, the holder 17 forms an integral part of the second part housing 4.

In a preferred embodiment, the top side of the second sub-housing 4 is concavely curved, whereby an opening 8 is created between the above-mentioned top side and the holder 17 which can carry a solar panel 16. This opening 8 offers the advantage that the air flow created by wind does not generate any lifting force on the solar panel 16 provided in the holder 17; which provides an increased stability of the solar panel 16.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second sub-housing 4, together with the supported solar panel 16, can be tilted between a minimum vertical tilt angle α and a maximum vertical tilt angle β. The tilting of the second sub-housing 4 occurs around the common hinge line 14. The term "vertical tilting angle" is understood to mean the angle formed between the underside of the second sub-housing and the underside of the mounting foot 2. In a preferred embodiment of the In accordance with the invention, the minimum vertical tilt angle α is included between 5 ° and 45 °, more preferably between 10 ° and 30 °. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum vertical tilt angle β is included between 25 ° and 75 °, more preferably between 35 ° and 60 °.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tilt of the second sub-housing 4 is subdivided into 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more positions included between the minimum vertical tilt angle α and the maximum vertical tilt angle β. The tilt of the second sub-housing 4 is preferably subdivided into a number of positions included between 5 and 8 or more positions, understood between the minimum vertical tilt angle α and the maximum vertical tilt angle β. Most preferably, the tilt of the second sub-housing 4 is subdivided into six positions, understood between the minimum vertical tilt angle α and the maximum vertical tilt angle β. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the positions are numbered. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the positions are marked with the name of a number of months, this number is included between 1 and 12, depending on the number of positions, so that each month occurs a maximum of once at a position. This marking 27 gives an indication of the optimum tilt angle in a given month in order to maximize the efficiency of the solar panel.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the tilting position of the second sub-housing 4 can be maintained on the basis of the means for making frictional contact. Non-limiting examples of such means are grooves on the wall of space 13 and or protrusions on the outside of the second sub-housing 4. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, both sub-housings are in mutual frictional contact with each other, while the second sub-housing 4 is maintained in the desired angular position. .

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the second partial housing 4 is made of a material selected from the group of plastics, natural materials or composite materials.

Each solar panel 16 in standard deliverable dimensions can be carried by solar panel carrier 1 and in a preferred embodiment of the invention the solar panel carrier 1 carries a solar panel 16 with a surface area preferably between 0.5 m2 and 1.5 m2, more preferably with a surface area between 0.8 m2 and 1.2 m2. The shape of the solar panel 16 in a preferred embodiment is polygonal and preferably quadrangular, more preferably the solar panel 16 is square. Each type of solar panel 16 is suitable for use in solar panel support 1, such as photovoltaic solar panels and thermal solar panels.

In a preferred embodiment of a solar panel carrier 1 according to the present invention, both spherical sub-housings 3 and 4 have a different radius 22 and 21, respectively. In the case that the radius 22 of the first sub-housing 3 is larger than the radius 21 of the second sub-housing 4, the second part housing 4 tilts in the space 13. In the case that the radius 22 of the first part housing 3 is smaller than the radius 21 of the second part housing 4, the second part housing 4 tilts over the first part housing 3. In the first case the means for ensuring frictional contact are provided on the wall of on the wall of the space 13 and the outside of the second sub-housing 4. In the latter case, the means for ensuring frictional contact are provided on the outside of the first sub-housing 3 and on the inside of the second part housing 4.

As is known in the prior art, the solar panel can be coupled to an inverter which converts the generated direct current into alternating current with a correct voltage. The connections and wiring for connecting the solar panel to the electricity grid are also known in the art and can be used in the present invention.

The following description relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention and serves as an illustration.

The mounting foot 1 is placed on the ground 23 and is anchored with mounting pin 5 and has a cover 20 on top. The mounting pin 5 is arranged in the opening 24, at the center of the foot 2. The mounting foot 2 is hollow and provided with partitions 25 which form compartments 26. These compartments are filled with stabilizing and aggravating material so that the solar panel support 1 is flat on the ground 23. The first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing 3 is rotatably mounted on the mounting foot 2 by means of a rolling bearing (not shown).

The first sub-housing 3 has an overhanging edge over the mounting foot 2, shown here schematically by the shoulders 11 and 12. The stud 19 engages in the notch 18 so that the first sub-housing 3 is fixed on the foot 2. The rounded sides 6 and 7 offer the advantage that the wind blowing on these sides is diverted and that the stability of the solar panel 16 is guaranteed.

Furthermore, the first sub-housing 3 comprises the hinge 15 which encloses the hinge axis 14 around which the second spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing 4 pivots. This tilting movement is limited between the minimum vertical tilt angle α and the maximum vertical tilt angle ß. The radius 22 of the first sub-housing 3 is larger than the radius 21 of the second sub-housing 4. As a result, the second housing 4 tilts in the space 13 of the first sub-housing 3. The outside of the second sub-housing 4 and the wall of the space 13 include means for making frictional contact whereby the second sub-housing 4 is held in the selected tilting position. The six markings 27 are each labeled with the names of two months, so that the solar panel can optimally catch the sunlight in each month.

The solar panel 16 is supported by the holder 17 and clamped by the upright edges 9 and 10. An opening 8 is provided under the holder 17 which allows the air flow under the solar panel 16 to pass through which the wind cannot exert any lifting force on the solar panel 16.

Claims (17)

A solar panel support (1) comprising - a mounting foot (2); - a first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing (3); and - a second, preferably spherical wedge-shaped, partial housing (4); wherein the first spherical wedge-shaped sub-housing (3) is rotatably mounted on top of the mounting foot (2) and the second sub-housing (4) is hingedly mounted on the first wedge-shaped sub-housing (3) and wherein the second sub-housing (4) is suitable for supporting a solar panel (Ï6). Solar panel support (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting foot (2) comprises one or more cavities suitable for containing a stabilizing material. Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-2, wherein the sub-housings (3) and (4) are rotatably mounted together on top of the mounting foot (2) through an angle of at least 180 °. Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein the upper side of the second sub-housing (4) is curved, whereby an air passage opening (8) is formed between said upper side and the solar panel (16) when the latter is in the holder (17) Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, provided with a solar panel (16), wherein the position of the solar panel (16) between a minimum vertical tilt angle α and a maximum vertical tilt angle β is adjustable. Solar panel support (1) according to the preceding claim 5, wherein the minimum vertical tilt angle angle α is between 10 ° and 30 °. Solar panel support (1) according to claims 5-6, wherein the maximum vertical tilt angle angle β is between 35 ° and 80 °. Solar panel carrier (1) according to claims 5-7, wherein the position of the solar panel (16) is adjustable in six angular positions. Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein both sub-housings (3) and (4) are in mutual frictional contact with each other to maintain the tilt angle or the angular position. 10. Solar panel support (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-9, wherein the second partial housing (4) is retained in the desired angular position by means of the mutual frictional contact. Solar panel support (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein both spherical part housings (3) and (4) have a different radius (21) and (22). 12. Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the fixing foot (2) is further provided with a central fixing pin (5) which is suitable for stabilizing the solar panel carrier (1) on the bearing surface (23) or the ground. The solar panel carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein the solar panel carrier (1) is further provided with a rotary motor suitable for driving the first sub-housing (3). The solar panel carrier (1) according to the preceding claim 13, wherein the motor can be programmed in the time between sunrise and sunset. 15. Solar panel carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-14, wherein the solar panel carrier is further provided with an automatic sun tracking system. The solar panel carrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-15, wherein the solar panel (16) being carried has an area comprised between 0.8 m2 and 1.2 m2 and has a quadrangular shape. The solar panel carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-16, wherein the solar panel (16) that is being carried has a surface according to the standard available dimensions.