Movable Shingle Arrangement of Rectangular Strip Modules Comprising a Covering of Crystalline and Thin-Layer Solar Cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a movable shingle arrangement of rectangular strip modules comprising a covering of solar cells on carrier materials that differ according to choice, such that the shingle arrangement can be arranged in such a way as to allow it to be unfolded, extended or set up as a canopy. The problem addressed is that of providing a novel connecting structure for a movable shingle arrangement, wherein supporting structures for mounting and displacement purposes are formed on an arranged system of rails that can be extended or swung out. The shingle arrangement (1) according to the invention consists of coupled rectangular strip modules (2), which are covered with crystalline and thin-layer solar cells (3) and overlap one another. A system of rails (6, 21) is arranged along at least two outer edges (18). Formed under the system of rails (6, 21) are supporting structures suitable for mounting and guiding purposes. Arranged on the rectangular strip modules (2) is/are one, two or more rows of solar cells (3), which are arranged next to one another and are interconnected in such a way that there is a maximum possible surface coverage with active photovoltaic solar-cell material. In the extended state, the rectangular strip modules (2) overlap like shingles. Along at least one long side (19) of the rectangular strip module (2), a defined perforated structure made up of depressions or through-openings (9) is arranged in such a way that elevations, balls or pins (10) of an adjacently arranged rectangular strip module (2) engage in this perforated structure, and so a mechanically stable connection is produced. The rectangular strip modules (2) are coupled to one another by means of a cable pull or a system of rails (5) in such a way that they can be extended or retracted manually or automatically. In the pulled-in or retracted state, the rectangular strip modules (2) arranged longitudinally or transversely alongside one another lie one above the other in a stack or one alongside the other in a shingle box (23). The rectangular strip modules (2) may be set up for example in an upwardly sloping manner by means of a system of double rails, in order to make an optimum energy yield possible.

Claims

1. Movable shingle array (1) of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) on optionally different carrier materials, wherein support structures for holding and moving in an extendable or fold-out rail system (5) are arranged under the rectangular strip modules (2) along at least two outer edges (18), characterized in that one row, two rows, or several rows of crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) arranged next to each other are arranged interconnected in a rectangular strip module (2), two or more rectangular strip modules (2) overlap each other in the manner of shingles when they are extended, contacts (11) are formed on the outside of the short side of each rectangular strip module (2), the contacts (11) are arranged on the short side directly laterally in or on the rectangular strip module (2) or in the rail system (5), wherein each rectangular strip module (2) is individually contacted and connected, in that a defined hole structure consisting of depressions or through openings (9) is arranged along a long side (19) of the rectangular strip module (2), in that elevations or pins (10) of a next arranged rectangular strip module (2) (for example studs/spikes) engage in the openings (9) of the hole structure, and in that the rectangular strip modules (2) are coupled to one another via a cable pull (14) or a rail system (15) or via an articulated arm, and in that, by means of the cable pull (14) or a rail system (15) or an articulated arm, the rectangular strip modules (2) are designed to be extendable and retractable or adjustable and/or erectable and alignable.

2. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shingle array (1) of rectangular strip modules (2) is designed as a single, double, or multi-surface shingle roof and is connected via intermediate rails (21).

3. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1. characterized in that the shingle array (1) can be set up and aligned manually or automatically via a supporting telescopic structure as a function of the angle of the solar radiation.

4. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shingle array (1) can be set up manually or automatically as an entire multi-surface shingle roof as a function of the angle of the solar radiation.

5. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that only every second rectangular strip module (2) is equipped or the rectangular strip modules (2) are only partially equipped with crystalline and thin film solar cells (3).

6. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shingle array (1) is sensor-controlled, i.e., designed with at least one rain sensor and at least one wind sensor for monitoring.

7. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that lighting is arranged under the shingle roof array (1).

8. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that that when arranged on vehicles, the pull-out or extendable shingle array (1) is arranged on both sides or on three sides.

9. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shingle array (1) of rectangular strip modules (2) is arranged in a fixedly lockable manner on only one side by means of a hinge construction (12), so that it is designed in each case to be pivotable through an angle of up to 90° about the hinge construction (12), including the supporting construction.

10. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that each rectangular strip module (2) is individually connected to a bypass diode (13).

11. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contacting of the rectangular strip modules (1) takes place via spring contacts arranged in the longitudinal rails, via pin contacts arranged in the longitudinal rails or via sliding contacts or via arranged individual plug connections.

12. Movable shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) according claim 1, characterized in that on or under the lateral outer edges (18) and on the telescopic supports (8) on the support structure, additional tent tarpaulins are arranged are arranged to enclose these for lateral weather protection.

13. Interlocking shingle array (1) comprised of rectangular strip modules (2) fitted with crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) on optionally different carrier materials, wherein support structures for holding and moving in an extendable or fold-out rail system (5) are arranged under the rectangular strip modules (2) along at least two outer edges (18), characterized in that a number of interconnected crystalline and thin-film solar cells (3) are arranged next to each other in a rectangular strip module (2), two or more rectangular strip modules (2) overlap each other in the manner of shingles when they are extended, contacts (11) are formed on the outside of the short side (20) of each rectangular strip module (2), the contacts (11) are arranged on the short side directly laterally in or on the rectangular strip module (2) or in the rail system (5), wherein each rectangular strip module (2) is individually contacted and connected, in that a defined hole structure consisting of depressions or through openings (9) is arranged along a long side (19) of the rectangular strip module (2), in that elevations or pins (10) of a next arranged rectangular strip module (2) (for example studs/spikes or snap fastener connections) engage in the depressions or openings (9) of the hole structure and in that the rectangular strip modules (2) are manually interconnected with one another via the recesses or through-openings (9) and the corresponding elevations or pins (10) to form a shingle roof, wherein the individual rectangular strip modules (2) form a closed shingle roof and the rectangular strip modules (2) are connected via separate flexible copper connectors via one or two laterally arranged busbars and are connected to an energy collection unit or connected consumers via an electrical switching center.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention is shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 10 in several variants.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle with shingle arrays 1 arranged on the left and right

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a three-surface shingle array 1 as a top view

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a raised three-surface shingle array 1 freestanding

[0026] FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view and front view on a wall

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a single-surface shingle array 1 with two rows of side by side arranged and interconnected crystalline and thin film solar cells 3 with 8 thin-film solar cells 3 per row during an extension process

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a single-surface shingle array 1 with two rows of side by side arranged and interconnected crystalline and thin film solar cells 3 in a flat inclination of the rectangular strip modules 2 to facilitate optimal entry of solar rays.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows a two-surface shingle array 1 with a row of side by side arranged and interconnected crystalline and thin film solar cells 3 in a steeply sloping inclination of the rectangular strip modules 2 to facilitate optimal entry of solar rays.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows a two-surface design of more than 90 degree adjustable, i.e., in opposite directions, rectangular strip modules 2 each with 8 crystalline and thin film solar cells 3 in a row per rectangular strip module 2

[0031] FIG. 9 shows a very simple, manually assemblable embodiment of a shingle array 1 without a frame and without a stand for setting up or aligning and without accessories

[0032] FIG. 10 shows a raised three-surface shingle array 1 installed on a wall surface 17 with a simple joint construction (here with a hinge design for swiveling up to 90 degrees to the left

[0033] FIG. 11 schematically shows a double rail 11 for setting up the six rectangular strip modules 2 attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment variant of a vehicle 22 with extended shingle arrays 1 arranged on the left and right, where a continuous extendable or retractable profiled system of telescopic rails is arranged above the roof of a vehicle 22, such as a caravan. The rail system here consists of two telescopic/retractable longitudinal rails 6 and five telescopic/retractable intermediate rails 21, inside of which a rail system 5 is arranged for guiding and holding rectangular strip modules 2 and which also extend over the entire width of the vehicle over the roof of the vehicle. These are shown here in this FIG. 1 in the extended state. The inner rails are designed as intermediate rails 21, i.e., they have two guides on both sides for the attachment and guidance of the individual rectangular strip modules 2 which overlap like shingles. In the intermediate rails 21, busbars to the power line are also arranged on one side or, depending on the embodiment variant, on both sides (not shown). The intermediate rails 21 are generally trough-shaped and designed to be watertight at the bottom, so that they also serve to drain water. However, depending on the design, a separate sealing cover can also be formed at the top.

[0035] A six-surface shingle array is unfolded or extended on each side of the vehicle. In the folded or retracted state, the longitudinal rails 6 and intermediate rails 21 are so long that they cannot protrude beyond the width of the vehicle. If the longitudinal rails 6 and the intermediate rails 21 can be telescoped several times, it is also possible to store the folded shingle arrays exactly in the middle of the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the vehicle. As a rule, however, they are stored, secured, and carried along in the edge area of the vehicle roof. Skylights are shown on the vehicle roof (these are not numbered). The rail system is mounted centrally across the width of the vehicle, so the center of gravity is balanced when driving, with the load being evenly distributed. Due to the subdivision into a multi-part rail system, there is the possibility of flexible extension. The shingle roof can therefore be extended separately on each side of the vehicle.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a three-surface shingle array 1 as a plan view; multi-surface shingle arrays can also be made. Per shingle surface 8 rectangular strip modules 2 with 6 crystalline as well as thin-film solar cells 3 each overlap. The two middle rails 21 are trough-shaped and serve at the same time to drain water when it rains. The contact in the center rails 21 and the current dissipation by means of suitable busbars takes place in a separate channel, which is insulated against the ingress of moisture. The two longitudinal rails 6 on the outer edges 18 are suitably clad from the side.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a simple raised three-surface shingle array 1 freestanding without vehicle or wall surface 17. Each surface consists of 12 expandable and retractable or foldable, or erectable and dismantlable rectangular strip modules 2 each with 6 interconnected crystalline and thin-film solar modules 3. The rectangular strip modules are guided and contacted on the left and right in the two longitudinal rails 6 and in the two intermediate rails 21. The shingle array 1 is erected here, for example, by means of a telescopic support system 15, which consists of normal telescopic supports 8 and extendable telescopic wall supports 16. However, rigid supports can also be used. The telescopic wall supports 16 are generally not required in an arrangement on a vehicle or wall surface and can be omitted if desired. The longitudinal rails 6 can also be telescoped as a rule (not shown in the drawing). In the retracted or folded state, the twelve rectangular strip modules 2 are stored one above the other in the shingle box 23, so that there is minimal space requirement.

[0038] FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view on a wall and a front view with 12 rectangular strip modules 2 of a shingle array 1 according to the invention which can be collapsed to form a package, and which can be stored in a shingle box 23. The number of telescopic supports 8 of the telescopic support system 15 generally corresponds with the number of telescopic longitudinal rails 6 and the number of intermediate rails 21 arranged in each case. In the case of a single-surface or two-surface design, two telescopic supports 8 at the two corners are generally sufficient at the front. The extendable telescopic wall supports 16 can, but need not be, used if the shingle roof system 1 is anchored in the vehicle or wall surface 17, for example, in a sufficiently firm and statically secure manner.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a single-surface shingle array 2 with two rows of crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3 arranged side by side and interconnected with each other, each on a rectangular strip module 2 during extension. The three rectangular strip modules 2 here, which in the extended state can overlap like shingles, are guided, and supported on the inside in the two longitudinal rails 6 in a rail system 5 adapted to the number of rectangular strip modules. These are suitably interconnected and connected to an energy store.

[0040] FIG. 6 also shows a single-surface shingle array 1 with two rows of crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3 arranged side by side and interconnected with each other per rectangular strip module in a flat inclined position of the rectangular strip modules 2 to enable optimum radiation incidence. The inclination is generally interlinked through cams and a cable pull with the aid of a specially designed rail system 5 for guiding the rectangular strip modules 2. It is advantageous if the strip rectangle modules 2 can then be pulled further apart to be able to use of the entire surface (including those of the bottom row) of the crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3. This means that the longitudinal rails 6 must be made longer to be able to further enlarge the distances between the rectangular strip modules compared to the shingling position. The shingle box 23 is then to be made correspondingly wider.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a single-surface shingle array 1 with a number of crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3 arranged side by side and interconnected with each other per rectangular strip module in a flat inclined position of the rectangular strip modules 2 to enable optimum radiation incidence. Here, too, the two telescopic/extendable and telescopic/retractable longitudinal rails 6 and the telescopic/extendable and telescopic/retractable intermediate rail 21 are preferably designed to be longer to allow inclined positioning by means of the specially designed rail system 5 and to ensure optimal distances between the rectangular strip modules 2 for optimal uniform irradiation of all crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3. The two longitudinal rails 6 and the central rail 21 here preferably consist of a double rail system which can be displaced relative to one another, and which can be adjusted via an oval adjusting disk. This is also advantageous because the solar cells 3 are illuminated evenly and have almost the same temperature, which avoids tension within each row of solar cells 3 due to temperature fluctuations. The shingle box 23 is not too wide but is designed to be higher, since the rectangular strip modules 2 are stored upright in the shingle box 23 here.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a two-surface design of rectangular strip modules 2 adjustable by more than 90 degrees, i.e., which can be set up in opposite directions, each with 8 crystalline and thin-film solar cells 3 arranged in a row per rectangular strip module 2. The 6 rectangular strip modules arranged here are provided with elevations 10 and recesses 9 alternately on their surface along their two long sides 19. Likewise, recesses 9 and elevations 10 are alternately arranged on the back of the rectangular strip modules 2 along the long sides 19, which correspond with the recesses 9, so that they each interlock in the shingled position and ensure stability.

[0043] If they are pulled apart further, the rectangular strip modules 2 can be set up and aligned with their active sides, which are fitted with solar cells, to the front or to the rear, depending on the position of the sun. It is also useful to form the two divided longitudinal rails 6 and the divided central rail 21 to be pivotable downwards or upwards within a certain angular range. This makes it possible to set the shingling forward at an angle away from the fastening point of the shingle box 23. Then, the rain runs away from the shingle box 23 towards the front. On the other hand, the shingling can also be set up in the other direction. Then, the inclination is backwards in the direction of the shingle box. This means that rain is diverted backwards toward the shingle box. This design is only useful for certain arrangements, such as when mounting on vehicles or balconies. To make this possible, the two longitudinal rails 6 and the central rail 21 are designed to be divided and can be pulled out so far that the rectangular strip modules 2 can be pulled apart beyond the shingle position and set up in the desired direction and position. Depending on the position of the sun, the rectangular strip modules 2 can also be set up steeper (open, non-rainproof position) toward the front away from the shingle box 23 or toward the shingle box 23. The rail system 5 is designed so that this is possible accordingly. However, the variant can also be implemented in which the shingling can only be adjusted in one direction but an optimal inclination—depending on the position of the sun—is possible in both directions. The divided rails 11.1 and 11.2 are extended and adjusted, for example, via an oval turntable mechanism, to set an optimal inclination in terms of solar radiation.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a very simple manually assemblable embodiment consisting of three rectangular strip modules 2, without a frame and without a stand, for setting up or aligning and without any other accessories. This modular system, which then includes at least two lateral longitudinal rails 2 and a suspension device or a setup device with busbars or a connection cable for current dissipation and an energy storage unit, is easy to transport, easy to assemble or set up, and requires only a very small amount of space during transport.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows an elevated three-surface shingle array 1 mounted on a wall surface 17 with a simple hinge structure 12 (shown here with a simple hinge design for pivoting up to 90 degrees to the left). Here it is possible, with very little effort, to align the shingle array according to the position of the sun and to be able to follow, at least partially, the changing position of the sun during the day. The two telescopic supports 8 and the wall telescopic support 16 of the telescopic support system 15 can, if necessary, be provided with rollers at the bottom so that the lateral pivoting can be effected by hand with little force. The telescopic support system 16 or rigid support system can be designed to be detachable so that the rectangular strip modules 2 can be drawn in and stowed in the shingle box 23 together and on top of one another. The interconnection of the rectangular strip modules 2 is realized, for example, via flexible plug connections and lines or via a lateral interconnection. The longitudinal rails allow sufficient mechanical stability.

[0046] FIG. 11 schematically shows a preferred simple double rail 11 for erecting, i.e., inclining, six rectangular strip modules 2 fastened to the double rail 11 at pivot points. Each rectangular strip module 2 is guided in at least one pivot point both on the upper rail 11.1 and on the lower rail 11.2. If the lower rail 11.1 is moved forward away from the vehicle or wall surface 17 with respect to the upper rail 11.2, the rectangular strip modules 2 are positioned upward and the angle of incidence with respect to the sun rays can be optimized. The movement of the lower rail 11.2 with respect to the upper rail 11.1 is effected via a suitable mechanism. This is possible, for example, by means of cams arranged on the left and right, which can be driven by means of a cable pull or also by a motor. The pivot points in the upper and lower rails 11.1 and 11.2 can also be arranged in a sliding manner in separate slots in the double rails 11. It is also possible that the rectangular strip modules 2 are connected to the double rails via additional intermediate curved lever arms to be able to adjust the shingle-like superposition of the rectangular strip modules. The rectangular strip modules 2 can also be designed to be slightly curved, so that the shingle overlay is achieved through this curvature. The double rail system of, for example, two symmetrically designed double rails 11 can be folded or optionally also removed from the vehicle or wall surface 17 when the rectangular strip modules are retracted. The result is a closed shingle array of crystalline and thin-film solar cells connected in series or in parallel in the manner of a canopy, which is designed to be easy to install, conveniently extendable, easy to transport or arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0047] 1 Shingle array

[0048] 2 Rectangular strip module

[0049] 3 Thin film solar cell

[0050] 4 Sliding contact

[0051] 5 Rail system

[0052] 6 Longitudinal rail/telescopic

[0053] 7 Front rail

[0054] 8 Telescopic support

[0055] 9 Depressions or through openings

[0056] 10 Elevations, balls, or pins

[0057] 11 Double rail

[0058] 11.1 Upper rail

[0059] 11.2 Lower rail

[0060] 12 Joint construction

[0061] 15 Telescopic support system

[0062] 16 Extendable wall telescopic support

[0063] 17 Vehicle or wall surface

[0064] 18 Outer edge

[0065] 19 Long side

[0066] 20 Short side

[0067] 21 Intermediate rail

[0068] 22 Vehicle

[0069] 23 Shingle box