TRACKER SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SOLAR SENSOR

- PRESTIGE SOLAIRE

Tracker support system (1) for solar sensor comprising:—a fixed structure (2) for anchoring to the ground exhibiting several anchoring points (21) defining an anchoring plane and separated from one another by distances termed ground prints, including a larger ground print distance (DE) established between at least two anchoring points (21); and—a movable structure (3) comprising:—a first armature (4) mounted rotatably on the fixed structure (2) according to a vertical axis of rotation (AV); and—a second armature (5) defining a support plane for the solar sensors and mounted rotatably on the first armature (4) according to a horizontal axis of rotation (AH) extending to a distance termed the zenith height from the anchoring plane; said tracker support system (1) being noteworthy in that the ratio of the largest ground print distance (DE) to the zenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8 to 1.2.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a solar collector tracker support system. It more particularly relates to a tracker support system that can be oriented along two axes of rotation, a horizontal axis of rotation for a rotation making it possible to track the sun as it rises and lowers, and a vertical axis of rotation for a rotation making it possible to track the sun from East to West, respectively.

BACKGROUND

The subject-matter of the invention falls within the field of tracker support systems, also called solar trackers, with two axes, in other words which can be oriented in terms of azimuth and elevation.

The invention is applicable in solar trackers with two axes supporting solar collectors, in particular of the following types:

    • photovoltaic solar panel integrating photovoltaic cells converting the solar radiation into electricity;
    • concentration photovoltaic solar panel integrating optical systems for concentrating the solar radiation, such as Fresnel lenses, magnifying glass or mirror, making it possible to cause the solar radiation to converge toward photovoltaic cells, for example such as high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar panels or low concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) solar panels;
    • solar panels converting solar radiation into heat energy;
    • mirror panel reflecting the solar radiation toward a solar receiver, such as a boiler placed at the top of a tower in an all-solar application or such as a Stirling engine in a “Dish Stirling” system with a parabolic mirror panel.

In the field of solar trackers with two axes, it is known, in particular from document WO 2009/147454, to provide a tracker support system comprising a stationary single pillar anchored in the ground and a moving structure including two arms rotated along the vertical axis of rotation using a first motorized gear motor unit positioned at the end of the single pillar. The tracker support system also integrates a second structure that is rotatable in terms of elevation and bearing the solar collectors.

These single pillar tracker support systems thus have a relatively small ground print dimension, in this case equivalent to the diameter of the single pillar, which therefore limits the surface area of the solar collectors that can be supported. In fact, as the surface area of the solar panels increases, the influence of the wind increases as well. Under the action of the wind, the solar panels exert a torque effect often exceeding 170,000 Nm (newton meter) at the anchoring point of the single pillar in the ground.

To resolve this issue when the solar collector surface area reaches values greater than or equal to approximately 50 m2, traditionally, a concrete boot is used in which the single pillar is anchored, with the drawbacks of making the assembly and disassembly operations more complex and expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention aims to resolve this drawback by proposing a tracker support system for a solar tracker that makes it possible to provide anchoring in the ground without a concrete boot, while making it possible to achieve solar collector surface areas greater than or equal to approximately 50 m2.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system for a solar tracker that is quick and easy to assemble, while favoring the use of standard parts.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system for a solar tracker that offers a ratio between the steel mass used and the surface area of the solar collectors that is less than 25 kg of steel per square meter of solar collector, thereby facilitating the handling and placement operations.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a tracker support system for a solar tracker that makes it possible to achieve a safety threshold of approximately 70 km/h, that safety threshold corresponding to the wind speed beyond which an automatic securing system is activated to flatten the solar collectors, i.e., to make them horizontal.

To that end, the invention proposes a tracker support system for a solar collector, of the type that can be oriented along two axes of rotation, i.e., a vertical axis of rotation and a horizontal axis of rotation, respectively, and comprising:

    • a fixed ground anchoring structure exhibiting several ground anchoring points, said ground anchoring points defining a ground anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation and being separated from one another in the ground anchoring plane by predetermined distances called ground prints, including a larger ground print distance established between at least two anchoring points that are furthest apart; and
    • a movable structure comprising:
      • a first framework mounted rotatably on the fixed structure along the vertical axis of rotation; and
      • a second framework defining a support plane for the solar collectors and mounted rotatably on the first framework along the horizontal axis of rotation, said horizontal axis of rotation extending to a predetermined distance, called the zenith height, from the anchoring plane;
        said tracker support system according to the invention being remarkable in that the ratio of the largest ground print distance to the zenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8 to 1.2.

From a mechanical perspective, the solution proposed by this tracker support system is particularly advantageous, as it proposes to monitor the ratio between the largest ground print distance and the zenith height to guarantee a robust architecture, suitable for ground anchoring of the support meeting the constraints due to wind and gravity with solar collector surface areas greater than or equal to approximately 50 m2, this ratio of approximately from 0.5 to 1.5 in particular making it possible to reach acceptable traction and compression strains for the ground anchoring means.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixed structure is made up of a pylon having feet on which the anchoring points are provided and extending over a predetermined height from the ground anchoring plane, the ratio of said height of the pylon to the zenith height being comprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 0.9, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.7 to 0.8.

Such a ratio between the height of the pylon and the zenith height guarantees sufficient stiffness for the expected results, i.e., the ability to bear solar collectors with large surface areas with high-performance ground anchoring.

Preferably, the pylon has:

    • four feet separated from each other and defining the four corners of a rectangle or square, said feet having respective lower ends defining four ground anchoring points; and
    • a mast topping said feet, which extend toward the outside of the mast.

Such a configuration has the advantages of considerable ground stability, which guarantees mechanical strength of the fixed structure, allowing an increased surface area of the solar collectors.

According to one possibility of the invention, the pylon is made up of an assembly of metal profiles, typically of the angle iron type, having a length smaller than approximately 3 m, a transverse section whereof the dimensions are smaller than approximately 150 mm by 150 mm, preferably smaller than approximately 100 mm by 100 mm.

These metal profiles have the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs, in particular by selecting profiles that are commercially available, for example such as the angle irons used for transmission towers.

It is of course advantageous for the moving structure and/or the first framework and/or the second framework also to be made up of an assembly of such metal profiles.

Advantageously, the metal profiles are assembled by screwing, bolting or riveting, thereby ensuring quick and easy assembly.

In the second embodiment, the fixed structure includes a ring gear on which the first framework is rotatably mounted along the vertical axis of rotation, and several feet distributed on the periphery of the ring, in particular regularly, defining ground anchoring points and provided to fix anchoring members.

According to one feature, the second framework includes a platform defining the support plane for the solar collectors and at least two guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation, each guy rope extending substantially orthogonally to said support plane and having a part fixed on the platform and at least one free end connected to the platform using connections, in particular of the tension rope, rigid rod or metal profile type.

Using such guy ropes has the advantage of limiting the deformations of the platform, considerable rigidity of the platform being particularly advantageous for the large surface areas of solar collectors, and in particular for concentration photovoltaic solar panels.

The presence of such guy ropes thereby makes it possible to have a platform with a width two times larger than the depth, which makes it possible to limit the torque effect due to the effect of the wind on the platform at the ground anchoring.

According to another feature, each guy rope extends on either side of the platform and has two opposite free ends connected to the platform using connections, each guy rope having a central part fixed on the platform.

In this way, the rigidifying effect of the guy ropes on the platform is increased.

In one particular embodiment, the at least two guy ropes comprise two pairs of guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation.

Thus, two guy ropes are provided on both sides of the platform, i.e., a total of at least four guy ropes that contribute to increasing the stiffness of the platform.

Advantageously, the second framework includes a platform defining the support plane of the solar collectors and which comprises:

    • at least two sidepieces substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation and rotatably mounted on the first framework; and
    • several beams extending between the sidepieces, fixed on said sidepieces and designed to bear the solar collectors.

Using these sidepieces and beams guarantees the production of a platform that is quick and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the guy ropes can be fixed on said sidepieces.

In one particular embodiment, the tracker support system further comprises anchoring members, preferably at least three anchoring members, configured to cooperate with the ground anchoring points to anchor the fixed structure in the ground, said ground anchoring members, in particular of the screw, pile, rod or peg type, being designed to penetrate the ground and anchor the tracker support system.

The architecture of the tracker support system is particularly well suited to these anchoring members, since it makes it possible to have traction/compression strains below 40,000 N on the anchoring members, thereby ensuring effective anchoring for large solar collector surface areas.

The present invention relates to the feature by which the first framework includes at least two arms secured to each other and rotatably mounted on the fixed structure, the use of these two arms making it possible to limit the deformation of the support plane of the solar collectors, under the effect of the wind and the weight of the solar collectors.

Preferably, the two arms form a V-shaped structure.

This V-shaped structure makes it possible to separate the ring gear sectors and thereby optimize the deflected curves on the second framework. In other words, with such a V-shaped structure, it is advantageously possible to decrease the bending on the second framework and thereby lighten the weight of the tracker system.

According to one feature, the first framework includes two supports fixed on the upper ends of the two arms, respectively, and each having a first bearing and a second bearing in which the transmission shaft and the corresponding ring gear sector are respectively rotatably mounted.

Thus, the transmission shaft is rotatably mounted in the first bearings of the supports and the ring gear sectors are rotatably mounted in the second bearings of the corresponding supports, these supports guaranteeing the structural cohesion and mechanical strength of the assembly to limit the risks of torsion of the second framework.

In one particular embodiment, the tracker support system comprises a motorized system for rotating the first framework along the vertical axis of rotation, including:

    • a casing securely mounted on the first framework;
    • a rotary engine mounted in the casing and rotating an output shaft;
    • a worm screw secured in rotation to the output shaft of the rotary engine; and
    • an annular gear wheel fixed on the fixed structure and in mesh with the worm screw.

Such a motorized system thereby makes it possible to perform the vertical rotation function with a reduced bulk.

According to one particular embodiment, the tracker support system comprises a motorized system for rotating the second framework along the horizontal axis of rotation, including:

    • two ring gear sectors positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation and extending in two planes orthogonal to the horizontal axis of rotation, said ring gear sectors being fixed on the second framework;
    • two drive pinions positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors;
    • a transmission shaft rotatably mounted on the first framework and supporting the two drive pinions for synchronous rotation of said drive pinions; and
    • a rotary engine rotating said transmission shaft and mounted on the first framework.

This motorized system for driving horizontal rotation is particularly advantageous to stabilize the rotation of the second framework with its central transmission shaft, and thereby guarantee high-precision tracking of the sun, which is particularly essential for concentration photovoltaic solar panels. Furthermore, the coupling of the pinions by the transmission shaft makes it possible to rigidify the second framework and avoid torsion thereof under the effect of non-uniform pressure from the wind.

Advantageously, the horizontal axis of rotation is separated from the vertical axis of rotation by a predetermined distance such that the second framework can be moved into a position in which the support plane is vertical.

Such a possibility is particularly suitable, or even essential, for concentration photovoltaic solar panels.

The invention also relates to a solar assembly including a tracker support system according to the invention, and solar collectors supported by the second framework of the tracker support system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear upon reading the detailed description below, of two non-limiting example embodiments, done in reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective front view of a first tracker support system according the invention, with the platform inclined relative to the vertical axis of rotation;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective back view of the first tracker support system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of part of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of another part of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view of a motorized system for rotating the first framework along the vertical axis of rotation of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the platform inclined by a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of rotation;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the first tracker support system of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the platform parallel to the vertical axis of rotation;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second tracker support system according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the second tracker support system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic front view illustrating the second tracker support system of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the fixed structure and the lower part of the first framework of the moving structure of the second tracker support system of FIGS. 8 and 9; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view from a different angle illustrating the motorized system for rotating the second framework of the moving structure of the second tracker support system.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is done in reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 for a first tracker support system 1, and in reference to FIGS. 8 to 12 for a second tracker support system 1, for a solar tracker according to the invention, these tracker support systems 1 being able to be oriented along two axes of rotation, i.e., a vertical axis of rotation AV and a horizontal axis of rotation AH.

The rest of this description therefore pertains to embodiments of a tracker support system 1 according to the invention, in which the elements or members that are structurally or functionally identical or similar are designated using identical numerical references.

Each tracker support system 1 comprises a fixed ground anchoring structure 2.

In reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the fixed structure 2 of the first tracker support system 1 is made up of a pylon having four feet 20 separated from each other and defining the four corners of a rectangle or square, and a mast 22 topping said feet 20, the feet 20 extending toward the outside of the mast 22.

The pylon 2 is made up of an assembly of metal profiles having a length smaller than approximately 3 m, and a transverse section whereof the dimensions are smaller than approximately 100 mm by 100 mm, said metal profiles being assembled by screwing, bolting or riveting. Preferably, these metal profiles are made up of angle irons, with an L-shaped transverse section, widely marketed and commercially available.

The lower ends 21 of the feet 20 constitute ground anchoring points, said anchoring points 21 defining a ground anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation AV; said pylon 2 extends over a predetermined height HP from the ground anchoring plane.

In reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, the fixed structure of the second tracker support system 1 includes a base 23 in the form of a circular ring gear 23, the teeth being formed on the outer perimeter of the ring 23, and several feet 24 fixed on the bottom of the ring 23. These feet 24 constitute ground anchoring points, said anchoring points 24 defining a ground anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation AV.

In reference to FIG. 11, the height and length—measured radially—of each foot 24 can be adjusted, so as to facilitate fixing of the ring 23 on the upper end of anchoring members 9 (described below) already pushed into the ground, as well as adjustments to the horizontality of the ring 23. To that end, each foot 24 includes:

    • a mechanical cylinder 25, with an adjustable height, on the upper part of which the ring 23 rests, by means of a tab 27 secured to the ring 23;
    • a plate 26 having an oblong opening inside which the lower part of the mechanical cylinder 25 is engaged, such that it is possible to slide the cylinder 25 along said opening, which extends radially relative to the vertical axis of rotation AV, which makes it possible to offset the positioning defects of the anchoring members 9.

The ring 23 is thus secured to several identical fastening tabs 27, which protrude outside the ring 23 and are angularly separated from each other, thereby making it possible to fix the ring 23 on the ground using a number of fixing members suitable for the nature of the ground.

In both embodiments, the anchoring points 21, 24 are thus separated from each other in the anchoring plane by predetermined distances, called ground print distances, including a largest ground print distance DE established between the two anchoring points that are furthest apart. In the first embodiment, this largest ground print distance DE is established between two lower ends 21 situated at two opposite corners of the rectangle or square, along a rectangle or square diagonal. In the second embodiment, this largest ground print distance DE is established between two feet 24 positioned diametrically opposite on the ring 23.

Each tracker support system 1 also comprises anchoring members 9 that cooperate with the anchoring points 21, 24 to anchor the fixed structure 2 in the ground. These anchoring members 9 are of the screw, pile, rod or peg type, and are thus designed to penetrate the ground and anchor the tracker support system 1. To that end, the anchoring members 9 are securely fixed on the lower ends 21 of the feet 20, or on the tabs 27 described above.

As an example, each anchoring member 9 is of the screw type and includes an upper cylindrical portion, for example tubular, that extends in the extension of a slender inner portion provided with a helical projection (not shown) forming the screw pitch. As an example, the anchoring members 9 may have a length HE close to 1.5 m or 2 m, or even greater than those values.

Each tracker support system 1 further comprises a moving structure 3 rotatably mounted on the fixed structure 2 along the vertical axis of rotation AV. In the first embodiment, the moving structure 3 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the pylon 2, and more specifically on the upper end of the mast 22, while in the second embodiment, the moving structure 3 is rotatably mounted on the ring 23.

Each moving structure 3 comprises a first framework 4 rotatably mounted on the fixed structure 2, whether on the upper end of the mast 22 of the pylon 2 or on the ring 23, along the vertical axis of rotation AV.

In both embodiments, the first framework 4 includes two arms 40 that are symmetrical relative to the vertical axis of rotation AV, where:

    • in the first embodiment, the arms 40 are each made up of an assembly of metal profiles of the same type as those forming the pylon 2;
    • in the second embodiment, the arms 40 are each made up of an assembly of two beams including two inner ends separated from each other and rotatably mounted on the ring 23, and upper ends that are substantially joined and secured to each other using a yoke 50.

In each embodiment, the two arms 40 are secured to each other moving away from the vertical axis of rotation AV to form a V-shaped structure. In other words, the arms 40 are inclined relative to said vertical axis of rotation AV, such that their respective projections in the horizontal anchoring plane extend partially outside the projection, in that same plane, of the ground print of the anchoring members 9.

In the first embodiment, to ensure the rotation of the first framework 4 around the vertical axis of rotation AV, the tracker support system 1 comprises a motorized system 41, illustrated in detail in FIG. 5, including:

    • a casing 42 securely mounted on the first framework 4;
    • a rotary engine (not shown in FIG. 5) mounted in the casing 42 and rotating an output shaft 43;
    • a worm screw 44 secured in rotation to the output shaft 43 of the rotary engine; and
    • an annular gear wheel 45 fixed on the upper end of the mast 22 of the pylon 2 and in mesh with the worm screw 44.

In the second embodiment, to ensure the rotation of the first framework 4 around the vertical axis of rotation AV, the tracker support system 1 comprises a motorized system 91, illustrated in detail in FIG. 11, including:

    • a triangular frame 92 essentially comprising three beams or profiles 93 that are substantially identical and connected to each other in pairs;
    • platens 94 fixed to each corner of the frame 92, at the junctions of the profiles 93, where the lower ends of the beams making up the arms 40 are fixed by bolting on those platens 94;
    • rolling members 95, in particular of the wheel or roller type, mounted freely rotating at each corner of the frame 92, where said rolling members 95 bear on a horizontal roll band 28 provided on the inner perimeter of the ring 23, such that the frame 92 rests on that circular roll band 28 integrated into the ring 23 by the three rolling members 95, so that said frame 92 is arranged to roll on the ring 23 and thus pivot around the vertical axis of rotation AV;
    • a rotary engine 96 fixed on the frame 92 by means of a bracket 98, and rotating a pinion 97 in mesh with the outer teeth of the ring 23.

In both embodiments, the moving structure 3 also comprises a second framework 5 designed to bear the solar collectors (not shown) and rotatably mounted on the two arms 40 of the first framework 4 along the horizontal axis of rotation AH; said horizontal axis of rotation AH extending at a predetermined distance, called zenith height HZ, from the anchoring plane, in other words from the anchoring points 21, 24.

Each second framework 5 includes a platform 6 defining a support plane of the solar collectors, said platform 6 comprising:

    • two sidepieces 60 parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation AH, extending symmetrically on either side of the vertical axis of rotation AV, positioned one above the other, and rotatably mounted on the arms 40 of the first framework 4; and
    • several beams 61 extending between the sidepieces 60, fixed on said sidepieces 60, protruding on either side of the beams 60 and designed to support the solar collectors.

The sidepieces 60 and the beams 61 are for example made up of metal profiles of the same type as those forming the pylon 2. It is also possible to provide a platform without beams 61, but rather with several sidepieces 60 placed side by side.

In the first embodiment, the second framework 5 also includes two pairs of guy ropes 71a, 71b and 72a, 72b positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation AV symmetrically, each pair of guy ropes comprising an upper guy rope 71a , 72a fixed on a sidepiece 60, in this case the upper sidepiece, and a lower guy rope 7 fixed on the other sidepiece 60, in this case the lower sidepiece, said guy ropes 7 extending orthogonally to the support plane and each having:

    • a central part fixed on the corresponding sidepiece 60; and
    • two opposite free ends connected to the corresponding sidepiece 60 by connectors 70, in particular of the tension rope, rigid rod or metal profile type.

The first pair of guy ropes 71a , 71b is positioned on one side of the vertical axis of rotation AV (on the left in FIG. 2), while the second pair of guy ropes 72a , 72b is positioned on the other side of the vertical axis of rotation AV (on the right in FIG. 2).

To ensure the rotation of the second framework 5 on the horizontal axis of rotation AH, each tracker support system 1 comprises a motorized drive system 8 (shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7 for the first embodiment, and in FIGS. 9 and 12 for the second embodiment), including:

    • two ring gear sectors 80 positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation AV and extending in two planes orthogonal to the horizontal axis of rotation AH, said ring gear sectors 80 being mounted pivoting on the arms 40 of the first framework 4 around the horizontal axis of rotation AH;
    • two drive pinions 81 positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors 80;
    • a transmission shaft 82 rotatably mounted on the first framework 4 and having free ends on which the two drive pinions 81 are securely mounted for synchronous rotation of said drive pinions 81;
    • a rotary engine 84 rotating the transmission shaft 82, said rotary engine 84 being mounted inside a casing fixed on the first framework 4; and
    • two crosspieces 83 secured to the respective ring gear sectors 80, said crosspieces 83 being fixed on the sidepieces 60 of the platform 6 and having two opposite ends fixed on the two respective sidepieces 60, such that said ring gear sectors 80 are fixed on the platform 6 using said crosspieces 83.

Thus, the rotational driving of the transmission shaft 82 leads to a synchronous rotation of the two drive pinions 81, which rotate, still synchronously, the ring gear sectors 80 and the associated crosspieces 83, to ultimately pivot the platform 6 around the horizontal axis of rotation AH.

In both embodiments, the first framework 4 includes two supports 46 fixed on the respective free ends of the two arms 40 and each having two bearings, i.e.:

    • a first bearing 47 in which the transmission shaft 82 is rotatably mounted, having specified that the free ends of the transmission shaft 82 supporting the pinions 81 protrude outwardly (opposite the vertical rotation AV) past the corresponding supports 46; and
    • a second bearing 48 in which the corresponding ring gear sector 80 is rotatably mounted, such that the second bearings 48 define the horizontal axis of rotation AH.

In the first embodiment, the support 46 is made in the form of a platen extending substantially parallel to the ring gear sectors 80 and in which the two bearings 47, 48 are mounted.

In the second embodiment, each support 46 includes:

    • a platen 49 extending substantially parallel to the ring gear sectors 80 and in which the first bearing 47 is mounted; and
    • a yoke 50 fixed on the end of the beams of the corresponding arms 40, secured to the platen 49 and in which the second bearing 48 is mounted.

In the case of the second embodiment, the first framework 4 also includes a reinforcing beam 51 connecting the upper ends of the arms 40, and more particularly connecting the yokes 50, extending substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation AH.

In the first embodiment, the guy ropes 71a , 71b of the first pair are positioned substantially at the intersection of the first crosspiece 83 with the respective sidepieces 60, while the guy ropes 72a , 72b of the second pair are positioned substantially at the intersection of a second crosspiece 83 with the respective sidepieces 60.

In both embodiments, from the geometric perspective, the ratio of the largest ground print distance DE to the zenith height HZ is comprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.8 to 1.2, which means that:

0.5 HZ≦DE≦1.5 HZ;

or 0.8 HZ≦DE≦1.2 HZ;

or further DE=HZ.

In the particular case of the first embodiment, the ratio of the height HP of the pylon 2 to the zenith height HZ is comprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 0.9, and preferably in a span ranging from 0.7 to 0.8, which means that:

0.5 HZ HP 0.9 HZ;

or 0.7 HZ HP 0.8 HZ.

Furthermore, the platform 6 defines a support surface area of the solar collectors comprised between approximately 40 and 100 m2, preferably between approximately 50 and 75 m2. The zenith height HZ may be comprised between 2 and 5 m.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the horizontal axis of rotation AH is separated from the vertical axis of rotation AV by a distance E such that the second framework 5, and therefore the platform 6, can pivot around the horizontal axis of rotation AH until the support plane, and therefore the solar collectors, are vertical (as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 for the first embodiment) without the platform 6 coming into contact with the pylon 2, or more generally without the second framework 5 coming into contact with the first framework 2.

Of course, the example embodiment described above is in no way limiting, and other improvements and details may be added to the tracker support system according the invention, without going beyond the scope of the invention, where other assembly forms of the frameworks may for example be used.

Claims

1. A tracker support system for a solar collector, of the type that can be oriented along two axes of rotation, a vertical axis of rotation and a horizontal axis of rotation, respectively, and comprising:

a fixed structure for anchoring to the ground exhibiting several ground anchoring points, said anchoring points defining a ground anchoring plane orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation and being separated from one another in the ground anchoring plane by predetermined distances called ground prints, including a larger ground print distance established between at least two anchoring points that are furthest apart; and
a movable structure comprising:
a first framework mounted rotatably on the fixed structure along the vertical axis of rotation; and
a second framework defining a support plane for the solar collectors and mounted rotatably on the first framework along the horizontal axis of rotation, said horizontal axis of rotation extending to a predetermined distance, comprising a zenith height, from the anchoring plane;
wherein a ratio of the largest ground print distance to the zenith height is included in a span ranging from 0.5 to 1.5.

2. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the fixed structure comprises a pylon having feet on which the anchoring points are provided and extending over a predetermined height from the ground anchoring plane, the ratio of said height of the pylon to the zenith height being comprised in a span ranging from 0.5 to 0.9.

3. The tracker support system according to claim 2, wherein the pylon has:

four feet separated from each other and defining the four corners of a rectangle or square, said feet having respective lower ends defining four ground anchoring points; and
a mast topping said feet, which extend toward the outside of the mast.

4. The tracker support system according to claim 2, wherein said pylon is made up of an assembly of metal profiles having a length smaller than approximately 3 m, a transverse section whereof the dimensions are smaller than approximately 150 mm by 150 mm, said metal profiles being assembled by screwing, bolting or riveting.

5. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the fixed structure includes a ring gear on which the first framework is rotatably mounted along the vertical axis of rotation, and several feet distributed on the periphery of the ring, and defining the ground anchoring points.

6. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the second framework includes a platform defining the support plane for the solar collectors and at least two guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation, each guy rope extending substantially orthogonally to said support plane and having a part fixed on the platform and at least one free end connected to the platform using connections comprising at least one of a tension rope, rigid rod or metal profile.

7. The tracker support system according to claim 6, wherein each guy rope extends on either side of the platform and has two opposite free ends connected to the platform using connections, each guy rope having a central part fixed on the platform.

8. The tracker support system according to claim 6, wherein the at least two guy ropes comprise two pairs of guy ropes positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation.

9. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the second framework includes a platform defining the support plane of the solar collectors and which comprises:

at least two sidepieces substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation and rotatably mounted on the first framework; and
several beams extending between the sidepieces, fixed on said sidepieces and designed to bear the solar collectors.

10. The tracker support system according to claim 1, further comprising at least three anchoring members, configured to cooperate with the ground anchoring points to anchor the fixed structure in the ground, said ground anchoring members being designed to penetrate the ground and anchor the tracker support system.

11. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the first framework includes at least two arms secured to each other and rotatably mounted on the fixed structure.

12. The tracker support system according to claim 12, wherein the two arms form a V-shaped structure.

13. The tracker support system according to claim 12, wherein the first framework includes two supports fixed on the upper ends of the two arms, respectively, and each having a first bearing and a second bearing in which the transmission shaft and the corresponding ring gear sector are respectively rotatably mounted.

14. The tracker support system according to claim 1, comprising a motorized system for rotating the first framework along the vertical axis of rotation, including:

a casing securely mounted on the first framework;
a rotary engine mounted in the casing and rotating an output shaft;
a worm screw secured in rotation to the output shaft of the rotary engine; and
an annular gear wheel fixed on the fixed structure and in mesh with the worm screw.

15. The tracker support system according to claim 1, comprising a motorized system for rotating the second framework along the horizontal axis of rotation, including:

two ring gear sectors positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation and extending in two planes orthogonal to the horizontal axis of rotation, said ring gear sectors being fixed on the second framework;
two drive pinions positioned on either side of the vertical axis of rotation and in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors;
a transmission shaft rotatably mounted on the first framework and supporting the two drive pinions for synchronous rotation of said drive pinions; and
a rotary engine rotating said transmission shaft and mounted on the first framework.

16. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the second framework defines a support surface area for the solar collectors comprised between approximately 40 and 100 m2.

17. The tracker support system according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal axis of rotation is separated from the vertical axis of rotation by a predetermined distance such that the second framework can be moved into a position in which the support plane is vertical.

18. A solar assembly including a tracker support system according to claim 1, and solar collectors supported by the second framework of the tracker support system.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140216440
Type: Application
Filed: May 29, 2012
Publication Date: Aug 7, 2014
Applicant: PRESTIGE SOLAIRE (Meyreuil)
Inventors: Madyan Michotte De Welle (Saint Martin de Crau), Yacin Michotte De Welle (Saint Martin de Crau)
Application Number: 14/119,663
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Means To Reposition Solar Collector For Optimum Radiation Exposure (126/600); Encapsulated Or With Housing (136/251); Electrically Powered (211/26)
International Classification: F24J 2/54 (20060101); H01L 31/042 (20060101);