FR3160077A1 - Construction, with flexible roof, configured to hold a solar panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A construction covering a ground (1) comprising a stretched flexible membrane (22) extending above the ground (2) and being held by at least two beams (14) extending above the ground, the construction being characterized in that it comprises a holding structure (30) resting on the beams and configured to hold a solar panel (40) at a distance of at least 10 cm from the membrane, the membrane extending between the holding structure (30) and the ground (2). Figure 1.

Description

Construction, with flexible roof, configured to hold a solar panel

The technical field of the invention concerns constructions combining a rigid frame and a flexible roof, taking the form of a membrane. These include so-called metal-textile constructions. The construction forms a flexible roof held on the ground.

PREVIOUS ART

Photovoltaic panels are usually placed on canopies, covering vehicle parking lots. This has environmental and economic benefits, allowing an increase in the surface area of the photovoltaic park. The canopies supporting the panels are rigid, the rigidity of the canopies being well suited to the function of holding a photovoltaic panel.

Metal-textile constructions have recently been developed, combining a rigid frame holding a flexible membrane, generally made of textile, stretched by the frame. This type of construction is faster to assemble and brighter, as the membrane is generally translucent or diffuses natural light. This type of construction is structurally waterproof, due to the fact that the roof is monolithic. This type of construction has a wide range of uses: carports, pedestrian or passenger shelters, building annexes, commercial area shelters, school yards or sports field covers, and even train station or airport covers.

The invention aims to adapt a shelter using a flexible membrane, so as to be able to support a photovoltaic panel.

An object of the invention is a construction, covering a ground, comprising a stretched flexible membrane, extending above the ground while being held by at least two beams arranged above the ground, the construction being characterized in that it comprises a holding structure, resting on the beams, and configured to hold a solar panel, at a distance of at least 10 cm from the membrane, the membrane extending between the holding structure and the ground.

• des arceaux, s’étendant entre deux poutres;
• des entretoises, s’étendant entre les arceaux, et destinées à recevoir des supports reliés au panneau solaire, les entretoises s’étendant à une distance d’au moins 10 cm de la membrane.

Advantageously, the support structure comprises:

• arches, extending between two beams;
• spacers, extending between the hoops, and intended to receive supports connected to the solar panel, the spacers extending at a distance of at least 10 cm from the membrane.

Beams can be supported by posts or a wall extending from the ground.

The membrane may be suspended from each hoop by ties, each tie extending between a hoop and the membrane. Each tie may extend to a length of at least 10 cm, so that the membrane extends at least 10 cm from the hoop.

• la membrane comporte des fourreaux transversaux;
• une tringle transversale, s’étend dans chaque fourreau transversal, la tringle transversale s’étendant entre deux poutres en formant une courbure ou une pente, de façon que chaque tringle transversale maintient la membrane au-dessus du sol ;
• chaque fourreau transversal comporte au moins une ouverture;
• chaque lien s’étendant entre l’arceau et la tringle transversale, à travers l’ouverture.

According to one possibility:

• the membrane has transverse sheaths;
• a transverse rod, extends in each transverse sleeve, the transverse rod extending between two beams forming a curve or slope, so that each transverse rod holds the membrane above the ground;
• each transverse sheath has at least one opening;
• each link extending between the hoop and the cross rod, across the opening.

Each link can be a flexible cable or a turnbuckle.

Each link can extend to the same length, between a cross rod and a hoop.

Each arch can be connected to a beam by a rectilinear junction piece, inclined relative to the beam, towards the membrane, and extending opposite the membrane.

• la membrane comporte au moins un fourreau latéral, s’étendant parallèlement à une poutre;
• une tringle latérale est insérée dans le fourreau latéral, la tringle latérale étant maintenue en appui sur la poutre.

According to one possibility:

• the membrane comprises at least one lateral sheath, extending parallel to a beam;
• a side rod is inserted into the side sleeve, the side rod being held in support on the beam.

• la poutre comporte une bride, mobile par rapport à la poutre, de façon qu’une hauteur entre la bride et la poutre soit réglable ;
• la bride est configurée pour maintenir la tringle latérale en appui contre la poutre.

According to one possibility:

• the beam has a flange, movable relative to the beam, so that a height between the flange and the beam is adjustable;
• the flange is configured to hold the side rod against the beam.

The membrane may contain fibers. The fibers may be coated in a plastic matrix.

The construction may include several solar panels, with at least three aligned solar panels spaced apart from each other by at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm.

The invention will be better understood by reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below.

FIGURES

There FIG. 1 represents a 3D view of an example of construction according to the invention, forming a shelter.

There FIG. 2 is a front view of the building.

There FIG. 3 is a side view of the building.

There FIG. 4 is a 3D view of the construction, on which some solar panels have been removed.

There FIG. 5 shows a detail of a holding structure, allowing a solar panel to be held.

There FIG. 6 represents another detail of the construction, to illustrate the connection between the membrane and the supporting structure.

There FIG. 7 shows an advantageous structure of a link allowing suspension of the membrane to a hoop.

There FIG. 7 is a section detailing a sheath formed through an opening made in the membrane.

Figures 8A and 8B are details showing the connection between the frame and the membrane.

PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 3 represent a construction 1 comprising a frame 10 holding a roof 20 above a ground 2. In this example, in a non-limiting manner, the construction is a carport.

• la charpente 10 est formée d’éléments métalliques, sachant que d’autres matériaux rigides sont envisageables, par exemple du bois ou des composites ;
• la toiture 20 comporte une membrane 22 souple, par exemple une membrane textile comportant des fibres de polyester, de préférence enduites de PVC. L’enduction de PVC permet de protéger les fibres de polyester contre le rayonnement solaire, notamment ultraviolet, ou l’abrasion sous l’effet de la pluie. La membrane 22 peut être recouverte d’un vernis acrylique ou téfloné (c’est-à-dire à base de Téflon, marque déposée) de façon à éviter ou limiter l’adhésion de microorganismes, par exemple des champignons. D’autre types de membranes souples 22 sont envisageables, par exemple à base de fibres naturelles, éventuellement enduites d’une matrice polymère. La membrane peut être une toile tissée ou non tissée. L’épaisseur de la membrane est de préférence inférieure à 1 cm.

In this example:

• the frame 10 is formed of metal elements, knowing that other rigid materials are possible, for example wood or composites;
• the roof 20 comprises a flexible membrane 22, for example a textile membrane comprising polyester fibers, preferably coated with PVC. The PVC coating makes it possible to protect the polyester fibers against solar radiation, in particular ultraviolet radiation, or abrasion under the effect of rain. The membrane 22 may be covered with an acrylic or Teflon varnish (i.e. based on Teflon, registered trademark) so as to prevent or limit the adhesion of microorganisms, for example fungi. Other types of flexible membranes 22 are conceivable, for example based on natural fibers, possibly coated with a polymer matrix. The membrane may be a woven or non-woven fabric. The thickness of the membrane is preferably less than 1 cm.

The frame 10 comprises posts 11, extending from the ground 2, and now beams 14. The beams 14 extend above the ground. The posts 11 are preferably vertical. The beams are preferably horizontal, or substantially horizontal. By substantially horizontal, we mean horizontal taking into account an angular tolerance of ± 20° or ± 30°. The beams are, in this example, rectilinear metal profiles. The metal profiles have an H-shaped section, which makes it possible to form a gutter intended for evacuating rainwater running along the membrane. According to other configurations, the beams 14 can be arched.

The frame 10 comprises rigid reinforcements 12, 13, each reinforcement extending between a post 11 and a beam 14. The reinforcements 12, 13 are intended to support the beams 14. The arrangement of the rigid reinforcements 12, 13 forms triangular geometries, making it possible to improve the rigidity of the frame 10. Preferably, the beams 14 extend parallel to each other.

The rigidity of the frame 10 can be improved by a cable 15 stretched between two posts 11, as shown in the FIG. 2 .

The membrane 22 extends between the beams 14, while being taut. Sleeves 23 are arranged through the membrane 22, in a transverse direction, between two beams 14. Transverse rods 24, for example metallic, are inserted into the sleeves 23, so as to extend between two opposite beams 14. In the example shown, the transverse rods 24 are longer than the spacing between the beams. The insertion of each transverse rod 24 into a sleeve 23, from one beam 14 to the opposite beam, causes a bending of the transverse rod 24, the latter being initially rectilinear. This induces a curvature of the membrane 22, above the ground. Each transverse rod 24 can be formed of a metallic material, for example steel. The flexibility of each transverse rod is sufficient to be able to form a curve under the effect of insertion into a transverse sheath combined with fixing to two opposite lateral uprights.

In other configurations, the rods may be rectilinear, and arranged so as to form a slope of the membrane 22 between the beams 14. The slope, whether rectilinear or obtained by a curvature of the rods, allows water to run off along the membrane 22.

In this example, the sleeves 23 and transverse rods 24 extend perpendicular to the beams 14. The transverse rods 24 are thus parallel to each other. Other directions are possible, for example diagonally.

The shelter 1 comprises a holding structure 30, configured to support solar panels 40, above the membrane 22, and at a distance from the latter. Thus, the membrane 22 extends between the holding structure 30 and the ground 2.

It is important that the membrane 22 be kept at a distance from the solar panels 40, so as to limit excessive heating of the membrane by the solar panels. Under the effect of solar radiation, the temperature of the solar panels can exceed a melting temperature of the membrane. The distance between the membrane and the solar panels makes it possible to provide a layer of air promoting thermal insulation of the membrane. This provides natural cooling of the solar panels 40, which is favorable to efficiency.

The distance between the membrane 22 and the solar panels 40 also limits a shadow effect formed by the solar panels. The membrane is preferably formed of a light diffusing material. The distance between the solar panels and the membrane allows light to diffuse between the solar panels and the membrane. In addition, the solar panels are spaced apart from each other, so as to limit the shadow effect. Preferably, the spacing between two adjacent solar panels 40 is greater than 20 cm, or 30 cm, or 40 cm, or 50 cm. Preferably, such a spacing is maintained between several aligned solar panels, for example at least 3 or at least 4 aligned solar panels. It is estimated that the spacing between several adjacent solar panels, along an alignment of at least 3 or 4 solar panels, in one direction, is preferably at least 10% or 20% or at least 25% or at least 30% of the dimension of one of the solar panels, in said direction. Such spacing allows sufficient passage of light between the aligned panels, which limits the shadow effect. This makes it possible to maintain a certain level of natural light below the membrane. Knowing that one of the advantages of a roof formed from a flexible membrane is precisely to obtain sufficient natural light, under the effect of transmission or diffusion of natural light by the membrane. This has an economic impact, because it makes it possible to limit or eliminate artificial lighting. It also improves the pleasure of use, natural light being better perceived than artificial lighting.

Maintaining a spacing between the solar panels allows them to be arranged preferably in a regular manner in order to optimize their layout.

The distance between the membrane and the solar panels limits the risk of damage to the membrane during installation of the solar panels, as the membrane is sensitive to punctures or friction. By keeping the membrane away from the solar panels, the risk of contact between a solar panel, or its support, and the membrane is limited.

The distance between the membrane and the solar panels is particularly advantageous when the solar panels are bifacial, that is to say capable of capturing sunlight through two opposite faces: one face located facing the sky, and an opposite face, extending opposite the membrane 22. In this case, the membrane is chosen so as to have a sufficiently high albedo so that the light backscattered by the membrane is detected by the opposite face. The membrane can be chosen to be light in color, for example white, or be metallized or reflective.

Keeping the membrane away from the solar panels also makes it easier to maintain or replace them, leaving enough space to work in contact with the solar panels.

Preferably, the distance between the membrane 22 and the solar panels 40 is greater than 5 cm or 10 cm, or even 20 cm. Preferably, the distance between the membrane 22 and the solar panels 40 is less than 1 m, or even 50 cm, so as to obtain a sufficiently compact shelter, for aesthetic reasons and wind resistance. Preferably, the distance between the membrane 22 and the solar panels 40 is between 20 cm and 60 cm, or even between 20 cm and 50 cm. In this example, the distance between each transverse rod and the solar panels is 30 cm.

The holding structure 30 comprises rigid hoops 31 extending above the membrane 22, between two opposite beams 14. The hoops 31 may be formed from square steel tubes. In the example shown, the hoops extend perpendicular to the beams 14. Alternatively, the hoops may be formed from another material, for example wood.

The hoops preferably extend at a distance from the membrane greater than 10 cm, or 20 cm, or 30 cm. Preferably, the distance between the membrane 22 and the hoops is between 20 cm and 60 cm or 1 m.

In order to limit the curvature of the hoops, a rigid, preferably rectilinear, junction 31’ may be provided at the ends of each hoop. The rectilinear junction 31’ is inclined, relative to the vertical direction, (or relative to each post 11) so as to distance each hoop from the membrane 22. The junction 31’ inclines, from the beam, towards the membrane, being arranged facing the membrane. The rectilinear junction 31’ defines a height which may be between 20 cm and 80 cm, the height being defined perpendicular to the ground. For example, the height may be 50 cm. The junction 31’ makes it possible to maintain the spacing between the solar panels and the membrane, at the level of a beam. The junction 31’ extends from a vertical upright 31” resting on a beam 14. Preferably, the vertical upright 31” is welded to the beam 14 and the junction 31’ is welded to the vertical upright 31”. During assembly, each hoop 31 is connected to a junction 31’ by a reversible bolt-type connection. This facilitates assembly, the welds of the vertical upright 31” and the junction 31’ being carried out in the factory, prior to assembly. During assembly on site, each hoop is connected to two opposing junctions 31’. The use of a vertical upright 31” welded to the beam avoids drilling through the beam 14, which could cause water leaks through the beam.

Each arch contributes to the rigidity of the construction, in particular by maintaining the spacing between the beams 14.

Figures 4 and 5 represent the main elements forming the holding structure 30: spacers, for example metal 32, extend parallel to each beam 24, between different hoops 31. The spacers 32 are supported by the hoops. Preferably, the spacers extend perpendicular to the hoops 31. The spacers 32 are configured to receive a support 33, holding a solar panel 40. In this example, each spacer forms a rail. Preferably, each support 33 can engage in or around a spacer 32. Each support 33 can be movable in translation along a spacer 32, so as to facilitate the arrangement of a solar panel 40 and adjust the position of the solar panel 40 above the membrane 22. The translation of the support 33 along a spacer 32 can be blocked by a blocking means.

In the example shown, each solar panel 40 is held by a support 33 inserted into two adjacent spacers 32. Each spacer is preferably spaced from the membrane 22. The distance between each spacer and the membrane is preferably greater than 10 cm, or 20 cm, or 30 cm. Preferably, the distance between the membrane 22 and the spacers is between 20 cm and 60 cm or 1 m.

Each hoop 31 extends above the membrane 22, being connected to the latter by at least one link 35. In this example, each hoop 31 is connected to the membrane 22 by several links 35. Each link 35 can have the same length, which makes it possible to maintain a fixed distance between the membrane 22 and each hoop. Thus, the membrane extends parallel to each hoop. In this example, each link 35 is a flexible metal cable, extending from a hoop 31 to a transverse rod 24. The connection between each cable 35 and a transverse rod 24 is made through an opening 23' made in a transverse sheath 23. The opening 23' is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In other configurations, the link 35 can be rigid, or even adjustable, for example a turnbuckle type link.

The opening 23’ is made in each sheath 23, so as to avoid piercing the membrane 22.

The membrane 22 is thus held by the transverse rods 24, but also by being suspended from the hoops 31, by means of the ties 35. The ties contribute to tensioning the membrane 22. Each hoop 31 thus contributes to tensioning the membrane, by means of the ties 35. The tension of the membrane prevents rainwater drainage defects, the formation of unsightly folds as well as tearing of the membrane.

There FIG. 7 shows an advantageous structure of a link 35. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the link 35 extends to a transverse rod 24 through an opening 23' made in a transverse sheath 23. The opposite end of the link extends through an opening made in a hoop 21, and is blocked in the latter by a blocking member 36', the section of which is larger than the opening made in the hoop.

There FIG. 7 shows a section of the membrane 22 at an opening 23', through which a sheath 23 passes. The sheath 23 is formed by a flexible material, and preferably the same material as that forming the membrane 22. The sheath 23 extends from the membrane 22, through the opening 23' made in the membrane 22. On either side of the opening 23', the sheath 23 is welded to the membrane 22, for example by high-frequency welding S.

A reinforcement 22' is welded to the membrane 22, facing the sheath 23, so that the membrane extends between the reinforcement 22' and the sheath 23. The reinforcement 22' is preferably flexible, advantageously being formed from the same material as the membrane 22.

Figures 8A and 8B show the attachment of the membrane 22 to each beam 14. At each end, the membrane 22 has a hem forming a lateral sleeve 26. A lateral rod 27 is inserted into the lateral sleeve 26. The lateral rod 27 is held against the beam 14 by a flange 28. The flange 28 is movable relative to the beam 14, so as to be able to be moved closer to or further away from the latter. In this example, the position of the flange 28 is adjusted by a threaded rod 29, the flange being movable in translation along the threaded rod 29. The position of the flange is fixed by a nut 29'. The flange 28 makes it possible to press the lateral rod 27 against the beam 14.

Under the effect of the action of the flange, the flexible transverse rods 24 bend and adopt a curved position, by elastic deformation.

Although described as a carport, a construction according to the invention may be intended for other uses, for example a covered area, a pedestrian shelter, an annex to a building, a bus shelter, a construction housing a sports ground, or a public place, for example a shopping mall, a train station or an airport.

The floor area covered by the construction can vary between a few dozen m² and a few hundred m² or even more.

The building can be open, as shown in the example described above. It can also be closed by one or more vertical partitions.

Claims (13)

Construction, covering a ground, (1), comprising a stretched flexible membrane (22), extending above the ground (2) while being held by at least two beams (14) arranged above the ground, the construction being characterized in that it comprises a holding structure (30), resting on the beams, and configured to hold a solar panel (40), at a distance of at least 10 cm from the membrane, the membrane extending between the holding structure (30) and the ground (2). Construction according to claim 1, in which the holding structure (30) comprises:

• hoops (31), extending between two beams (14);
• spacers (32), extending between the hoops, and intended to receive supports (33) connected to the solar panel (40), the spacers extending at a distance of at least 10 cm from the membrane.

A construction according to claim 2, wherein the membrane is suspended from each hoop by ties (35), each tie extending between a hoop and the membrane. A construction according to claim 3, wherein each tie extends to a length of at least 10 cm, such that the membrane extends at least 10 cm from the hoop. Construction according to any one of claims 3 or 4, in which

• the membrane (22) comprises transverse sheaths (23);
• a transverse rod (24), extends in each transverse sleeve, the transverse rod extending between two beams (14) forming a curve or slope, so that each transverse rod holds the membrane above the ground;
• each transverse sheath has at least one opening (23');
• each link extending between the hoop and the cross rod, across the opening.

A construction according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each link (35) is a flexible rope or a turnbuckle. Construction according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which each link (35) extends along the same length, between a transverse rod (24) and a hoop (31). Construction according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which each arch is connected to a beam (14) by a rectilinear junction piece (31'), inclined relative to the beam, towards the membrane, and extending opposite the membrane. Construction according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:

• the membrane (22) comprises at least one lateral sheath (26), extending parallel to a beam (14);
• a side rod (27) is inserted into the side sheath, the side rod being held in support on the beam.

Construction according to claim 9, in which:

• the beam comprises a flange (28), movable relative to the beam, so that a height between the flange and the beam is adjustable;
• the flange is configured to hold the side rod against the beam.

A construction according to any preceding claim, wherein the membrane comprises fibres. A construction according to claim 11, wherein the fibers are coated in a plastic matrix. Construction according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising several solar panels (40), at least three aligned solar panels being spaced from each other by at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm.