WO2001088312A1 - Multidirectional frame provided with a heat sensor or a photovoltaic sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a frame (3) capable of receiving on at least one of its two main surfaces a heat or photovoltaic sensor, characterised in that said frame is steerable along a range of continuous progression or in a step-by-step mode relative to sunlight.

Description

ADJUSTABLE FRAME PROVIDED WITH A THERMAL SENSOR OR A PHOTOVQLTAIC SENSOR

The invention relates to the technical field of equipping individual and collective dwellings, and more specifically, that of energy recovery, in particular of solar origin.

It thus relates to an adjustable frame, capable of receiving a thermal or photovoltaic sensor, and the orientation of which is a function of both the daily and seasonal path of the sun.

In the context of the production of electrical and thermal energy, the implementation of panels is, to date, widely known. These panels are traditionally integrated into a roof, or even placed on the ground. In fact, they have a constant inclination, admittedly sometimes optimized, with respect to the solar illumination. Consequently, depending on the time of day and the season considered, these panels are very far from developing the nominal yields for which they are designed.

Studies have shown that an average inclination of such a panel with respect to the vertical should be 30 ° in winter, and 60 ° in summer. In fact, panels have been made allowing this double tilt. However, this double tilt works according to the all or nothing rule, that is to say that there are no intermediate positions between these two extreme positions, nor any progressions. Consequently, while energy yields are certainly improved, they are far from being optimized.

The objective of the invention is to allow optimization of this energy recovery, whether it is of electrical origin by photovoltaic transformation, or by simple thermal accumulation.

To this end, it provides a frame capable of receiving on at least one of its two main faces a thermal or photovoltaic sensor, characterized in that said frame is orientable according to a range of continuous progression or step by step relative to the solar light. Advantageously, this orientation is achieved by means of an automatically actuated member.

The progression step by step, for typical periods of ten minutes, thus allows to take into account the course of the sun, without requiring a relatively tedious mechanism to develop to ensure progression in continuous mode, in synchronism with the said course of the sun.

The actuator member may consist of an electric actuator acting directly at the level of the frame or by means of compasses, in particular symmetrical, one of the branches of which is integral with the frame, in this case articulated at the level of one on its sides on a frame, and the other of which is integral with the frame, on which said frame is articulated.

The frame in question can furthermore be linearly translated and, be used as a sliding or tilt-and-turn shutter, in order to further fulfill the functions of traditional light concealment for the habitat at which it is placed.

The framework can also be implemented at the level of solar cover devices for swimming pools and other basins.

The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which ensue therefrom will emerge more clearly from the following exemplary embodiments, given by way of indication and without limitation in support of the appended Figures.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation in side view of an adjustable hinged frame according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of the frame in question according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an oscillating frame, acting as a flap, and constituting a variant of FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective representation of another embodiment of the invention, implementing a frame for tilt-and-turn shutter, in the open position, of which Figure 5 is a detailed view of the operating mechanism of the constituent elementary blades. Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4, but shown in the semi-closed position.

Figure 7 is a side view of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of a frame provided with a thermal sensor. Figure 9 is a detail view of such a thermal sensor.

Figure 10 is a side view of tilt-and-turn shutter provided with such a thermal sensor.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of several frames according to the invention, provided with thermal or photovoltaic sensors associated with each other, and constituting a cover assembly, in particular for swimming pools or basins. Figure 12 is a view of the sensor in a substantially vertical position.

As already specified, the invention relates more specifically to collective or individual housing, and is in particular intended to be implemented, according to a first embodiment at the level of the shutters, provided with photovoltaic sensors, or even thermal sensors. .

As regards these shutters, there are different systems, single or double, with manual or motorized opening. Among the different types of models available, the swinging, tilt-and-turn, and tilt-and-slide shutters are known, all of which can also be single or double with manual or motorized opening and oscillation. In fact, different combinations can be envisaged, without there being any need to go into detail here.

The shutter (2) according to the invention, therefore comprises a frame (3) which can be oriented, and in this case, articulated at the level of a window by a horizontal articulation axis (5). This frame (3) receives on its upper face a photovoltaic module (1), extending substantially over its entire surface. Traditionally, such a module is composed of photovoltaic cells, the function of which is to transform light energy into an electric current. When said light energy enters the semiconductor material - constituting cells, the photons carrying electromagnetic energy allow the electrons to be released and thus to constitute an electric current. Such photovoltaic modules are well known per se, so there is no need here to describe it in detail. It should nevertheless be pointed out that there is traditionally associated with such modules a converter - inverter ensuring the connection with the electrical network. Thus, a fixed module inclined at 60 ° to the vertical and having an area of 0.5 m ² , representing about 36 cells of 100 cm ² , produces 50 Watts peak under radiation of 1000 W / m ² . According to the invention, the module (1) is secured to the frame (3) by any means, and in particular a resin, or any traditional bonding or mechanical fixing system.

The swing type shutter is capable of receiving a module on each of its two faces, in order to receive the radiation in the open position and in the closed position. The shutter can be made of any material, in particular wood, composite material such as synthetic resin, PNC, or even metallic.

With this component is associated an orientation or tilting member, intended to maintain an angle of substantially 90 ° between the surface of the photovoltaic module that it receives and the solar radiation, taking into account the daily and seasonal lighting.

This body is either manual or motorized. To this end, the shutter, as already said, is secured to the frame (3), in particular metallic. The frame is mounted on pivots (5) or a hinge pin, integral in particular with the wall of the table of the window considered. Furthermore, two symmetrical compasses (6) connect the frame to the wall, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. These compasses are actuated by means of a jack (7), electric in particular, such so as to induce the spacing or on the contrary the approximation of the frame (3) relative to the wall, and this, continuously or in step by step mode. In the latter case, a suitable motor induces a displacement of the frame, for example every ten minutes.

When large double shutters are used, each compass is actuated by electric jacks (7), placed vertically on each side of the window panel (embodiment not shown). The two cylinders act simultaneously on compasses which unfold under the effect of pressure. The electric cylinders can be controlled by a programmed clock. They thus make it possible to easily lift the shutters during the day and to maintain them substantially in a plane oriented at 90 ° relative to the solar radiation. As a corollary, these jacks ensure their closing at the end of the day.

For single shutters, a single electric actuator is sufficient and acts on the two compasses simultaneously. It is then oriented substantially horizontally, at the top of the table, as also appears in FIGS. 1 and 2. There is shown in relation to Figure 3 an alternative embodiment of that previously described. In this, the opening or closing of the frame (3) is effected by means of an electric actuator (10), acting at the level of a hinge pin (8), from which two extend axes (9, 11), respectively towards the frame and towards the window. The axes (9,11) are themselves mounted articulated at the place of attachment to the window and the frame.

In another embodiment shown in connection with FIGS. 4 to 7, tilt-and-turn flaps are used, capable of sliding at the upper edge of the window in question. A metal frame (12), the size of the window painting, is installed on the pre-existing hinges. This frame (12) receives a support frame (40) of the oscillating type, and equipped with two flap type photo-generators (13, 14). Each of these two components is in fact composed of one or more rows of blades or solar modules (35), each mounted on a frame (3), orientable and controlled simultaneously in particular by an electric actuator or a micromotor, controlled by a clock.

Thus, the support (40) is inclined manually like blinds, while the modules are oriented automatically, in continuous or step-by-step mode, as in the previous embodiment, by the jack or the micro-motor, for example acting on a chain (36), on which are mounted lever arms (37), themselves acting on the blades (35) via a hinge pin (38) (see FIG. 5 ).

FIG. 6 shows the flaps in the closed position. To do this, the frames carrying the modules (35) slide at the upper edge of the frame (12).

Thanks to these various shutters therefore provided with panels with automated orientation, high yields of electrical energy production are likely to be obtained while retaining the functionality of the shutters. Advantageously, the time range for programming the inclination is located in France between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., that is to say the period which receives approximately 90% of the daily radiation.

The average value of the global radiation received during a day whose sunshine is discontinuous by oscillating shutters programmed in accordance with the invention is approximately twice that of a fixed module inclined at 60 °, compared to the vertical, which is the average slope of a roof. Thus, the oscillation system according to the invention makes it possible to almost double the yield at equivalent surface. Such a system is also suitable for mountainous regions, where snow covers a good part of winter, roofs, while the solar radiation is high. This system is also easily achievable and generates relatively low production costs. In addition, each of the modules is capable of integrating into any building, without generating additional sealing costs. Finally, such modules are easily accessible and their maintenance is simplified.

In another embodiment shown in detail in connection with FIGS. 8 to 10, the photovoltaic module is replaced by a thermal sensor. The objective is to use the thermal energy developed by the sun from daily exposure. Each of the thermal sensors, shown in more detail in FIG. 9, is composed of a metal box (21), for example made of galvanized steel or an aluminum-based alloy, lined inside by a thermal insulator (20), typically made of polyurethane foam. This box (21) comprises a thermal absorber (19), made of copper welded to a copper tube of approximately 8 mm in diameter, and in which a heat transfer fluid circulates. A tempered glass plate (17) covers the trunk (21). In the closed position, the shutter fitted with such a thermal sensor, obscures the window, like traditional shutters, and presents the rear face of the trunk outside, which can receive a material or a color adapted to the shade. of the building. The swinging shutters are opened manually, turning them on their hinges. The thermal sensors are then exposed to sunlight. To increase their efficiency, it suffices to manually or electrically push the oscillating frame (16) which can take an inclination close to 45 ° C. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the tubes (19) then rises under the effect of the solar radiation, and the heat stored in the trunk (21).

The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tubes (19) transports the stored calories to a domestic hot water tank of the housing or to a heating circuit. The principle always remains the same with regard to the variation in inclination of the flaps thus equipped. The opening and especially the oscillation of the shutters are motorized to present a programmable orientation depending on the sunshine. In the same way as previously, the objective is to maintain the orientation of the glazed plane (17) substantially perpendicular to the direction of the solar radiation, so as to accumulate the maximum of solar thermal energy. There is shown in more detail in relation to Figure 10, this mode of operation. The metal frame (18) is articulated at (23) at the level of the window panel (26). An electric actuator (24) actuates a compass (25), at the request of an integrated clock or the like (not shown). One of the arms of said compass is fixed to the wall, while the other is secured to the oscillating frame (18).

These components combine three functions:

- obscure windows or bay windows;

- produce 30 to 70% of the hot water in a home on a daily basis, depending on the amount of sunshine in the region;

- thermally insulate windows, whose losses are high, especially at night.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in more detail in conjunction with Figures 11 and 12, the frame according to the invention is intended to be implemented at the level of a cover for swimming pool or basin. Such blankets are generally implemented in order to concentrate the heat emitted by the sun in the water, and thus to raise the temperature thereof, in addition to limiting heat loss at night.

According to the invention, this cover is equipped with a plurality of thermal or photovoltaic solar collectors, mounted on oscillating frames, themselves mounted on trolleys suitable for allowing the displacement of the frames and their arrangement above the swimming pool. These carriages (30) are therefore capable of moving on either side of the basin.

Thus, the thermal sensors secured to the frame, like what has already been described, absorb the heat of the solar radiation and transmit it to a heat transfer fluid located at the bottom of the pool, or even to the water of a balloon. domestic hot water, or even the heating circuit of a home. When the cover is fitted with photovoltaic sensors, these produce a direct electric current, capable of supplying the technical rooms of the swimming pool, or even being regulated and transformed into alternating current to be used on an electricity distribution network. Each of the frames (3), mounted on a carriage (30) movable on casters (32), is connected by a flexible and removable canvas (31), connecting the frame of a carriage to the consecutive carriage in order to constitute a certain continuity of the cover thus produced. The frames (3), receiving a thermal or photovoltaic sensor on its upper face, is capable of being tilted continuously or in a step-by-step mode by means of specific members of the type of those previously described, in order to receive the maximum of solar radiation, the stroke of this inclination being advantageously motorized, like what has been indicated above.

Each photovoltaic module is for example composed of a network of crystalline silicon solar cells arranged in a sheet and connected to one another. This layer of cells is encapsulated in a thermoplastic resin ENA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate) which protects them from humidity, makes them stable to UN. and ensures their electrical isolation. Two sheets of glass sandwich this tablecloth, the total thickness of the resulting assembly being close to 45 mm. An aluminum frame supports the modules and rests on an axis (33) made mobile by a quarter circle identical to that of the sensors.

Depending on the size of the module, it is tilted manually or electrically either by a jack which tows it, or by a motor which drives a chain integral with the sensor. The efficiency of the modules is improved - by programming the inclination, which induces the orientation of the module constantly perpendicular to the solar radiation.

To cover the pool perfectly, all the sensors are placed horizontally, the carriages being in fact aligned along the pool. They are also likely to serve as railings. Depending on the programming, the sensors are raised during the day to follow the course of the sun. As a corollary, the fabrics (31) located between each sensor or module ensure the protection of the basin.

In the case of thermal sensors installed at the level of the frames (3), the temperature of the heat transfer fluid rises under the effect of solar radiation and the heat stored in the trunk (greater than 100 ° C. in summer). The heat transfer fluid circulates and transports the stored calories to the pool water or the domestic hot water tank or to a heating circuit. We have been able to show that 10 m ² of collectors supply between 50 to 70% of a home's hot water needs. In the case of 10 m ² of photovoltaic modules exposed to the south, it has also been possible to show that the electricity produced represents between 30 to 50% of the electricity needs of a dwelling excluding heating.

The similar principle of thermal sensors and photovoltaic modules makes it possible to combine the two types on the same cover of a swimming pool, alternating for example, thermal sensors and photovoltaic sensors.

A coverage area of around 30 m ² produces enough energy to meet all the needs of a home in the south of France.

When using the pool, this cover should be removed. For this purpose, each sensor is positioned in a position close to the vertical. Then the carriages (30) are moved starting with the last one, a guide fixed to the ground on each side of the basin holding the wheels in a direction parallel to the basin, like rails, so that the carriages remain parallel. A difference in length allows them to be embedded against each other and thus occupy a minimum of space at the end of the basin.

It is therefore easy to understand the advantage of the device according to the invention, in the context of the search for an optimization of the exploitation of solar energy, free energy making it possible to limit the release of polluting gases, to the origin of the greenhouse effect and its consequences.

This device is easy to design, and given its ease of adaptation to existing supports, proves to be quite advantageous in terms of energy saving.

Claims

1. Frame (3) capable of receiving on at least one of its two main faces a thermal or photovoltaic sensor, characterized in that said frame is orientable according to a continuous progression range or according to a step-by-step mode relative to solar illumination. 2. Frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that its orientation is achieved by means of an automatically actuated member. 3. Frame (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator member is constituted by at least one electric actuator (7, 24) acting directly at the level of the frame or by means of compass (6, 25) , in particular symmetrical, one of the branches of which is integral with the frame (3), in this case articulated at one of its sides on a frame, and the other of which is integral with said frame, on which the frame. 4. Frame (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is capable of being linearly translated and, be used as a sliding or tilt-and-turn shutter, in order to further fulfill the functions of traditional blackout of light for the habitat at the level where it is set up. 5. Frame (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that it is integrated in a shutter with multiple panels, each of the panels (35) comprising a frame (3) orientable. 6. Solar cover device for swimming pool or basin, comprising at least one trolley (30) capable of being moved on either side of the swimming pool, characterized in that the trolley receives at least one frame capable of receiving on the 'at least one of its two main faces a thermal or photovoltaic sensor orientable according to a continuous progression range relative to the solar illumination. 7. solar cover device for swimming pool or basin according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a flexible and removable fabric (31), connecting the frame of a carriage to the consecutive carriage, in order to constitute a certain continuity of the cover thus produced. Solar cover device for swimming pool or basin according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the orientation of the frame with which each of the carriages (30) is provided is achieved by means of an automatically actuated member, constituted by at at least one electric actuator acting directly at the level of the frame or by means of compasses, in particular symmetrical, one of the branches of which is integral with the frame (3), articulated on the carriage, and the other of which is integral with said frame, on which the frame is articulated.