PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE, PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE FASTENING SYSTEM, PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE FASTENING METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible infrastructure solution that enables the use of flexible photovoltaic panels customized to the requirements of the user, and with an assembly dynamic that enables a plurality of configurations. The solution comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules that are fastened to flexible surfaces such as tarpaulins, a method for fastening said modules, and the structures that make up said modules.

Claims

1. Photovoltaic module characterized in that it comprises at least one flexible photovoltaic plate attached to a flexible membrane, where the flexible membrane comprises fastening means.

2. Photovoltaic module, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible membrane is a vinyl canvas.

3. Photovoltaic module, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening means are chosen from the group comprising zipper, velcro, canvas straps with cords, adjustable nylon straps, stitching, and combinations thereof.

4. Photovoltaic plate fastening system characterized by comprising: a) at least one photovoltaic module as defined in claims 1-3; and b) a flexible support membrane comprising fastening means; where the fastening means of the photovoltaic module are adequate to be fixed to the fastening means of the flexible support membrane.

5. Fastening system, according to claim 4, characterized in that the flexible support membrane is a vinyl canvas.

6. Photovoltaic module, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fastening means are chosen from the group comprising zipper, velcro, canvas straps with cords, adjustable nylon straps, stitching, and combinations thereof.

7. Photovoltaic plate fastening method characterized by comprising the steps of: a) providing a flexible support membrane comprising fastening means; b) providing at least one photovoltaic module as defined in claims 1-3; c) fastening the photovoltaic module on the flexible support membrane; d) positioning the flexible support membrane on the desired structure.

8. Method, according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible support membrane is a vinyl canvas.

9. Method, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fastening means are chosen from the group comprising zipper, velcro, canvas straps with cords, nylon straps with adjustable, sewn, and combinations thereof.

10. Method according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that step d) comprises fastening the flexible support membrane on the structure by means of a fastening chosen from the group comprising zipper, velcro, canvas straps with cords, nylon with adjustable seams, and combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] FIG. 1A shows a three-dimensional view of the flexible membrane (main membrane) with the attached photovoltaic module (photovoltaic plate). FIG. 1B shows the detail of the zipper closure means.

[0029] FIG. 2A shows a three-dimensional view of the flexible membrane (main membrane) with the attached photovoltaic module (photovoltaic plate). FIG. 2B shows the detail of the loop fastening means.

[0030] FIG. 3A shows a three-dimensional view of the flexible membrane (main membrane) with the attached photovoltaic module (photovoltaic plate). FIG. 3B shows the detail of the zipper closure means.

[0031] FIG. 4A shows a three-dimensional view of the flexible membrane (main membrane) with the attached photovoltaic module (photovoltaic plate). FIG. 4B shows the detail of the velcro closure means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The following description is intended only to exemplify some of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, and should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Thus, understanding that the fastening of flexible photovoltaic plates on flexible canvases was a restrictive factor for their use and that this fastening needed to be easy to assemble and disassemble to meet the dynamic needs of the business, the solutions presented were then developed that provide the use of the plates and in a way that adheres to the needs of the sector.

[0034] When developing the solution, we identified that it solves the problem of fastening photovoltaic plates on flexible surfaces and that it provides ease of mounting and dismounting them as many times as necessary (that is, the fastening is not permanent as in the case of gluing the photovoltaic plate on the canvas, for example). Photovoltaic module

[0035] The photovoltaic module according to the present invention comprises at least one flexible photovoltaic plate glued to a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane comprising fastening means.

[0036] Any flexible photovoltaic board known in the art can be used and is within the scope of the present invention. Flexible membranes include, but are not limited to, a vinyl membrane. Other polymeric membranes can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Examples of suitable fastening means for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, zippers, velcro, canvas straps with rope ties, nylon straps with adjustable straps, and combinations thereof. The photovoltaic modules comprise at least one type of fastening means. Photovoltaic plate fastening system

[0038] The photovoltaic plate fastening system of the present invention comprises: [0039] a) at least one photovoltaic module; and [0040] b) a flexible support membrane comprising fastening means; where the fastening means of the photovoltaic module are able to be fixed to the fastening means of the flexible support membrane.

[0041] The photovoltaic module is as defined above.

[0042] The flexible support membrane can be made of the same material as the flexible membrane of the photovoltaic module, or made of another material. Flexible membranes include, but are not limited to, a vinyl membrane. Other polymeric membranes can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0043] Examples of suitable fastening means for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, zippers, velcro, canvas straps with rope ties, nylon straps with adjustable straps, and combinations thereof. The flexible support membrane comprises at least one type of fastening means.

Method of Fastening Photovoltaic Plates.

[0044] The photovoltaic plate cable fastening method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: [0045] a) providing a flexible support membrane comprising fastening means; [0046] b) providing at least one photovoltaic module; [0047] c) fastening the photovoltaic module on the flexible support membrane; [0048] d) optionally, positioning the flexible support membrane on the desired structure.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules. In addition, the flexible support membrane can be attached to the desired structure with any suitable fastening means, including the fastening means described herein.

[0050] The choice of the appropriate fastening means depends on the application to be used (a short- or long-term application) and also on the climatic conditions that may act on the module, such as winds and/or rain.

[0051] FIGS. 1-4 show details of the flexible membranes and fastening means presented here.

EXAMPLE

[0052] The photovoltaic plate is glued on a vinyl membrane (canvas) that contains a fastening ring.

[0053] On the roof membrane of our sheds are welded flaps that contain nylon tapes. The plates are fixed by connecting the strips of the nylon membrane to the tabs that are welded to the roof by the rings on the membrane where the photovoltaic plate is attached. This solution solves the problem of mounting and dismounting the plates for maintenance, cleaning and other needs, as well as allowing this to happen quickly (productivity).