TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to thin-film modules mounted on a multi-angle tilting structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to frameless tilting structures for mounting thin-film photovoltaics. 5
BACKGROUND
This section is intended to provide information relating to the general state of the art and thus any approach/functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as a prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.
The crystalline photovoltaic (CPV) panels have been used commercially for 10 generation of solar power. Generally, the CPV panels are fabricated from a single pure ingot of silicon and are pigeon-holed by higher costs with better light to electricity conversion ratio. For several years, these CPV panels are considered to be the most efficient and dependable sources to generate electricity from solar power. 15
Further, these CPV panels have been used over several other years while their shapes and sizes are generally compatible with many mounting structure and tracking system. Currently, there are various types of tracking systems being used worldwide. One of which is a single axis tracking system, wherein said single axis tracking system may be one of an automotive system that automatically 20 changes the tilt of the entire structure and a manual system for serving the same purpose. However, the automotive tracking systems are cumbersome in nature due to the mechanism that these systems inherent and which further involve higher production cost.
In further proliferation, the manual tracking system comprises a mechanical 25 structure with a provision to implement change in a module tilt. The module is
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used to clamp the CPV panel. Therefore, in an event, an operator reorients the mechanical structure using a latching mechanism, the higher end of the module may be positioned vertically higher or lower from the ground, wherein said manual tracking systems may have to be changed several times a year. However, the manual tracking systems are compatible only with the framed CPV panels 5 and do not work effectively for frameless CPV panels. However, the mounting structures and tracking system have a limitation in terms of compatibility for frameless thin-film photovoltaic panels.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art to propose an improved photovoltaic mounting structure and tracking system for mounting the thin-film photovoltaic 10 (TPV) panels without having requirement of a frame structure for holding the TPV panels. Further, there is a need in the art to provide a simple yet effective mechanism for optimum positioning of the TPV panels only though single axial movement of the TPV panel in one of the north direction and south direction, thereby avoiding cumbersome mechanism of positioning the TPV in various axial 15 direction. Furthermore, there is a requirement of providing an extremely rigid photovoltaic mounting structure and tracking system for preventing damage during the tilting process having a simple assembly that allows for rapid onsite deployment due to the lesser requirement of assembly tools and thereby reducing the installation time. Moreover, there is a need in the art to provide a 20 photovoltaic mounting structure and tracking system which utilizes minimum usage of materials thereby reducing overall weight and associated cost.
SUMMARY
This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed 25 description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
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In view of the shortcomings of existing systems, as discussed in the background section, it is apparent that there exists a need to provide a mounting assembly for mounting frameless thin-film photovoltaic panels with various tilt angle system (manual) consists of arrays of photovoltaic cells. Another objective of the present invention is to provide photovoltaic mounting structure for mounting 5 frameless thin-film photovoltaic panels. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a manual photovoltaic tracking system for tracking frameless thin-film photovoltaic panel through only a single axial movement. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic assembly which is simple in construction and deployment. Yet another objective of the 10 present invention is to provide a photovoltaic assembly which cost effective. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide improve the efficiency of the frameless thin-film photovoltaic panels.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a tracking system/a mounting assembly for mounting an array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell, the mounting 15 assembly comprising: a column post mounted at a plane through a first end; at least one rafter placed on a rafter holder, wherein the rafter holder is movably connected at a second end of the column post for holding the at least one rafter, and the array of the thin-film photovoltaic cell is mounted on a surface of the at least one rafter; and at least one angle movably attached between the column 20 post and the at least one rafter for providing mechanical stability to the at least one rafter, wherein the rafter holder is provisioned to rotate the at least one rafter in one of a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 25
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis 5 instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the invention, but the possible variants of the system according to the invention are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the invention.
FIG.1 illustrates a sectional view of the mounting assembly [100] of a frameless 10 thin-film photovoltaic panel [122], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.1a and 1b illustrate cross-sectional views of a plurality of components of the mounting assembly [100] of a frameless thin-film photovoltaic panel [122], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 15
FIG.2a illustrates a sectional view of a column posts [110], an angle graduation [170] and at least one rafter [120] connection of the mounting assembly [100], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.2b illustrates a tilt mechanism between the at least one rafter [120] and the angle graduation [170] with respect to the ground, in accordance with an 20 embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.3 illustrates a sectional view of the angle graduation [170], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
It may be evident to skilled artisans that mechanical components in the figures are only illustrative, for simplicity and clarity, and have not necessarily been 25 drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the mechanical
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components in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other components to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of 5 embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practised without these specific details or with additional details that may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not 10 address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different 15 drawings.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tracking system for mounting an array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] on a mounting assembly [100], wherein the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] held by at least one rafter [120] of the mounting assembly [100]. The mounting assembly [100] is configured to 20 efficiently rotate the at least one rafter [120] in one of a clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction depending on the direction of the sun. The mounting assembly [100] is configured to rotate the at least one rafter [120], either automatically or manually. Using one of the manual and automatic rotation mechanism, the invention encompasses adjusting one of a tilt and/or an angle of 25 the mounting assembly [100].
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The thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] as used herein may include, but are not limited to, a solar panel, a photovoltaic (PV) module and any such cell obvious to a person skilled in the art. The mounting assembly [100] for the thin-film photovoltaic panels [122] collects solar radiations from the sun and from sunlight reflected off the ground or area surrounding the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122]. 5
Further, the tracking system [100] may be installed on a holder, a roof of a house, a street light, a wall or any such place/position obvious to a person skilled in the art.
As illustrated in FIG.1, the present invention illustrates a sectional view of the mounting assembly [100] of a frameless thin-film photovoltaic panel, in 10 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting assembly [100] comprises of, but not limited to, a column post [110], at least one rafter [120], at least one angle [130], a ground level [140], at least one rail [150], an array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] mounted on the at least one rafter [120] and a rafter-post joint [200]. 15
The column post [110] comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the column post [110] is configured to mount at a ground level [140] and in an alternative embodiment, the first end of the column post [110] is mounted below the ground level [140]. Further, the second end of the column post [110] is movably connected a rafter holder [180] for holding the at least one rafter [120]. 20
The at least one rafter [120] is configured to hold an array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122]. The at least one rafter [120] is movably connected at the second end of the column post [110] through the rafter holder [180]. Further, the rafter holder [180] is provisioned to rotate and/or tilt the at least one rafter [120] in one of a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction. 25
The at least one angle [130] is configured to movably attached between the column post [110] and the at least one rafter [120] for providing mechanical
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stability to the at least one rafter [120]. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one angle [130] is attached in the middle of the column post [110] along its length. The at least one angle [130] is attached in an opposite direction on the different face of the column post [110]. The at least one angle [130] is further configured to provide support for the at least one rafter [120] that runs 5 transversely, in perpendicular to the line joining the column post [110].
The at least one rail [150] is configured to guide the array of the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] placed on the at least one rafter [120]. The thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] is removed, inserted or fixed on a surface of the at least one rafter [120] through the at least one rail [150]. The at least one rail [150] is 10 further configured to provide a channel and/or path to the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] and to hold the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122]. The at least one angle [130] is aligned in a manner in which the at least one rail [150] is configured to longitudinally and subsequently attached to the at least one angle [130].
In the rafter-post joint [200], the at least one rafter [120] mounted on the rafter 15 holder [180], may be connected to the second end of the column post [110] through a center pin [160], wherein the joint is configured movable for performing tilting mechanism.
As illustrated in FIG.1a and 1b, the present invention illustrates cross-sectional views of a plurality of components of the mounting assembly [100] of the 20 frameless thin-film photovoltaic panel [122], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1a illustrates at least one clip [132] mounted on the at least one rafter [120] to provide mechanical support and to hold the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122]. FIG. 1b illustrates at least one fastener [124] configured to movably connect the at least one angle [130] and the at least one 25 rafter [120]. The at least one fastener [124] provides strength to the at least one angle [130] and the at least one rafter [120].
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As illustrated in FIG.2a, the present invention illustrates the sectional view of the column posts [110], an angle graduation [170] and the at least one rafter [120] connection of the mounting assembly [100], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the FIG. 2a, the at least one rafter [120] mounted on the rafter holder [180], may be connected to the second end of the 5 column post [110] through a centre pin [160]. The centre pin [160] holds the angle graduation [170] which is configured to provide a manual tracking mechanism for tracking the mounting assembly [100] at a certain angle which is indicated by a scale (in degrees), which may be easily tracked and altered as per the requirement. The angle graduation [170] movably placed between the rafter 10 holder [180] and the second end of the column post [110]. The centre pin [160] is further configured to allow movement of the at least one rafter [120].
As illustrated in FIG.2b, the present invention illustrates a tilting mechanism between the at least one rafter [120] and the angle graduation [170] with respect to the ground level [140], in accordance with an embodiment of the 15 present invention. A user may tilt the mounting assembly [100] effortlessly and without disturbing the thin-film photovoltaic panels [122] which are achieved through a simple fastener-in-socket arrangement. The tilting mechanism for the mounting assembly [100] comprises placing the at least one rafter [120] on a tilting coupler consists of a bore of suitable size at its base. The bore includes at 20 least one nut and a bolt [172] to hold the center pin [160] which acts as the main hinge for supporting and moving the at least one rafter [120]. The center pin [160] is in a position by a locking bolt (172). Loosening of the locking bolt (172) enables free lateral movements of the at least one rafter [120] which essentially translates into a change of tilt angle of the modules placed on the top. Further, 25 the manual tilting mechanism as encompassed by the present invention enables the user to tilt the structure effortlessly without disturbing the thin film modules [122]. The arrangement may contain and track frameless thin film modules [122] automatically or manually at required intervals of time.
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As illustrated in FIG.3, the present invention illustrates a sectional view of the angle graduation [170], in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The angle graduation [170] is configured to have a uniformity in tilt angle. A needle of the angle graduation [170] guides the rotation angle. The entire table top is tilted as per the required angle at all time. 5
The present invention further encompasses an automatic mechanism for changing the tilt of the mounting assembly [100] that allows automatic positioning of the mounting assembly [100] based on one of a weather condition, a change in climate, an angle at which the sunlight is received at maximum, a time, or a combination thereof. The mounting assembly [100] may 10 be implemented using one of a preconfigured or dynamic software instructions, a hardware and a combination thereof to operate as per the automatic mechanism. Further, the automatic mechanism may be performed using a remote control of a user.
The present invention encompasses positioning plurality of the column posts 15 [110] vertically and anchored in the ground. On the second end of each column post, a profiled element is embedded, wherein the profiled element may be a component whose cross-section is essentially constant over an entire length. Usually, the profiled elements are made from a piece of sheet material by rolling in a continuous process and cut as required. The sheet material may be made of 20 suitable grade material and as per IS-2062. The material is preferably Hot Dipped Galvanized Iron (of 80-micron thickness) and may be customized as per the requirement.
The present invention further encompasses providing tools for photovoltaic mounting assembly [100] and algorithm to bring out the variation in the amount 25 of sunlight or insolation on a plane surface, at varying degrees of tilt from horizontal. The value of the tilt angles that gave the highest amount average
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insolation at a fixed tilt may be chosen and taken as the first value in the comparison (optimum annual tilt). Subsequently, two values of tilt where the amount of sunlight over the entire year was highest may be taken. It may be observed that the insolation deviation between two varying tilt in the year is 1.68%. This, in turn, translates into a direct gain of cost per unit electricity 5 generated by the thin-film photovoltaic panels as encompasses by the photovoltaic mounting assembly [100] of the present invention.
In a used case scenario, the present invention encompasses providing a log of angels as a reference to guide the user. Two reference tables are depicted below to indicate insolation at single optimum tilt and two different tilt. 10
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Table 1.1 Table 1.2
Insolation at Single Optimum Tilt
Months
Insolation at 28 degree (kWh/m2/month)
Jan
167.3
Feb
188.7
Mar
219
Apr
205.2
May
197.2
Jun
167.1
Jul
139.7
Aug
138.6
Sep
159.7
Oct
196.3
Nov
186.8
Dec
176.8
Yearly
2142.4
Insolation at two different Tilt
Months
Insolation Tilt
Tilt angle
Jan
163.9
25
Feb
185.9
25
Mar
218.3
25
Apr
208
7
May
213.2
7
Jun
185.2
7
Jul
152.7
7
Aug
145.7
7
Sep
156
7
Oct
194.4
25
Nov
183.1
25
Dec
172.5
25
Yearly
2178.9
12
Referring to the above two tables (Table 1.1 and Table 1.2), it appears that annual insolation at two varying tilts (2178.9 kWh/m2) is 1.68% higher than insolation at a single Optimum tilt angle (2142.4 kWh/m2).
Tilting Schedule:
As per seasonal requirement, the tilt angle may vary for e.g. April-September- 7 5 Degree; and October- March- 25 Degree.
Therefore, the seasonal tilting provides an advantage over keeping modules [122] at a single optimum tilt all year long. Furthermore, manually tilting reduces system overall complexity. The present invention encompasses both these advantages for thin-film photovoltaic panels [122]. 10
The present invention provides an immense improvement over the existing mounting assembly and has numerous advantages. Some of these advantages may include, but are not limited to, orienting the mounting assembly [100] of the thin-film photovoltaic panels [122] in a direction and tilt which maximizes the amount of direct sunlight may improve the generation of the electricity. Further, 15 the thin-film photovoltaic panels [122] collects sunlight most efficiently when the rays of the sun are perpendicular to the mounting assembly [100] of the thin-film photovoltaic panels [122]. Also, the mounting assembly [100] tilt angle is the angle (in degrees), taking the horizontal ground surface as a base. As the angle of the sun varies throughout the year, the optimal tilt angle for the mounting 20 assembly in the winter may differ from the optimal tilt angle for the summer. In the summers, when the sun reaches an elevation directly overhead, having the module at a tilt of almost 0 degrees (or 10 degrees) ensures maximum capturing of sunlight. On the other hand, the Sun is comparatively lower in the horizon during winters, and the mounting assembly needs to be raised at one end to 25 have it facing the sun at a relatively perpendicular angle to Sunrays, wherein the tilt angle required to be higher. Moreover, the mounting assembly [100] for
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frameless thin-film photovoltaic panels [122] maximize the amount of direct reflected sunlight off the ground as well as the area surrounding the TPV panels [122].
Though a limited number of the mounting assembly [100], the column post [110], the at least one rafter [120], the at least one angle [130], the at least one 5 rail [150], the center pin [160], the at least one fastener [124], the at least one clip [132], the array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122], the angle graduation [170], have been shown in the figures; however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the overall system of Figure. 1 of the present invention encompasses any number and varied types of the entities/elements such as the 10 mounting assembly [100], the column post [110], the at least one rafter [120], the at least one angle [130], the at least one rail [150], the center pin [160], the at least one fastener [124], the at least one clip [132], the array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122], the angle graduation [170]. The fastener [124] and the clip [132] as used herein may be used interchangeable and include, but not 15 limited to, one of a screw, one of a nut & bolt, a nail, a clip, a buckle, a latch, a pin, a grommet, a clasp and a rivet.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the 20 principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

We claim:
1. A mounting assembly [100] for mounting an array of a thin-film photovoltaic cell [122], the mounting assembly [100] comprising:
a column post [110] mounted at a plane through a first end;
at least one rafter [120] placed on a rafter holder [180], wherein 5
the rafter holder [180] is movably connected at a second end of the column post [110] for holding the at least one rafter [120], and
the array of the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] is mounted on a surface of the at least one rafter [120]; and 10
at least one angle [130] movably attached between the column post [110] and the at least one rafter [120] for providing mechanical stability to the at least one rafter [120], wherein
the rafter holder [180] is provisioned to rotate the at least one rafter [120] in one of a clockwise direction and an anti-15 clockwise direction.
2. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an angle graduation [170] movably placed between the rafter holder [180] and the second end of the column post [110].
3. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle 20 graduation [170] is configured to indicate a scale angle between the at least one rafter [120] with respect to the column post [110].
4. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rafter holder [180] and the second end of the column post [110] are movably connected through a centre pin [160]. 25
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5. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the centre pin [160] further configured to hold a titling coupler using at least one nut and a bolt [172].
6. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 5, wherein the centre pin [160] is configured to allow movement of the at least one rafter [120]. 5
7. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the column post [110] is mounted at one of a surface of the plane and inside the plane.
8. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rafter [120] comprising at least one rail [150] to guide the array of 10 the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122] on the at least one rafter [120].
9. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rafter [120] comprising at least one clip [132] to hold the array of the thin-film photovoltaic cell [122].
10. The mounting assembly [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least 15 one angle [130] connected transversely in perpendicular to the column post [110].