CONNECTORS FOR MODULAR SUPPORT PLATFORMS

Abstract

A set of connectors for modular support platforms is provided. The connectors are used to aggregate at least two support elements, forming a support platform which can be rearranged by adding new support elements and connectors. The set of connectors is used to form a modular support platform for a solar panel power plant, allowing its installation in water surfaces.

Claims

1. A set of connectors for connecting at least two support elements, forming a support platform, comprising: a connector element type 1 comprising four connection ports for connecting up to four support elements, and a lateral reinforcement in between each two connection ports, wherein: each connection port is formed by a hole in the surface of the connector element, configured to position and fix the support element by means of a connection mechanism; the lateral reinforcement comprises two connection holes in proximity of each connection port the connection hole is linking, for fixation of the support element by means of a connection mechanism; and a connector element type 2 made of the same material as connector element type 1 comprising a reticulate surface and two connection ports, for connecting up to two support elements, wherein each port is formed by a hole in the surface of the connector element, configured to position and fix the support element by means of a connection mechanism.

2. The set of connectors according to claim 1, wherein the connector element type 1 and 2 are of a thermoplastic material.

3. The set of connectors according to claim 1, wherein the connector element type 1 has a cross shape.

4. The set of connectors according to claim 1, wherein the connector element type 2 has a rectangular shape.

5. The set of connectors according to claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism is of a screw and nut type.

6. A modular support platform comprising four support elements maximum, wherein said support elements are connected by the connector element type 1 of claim 1.

7. The modular support platform according to claim 6, comprising at least two support platforms connected by the connector element type 2.

8. The modular support platform according to claim 6, comprising at least one additional support element wherein said support element is connected to the support platform by means of the connector element type 2.

9. The modular support platform, comprising two support elements, wherein said support elements are connected by the connector element type 2 of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] For easier understanding of this application, figures are attached in the annex that represent example forms of implementation, which nevertheless are not intended to limit the technique disclosed herein.

[0028] FIG. 1: Schematic representation of connector elements 1 and 2, where the reference numbers represent: [0029] 5Connector element type 1; [0030] 6Connector element type 2.

[0031] FIG. 2: Schematic representation of a modular platform, where the reference numbers represent: [0032] 1Modular support platform; [0033] 2Support platform; [0034] 5Connector element type 1; [0035] 6Connector element type 2.

[0036] FIG. 3: Schematic representation of a modular platform, where the reference numbers represent: [0037] 1Modular support platform; [0038] 2Support platform; [0039] 3Solar module; [0040] 6Connector element 2; [0041] 7Support platform for solar module.

[0042] FIG. 4: Schematic representation of a floating structure, where the reference numbers represent: [0043] 2Support platform [0044] 4Support element; [0045] 5Connector element 1.

[0046] FIG. 5: Schematic showing several examples of combinations of modular support platforms (1).

[0047] FIGS. 6a and 6b: Schematic showing several examples of configurations of modular support platforms (1) optimized for the location.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] For easier understanding of this application, figures are attached in the annex that represent example forms of implementation which, nevertheless, are not intended to limit the technique disclosed herein.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the set of connectors now developed is used to form a modular support platform for a solar panel power plants, allowing its installation in, but not exclusively, water surfaces. In this embodiment, and considering the scenario where the solar panel power plant is installed in a water surface, the support element is of a floating type.

[0050] With the set of connectors now developed is possible to optimize the number and disposition of the flotation elements in order to maximize the number of solar panels in each location. In this context, a modular floating support platform (1) for solar modules can be formed by connecting at least two floating support platforms (7), having each one four floating support elements (4) wherein a solar module (3) is installed. In this configuration, the floating support elements (4) are connected amongst themselves by two different connector elements, connector element type 1 (5) and connector element type 2 (6), promoting an infinite number of combinations, hence the modular characteristic of this system which allows for optimization depending on the location attributes. In fact, the disposition of the floating platform is defined after studying the deployment site, always within a disposition based on an array of structures, as suggested by FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0051] The connector element type 1 (5) is used to connect four floatation support elements (4) maximum, forming a floating support platform (2), whilst the connector element 2 (6) is applied when the connection between only two flotation support elements (4) or between two floating support platforms (2) is required.