DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to cable support systems. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a ladder system for supporting cables of a solar power plant.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, in a solar power plant, electrical cables are carried over a long distance by digging a trench and laying cables therewithin. The trenches are dug in a flat terrain. However, it becomes difficult to dig trenches in a rocky terrain.
Therefore, for solar power plants installed on a rocky terrain, cables are laid above the ground. Cable supporting means such as ladders, trays or meshes are used to support and carry the electrical cables over a long distance. To carry long cables, multiple ladders or trays or meshes are connected to one another over a long distance and are laid over rigid vertical posts erected in the foundation. The posts are erected over the entire solar power plant. However, for carrying cables over a long distance, a separate foundation and separate posts are required which increases cost. Furthermore, the available terrains are undulating in nature which makes it difficult for erecting posts. Also, arrangement of separate posts for cable support means obstructs the access to solar panels.
There is, therefore, felt a need of a support system for cables of a solar power plant that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment satisfies, are as follows.
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a support system for cables of a solar power plant, which requires minimum number of components.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a support system for cables of a solar power plant, which follows non-uniformity of land without any interruption.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a support system for cables of a solar power plant, which is less expensive.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a ladder system for supporting cables of a solar power plant. The ladder system comprises a plurality of ladders of a first type, a plurality of ladders of a second type and a plurality of support structures. The ladders of the second type are configured to be coupled to the ladders of the first type. Each of the support structures comprising a rigid post on which a solar panel of the solar power plant is mounted and a beam configured to be supported on the post. The ladders of the first and the second type, which support the cables of the solar power plant, are configured to be supported on the beams.
In an embodiment, the ladders of the second type are narrower than the ladders of the first type.
In an embodiment, the beam is a cantilever beam.
In an embodiment, the ladder system comprises a cradle clamp configured to hingeably couple the ladders of the first type and the ladders of the second type.
Each of the ladders comprises a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs, wherein the rungs are arranged between the side rails. In an embodiment, each of the ladders comprises a plurality of stiffeners fitted on the side rails.
In an embodiment, one pair of a ladder of the first type and a ladder of the second type is supported on one beam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A support system for cables of a solar power plant, i.e., a ladder system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of a type 1 ladder of the ladder system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1B illustrates a top view of the type 1 ladder of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of a type 2 ladder of the ladder system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2B illustrates a top view of the type 2 ladder of Figure 2A.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the type 2 ladder of Figure 2A connected to type 1 ladder of Figure 1A.
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a post with a cantilever beam, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the type 1 ladder of Figure 1A supported on the beam of Figure 4.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the ladder system of Figure 5.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the type 1 ladder of Figure 1A fitted on the beam of Figure 4.
Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the type 1 ladder supported on the beam with U-bolts of Figure 7.
Figure 9 illustrates a section of the ladder system erected on flat terrain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 illustrates the section of the ladder system of Figure 9 erected on non-uniform terrain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 ladder system
100A ladder of first type
100B ladder of second type
100C support structure
102A side rail of 100A
102B side rail of 100B
104A rung of 100A
104B rung of 100B
105 stiffener
106 post
108 beam
108A first U-bolt
110 second U-bolt
112 foundation
114 cradle clamp
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or ‘coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a support system in the form of a ladder system 100 for cables of a solar power plant which requires minimum number of components, consumes minimum space and also accounts for undulations in the terrain. The ladder system 100 of the present disclosure is now described with reference to Figure 1A to Figure 10.
The ladder system 100 (hereinafter referred to as “ladder system 100”) comprises a plurality of ladders of a first type 100A (hereinafter referred to as “type 1 ladders 100A”), a plurality of ladders of a second type 100B (hereinafter referred to as “type 2 ladders 100B”) and a support structure 100C.
In an embodiment, each of the type 1 ladders 100A comprises two side rails 102A in a spaced-apart configuration and a plurality of rungs 104A securely arranged between the parallel side rails 102A as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B. In an embodiment, a plurality of stiffeners 105 is bolted on each of the side walls of the side rails 102A. In an embodiment, the two side rails 102A and the plurality of rungs 104A are joined together to form the type 1 ladder 100A. The side rails 102A of the type 1 ladder 100A are C-shaped rails. In an embodiment, the stiffeners 105 are bolted on the side walls of the C-shape of the side rails 102A.
In an embodiment, each of the type 2 ladders 100B comprises two side rails 102B in a spaced-apart configuration and a plurality of rungs 104B securely arranged between the side rails 102B, as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. In an embodiment, a plurality of stiffeners 105 is bolted on each of the side walls of the side rails 102B. In an embodiment, the two side rails 102B and a plurality of rungs 104B are joined together to form the type 2 ladder 100B. In an embodiment, the side rails 102B are C-shaped rails. The stiffeners 105 are bolted on the side walls of the C shape of the side rails 102B.
In an embodiment, the type 2 ladder 100B has a width less than the width of the type 1 ladder 100A and the type 2 ladder 100B is connected to the type 1 ladder 100A as depicted in Figure 3. Thus, the rungs 104B are shorter in length than the rungs 104A.
The support structure 100C comprises a post 106 and a beam 108. The post 106 is used for mounting the structure of solar panels. The post 106 is rigidly fixed and erected vertically in the foundation 112 as shown in the Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 8. The post 106 is configured to allow secure fitment of the beam 108, as depicted in Figure 4. In an embodiment, the beam 108 is supported securedly on the post 106 using a first U-bolt 108A as depicted in Figure 4. More specifically, the beam 108 is connected to the posts 106 which are erected for mounting the solar panels. In an embodiment, the beam 108 is a cantilever beam.
In an embodiment, the type 1 ladders 100A are supported on the beams 108 as shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7. The type 1 ladder 100A is secured on the beam 108 using a plurality of second U-bolts 110, as depicted in Figure 6. The beam 108 is configured to support the type 1 ladder 100A and is further configured to provide sufficient ground clearance for the ladders. In an embodiment, one pair of a type 1 ladder 100A and a type 2 ladder 100B are supported on one beam 108.
In an embodiment, the type 2 ladders 100B are connected between the type 1 ladders 100A. The type 2 ladders 100B are connected to the type 1 ladders 100A via a cradle clamp 114 as depicted in Figure 9 and Figure 10. In an embodiment, the side rails 102B of a type 2 ladder 100B are inserted between the side rails 102A of a type 1 ladder 100A. In an embodiment, the cradle clamp 114 is configured to facilitate the ladder system 100 to withstand against the non-uniformity in land on which the ladder system 100 is erected. The cradle clamp 114 acts as a hinge between the type 1 ladder 100A and the type 2 ladder 100B. The relative angular orientation between adjacent ladders is adjusted according to the slope of the terrain using the cradle clamp 114.
A plurality of support structures 100C is configured in a spaced-apart configuration on which the ladders 100A and 100B are supported. The space between adjacent support structures 100C is determined based on the desired space between adjacent solar panels of the solar power plant. The ladders 100A and 100B are connected in a substantially parallel configuration with respect to the ground. In an embodiment, the side walls of the side rails 102A and 102B of the two ladders 100A and 100B are bolted with stiffeners 105, as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 2A. Each of the stiffeners 105 is configured to prevent the side rails 102A and 102B from undergoing out-of-plane deformation.
In an embodiment, the entire ladder system 100 is bolted by using mushroom head garage bolts and groove nuts. In an embodiment, the ladder system 100 is configured to follow the non-uniformity of land without any interruptions.
To lay the type 1 ladder 100A, a beam 108 is connected to the existing posts 106 below the solar panels, thus eliminating need of a separate foundation for support structures for the ladder system. A conventional system requires foundations to be laid at intervals of 1.5m, which occupy more space, whereas in the ladder system 100, no separate foundation is required. The ladder system 100 follows the non-uniformity of land without any interruption and helps to maintain a ground clearance. Also, the cables are laid below the solar panels and hence are not affected due to sunlight and other environmental factors, thereby increasing the life of the cables.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a ladder system for supporting cables of a solar power plant which:
• requires minimum space for installation;
• requires minimum number of components;
• follows non-uniformity of land without any interruption; and
• is less expensive.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A ladder system (100) for supporting cables of a solar power plant, said ladder system (100) comprising:
• a plurality of ladders (100A) of a first type;
• a plurality of ladders (100B) of a second type, said ladders (100B) of said second type are configured to be coupled to said ladders (100A) of said first type; and
• a plurality of support structures (100C), each of said support structures (100C) comprising a rigid post (106) on which a solar panel of the solar power plant is mounted and a beam (108) configured to be supported on the post (106);
wherein said ladders (100A) of said first type and said ladders (100B) of said second type, which support the cables of the solar power plant, are configured to be supported on said beams (108).
2. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ladders (100B) of the second type are narrower than said ladders (100A) of said first type.
3. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said beam (108) is a cantilever beam.
4. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ladder system (100) comprises a cradle clamp (114) configured to hingedly coupled said ladders (100A) of the first type and said ladders (100B) of the second type.
5. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said ladders (100A, 100B) comprises a pair of side rails (102A, 102B) and a plurality of rungs (104A, 104B), wherein said rungs (104A, 104B) are arranged between said side rails (102A, 102B).
6. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of said ladders (100A, 100B) comprises a plurality of stiffeners (105) fitted on said side rails (102A, 102B).
7. The ladder system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one pair of a ladder (100A) of said first type and a ladder (100B) of said second type is supported on one beam (108).