The invention relates to an arrangement consisting of solar modules on surfaces, especially roofs.
Generic module arrangements are known from DE 100 47 400 C2 and from DE 20 2008 007 549 U1. These documents respectively disclose solar module arrangements which are arranged by means of mounting devices in a so-called folding arrangement on a roof, such that they form a zigzag arrangement in a side view. This kind of zigzag arrangement allows covering a roof area completely or nearly completely with solar modules, thereby optimizing power generation especially when the folding or zigzag arrangement is aligned in an east-west direction.
The disadvantageous aspect in the two aforementioned constructions and generally in the state of the art, with DE 10 2007 000 697 A1, DE 295 03 315 U1 and DE 199 34 059 A1 being additionally mentioned with respect to the technological background, is the high input of material with respect to the mounting devices and the substructure. In particular, the known mounting devices have a relatively large number of parts and components.
Against this background, it is the object of the invention on the basis of the generic state of the art to simplify the generic arrangement with respect to its substructure and with respect to the mounting device.
This object is achieved by a module arrangement, comprising at least one or more double module arrangements, each arrangement having two respective solar modules which are aligned at an angle with respect to each other; wherein the edges of each double module arrangement, which face away from one another, are not connected with one another via a support strut.
In accordance with the present invention, the expensive support profiles which are required according to the state of the art can be omitted, especially the bottom support profiles and cross members, or also the base struts. This leads to reductions in the costs and simplified mounting.
The invention also provides the following subject matter as a further development which can also be regarded as an independent invention: a modular arrangement, in which adjacent double module arrangements are connected with one another via at least one or several coupling devices which comprise anti-slip devices that rest on a base and are not fixed there with fasteners, with at least two edges of two adjacent double module arrangements being arranged on or fixed to each anti-slip device, preferably four of the edges.
The term “solar modules” is not to be limiting and includes a large variety of solar elements which form a kind of a pre-mounted module and which are used for generating power in the form of electricity and heat. The type of mounting (arrangement) in accordance with the invention is suitable both for photovoltaic modules and also thermal collectors, and can preferably be arranged on flat roofs or slanted roofs, but also on free surfaces. Further advantages are the aerodynamic arrangement of the solar modules, so that weightings or anchorages can be avoided.
Furthermore, it is additionally provided according to an especially advantageous variant of the invention that double module arrangements which are adjacent to one another and which in interaction then form a kind of zigzag arrangement are connected with each other via coupling devices.
In accordance with the mentioned especially preferred variant of the invention, these coupling devices form anti-slip devices, i.e. they counteract sliding on a base. They rest on a base preferably without any fastening means and are preferably arranged in such a way that they have a relatively high static friction on the base. Loading weights are therefore usually not required.
At least two edges of two adjacent double module arrangements are arranged on or fixed to each anti-slip device, preferably four of the edges, so that double module arrangements which are adjacent to one another and adjoin one another are connected with each other in the region of the mutually adjacent bottom edges via the coupling devices or elements which are arranged as anti-slip devices. Simple mounting of the solar modules is enabled in this way and a stable and secure installation is realized.
Anti-slip devices for installing solar modules on flat bases are known, e.g., from DE 10 2007 000 697 A1. It was not recognized in DE 10 2007 000 697, however, that it is possible in a simple way to use such as anti-slip devices directly for coupling adjacent double solar module arrangements. As a result, an aerodynamically closed and substantially “closed” surface area can be created which allows omitting weights and the like for weighting the solar module arrangements. The problem of erecting double solar module arrangements can also be avoided, which arrangements are usually relatively large and heavy because the specification only discloses solar module arrangements with a solar module which is aligned in one compass direction.
It is also appropriate and especially simple from a constructional standpoint if the anti-slip devices are coupled via at least one further connector with one or several double module arrangements.
It is further especially advantageous if the anti-slip devices also assume the function of load transfer of the double module arrangements to the base.
Anti-slip devices are arranged in an especially preferred manner in such a way that the distance between the bottom edges of adjacent double module arrangements is 50 to 500 mm, preferably 300 mm, which again simplifies maintenance.
Preferably, the anti-slip devices are further arranged in such a way that the intermediate space between mutually adjacent double module arrangements is accessible.
In accordance with a further preferred variant, at least one profile is arranged beneath the solar module, especially beneath the glass-glass thin-film laminate modules, which profile comprises one or several chambers which are configured for accommodating the connectors.
A number of advantages of the invention mentioned below. A mounting arrangement is provided which, in the preferred configuration, makes do without any additional ballast or fixing to the base. The mounting arrangement is especially also suitable for unframed solar elements (laminate, preferably thin-film laminates made from double safety glass). A separate substructure which is fastened to the building is not necessary because the module carries and supports itself. Wind guide plates can also be omitted. And, an arrangement with a very high surface share of solar elements is provided, which is characterized by controlled unblocked discharge of water, good accessibility to the maintenance access, and simple and secure laying of cables in the maintenance access.
The employed anti-slip devices for maintaining the distances between the rows can be regarded as an especially advantageous further development of the invention and also as a separate invention. The anti-slip device is used as a pressure element and also for absorbing horizontal shearing forces by wind for example and for connecting at least two bottom solar element edges.
The anti-slip device is preferably arranged as a support plate for load transfer.
The connecting angles preferably consist of stainless steel and are clamped into profile grooves, which are profile grooves preferably of a profile of solar modules arranged as laminates with a profile which is known as the so-called backrail (unframed elements).
A tension element such as a traction rope can preferably be provided between the profiles or between the connectors for absorbing the pressure forces.
The invention will be explained below in closer detail by reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein:
a, 10b show a front view and a side view of a double-row solar module arrangement;
a, 11b show a side view of a connector and a top view of said connector, respectively;
a, 12b show a side view of a further connector and a top view of said connector, respectively; and
In order to simplify the discussion,
Notice must be taken that although the term “solar module” will be used consistently below, it shall be understood to include modules of various kinds such as solar cell modules or thermal modules.
The solar modules 1 of
Preferably, a plurality of such double module arrangements will be arranged one after the other in one row (direction X). It is further possible to also arrange several of these rows of double modules next to one another (direction Y) on a base such as a roof in order to cover a roof area or the like as desired with solar modules, especially also over the entire area.
The designation of a zigzag arrangement or folding arrangement is obtained from this kind of arrangement.
The substructure has been simplified considerably as compared with the state of the art.
The double module arrangements are respectively connected with each other on the mutually facing edges 2 which are the vertical upper ones in the installation position in the mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention, but not in the region of the bottom edges 3 which face away from one another.
Instead, a connection is realized by the base itself in the mounted position. An additional connection to the base in the region of the bottom edges which face away from one another is not provided for or omitted within a double module arrangement.
As compared with the state of the art as known from DE 20 2008 007 549 U1, a double module arrangement with a considerably simplified configuration is created because it is possible to omit the intermediate supports and profiles which are provided there and which connect the bottom edges of the double profile arrangement which face away from one another. Preferably, no additional support strut is provided between the connectors 6, 7 and the bottom edges 3.
Mutually adjacent and mutually adjoining double module arrangements are further also connected with each other in the region of the mutually adjacent edges 3 (which are the bottom ones in this case) via coupling devices or elements. These coupling elements preferably realize a spaced connection of the bottom edges 3 of adjacent double module arrangements in such a way that good accessibility to the double module arrangements is ensured for mounting purposes or maintenance work.
Preferably, the distance between the bottom edges 3 of the adjacent double module arrangements is 50 to 500 mm, preferably 300 mm. The distance of the bottom edges 3 is preferably predetermined by one or several coupling devices.
It is advantageous and has a stabilizing effect on the construction if the anti-slip device is arranged to be roughened on one side or is provided with a friction-increasing coating.
Preferred embodiments of these coupling elements will be explained below in closer detail.
In an especially preferred embodiment, the coupling elements or devices form integral or multipart anti-slip devices 4 (see especially
The anti-slip devices 4 are preferably not arranged for realizing an anti-slip device for the double module arrangements, but also assume the function of load transfer to the base.
At least two edges 3 of two adjacent double module arrangements are preferably arranged on or fixed to each anti-slip device 4, preferably four of the edges 3, so that four of these solar modules can be mounted or are mounted accordingly per anti-slip device.
A connector 6 is inserted at the upper edges 2 into the recesses of two adjacent solar modules 1. The connector 6 (see
In the preferred case this angle α is 160°. As a result, the solar elements 1 have an oblique inclination or alignment of 10° in relation to a flat base, e.g. a horizontally aligned one.
The bottom edges 3 of adjacent double module arrangements are also aligned to face one another in a larger collector field. A connector 7 is also inserted into the profile 5 at the bottom ends for mounting purposes. The connector 7 is thus fixed to the profile 5 and therefore to the solar module. It is possible to screw the profile 5 and the connector 7 together. On the side facing away from the edge 3 or the profile 5, the connector 7 is connected with one of the anti-slip devices 4.
The anti-slip device of
The preferred anti-slip devices 4 absorb pressure forces which are applied by the individual module rows as a result of the 10° arrangement. The pressure forces cancel each other out in general.
The anti-slip devices 4 are preferably provided with protruding pins 8 (see
The anti-slip devices 4 further preferably form a so-called maintenance access between adjacent double module arrangements, which considerably simplifies maintenance of the module arrangement as already mentioned above.
The zigzag arrangement is formed in an especially preferred way merely by the anti-slip device 4 between adjacent double module arrangements, a connector 7 between the anti-slip device 4 and the double module arrangement, a profile 5 on which the solar module is arranged, a connector 6 between the upper edges, and profiles 5 of adjacent solar modules of a double module arrangement. There can be further adjoining connectors 7, anti-slip devices 4, etc.
A tension element can be arranged especially at the ends of larger module fields for absorbing the pressure forces between the profiles 5 or between the connectors 7. The tension element (not shown here) can be a tension cable or a tension rod. As a result, the entire module field is freely installable without any fastening to the base or without weights. The aerodynamic arrangement further prevents wind forces from attacking beneath the surfaces, so that lifting off is not possible.
There are no connecting or supporting components beneath the solar elements. Draining is easily possible, as is also access to the modules.
The profile 5 further comprises an open hollow chamber 10 in which the connector or other mounting elements can be arranged.
The profile 5 is an especially advantageous option as a holding element for the solar modules. It is alternatively possible to fix the connectors directly to a module frame (if provided) or any other part of the module, or to couple the same in special fixing holes or the like for example.
The connector 6 comprises at least the two legs 11 and 12 which are aligned at an angle with respect to each other. Preferably, the angle α which is enclosed by the legs 11, 12 is between 100° and 175°, preferably 160°.
Furthermore, the connector 6 preferably has through-holes such as threaded bores on the legs 11, 12, which through-holes are provided for simple clamping of the connector 6 by means of screws in the profile 5.
The distance of the connection is chosen to be relatively large at 300 mm, which leads to the advantage that a maintenance access is formed between the double module arrangements. The maintenance access is not mandatory, but is advantageously provided for laying the power cables.
The anti-slip device 4 can principally be provided on its bottom side 19, therefore on its side facing the roof, with a special configuration, preferably a roughened portion or a coating for increasing friction.
It can be arranged as an adhesive surface, a gummed area, or with strips such as EPDM strips or arranged in another manner such that slippage of the elements on the base is prevented.
This is suitable since it is recognized that wind forces acting on the module field only have a relatively low lifting effect but a relatively large sliding effect, i.e. lower forces in the vertical direction and larger forces in the horizontal direction. The anti-slip devices are therefore suitable for absorbing the respective wind loads without any additional weighting and without any fastening to the roof or base area. The standing area is large enough (preferably it is more than 200 mm×200 mm, especially more than 400 mm×300 mm) so that the weight forces are well distributed. Preferably, the anti-slip devices 4 will merely rest on a base and are not fixed there with fasteners. This type of modular arrangement is especially cost-effective, easy to mount and still especially secure.
This is shown particularly well in
a, 11b show a side view of a further embodiment of a connector 6 and a top view of the connector 6 with the two legs 11, 12 and the angle α, which in this case is 160°. The legs 11, 12 are used for insertion into their respective chambers of the profiles 5. In order to limit the insertion path of the connector 6 into these chambers, at least one projection 20 is arranged on the connector 6. It is especially advantageous when the projection 20 is arranged centrally between the two ends of the legs 11, 12 which face away from one another. A precise distance between the solar modules is achieved in this manner, which distance corresponds to the width of the at least one projection 20 or the distance between two projections for example.
a, 12b show a side view of a further connector 7 and a top view of the connector 7. This connector is also provided with a projection (reference numeral 22) which delimits the insertion path of the respective leg 7c into the chamber 10 of the profile 5, so that a defined seat of the solar module or a defined seat of the connector 7 on the solar module is easily ensured in this region of the solar module, which is the bottom one in the mounted state.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
20 2009 011 880.0 | Sep 2009 | DE | national |
20 2009 012 226.3 | Sep 2009 | DE | national |
This application contains subject matter related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Module Arrangement Consisting of Solar Modules,” filed on even date herewith.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2010/063120 | 9/7/2010 | WO | 00 | 3/8/2012 |