FR3155110A1 - REMOVABLE GROUND SUPPORT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ground support for photovoltaic panels (18) comprising at least one support frame (9, 10, 15, 16) for at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base (2). The base (2) comprises at least four panels (3 to 6) connected together by a removable connection and defining, in the connected configuration, a volume for receiving ballast of said base (2), said panels (3 to 6) of the base (2) supporting in the upper part and at different altitudes (9, 10), at least two parallel rails (15, 16) for fixing at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said rails (15, 16) constituting the support frame of at least one photovoltaic panel (18) and in that the rails (15, 16) have ends (21, 22) of complementary shapes. The invention also relates to a kit including all the elements necessary for mounting the support. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

REMOVABLE GROUND-MOUNTED SUPPORT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

The invention relates to a removable ground support for photovoltaic panels.

Subsequently, the term "panel" will be used primarily to refer to a photovoltaic panel. Photovoltaic panels for electricity production are generally installed on building roofs or on canopies installed, for example, in public or private parking lots. There are also large areas, known as solar farms, occupied by photovoltaic panels mounted on fixed supports. The majority of ground-mounted panels are used for commercial applications and occupy significant surface areas, while panels for domestic use, or at least for applications not requiring high power, are found on roofs or facades. In all cases, whether for domestic or commercial use, regardless of the location, photovoltaic panels are generally permanently installed. However, there may be a temporary need for electricity production, for example in temporary accommodation, a second home, a campsite, during an event, or for other purposes, or one may wish to have a photovoltaic system while minimizing the work and installation costs, or when installation on an existing building is not possible for architectural reasons, for example. FR-A-3 079 090 describes a support for photovoltaic panels comprising a folding base onto which a frame for holding a photovoltaic panel folds and unfolds, with the frame's tilt adjustable. US-A-4 421 943 describes a box-shaped base with an unfolding upper section, the tilt of which is adjustable, and which holds a photovoltaic panel. While these solutions allow for easy and movable ground-mounted photovoltaic panels, they remain relatively bulky and heavy once folded. Furthermore, they intentionally limit the usable panel surface area to minimize wind resistance. Therefore, there is a need for photovoltaic panels that are simple to install and move, provide sufficient power, and are wind-resistant.

The invention aims to meet these needs by offering a removable ground support for photovoltaic panels that is easy to install, lightweight while offering high electrical power and is wind-resistant, all at a controlled cost.

To this end, the invention relates to a demountable support for photovoltaic panels comprising at least one support frame for at least one photovoltaic panel, said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base, characterized in that the base comprises at least four panels connected to each other by a removable link and defining, in connected configuration, a receiving volume for a ballast of said base, said panels of the base in the so-called connected configuration supporting in their upper part and at different altitudes, at least two parallel rails for fixing at least one photovoltaic panel, said rails being constitutive of the support frame for at least one photovoltaic panel and in that the rails have ends of complementary and buttable shapes.

Thus, thanks to this invention, we have a ground-mounted photovoltaic panel support that is easy to install and move, wind-resistant, stable, and comprised of few parts. This ensures a controlled cost while providing a simple solution for attaching the panels to the support using rails. Since the rails can be joined end-to-end by their complementary shapes, it is possible to connect several rails supported by multiple bases, and therefore to have several photovoltaic panels linked together in order to adapt the electrical power produced in a modular way according to needs.

According to advantageous, but not mandatory, aspects of the invention, such a ground support for photovoltaic panels may include one or more of the following features:

The base is a parallelepiped formed by folding a plate and in that, once in shape, the base defines a volume for receiving a ballast.

The base includes at least one pair of vertical and parallel angle brackets that form part of the support frame.

The base includes at least two pairs of vertical and parallel angle brackets of different lengths, which form part of the support frame.

The difference in lengths of the angle brackets defines, at least partially, the tilt of the photovoltaic panels.

The tilt of the photovoltaic panels is adjustable between 7° and 40° by adjusting the length of the angle brackets.

The free ends of each pair of angle brackets support a rail via a connecting element.

The rails have a U-shaped cross-section.

The rails have a Z-shaped cross-section.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two photovoltaic panels, an unfolded base, at least two rails, at least two angle brackets and electronic elements necessary for connecting the panels and managing electricity production, as well as mounting accessories for a ground support conforming to at least one of the preceding characteristics.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from a three-quarter rear angle, of two ground-mounted photovoltaic panel supports joined together and conforming to an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 is a view similar to the FIG. 1 , on a larger scale and without the photovoltaic panels of two associated ground supports

FIG. 3 is a partial, larger-scale perspective view of part of the base

FIG. 4 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 viewed from a three-quarter front perspective, from a different angle, at a different scale, and without the photovoltaic panels on the two associated ground supports,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above and at a different scale of the two associated ground supports illustrated in figures 2 and 4,

FIG. 6 is a view similar to the FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to the FIG. 2 according to the embodiment illustrated in the FIG. 6 .

There FIG. 1 This illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which two ground supports 1 according to the invention are combined. Alternatively, a single ground support 1 is used, or more than two ground supports 1 are used, depending on the user's needs and/or the available space and/or the sunlight conditions. Here, the ground supports 1 are identical. In the alternative, they are different. Hereafter, the terms "ground support" and "support" will be used interchangeably.

In most cases, the floor supports 1 are placed side by side and parallel to each other along their longest dimensions, in at least one row. As noted in the FIG. 1 Each ground support 1 comprises a base 2 formed by four panels 3 to 6. Advantageously, the four panels 3 to 6 are metallic, for example, galvanized steel or aluminum, or composite materials, provided that the materials used are insensitive to environmental conditions. According to a preferred embodiment, the panels are pre-formed from a pre-cut sheet, not shown, so that shaping is carried out manually by folding.

The bases 2 of the two ground supports 1 are identical here. They are rectangular parallelepipeds. Alternatively, they are square parallelepipeds and/or they are not identical. Each base 2 has a bottom 7, which may be removable. In all cases, regardless of their dimensions and/or geometric configurations and/or methods of construction, the bases 2 each define a volume V2, advantageously open at the top. Alternatively, a solid or perforated cover is provided on the upper opening of the base.

The configuration of each base, forming a volume V2, is maintained by connecting the various panels 3 to 6 and the base 7. Whether these panels are independent or formed by folding a plate, this connection is achieved using methods known per se, such as welding, gluing, bolting, screwing, or other methods. Preferably, but not necessarily, the connection between the various elements is made in a removable manner, by bolting or screwing, to facilitate the dismantling of support 1, and therefore base 2, if necessary.

According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the FIG. 3 All the components of each base 2, whether panels 3 to 6 or the base 7, include guide elements 8 for temporarily holding them in position while they are screwed or bolted. These elements 8, which effectively act as keying devices to prevent any errors during assembly, are of the male/female type. More specifically, they are cutouts 8A with particular geometric shapes that define recesses for complementary reliefs 8B. The cutouts 8A and the reliefs 8B have no sharp angles or right edges, like the connecting elements found on puzzle pieces. The placement of the components of a base 2 is thus facilitated and guided, ensuring quick and error-free assembly.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, angle brackets 9 and 10, here metal and configured in an L-shape with equal arms, are fixed to the outside of each base 2, at each of its corners. Advantageously, the angle brackets 9 and 10 are fixed simultaneously with the joining of panels 3 to 6 and the base 7, by bolts or screws connecting all the elements together. In an embodiment not shown, raised sections on the outer face of panels 3 to 6, at the corners of the base 2, are provided and fit into complementary recesses formed in the angle brackets. In this way, guidance and positioning are ensured during the attachment of the angle brackets 9 and 10. These are therefore guiding elements, similar to the elements 8, and dedicated to mounting the angle brackets 9 and 10 onto each base 2. Advantageously, these reliefs and recesses have complex shapes, like the puzzle-like guiding and positioning elements 8. The angle brackets 9 and 10 contribute to maintaining the position and rigidity of each base 2 by reinforcing it at the corners.

Angle brackets 9 and 10 extend vertically upwards from each corner of the base 2 on which they are mounted, spanning the entire height of each corner of the base 2. Angle brackets 9 and 10 are identical in pairs. A pair of angle brackets is referred to as front angle brackets 9 and is shorter than the pair of angle brackets referred to as rear angle brackets 10. In an advantageous embodiment, the length of the front angle brackets 9 and rear angle brackets 10 is either adjustable, for example when they are telescopic, or modifiable by adding or removing elements, the angle brackets 9 and 10 then being formed from several butted elements.

At least in the upper part of the angle brackets 9 and 10, that is, at their free ends 11 and 12 respectively, located above the base 2, a plate defines a connecting element or bracket 13 and 14, respectively, positioned parallel to the short sides 4 and 6 respectively of the base 2. This allows the angle brackets 9 and 10 of the same pair to be connected, keeping them parallel and thus limiting the buckling of these angle brackets 9 and 10. One upper edge of the brackets 13 and 14 is inclined. In another embodiment, other connecting plates are placed at other locations depending on the height of the angle brackets 9 and 10 and/or in the lower part, resting on the opening of the base 2.

The upper ends 11, 12 of the angles 9, 10 connected by the plates 13, 14 define, for each pair of angles 9, 10, a support and retention area for a rail 15, respectively 16 as noted in particular in figures 2, 4 and 5. Similarly, the upper edge of the connecting members or shoes 13, 14 contributes to the support and retention of the rails 15, 16.

The rails 15, 16 are identical and, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, have a Z-shaped cross-section with right angles, which allows at least one photovoltaic panel 18 to be fixed reversibly on one arm 17 of the Z, as can be seen from the FIG. 1 The other arm 19 and the central part 20 of the Z are fixed at an angle to the ends 11, 12 of the angle brackets 9, 10. Furthermore, the central part 20 rests on the support plate 13 or 14, allowing the arm 17, which receives the photovoltaic panel 18, to be inclined. In addition, the arm 19 of the Z rests on the rear of the angle brackets 9, 10, thus providing a strut and bracing when the photovoltaic panel 18 is in place on the rails 15, 16.

As noted in the various figures 1 to 5, each pair of angle brackets 9, 10 supports a rail 15, 16, substantially in a central position, the ends 21, 22 of each rail 15, 15 extending on either side of the base 2. The two rails 15, 16 supported by each pair of angle brackets 9, 10 are parallel to each other and located at different heights, according to the respective heights of the front angle brackets 9 and rear angle brackets 10. The rails 15, 15 are advantageously horizontal or, more generally, parallel to the plane of the opening of the base 2. Each rail 15, 16 is a single piece, adjustable or not in length, or obtained by several butted elements. Each base 2 thus comprises at least two rails 15, 16 on which are fixed at least one, preferably two, photovoltaic panels 18, advantageously with a unit length of approximately 1.80 m and a unit width of approximately 1.2 m and a nominal power of approximately 415 Wp. Such panels 18 make it possible, for each ground support 1, to have, with a minimum ground surface area, namely that of the base 2, approximately 0.34 ^m² with a power of more than 800 Wp, knowing that the projected area on the ground of the support 1 with the panels 18 is approximately 3.3 ^m² .

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the complementary shapes of the ends 21, 22 of the two rails 15, 16 facilitate their simple and removable connection, for example by a fishplate, bolting, or any other known means of connection, in order to obtain a desired rail length. As noted in the FIG. 1 The photovoltaic panels 18 are fixed on the rails 15, 16 with an inclination defined by the difference in altitude of the rails 15, 16 defined by the respective lengths of the front angle brackets 9 and rear angle brackets 10 as well as by the inclination of the rails 15, 16 on the angle brackets 9, 10 and by the inclination of the upper edges of the brackets 13, 14. The inclination of each photovoltaic panel 18 is thus adjustable, either at will or only once depending on the adjustment method used, between generally 7° and 40° relative to the horizontal.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 18, therefore the height of the angles 9, 10 and/or the inclination of the rails 15, 16 and/or the inclination of the components 13, 14, is defined in the factory taking into account the location of installation in order to optimize the sunlight of the photovoltaic panels 18 and therefore their yields.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, at least two bases 2 are aligned and arranged parallel to each other along their longest length. The rails 15, 16 fixed to the front angle brackets 9 and rear angle brackets 10 of the two bases 2 are aligned and butted together. Alternatively, not shown, two long, single-piece rails 15, 16 are used, held in place by the two bases 2. By coupling two ground supports 1, it is possible to obtain an electrical power output of over 1600 Wp. It is easy to see that the number of bases 2, each supporting two photovoltaic panels 18, that can be combined may exceed two, depending on the requirements and/or available space. Similarly, it is possible to position the bases at an angle, or even in a square or rectangle, depending on the requirements and/or available space.

The electronic part, namely at least the control module, an inverter and other elements necessary for the connection of the photovoltaic panels 18 and their management, is advantageously housed in at least one box, not illustrated, fixed between the angle brackets 9, 10 or at the base 2, it being understood that the whole is advantageously of the "plug and play" type: it is enough to connect a single electrical outlet to the domestic network to benefit from the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels 18.

The internal volume V2 of each base 2 is completely clear and accessible, allowing the base to be ballasted with various commonly used materials: sand, stones, cement, ballast bags, slabs, or other similar items. Wind tunnel tests have shown that ballast of approximately 180 kg in a base 2 enables the ground support 1 to withstand winds of 100 km/h blowing directly onto the photovoltaic panels 18.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a support 100 conforming to another advantageous embodiment of the invention. Here, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and similar elements are designated by the reference numeral multiplied by one hundred. Note that the side walls 300 to 600 of the bases 200 are higher than the walls 3 to 6 of the bases 2. Consequently, the volume V200 of the bases 200 is greater, allowing for greater ballast on the base 200, thus providing greater stability and/or wind resistance. Also noteworthy is the presence of only the angle brackets 10, which are taller. The rails 1500 therefore rest directly on the free end of the wall 400 of each base 200. The connection is ensured by a known fixing piece. Such a configuration makes it possible on the one hand to limit the number of constituent elements of the support 100, therefore its weight and also the overall height between the ground and the highest point of the photovoltaic panels 18 in place on the support 100, while maintaining the same inclination of the panels 18 as for the first embodiment.

There is also a simplification in the construction of the 1500 and 1600 rails. These have a U-shaped cross-section, which allows the use of readily available rails. Furthermore, this configuration increases the rigidity of each 1500 and 1600 rail and its resistance to crushing when the 18 panels are in place.

All the components of a ground-mounted photovoltaic panel support (1 or 100 panels) (18 panels), namely the rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600), the base (2, 200 before shaping), the photovoltaic panels (18 panels), the angle brackets (9, 10), the electronic components, and all accessories such as bolts, are supplied as a palletizable kit, preferably delivered in a cardboard box. Such a kit is relatively compact, as its maximum dimensions are roughly those of the photovoltaic panels: approximately 1.85 m long, 1.14 m wide, and 0.2 m thick, with a weight of approximately 70 kg. This kit facilitates storage and transport, as the support (2, 200 panels) is quick and easy to assemble by one person with minimal tools.

In another embodiment, when the photovoltaic panels 18 are larger and/or heavier, it is possible to have at least one additional pair of angle brackets, positioned approximately, depending on the embodiment, between the front angle brackets 9 and rear angle brackets 10, or between the angle brackets 10 and the upper ends of the walls 300 to 600 that make up the base 200, and at an intermediate height. These additional angle brackets then support an additional rail, thus providing an additional support and fixing area for the photovoltaic panel.

In another embodiment, one or more storage batteries are advantageously arranged in a sheltered location in the base 2, 200. In this case, the batteries contribute to the ballast of the base, the latter being then equipped with a cover to protect the batteries from the weather.

Claims (10)

Removable ground support (1, 100) for photovoltaic panels (18) comprising at least one support frame (9, 10, 15, 16, 1500, 1600) for at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said frame being inclined and mounted on a foldable base (2, 200), characterized in that the base (2, 200) comprises at least four panels (3 to 6, 300 to 600) connected to each other by a removable link and defining, in connected configuration, a volume (V2, V200) for receiving ballast of said base (2, 200), said panels (3 to 6, 300 to 600) of the base (2, 200) in the so-called connected configuration supporting in their upper part and at different heights (9, 10), at least two rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) parallel fixing rails for at least one photovoltaic panel (18), said rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) being part of the support frame for at least one photovoltaic panel (18) and in that the rails (15, 16, 1500, 1600) have ends (21, 22) of complementary and buttable shapes. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2, 200) is a parallelepiped formed by folding a plate and in that once in shape, the base (2, 200) defines a volume (V2, V200) for receiving a ballast. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2, 200) comprises at least one pair of vertical and parallel angle brackets (9, 10) constituting the support frame. Support according to claim 3, characterized in that the base (2) comprises at least two pairs of vertical and parallel angles (9, 10) of different lengths and constituting the support frame. Support according to claim 4, characterized in that the difference in lengths of the angle brackets (9, 10) defines, at least partially, the inclination of the photovoltaic panels (18). Support according to claim 5, characterized in that the inclination of the photovoltaic panels (18) is adjustable between 7° and 40° by adjusting the length of the angle brackets (9, 10). Support according to claim 3, characterized in that the free ends (11, 12) of each pair of angle brackets (9, 10) support a rail (15, 16, 1500, 1600). Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the rails (1500, 1600) have a U-shaped cross-section. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the rails (15, 16) have a Z-shaped cross-section at right angles. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two photovoltaic panels (18), an unfolded base (2), at least two rails (15, 16), at least two angle brackets (9, 10) and electronic elements necessary for connecting the panels (18) and for managing electricity production, as well as mounting accessories for a ground support (1) conforming to at least one of the preceding claims.