WO2010058011A2

WO2010058011A2 - Photovoltaic module and for fixing and supporting the same

Info

Publication number: WO2010058011A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/065664
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Sinicco
Original assignee: Oerlikon Solar Ip Ag, Trübbach
Priority date: 2008-11-24
Filing date: 2009-11-23
Publication date: 2010-05-27
Also published as: WO2010058011A3; TW201104884A; CN202167503U

Abstract

The inventions relates to a method for fixing and supporting a photovoltaic module (1 ) on a surface by means of a connecting device, the connecting device comprising two connecting parts, one connecting part being attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1 ) and the other connecting part being attached to the surface, wherein one connecting part comprises a supporting point (6), the supporting point (6) comprises a structural member (9) exhibiting a receptacle (10), the other connecting part comprises a pivot (11 ), the receptacle (10) matches against the pivot (11 ), the structural member (9) comprises a fixation means to fixate the pivot (11 ) in the receptacle (10), for fixation of the photovoltaic module (1 ) on the surface the structural member (9) is plugged onto the pivot (11 ), and the pivot (11) is fixated in the receptacle (10) by said fixation means when the structural member (9) is plugged onto the pivot (11), thereby forming a joint of the photovoltaic module (1 ) to the surface.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE AND FOR FIXING AND SUPPORTING THE SAME Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for fixing and supporting PV (photovoltaic) modules of any technology by means of a structure placed behind the PV module, as well as a respective PV module. This structure enhances the mechanical stability of the PV module and decreases the installations costs, thereby reducing the BOS (balance of systems) costs.

[0002] Photovoltaic devices, photoelectric conversion devices or solar cells are devices which convert light, especially sunlight into direct current (DC) electrical power. Nowadays solar cells are manufactured using a variety of technologies, based on crystalline or polycrystalline silicon or thin film silicon deposition. Thin film solar cells are using glass, glass ceramics or other rigid or flexible substrates as a base material (substrate).

[0003] A plurality of individual cells, arranged on a common base and electrically connected is called a module, solar module or photovoltaic (PV) module. Such modules are normally being grouped to larger installations, e.g. on roofs, building walls or on open grounds to constitute a solar power plant. In view of this variety of fastening needs, the question of appropriate and cost-conscious fixation technologies becomes relevant.

Background Art

[0004] Various module fixation technologies are commercially available today. In order to fix the PV module, all those structures have in common the need for a well designed supporting structure and tools to mount the PV module over the mentioned structure. This will not only sustain the weight of the module will also provide possible fixations points in order to "clamp" and or "screw" the module on a structure in such a way that the PV module can compensate wind and snow loads. The bigger/larger/heavier a PV module is, the more heavy and complex is the structure to fix it.

[0005] In most cases, a PV module is mounted in an inclined position. A substructure commonly used to mount the PV module comprises horizontal supports, e. g. a frame support at the edge and a middle support. Linear fixing elements and horizontal holding clamps fixate the PV module to the supports. A lot of different parts are necessary to fixate the PV module to the support substructure. Furthermore, several tools are needed for the installation of the PV module when using the commonly know mounting technique.

Disclosure of Invention

[0006] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a method and a system which reduces the installation cost and enables easy and secure mounting of a PV module.

[0007] This object is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are detailed in the dependent claims.

[0008] With respect to the method, the invention relates to a method for fixing and supporting a photovoltaic module on a surface by means of a connecting device, the connecting device comprising two connecting parts, one connecting part being attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module and the other connecting part being attached to the surface, wherein one connecting part comprises a supporting point, the supporting point comprises a structural member exhibiting a receptacle, the other connecting part comprises a pivot, the receptacle matches against the pivot, the structural member comprises a fixation means to fixate the pivot in the receptacle, for fixation of the photovoltaic module on the surface the structural member is plugged onto the pivot, and the pivot is fixated in the receptacle by said fixation means when the structural member is plugged onto the pivot, thereby forming a joint of the photovoltaic module to the surface.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, for plugging the structural member onto the pivot, the photovoltaic module is moved towards the surface keeping the plane of the photovoltaic module parallel to the plane of the surface. In this way an array of photovoltaic modules can be arranged wherein the modules, in general, do not require any lateral spacing for installation. Especially, no such installation space is required for any pivot motion of the module. This means that a module that needs to be exchanged due to damage can be removed and substituted by a new one like a tile of a tile array.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the structural member and the pivot, when plugged together, form a detachable joint. This will make the replacement of photovoltaic modules easy, in case any malfunction of the photovoltaic module makes an exchange necessary.

[001 1] Preferably, the joint between the structural member and the pivot is detachable by affecting a magnetic force on the fixation means. This will on one hand enable easy maintenance because the joint can be released from the front side of the module and there is no need to apply a tool on the backside of it. On the other hand, such magnetic detachable fixation means can act as an anti-theft system.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the structural member forms an integral part of the backside photovoltaic module. For example, the backside of the photovoltaic module may be formed by plastic injection molding as one single piece. This will additionally reduce the production costs.

[0013] Alternatively, the structural member can firmly be bonded to the backside of the photovoltaic module. Firmly bonded in the meaning of the invention shall be understood as the structural member is welded, glued or otherwise fixated to the backside of the photovoltaic module in a way capable to compensate the forces arising from mechanical stress, like e.g. wind load, snow load, and the like.

[0014] According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the joint between the structural member and the pivot is used to electrically connect the photovoltaic module to an electrical power network. This will reduce the costs of the module since additional electrical connection means can be omitted.

[0015] Finally, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot is automatically fixated in the receptacle. Automatically fixating the pivot in the receptacle means that fixation of the pivot in the receptacle is simply achieved by inserting the pivot into the receptacle without further action. In this way, a "snap-on" solution for fixating the module on the surface can be provided. This allows for an easy installation of the module without using any further tools to fixate the module on the surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a photovoltaic module with a connecting device for connecting the photovoltaic module on a surface, the connecting device comprising two connecting parts, one connecting part being attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module and the other connecting part being attachable to the surface, wherein one connecting part comprises a supporting point, the supporting point comprises a structural member exhibiting a receptacle, the other connecting part comprises a pivot, the receptacle matches against the pivot, the structural member comprises a fixation means for fixating the pivot in the receptacle, for fixation of the photovoltaic module on the surface the structural member is pluggable onto the pivot, and the pivot is fixable in the receptacle by said fixation means by plugging the structural member onto the pivot, for forming a joint of the photovoltaic module to the surface.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the structural member and the pivot are adapted for plugging the structural member onto the pivot by moving the photovoltaic module towards the surface keeping the plane of the photovoltaic module parallel to the plane of the surface.

[0018] The structural member can be an integral part of the backside of the photovoltaic module, or it may be bonded firmly to the backside by appropriate means.

[0019] The fixation means may comprise a mechanical lock which can interact with a recess in the pivot when the structural member is plugged onto the pivot in the intended way. This will allow protection of the module against thievery.

[0020] The mechanical lock may comprise a locking plate which can mesh into the recess of the pivot, thereby forming a locking position of the mechanical lock, and a locking means to fixate said locking plate in the locking position when said structural means is plugged onto the pivot. This will enable quick and easy mounting of the photovoltaic module at the place of installation.

[0021] The mechanical lock may be unlocked by a magnetic force. This will enable to detach the module without the need to access to the backside of the module.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot is automatically fixable in the receptacle by said fixation means, i.e. simply by plugging the structural member onto the pivot without the use of any further tool.

[0023] The invention further relates to a system for fixing and supporting a photovoltaic module on a surface, said system comprises at least on supporting point on the backside of the photovoltaic module and a pivot fixated on the surface the photovoltaic module should be installed on, wherein said supporting point comprises a structural member having a receptacle which matches against said pivot, and wherein said structural member comprises a mechanical lock which can interact with a recess of the pivot to fixate the pivot in the receptacle of the structural member when the photovoltaic module is plugged onto the pivot by the structural member to install the photovoltaic module on the surface.

[0024] In such a system, the structural member and the pivot may also be used to electrically connect the photovoltaic module to a power network. By omitting additional electrical connection means, the overall cost of the module can be reduced.

[0025] According to the invention, the number of fixation elements can be reduced and standardized. With the advanced fixation element design according to the invention no mounting tool is needed to install the PV module. This drastically reduces the installation costs and is simplifying the installation procedures.

[0026] The invention allows for the following: On the backside of a PV module at least one supporting point is being defined. At the location of this supporting point a structural member is being attached. The structural member can be glued on the backside of the PV module or be integral part of the back cover of the PV module. The PV module further comprises a junction box which is used to electrically connect the PV module with the outside world. For a module in the size of 1.4 m² or comparable sizes the structural member can be made from a mechanical and/or corrosion resistive material, like e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. It may have the form, e.g. of a cylinder glued on the back glass of the PV module.

[0027] The structural member comprises a receptacle which matches against a pivot fixated on the surface the PV module should be mounted on. In an embodiment according to the invention, the structural member further comprises a mechanical lock which can interact with the pivot to fixate the pivot in the structural member. The pivot can be fixated on the surface directly or by supporting members, like e.g. mounting bars, and can be made from the same mechanical and corrosive resistive materials like the structural member. Furthermore, the pivot can comprises a recess in which a locking plate of the mechanical lock can mesh.

[0028] Preferably, for a PV module having a size of 1.4 m², 4 structural members having a diameter of 8 cm are used to support the module and to fix it to a surface without the being damaged by regular wind and/or snow load. With this solution, for example only two support bars the pivots are fixated on are necessary to install the module instead of three as depicted in Fig. 1. This results in a reduction of the support structure costs by approx. 33%. This inventive fixing system can be used for any PV module format and configuration.

[0029] Another advantage of the fixing system according to the invention is that it is localized solely at the back of the module, so stress on the module can be reduced compared to a clamping solution. Any reduction of mechanical stress will increase the PV module's reliability. Preferably the supporting points are chosen such that they result in a regular pattern like a square or rectangle, a rhombus or a triangle.

[0030] According to the inventive method, the photovoltaic module is equipped on its backside with a supporting point, said supporting point comprises a structural member exhibiting a receptacle which matches against a pivot. The Pivot is mounted on the surface the photovoltaic module should be installed on. Furthermore, said structural member comprises a fixation means to fixate the pivot in the receptacle. For fixation of the photovoltaic module on the surface the structural member is plugged onto the pivot, and said pivot is fixated in the receptacle by said fixation means when the structural member is plugged onto the pivot in the intended way, thereby forming a joint of the photovoltaic module to the surface.

[0031] According to the inventive method, after installing the pivot on the surface the PV module should be mounted on, the PV module can be plugged onto the pivots by the structural members without the use of any tool. By this, easy and safe mounting of the PV module is enabled also in complicated mounting situations.

[0032] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the joint between the structural member and the pivot can be used to electrically connect the PV module to a power network. To do so, the structural member comprises a connecting means which is electrically connected with the solar cells of the PV module. Such a connecting means can be formed, e.g. by the locking plate of the mechanical lock in the structural member. The pivot is electrically connected with a power network and is electrically conductive at least at the area of its recess. When plugging the PV module onto the pivot, an electrical connecting between the solar cells and the power network is established.

[0033] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the structural member and the pivot form a detachable joint. In a preferred embodiment, the joint is detachable by affecting a magnetic field to the fixation means.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0034] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [0035] In the drawings:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a fixture according to the prior art, [0037] Fig. 2 shows a PV module with fixtures according to an embodiment of the invention, [0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a fixing system according to an embodiment of invention, [0039] Fig. 4 shows another fixing system according to an embodiment of the invention with integrated electrical connections and

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the inventive fixing system with a theft-deterrent system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view how to fix a PV module 1 composed of a glass-glass laminate according to the prior art. Such PV module 1 can have, e.g. a surface area of 1.4 m². In most cases, a PV module is mounted in an inclined position. A substructure commonly used to mount the PV module comprises horizontal supports 2 and 3, e. g. a frame support 2 at the edge and a middle support 3. Linear fixing elements 4 and horizontal holding clamps 5 fixate the PV module 1 to the supports 2 and 3. As easily can be seen in Fig. 1 , a lot of different parts are necessary to fixate the PV module to the support substructure. Furthermore, several tools are needed for the installation of the PV module when using the commonly know mounting technique.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention. On the backside of a PV module 1 a plurality of supporting points are being defined. At the location of these supporting points 6 structural members 9 are being attached; these structural members 9 can be glued on the backside of the PV module 1 or be integral part of its back cover. The black rectangle 7 indicates the junction box of the PV module, which is used to electrically connect the PV module with the outside world, e.g. a power network. For a module in the size of 1.4 m² or comparable the fixture can be made from a resistant material (aluminium or plastic) in the form e.g. of a cylinder glued on the back glass of the PV module and having a diameter of 8 cm. 4 of such supporting points 6 and structural members 9 are used to support the module without the risk of being damaged by wind and/or snow load. With this solution, only two support bars are necessary to fix the module instead of three as depicted in Fig. 1. This results in a reduction on the support structure costs alone by approx. 33%. This device/fixture can be used for any PV module format and configuration.

[0043] Fig. 3 depicts a possible fixture configuration that allows easy installation and de-installation. The structural member 9 exhibits a receptacle 10, e.g. a bore, which matches against a pin, plug or pivot 1 1. Said pivot 1 1 is part of the structure (not shown), the PV module shall be attached to. 16 is the backside of the structural member 9, which is glued, attached or otherwise connected to the back side of the PV module. The geometry of the fixtures is not limited to be cylindrical or other.

[0044] In Fig. 4, a further embodiment according to the invention is shown. The structural member 9 also comprises a junction box, which allows connecting of the PV module mechanically as well as electrically in one step. This further reduces the installation costs. An example of such a system is depicted; the modified structural member has reference numeral 8.

[0045] In this case the modified structural members 8 may be formed as an injection moulded device in which the junction box is integrated. When the junction box is integrated to the moulded structure, the pivot 1 1 of Fig. 3 is also used the conductor that will carry the electrical energy produced by the PV module.

[0046] The embodiment of Fig. 4 represents a possible way to mould the supporting structure and the junction box together. The geometry shown in Fig. 4 is not intended to be limiting; several other possibilities according to the technology, supporting structure and fixation systems are possible. It is also possible to use electrically connecting structural members 8 and purely holding structural members 9 on one panel in combination.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment according to the invention. The structural member 9 as shown in Fig. 3 and 4 can be further modified to also provide a solution for anti-theft systems. For instance, a mechanical lock 13 can be integrated in the structural member 9 of Fig. 3 that allows the system to be demounted only by applying a force, e.g. a magnetic field, that allows opening the mechanical lock 13 by moving a locking plate 17 towards the right direction to unlock the mechanical lock 13 and release the pivot 1 1. With such a system, the PV module can be mounted and removed directly from the top side, without any need of lateral spacing or complicated strategies to remove a damaged module on a power plant or installation. This example is depicted in Fig. 5, wherein 18 represent guides for the locking plate 17 of the mechanical lock 13, which locking plate can be made from iron or another magnetic metal. Reference number 15 represents a spring which acts as locking means automatically fixating the locking plate in a locking position when the structural member 9 is plugged on the pivot 1 1. The spring may be made from harmonic steel or plastic. [0048] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Reference signs list

[0049] 1 Photovoltaic module

2 Frame support

3 Middle support

4 Linear fixing element

5 Horizontal holding clamp

6 Supporting point

7 Rectangle

8 Modified structural member

9 Structural member

10 Receptacle

1 1 Pivot Mechanical lock Spring Backside of the structural member Locking plate Guide

Claims

1. A method for fixing and supporting a photovoltaic module (1 ) on a surface by means of a connecting device, the connecting device comprising two connecting parts, one connecting part being attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1) and the other connecting part being attached to the surface, wherein one connecting part comprises a supporting point (6), the supporting point (6) comprises a structural member (9) exhibiting a receptacle (10), the other connecting part comprises a pivot (1 1 ), the receptacle (10) matches against the pivot (1 1 ), the structural member (9) comprises a fixation means to fixate the pivot (1 1) in the receptacle (10), for fixation of the photovoltaic module (1) on the surface the structural member (9) is plugged onto the pivot (1 1), and the pivot (1 1) is fixated in the receptacle (10) by said fixation means when the structural member (9) is plugged onto the pivot (1 1 ), thereby forming a joint of the photovoltaic module (1) to the surface.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein for plugging the structural member (9) onto the pivot (1 1), the photovoltaic module (1) is moved towards the surface keeping the plane of the photovoltaic module (1) parallel to the plane of the surface.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the structural member (9) and the pivot (1 1 ), when plugged together, form a detachable joint.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the joint between the structural member (9) and the pivot (1 1) is detachable by affecting a magnetic force on the fixation means.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the structural member (9) is firmly attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1 ).

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the structural member (9) is glued to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1 ).

7. The method according claim 1 , wherein the joint between the structural member (9) and the pivot (1 1) is used to electrically connect the photovoltaic module (1) to a power network.

8. Photovoltaic module with a connecting device for connecting the photovoltaic module (1) on a surface, the connecting device comprising two connecting parts, one connecting part being attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1) and the other connecting part being attachable to the surface, wherein one connecting part comprises a supporting point (6), the supporting point (6) comprises a structural member (9) exhibiting a receptacle (10), the other connecting part comprises a pivot (11 ), the receptacle (10) matches against the pivot (1 1), the structural member (9) comprises a fixation means for fixating the pivot (1 1) in the receptacle (10), for fixation of the photovoltaic module (1) on the surface the structural member (9) is pluggable onto the pivot (11 ), and the pivot (1 1) is fixable in the receptacle (10) by said fixation means by plugging the structural member (9) onto the pivot (11), for forming a joint of the photovoltaic module (1) to the surface.

9. The photovoltaic module according to claim 8, wherein the structural member (9) and the pivot (11) are adapted for plugging the structural member (9) onto the pivot (1 1 ) by moving the photovoltaic module (1 ) towards the surface keeping the plane of the photovoltaic module (1) parallel to the plane of the surface.

10. The photovoltaic module according to claim 8, wherein the structural member (9) and the pivot (11), when plugged together, form a detachable joint.

1 1. The photovoltaic module according to claim 10, wherein the joint between the structural member (9) and the pivot (1 1) is detachable by affecting a magnetic force onto the fixation means.

12. The photovoltaic module according to claim 8, wherein the structural member (9) is firmly attached to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1 ).

13. The photovoltaic module according to claim 12, wherein the structural member (9) is glued to the backside of the photovoltaic module (1).

14. The photovoltaic module according claim 8, wherein the joint between the structural member (9) and the pivot (1 1) is useable to electrically connect the photovoltaic module (1) to a power network.

15. The photovoltaic module according to claim 8, wherein the fixation means comprises a mechanical lock (13) which can interact with a recess (14) in the pivot (1 1 ) when the structural member (9) is plugged onto the pivot (1 1 ).