Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SUN TRACKING DEVICE FOR SOLAR MODULES WITH ELASTIC OR RESILIENT
PSEUDO-HINGES
Description
The invention relates to a tracking device according to the
preamble of claim 1 for photovoltaic and solar thermal active
elements or the like comprising: erecting means which are
configured to arrange at least one such active element spaced
apart from a substrate or surface, and which are configured post-
like; supporting means for the active element connected in a
hinged manner to the erecting means via hinge means, wherein the
hinge means are arranged at an upper end of the post-like
erecting means; and movement means, which are configured to move,
preferably to pivot, the supporting means relative to the
erecting means, and which comprise at least one connecting means,
as well as motor means acting on the connecting means, which
connecting means is fixed on one side of the supporting means
facing the erecting means at at least one attachment point,
wherein the motor means act on the connecting means to modify a
distance between the erecting means and the attachment point to
achieve an orientation of the active elements (solar modules) as
optimal as possible.
In addition, the invention relates to a device for solar energy
recovery according to claim 16.
As a result of the decline in world market prices, especially for
photovoltaic elements, there is now more than ever an incentive
to recover energy from the abundant solar radiation that is
received on earth at low cost and in an environmentally friendly
manner.
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However, it is fundamentally irrelevant in the context of the
invention whether a photovoltaic element for converting solar
light radiation into electrical voltage, a solar thermal element
for heating water or the like or a reflector element in the
manner of a mirror is used as the active element to provide
incident sunlight for further use. All listed elements for the
use of solar radiation, without limitation, are referred to as
"active elements" or "solar active elements" within the scope of
this description.
Since the position of the sun and therefore the direction of the
radiation of the sun changes at a given location during the
course of the day, it is desirable for the optimal use of the
solar radiation to equip the respective active element with a
tracking device, which tracking device provides for an at least
substantially optimal orientation of the active element -
preferably in such a manner that an incidence direction of the
solar radiation coincides with a surface normal of the regularly
planar active element.
According to the applicant's findings, the efficiency of a solar
active element in the photovoltaic range can be easily increased
by about 40%.
Such tracking devices for solar active elements are basically
known. They include, in particular, the means mentioned at the
outset, together with elaborate tracking mechanisms, and are
therefore relatively expensive. Typically, the additional
financial costs for such tracking devices can hardly be amortized
in the operation of the solar active element. Particularly in
poorer parts of the world, which often have enormous solar energy
potential, however, the use of such previously known tracking
devices is in any case excluded for cost reasons.
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DE 10 2010 004 905 Al discloses a tracking system for solar
modules in which a spherical hinge is arranged at the tip of a
post-like mounting, to which a module support is tiltably
connected.
A disadvantage of this is that the inserted spherical hinge
necessitates additional elaborate constructional measures in
order to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the solar module.
The same is true of the subject matter of US 2013/0008489 Ul.
DE 10 2007 020 235 Al discloses a tracking system with a simple
hinge joint, while DE 10 2007 031 289 Al shows a relatively
elaborate cross hinge for moving a reflector/absorber.
There is therefore a need for a tracking device of the type
mentioned at the outset, characterized by a particular simple and
cost-effective structure compared to prior art tracking devices
of the generic type and which therefore can be used without any
major financial expenditure for improving solar energy recovery.
In particular, by providing a tracking device according to the
invention the anticipated cost increase should be so low that
amortization is possible by the achievable surplus.
The invention achieves this object by means of a tracking device
with the features of claim 1 and by means of an energy recovery
device with the features of claim 16. Advantageous refinements of
the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims, the
wording of which is hereby incorporated into the description by
express reference.
A tracking device according to the invention for photovoltaic and
solar thermal active elements or the like (here also referred to
as "solar modules") comprises: erecting means which are
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configured to arrange at least one such active element spaced
apart from a substrate or surface, and which are configured post-
like; supporting means for the active element connected in a
hinged manner to the erecting means via hinge means, wherein the
hinge means are arranged at an upper end of the post-like
erecting means; and movement means, which are configured to move,
preferably to pivot, the supporting means relative to the
erecting means, and which comprise at least one connecting means,
as well as motor means acting on the connecting means, which
connecting means is fixed on one side of the supporting means
facing the erecting means at at least one attachment point,
wherein the motor means act on the connecting means to modify a
distance between the erecting means and the attachment point.
This tracking device is characterized in that the hinge means
comprise at least a hinge element which hinge element is
configured elastically, preferably as an elastomeric element, as
a steel or elastomer spring, as a rubber hinge or the like.
In this context, it has proved to be particularly advantageous
that the tracking device according to the invention has restoring
means for the supporting means, which restoring means ensure that
the supporting means, with the active element, essentially
automatically move back to a initial position after releasing the
connecting means. This is achieved according to the invention in
that the hinge means are configured in the manner of an elastomer
or rubber hinge or in the form of a spring means (steel or
elastomer spring) or the like, which constitutes a so-called
elastic or resilient "pseudo-joint", so that the hinge means, as
an elastic hinge means, themselves will provide for said
restoring force as soon as the supporting means are moved out of
their initial position. Separate restoring means can then be
omitted, which greatly simplifies the device. Also, in this
manner there are no uncontrolled rotations, such as known from
spherical hinges (ball joints).
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However, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments
described above, in particular the restoring means or the hinge
means. In addition, an active backward movement of the supporting
means into their initial position is also possible, as will be
described in greater detail below.
The tracking device according to the invention can be further
developed in such a way that the hinge means comprise a classic
hinge in the form of a cross, pivot or ball hinge or the like, in
addition to the at least one elastic hinge element, so as to form
a kind of "combi hinge". This makes it possible, in particular,
for the supporting means to achieve an inclination of up to 900
with respect to the horizontal. For cross bearings or spherical
bearings or corresponding hinges alone it is difficult to reach
inclinations of more than 600. Even with a spring or an elastic
hinge element alone, a great inclination cannot be achieved
because the support (the supporting means) becomes vertically
unstable due to the high inherent/payload weight. In addition, a
very high stress is exerted on the spring.
In the course of a special development, the tracking device
according to the invention can be provided so that at least the
at least one elastic hinge element interacts with at least one
protective element, which protective element is configured and
arranged to prevent a rotation of the supporting means about a
longitudinal axis of the hinge means, in particular of the at
least one elastic hinge element. In particular, the protective
element can be configured as a protective element surrounding the
at least one elastic hinge element. In particular, it is possible
to form the protective element as a (folding) bellows, which
surrounds or accommodates the elastic hinge element. Such a
protective element can also be used, in particular, in the case
of the combi hinge described above.
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Furthermore, there can be provided a pretension means operatively
linked to the at least one elastic hinge element, which
pretension means is configured to selectively adjust or dose a
spring action of the at least one elastic hinge element. As a
result, an improved stability of the arrangement can also be
achieved. The pretension means can be configured as a cable or as
a flexible element. It may comprise suitable screwable clamping
means. When the elastic member is specifically, but without
limitation, configured as a coil spring or the like, the
pretension means may be passed through the coil spring in the
longitudinal direction thereof to contract the spring.
Preferably, the pretension means is attached, on the one hand, to
the supporting means and, on the other hand, to any stationary
structure, such as the ground.
A solar energy recovery device according to the invention is
characterized in that it comprises a tracking device according to
the invention and a photovoltaic or solar thermal active element
or the like, which active element is connected to the remaining
tracking device via the supporting means.
The movement means of a tracking device according to the
invention thus at least comprises a preferably flexible
connecting means, which can advantageously be configured as a
(steel or wire) cable, as a chain or in another suitable manner.
Furthermore, the tracking device comprises motor means which act
on the connecting means, which motor means can interact with the
connecting means in a friction, force and/or form-fitting manner,
for example by providing suitable friction wheels or gear wheels
or the like. The connecting means is fixed at the supporting
means, preferably hinged, on one side of the supporting means
facing the erecting means at at least one attachment point, for
example, by means of an eyelet connection or the like. The motor
means act on the connecting means to modify a distance between
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the erecting means and the attachment point. Since the attachment
point is arranged on the supporting means, which in turn are
hingedly connected to the erecting means, the change in the
distance between the erecting means and the attachment point
results in a tilting or pivoting movement of the supporting means
and thus of the active element relative to the erecting means,
which movement is supported or even enabled by the hinge means.
The exact form of the movement is determined by the type and
number of hinge means used, the chosen location of the attachment
point, and the length of the connecting means or the position of
the motor means.
If the connecting means is advantageously a flexible connecting
means, the latter is basically subjected to tension by the motor
means for moving the supporting means.
In this context, it can be provided in a further development of
the tracing device according to the invention that the motor
means are configured for rolling up and unrolling one end of the
connecting means or generally for shortening/extending the
connecting means. In this way, the supporting means can be moved
by rolling the connecting means onto a bobbin or other suitable
means by the action of the motor means so that said distance is
reduced. The supporting means can be moved back into their
initial position by subsequently unrolling the connecting means.
A most preferred development of the tracking device according to
the invention provides that at least two connecting means are
present which are arranged at a certain angle to one another in
their projection onto a plane of the supporting means which plane
is regularly oriented parallel to a plane of the active element.
Preferably, this angle can be substantially 900. In this context,
it is further provided that the motor means are configured
correspondingly to act on at least two connecting means, for
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example by providing a corresponding plurality of motor units or
a suitable gear arrangement. In this way, one motor unit can in
each case act on a respective connecting means. By providing a
plurality of connecting means in the manner mentioned, more
complex movements of the tracking device or of the supporting
means can also be carried out in order to increase the efficiency
of the solar energy recovery even more.
Furthermore, it be provided for the at least two connecting means
to be arranged on the supporting means such that they intersect
in their projection onto the plane of the supporting means. As a
result, an increased rotational stability can be achieved in the
plane of the support (the supporting means).
In the context of the present description, the term
"substantially" means that the corresponding features are
implemented as precisely as possible, except for the usual
manufacturing-related deviations.
In the context of a most preferred development of the tracking
device according to the invention, the erecting means each have a
guide for the one or more connecting means, preferably in the
form of an opening or a aperture in the erecting means, in
particular when the latter are configured in the form of a post.
Preferably, such a post has a rectangular or especially square or
also a circular or oval cross-section, and the openings or
apertures for guiding a respective connecting means extend
between opposing sides of the post or erecting means. If openings
or apertures are provided for a plurality of connecting means,
these openings or apertures are preferably offset to one another
in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the erecting
means (of the post).
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In order to protect the one or more connecting means, it can be
provided in the course of a further development of the tracking
device according to the invention, that the openings or apertures
mentioned have terminal cross-sectional extensions (tulips).
In this context, another highly advantageous development of the
tracking device according to the invention provides that the one
or more connecting means is/are passed through the respective
guide in the erecting means and is/are connected to the
supporting means at a respective second attachment point.
Preferably, the two attachment points for each connecting means
are arranged symmetrically with respect to the erecting means or
the respective guide.
In this context, in a further development of the invention of the
tracking device according to the invention it can also be
provided that the motor means are configured to move the one or
more connecting means past a location of the respective motor
element (of the respective motor unit). In this case, the motor
means are also configured to immobilize or fix the one or more
connecting means against a tilting moment exerted by the
supporting means and/or hinge means. As already mentioned, said
immobilizing can be effected by friction, force and/or form
fitting.
When the one or more connecting means is/are immobilized at the
supporting means at two attachment points, an (active)
reciprocating movement of the supporting means relative to the
erecting means can be achieved in a simple manner principally
without the necessity for the restoring force described above.
The abovementioned immobilization against the tilting moment
exerted by the supporting means and/or the hinge means or the
weight force of the solar active element, serves, in particular,
maintain tension at the one or more connecting means in order to
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achieve a defined and permanent orientation of the supporting
means or of the active element.
Yet another development of the tracking device according to the
invention provides that the hinge means have a plurality of hinge
elements which can preferably be configured as an elastomer
hinge, as a rubber hinge, as a spring hinge or the like.
Preferably, in this context, at least an equal number of
connecting means is provided, in particular one connecting means
per hinge element, which several connecting means are most
preferably arranged parallel to one other. In this way, a defined
and safe pivoting of the supporting means or the solar active
element about a pivot axis is made possible, which is defined by
the geometry of the arrangement of the individual hinge elements.
A still further development of the tracking device according to
the invention provides that the supporting means are configured
as a back support structure for the active element, preferably in
the form of a support plate or a support frame. In principle,
however, it is within the scope of the invention that the
supporting means are configured as part or even as an integral
part of the active element, and supplement the remaining tracking
device in the manner described by forming or providing attachment
points for the one or more connecting means.
In the context of a further embodiment of the tracking device
according to the invention it has proven to be extremely
advantageous if the motor means are electrically operated, i.e.,
configured in the form of electric motors. Preferably, the motor
means are operable independently of a mains connection, in
particular by providing corresponding electrical energy storage
means, such as rechargeable batteries or the like.
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In the context of yet another development, the tracking device
according to the invention can also have a control unit for the
motor means. Said control unit is preferably configured as a
programmable control unit (processor unit) and is most preferably
used to orient the supporting means or the solar active elements
in a calendar-determined manner according to the position of the
sun. In this context, the term "calendar-determined" means that
use of the fact is made that the position of the sun is very
precisely known or computable at a given place on earth as a
function of a calendar-specific date (day and time). In this way,
it is possible to dispense with the provision of complex tracking
means or the like which would otherwise make the tracking device
according to the invention more expensive. In the context of a
calendar-based determination, the position of the sun is not
actively detected, rather it is presumed to be known on the basis
of calendar considerations. The tracking is then carried out by
the control unit according to the described calendar-based
determination.
A first development of the energy recovery device according to
the invention provides that an energy store is present that is
operatively linked to the solar active element. Depending on the
type of the active element, this can be, for example, an
accumulator or another means for storing electrical energy, or a
thermal energy store. Preferably, said energy store serves to
provide energy recovered by the energy recovery device or the
solar active element for operating the tracking device. Since
both the motor means and the control unit require electrical
energy for operation according to a preferred embodiment of the
tracking device according to the invention, it has proven to be
particularly advantageous if the energy store is configured as an
accumulator. In this way, the energy recovery device or the
tracking device is largely self-sufficient in operation; in
particular, it is not necessary to provide an expensive mains
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connection for operating the tracking device or the energy
recovery device.
Another development of the energy recovery device according to
the invention provides that said energy recovery device further
comprises a grid feed which, if appropriate, can have an inverter
or the like in order to be able to feed the energy obtained into
an energy supply network. Preferably, this energy supply network
is a power grid when the energy recovery device is equipped with
a photovoltaic active element or the like.
Finally, another development of the energy recovery device
according to the invention provides that said energy recovery
device additionally has a communication link, via which
communication link the motor means and/or the control unit can be
controlled. In addition, the communication link is suitable for
querying function parameters of the active element, for example,
for determining a currently available power. The communications
link may be wired or wireless, with a wireless design having cost
advantages.
A particularly cost-effective embodiment of a tracking device and
an energy recovery device based thereon can be implemented in the
desired manner by the use of flexible connecting means
operatively linked to suitable motor or drive means or by the use
of elastic hinge elements in conjunction with motor-driven
connecting means.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the following description of exemplary
embodiments with reference to the drawings.
Figure 1 shows schematically a first embodiment of the energy
recovery device according to the invention;
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Figure 2 shows a detail of the energy recovery device of Figure
1;
Figure 3 shows the energy recovery device of Figure 1 in a
pivoted operating state;
Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the energy recovery device of
Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows schematically a further embodiment of the energy
recovery device according to the invention;
Figure 6 shows a bottom view, in particular, of the energy
recovery device of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows schematically a further embodiment of the energy
recovery device according to the invention;
Figure 8 shows schematically yet another embodiment of the energy
recovery device according to the invention or of a corresponding
tracking device;
Figure 9 shows schematically an embodiment of the energy recovery
device according to the invention with strongly pivoted
supporting means;
Figure 10 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the
energy recovery device according to the invention with a combi
hinge for the purpose of improved pivotability of the supporting
means;
Figure 11 shows schematically, in a view from below, an energy
recovery device according to the invention with crossed
connecting means;
Figure 12 shows the energy recovery device of Figure 11 in a side
view;
Figure 13 shows schematically an energy recovery device according
to the invention with a pretension means for adjusting the spring
action;
Figure 14 shows schematically an embodiment of the energy
recovery device according to the invention with a protective
element for the elastic hinge element; and
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Figure 15 shows the embodiment according to Figure 14 in a
pivoted state of the supporting means.
Figure 1 shows schematically an embodiment of the energy recovery
device according to the invention, which is denoted in its
entirety by the reference numeral 1. Energy recovery device 1
comprises a tracking device 2 according to the invention, whose
construction will be described in more detail below, which
tracking device 2 is configured for moving a photovoltaic module
(photovoltaic active element) 3, which active element 3 is
represented as a hatched, plate-shaped element in Figure 1. The
active element 3 is electrically connected with an energy store
5, for example an accumulator, via a line 4. Reference numeral 6
indicates a grid feed for the electrical energy recovered;
optional inverters or the like are not explicitly included in the
drawing. Energy store 5 is electrically connected to components
of tracking device 2 via another line 7, in order to supply
tracking device 2 with electrical energy. This will also be
discussed in more detail below.
First, tracking device 2 comprises post-like erecting means 8 as
well as supporting means 9, which supporting means 9 are arranged
at the back of active element 3 for supporting the same.
Supporting means 9 can be configured in the form of a support
plate, a support frame or in any other suitable manner. Hinge
means 10 are arranged between an upper part 8a of the erecting
means 8 and the supporting means 9, which hinge means hingedly
connect supporting means 9 and erecting means 8. Preferably,
hinge means 10 are configured in the form of a spring hinge or
elastomer hinge and provide for a hinged connection between
supporting means 9 and the active element 3 on the one hand, and
erecting means 8 on the other hand. Advantageously, the hinged
connection is associated with a restoring force directed in the
direction of the resting position of the supporting means 9 shown
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in Figure 1 as soon as supporting means 9 are moved out of the
initial or resting position shown in Figure 1 relative to
erecting means 8 (cf., Figure 3).
At a bottom 9a of the supporting means 9 facing erecting means 8
there are two attachment points P1, P2 for a flexible connecting
means 11 in the form of a steel cable or the like. Connecting
means 11 is hingedly connected with supporting means 9 by its one
end at attachment point P1 and by its other end at attachment
point P2. In this context, the hinged connection itself may be
formed due to the flexible design of the connecting means 11,
while the connection of connecting means 11 at supporting means 9
in the area of attachment points Pl, P2 is not configured in a
hinged manner.
At reference numeral 12, connecting means 11 is passed through
erecting means 8 in the area of a corresponding aperture, which
aperture 12 extends between two opposing sides 8b, 8c of erecting
means 8, which erecting means 8 here specifically have a square
cross-section (cf., Figure 4).
In the figures, the clear span of aperture 12 is shown
exaggerated in order to simplify the illustration; in the area of
aperture 12 the path of the connecting means is shown only
symbolically in Figure 1, and in particular also in Figures 5 and
7 (cf., Figure 2 for a more realistic representation). In the
area of aperture 12, connecting means 11 interact with motor
means, which motor means are provided with reference numeral 13.
Motor means 13 comprise the actual motor element or actual motor
unit 14, which is configured here as an electric motor. Motor
unit 14 drives a friction wheel 15, which friction wheel 15
performs rotational movements according to double arrow P3 and
thereby interacts with its outer circumference in a frictional or
force-fitting manner with connecting means 11. Furthermore, motor
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means 13 comprise a motor control unit 16. Motor means 13, i.e.,
in particular motor unit 14 and control unit 16, are provided
with electrical energy via the line 7 from energy store 5.
Motor means 14 interact with connecting means 11 in the area of
the aperture or guide 12 via friction wheel 15 in such a manner
so that connecting means 11 - depending on the direction of
rotation P3 of friction wheel 15 - can be moved in a
reciprocating manner according to double arrow P4 and can also be
locked in virtually any desired position. Correspondingly, a
distance of the attachment points P1, P2 changes with respect to
erecting means 8, which leads to a tilting or pivoting of
supporting means 9 with respect to active element 3, which
tilting or pivoting is made possible by hinge means 10 (see
below, Figure 3). In the tilted state of supporting means 9 or
active element 3 the hinge means 10 generate a restoring force in
the direction of the initial position shown in Figure 1 which
restoring force is compensated by means of a friction wheel 15
mediated holding force on connecting means 11 in order to
maintain supporting means 9 or the active element 3 in the tilted
position. The return movement back to the initial position
according to Figure 1 can also be supported by reversing the
direction of rotation of friction wheel 15 or motor unit 14. All
of this takes place according to control unit 16, which
preferably is configured as a programmable control unit for this
purpose. Specifically, control unit 16 includes calendar data and
position data (e.g., via GPS), which data make possible to set a
tilted position of supporting means 9 or active element 3
depending on a current date and a current time in order to orient
active element 3 as beneficial as possible with respect to the
position of the sun (cf., Figure 3).
In order to prevent damage to the connecting means 11 in the area
where connecting means 11 exits aperture 12, a special embodiment
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according to Figure 2 provides that guide 12 has a tulip, i.e. a
cross-sectional enlargement 12b, at its end sections 12a, in
order to gently guide connecting means 11, as illustrated
schematically in Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows the energy recovery device 1 in the deflected or
tilted position of supporting means 9 or of the active element 3,
as described above. Identical reference numerals denote the same
or at least equally acting elements here and in all other
figures.
Figure 3 clearly shows the bend in the area of hinge means 10,
which advantageously results in the restoring force in the
direction of the initial position according to Figure 1, as
mentioned above. Figure 3 also clearly shows how the distance of
attachment points P1 and P2 has changed relative to erecting
means 8 because connecting means 11 has been moved through guide
12 from left to right by the corresponding action of motor means
13. In the area of guide 12 friction wheel 15 holds connecting
means 11 in the deflected position shown against the restoring
force of elastic hinge means 10.
Preferably, points P1 and P2 are arranged in such a way that,
particularly in the case of the tilting shown in Figure 3,
connecting means (cable) 11 does not have a vertically downwardly
directed component.
Sun S and radiation emitted by the sun S' are also shown
symbolically in Figure 3, wherein in the position shown in Figure
3, the sunrays S' impinge perpendicularly, i.e., in the direction
of a surface normal, on the active element 3, resulting in a
maximum efficiency of the active element 3.
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In order to return to the initial position according to Figure 1
from the position shown in Figure 3, it may already suffice to
partially release friction wheel 15, whereupon a tilting moment
of the arrangement or the restoring force of hinge means 10
provides for a movement of supporting means 9 or of active
element 3 back in the initial position according to Figure 1. Of
course, the return movement can be suitably supported by motor
means 13 (reversing the direction of rotation of the motor).
For reasons of clarity, only one connecting means 11 is shown in
Figures 1 and 3. As shown by the bottom view of supporting means
9 according to Figure 4, tracking device 2 advantageously has two
guides or apertures 12, 12' for respective two connecting means
11, 11' in the upper area of erecting means 8, wherein guides 12,
12' and connecting means 11, 11' are arranged orthogonally with
respect to one another, i.e., at an angle of 90 , with respect to
the projection onto the bottom 9a of supporting means 9. In this
case, apertures 12, 12' are located at different heights with
respect to erecting means 8 so that connecting means 11, 11' do
not collide with one another during operation. The motor means
are not shown in Figure 4 for reasons of clarity; in principle, a
separate motor element may be provided for each connecting means
11, 11'. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide
only one common motor unit for acting on both connecting means
11, 11', which then acts on a respective friction wheel for each
of the connecting means 11, 11' via a suitable gear arrangement.
According to Figure 4, the movement of connecting means 11, 11'
takes place in accordance with arrows P4 and P4', as described
above for the connecting means 11 with reference to Figure 1 and
Figure 3. In this way, even more complex tracking movements can
be implemented because more than one tilting or pivoting axis is
available.
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In principle, the invention is not limited to a specific number
of connecting means 11, 11' or to specific angular arrangements
of the connecting means relative to one another.
Preferably, all apertures or guides 12, 12', in particular
according to Figure 4, have a tulip-shaped configuration
according to Figure 2 at their open ends, in order to preserve
the inserted connecting means 11, 11'.
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the energy recovery
device or the tracking device, which are denoted with the
reference symbols 1' or 2' in Figure 5. By contrast to the
embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, in place of a friction wheel in
conjunction with motor means 13, there is provided a coil 15',
which can be rotated according to the double arrow P3 by motor
unit 14 according to control unit 16. Spool 15' serves to roll up
the end of connecting means 11, which is not attached to
supporting means 9 at attachment point P1 in the manner
described.
In this way, the movement of connecting means 11 according to the
double arrow P4 is effected by rolling up or unrolling connecting
means 11 onto or from coil 15', which in turn causes supporting
means 9 to tilt or pivot with active element 3. In this case, in
addition to the aforementioned tilting of supporting means 9 with
active element 3, rolling up connecting mean 11 onto coil 15'
causes a restoring force into the initial position according to
Figure 5 as a result of the deflection of hinge means 10 (cf.,
Figure 3) so that supporting means 9 with active element 3 can
then again move back into the position according to Figure 5 by
releasing coil 15'.
It is, of course, within the scope of the invention to provide a
further coil analogous to 15' and a further connecting means (not
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shown) which further connecting means is attached at supporting
means 9 at a further attachment point analogous to P2 analogously
to connecting means 11 according to Figure 1 or Figure 3. In this
way, the return movement into the initial position according to
Figure 5 could be actively effected by rolling up or unrolling
said further connecting means.
As the bottom view according to Figure 6 shows, three guides 12,
12', 12" and corresponding connecting means 11, 11', 11" can be
provided in a further development of the embodiment according to
Figure 5, which are arranged at a relative angle of 1200, the
representation of the corresponding motor means or coils being
omitted for reasons of clarity. By rolling up or unrolling
connecting means 11 and/or connecting means 11' and/or connecting
means 11" more complex movements of supporting means 9 or of the
active element located thereon (not shown in Figure 6) can be
achieved. Specifically and without limitation, erecting means
(posts) 8 have a circular cross-section.
As already indicated, further connecting means and associated
motor means may also be present in the embodiment according to
Figure 6, wherein said further connecting means would preferably
extend in the extension of connecting means 11 or 11' or 11" in
order to be able to actively effect the return movement into the
initial position according Figure 5.
It should also be noted that the embodiment according to Figure 4
is, of course, not limited to a right-angled relative arrangement
of the connecting means shown therein or to the provision of
exactly two such connecting means, cf. Figure 6.
Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of energy recovery device 1
or tracking device 2, which largely corresponds to the embodiment
in Figure 1 or Figure 3. It is noteworthy, however, that hinge
CA 02958260 2017-02-15
means 10 extend starting from the top 8a of erecting means 8 into
the area of a depression 9b at the bottom 9a of supporting means
9. This has the advantage that a lateral distance of supporting
means 9 from erecting means 8 can be reduced when supporting
means 9 is pivoted or tilted with active element 3 (cf., Figure
3), which is favorable to the prevailing forces. In particular,
it may be easier in this way to move supporting means 9 or active
element 3 back into the initial position according to Figure 7.
As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
embodiment according to Figure 7 can be used both with the basic
embodiment of energy recovery device 1 according to Figure 1 and
Figure 3 as well as with the basic embodiment of energy recovery
device l' according to Figure 5.
Finally, Figure 8 schematically shows yet another embodiment of
at least the tracking device according to the invention, which is
denoted here by reference numeral 2".
Here, two post-like erecting means 8, 8' are provided, which have
hinge means 10, 10' at their respective top. Respective
connecting means 11, 11' extend in the area of respective
apertures or guides 12, 12' between attachment points Pl, P2 or
P1' or P2'. Here, connecting means 11, 11' run parallel to one
another, which allows pivoting or tilting movements of supporting
means 9 together with active element 3 about a pivot axis SA
(dashed-dotted line). This is symbolized in Figure 8 by means of
the double arrows P5. Particularly in this embodiment of the
invention, the connecting means need not necessarily be
configured as flexible elements. A rigid configuration is also
possible and is basically not limited to the embodiment according
to Figure 8.
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In this way there is only one pivot axis SA, in particular in
contrast to the two pivot axes according to Figure 4 or Figure 6,
the stability of the arrangement, however, is significantly
increased.
It should be noted at this point that even a single-axis tracking
system offers significant advantages over rigidly mounted active
elements 3 in view of the attainable efficiency.
The basic embodiment according to Figure 8 is, of course, not
limited to the provision of two erecting means 8, 8' with
corresponding hinge means 10, 10', but can be extended as desired
in any case in order to reliably track in particular large-area
heavy active elements 3.
Moreover, the invention is not limited with respect to the motor
and connecting means utilized. For example, another embodiment of
the invention, which is not explicitly shown, provides that the
motor means have suitable gearwheels instead of friction wheels
or coils which gearwheels interact with chain-shaped connecting
means for a suitable reciprocating movement in order to move the
supporting means.
Common to all the embodiments shown and described is a
particularly simple configuration of both the hinge and the
movement means in order to enable cost-effective tracking with
correspondingly increased efficiency. In this case, the
combination of elastic hinge means, which function as restoring
means, together with flexible connecting means is optimal.
Figure 9 shows schematically an embodiment of energy recovery
device 1 according to the invention or of a tracking device 2
according to the invention, in which the same reference numerals
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denote the same or at least equally acting elements as in the
preceding figures.
According to Figure 9, the shown hinge means 10 is formed
specifically and without limitation as a coil spring which is
arranged at the upper end of post-like erecting means 8.
Supporting means 9 are shown in a position in which they are
inclined almost 90 with respect to the horizontal. This can
adversely result in very high stress on elastic hinge element 10;
in addition, supporting means 9 become vertically very unstable
due to the high inherent/payload weight in the position shown.
In order to provide a remedy in this regard, a special
development of energy recovery device 1 or of tracking device 2
according to Figure 10 provides for implementing a so-called
combi hinge instead of the simple elastic hinge element 10 shown
in Figure 9, which combi hinge further provides for a so-called
classic hinge 10" which may be, for example, a cross hinge
(cross bearings) or a ball hinge (spherical bearing) in addition
to the aforementioned elastic hinge element 10 which in turn can
be configured as a coil spring.
According to the embodiment in Figure 10, the classic joint 10"
is arranged at the distal end of elastic hinge element 10. As
shown by the representation in Figure 10, in this way, in order
to achieve pivoting of supporting means 9 by almost 90 with
respect to the horizontal, it is no longer necessary to possibly
excessively stress elastic hinge element 10. According to the
representation in Figure 10, the deformation of elastic hinge
element 10 only causes a pivoting of supporting means 9 by an
angle a which can be approximately 45 . The further pivoting
results from the presence of the classic hinge 10", as a result
of which elastic hinge element 10 is subjected to less stress
than in Figure 9.
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As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
implementation of the combi hinge shown by way of example with
reference to Figure 10 is not limited to the particular
arrangement shown of coil spring 10 and classic joint 10". For
example, classic hinge 10" could also be arranged directly at
the post-like erecting means 8, and elastic hinge element 10
could be correspondingly arranged downstream. The provision of
more than one elastic hinge element 10 and/or more than one
classic hinge 10" is also possible. Various types of classic
hinges 10" can also be used.
Figure 11 shows in a view from below - approximately
corresponding to the representation in Figure 4 or Figure 6 - an
embodiment of energy recovery device 1 or tracking device 2
according to the invention, wherein a number of cross-connected
connecting means 11, 11' are provided. Shown is a view from below
on supporting means 9, wherein reference numeral 10 again
indicates the location of the at least one elastic hinge element.
Connecting means 11, 11' are attached to support means 9 at
points Pl, P2 or P1', P2'. They extend from said attachment
points Pl, P2 and P1', P2' to a common attachment point in each
case, which is denoted by the reference numerals PO and PO',
respectively. This last-mentioned attachment point PO, PO' is
located, for example, at ground E or another fixed location
according to the side view in Figure 12. It is important here
that point PO is closer to points P1', P2' than to points P1, P2.
The same is true, vice versa, for point PO'. In this way,
connecting means 11, 11' shown run crosswise which increases a
rotational stability in the plane of the support or supporting
means 9.
The motor means, which are operatively linked to connecting means
11, 11' for moving supporting means 9, are not shown in Figures
11 and 12 for reasons of clarity.
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Figure 13 schematically shows how the spring action of elastic
hinge element 10, which again is configured specifically and
without limitation as a coil spring, can be specifically adjusted
or dosed. For this purpose, pretension means 17 is provided,
which can be configured, for example, in the manner shown:
Pretension means 17 comprises two parts 17a, 17b, the first 17a
of which is attached, without limitation, to ground E or another
suitable structure. The second part 17b is attached to supporting
means 9 and can specifically extend through elastic hinge element
10, in particular when hinge element 10 is configured as a coil
spring, as shown in Figure 13. The free ends of parts 17a, 17b
are connected by means of a suitable tensioning device 17c, in
order to implement pretension means 17 by means of which (by
actuation of tensioning device 17c) a pretension of elastic
element 10 can be specifically influenced in order to set or dose
the spring action thereof. In this context reference numeral 8'
denotes a suitable abutment for elastic hinge element 10 in order
to be able to build up the desired pretension. Abutment 8' can,
in particular - but without limitation - be a component of the
erecting means, which are not further indicated in Figure 13. In
the course of a specific embodiment of energy recovery device 1
or tracking device 2, it can be provided, for example, that
pretension means 17 is essentially completely located in the
interior of post-like erecting means 8 (not shown in Figure 13).
Abutment 8' can then be arranged at the upper end of the
aforementioned erecting means.
According to Figure 13, tensioning device 17c is configured in a
manner known per se and permits a reduction in the distance
between parts 17a and 17b of pretension means 17 by a simple
screw movement. However, the invention is in no way limited to
CA 02958260 2017-02-15
such an embodiment of the tensioning device, as readily
appreciated by the person skilled in the art.
Figure 14 shows schematically a specific development of energy
recovery device 1 or tracking device 2 according to the
invention, in which additionally a protective element or
stabilizing element 18 surrounding elastic hinge element 10 like
a bellows (accordion) is present at the upper end of the post-
like erecting means 8 in addition to the elastic hinge element
10, which again is specifically configured as a coil spring.
Protective element 18 is intended to prevent supporting means 9
from rotating about the longitudinal axis of elastic hinge
element 10 (torsional movement). In this way, the stability of
the overall arrangement and thus also the useful life of elastic
hinge element 10 can be increased. In addition, protective
element 18 also protects elastic element 10 from external damage,
since it completely surrounds elastic hinge element 10 according
to the sectional views in Figures 14 and 15. In this case,
protective element 18 bridges the space between the end of the
post-like erecting means 8 and supporting means 9, as shown.
Specific implementations of protective element 18 are not limited
to the type shown in exemplary fashion in Figures 14 and 15. In
principle, any type of protective element suitable for
effectively preventing the described rotation about the
longitudinal axis of elastic hinge element 10 can be used.
Moreover, the use of the described protective element is not
limited to arrangements which exclusively comprise an elastic
hinge element 10 as hinge means. A protective element of this
type can also be used, in particular, in the embodiment according
to Figure 10, which in addition comprises a classic joint 10".
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In this case, it is possible in principle for the protective
element to surround both the first hinge element 10 and the
classic hinge 10" in a protective manner. However, it is also
within the scope of the invention that only one of said hinge
means is surrounded or protected by the protective element.
As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, in a most
preferred embodiment of the energy recovery device 1 or tracking
device 2 according to the invention, it can be provided that said
energy recovery device 1 or tracking device 2 comprises all the
feature complexes described with reference to Figures 10 to 15 in
any combinations. In particular, an embodiment is within the
scope of the invention in which embodiment a protective element,
a pretension means and a cross-over arrangement of the connecting
means are also used in addition to the combi hinge described.
In this way, it is possible to implement a flexible and
permanently usable arrangement with relatively simple means.
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