Outer skin composite element, photovoltaic and thermal insulation device equipped therewith, and kit for the production thereof
A direct attachment system for photovoltaic and thermal insulation elements to a load-bearing substrate without a substructure addresses the cost and time inefficiencies of existing systems, offering improved insulation and ease of installation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
Smart Images
Figure EP2026050390_16072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
FRIESE GOEDEN Patent Attorneys PartGmbB Widenmayerstraße 49 80538 Munich Our reference number: 32059 PWO GO Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V. Exterior skin composite element, photovoltaic and thermal insulation system equipped with it, and kit for its manufacture The invention relates to an external skin composite element comprising at least one PV module, at least one layer of thermal insulation material arranged on the back of the PV module, and fastening means for attaching the external skin composite element to a load-bearing substrate of an external skin of a building. Furthermore, the invention relates to a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device for integration into the external skin of buildings that have a load-bearing substrate for the external skin, comprising at least one such external skin composite element. Such a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device is known from DE 10 2014 011 705 A1, in particular from Figures 4 and 5 and paragraph
[0014] In this system, used to form a building facade, the PV module is partially bonded to a highly thermally conductive backing plate with a cavity open towards the PV module. The individual backing plates are attached to the outer building wall at their protruding edges using dowels. A phase change material (PGM) is filled into the cavity of each backing plate and is in direct contact with the PV module. From DE 10 2014 011 705, in particular from its Figures 1 to 3 and 7 to 9, combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation systems are also known, which are attached to a substructure previously mounted on an external building wall, consisting of a post-and-beam construction or a horizontal rail system. The use of such a substructure to transfer the load of the combined PV and thermal insulation system to the load-bearing substrate significantly increases the time and cost required for the production and installation of a facade-integrated photovoltaic system with thermal insulation. The object of the invention is to design the combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device described above in such a way that it can be attached to a load-bearing substrate without a substructure, and is also simple and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble and can offer improved thermal insulation. According to one aspect, an external cladding composite element with at least one PV module is described. The external cladding composite element further includes at least one layer of thermal insulation material arranged on the back of the PV module and fasteners for attaching the external cladding composite element to a load-bearing substrate of a building's exterior. The fasteners may have a frame that at least partially encloses the at least one PV module and the at least one layer of thermal insulation material at their lateral edges, combining them into a prefabricated integral external cladding composite element. The photovoltaic module is designed and intended to convert sunlight into electrical energy. For this purpose, the PV module can contain multiple photovoltaic cells of a known design. The photovoltaic cells can be embedded between an outer and an inner layer of material using encapsulating films, thus protecting them from the elements. The outer layer can be a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The inner layer can also be glass, or it can be a transparent or opaque plastic film or a sheet of metal. The thermal insulation layer can be or contain rigid foam and / or mineral wool and / or glass wool and / or wood wool. The thermal insulation layer can be multi-layered, with different layers having varying degrees of hardness. The thermal insulation layer can have a heat transfer coefficient of approximately 0.05 W / m²K. _2 -K _1 up to approximately 0.5 Wm _2 -K _1 exhibit. The frame can contain or consist of a metal or alloy. For example, the frame can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. It can be designed to connect the thermal insulation layer and the PV module, and to allow the resulting unit to be attached to a load-bearing substrate. Furthermore, the frame can be designed to allow a connection between adjacent exterior cladding elements. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation layer can be clamped within the frame, resulting in an adhesive-free construction of the exterior cladding element. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the at least one layer of thermal insulation material protrudes beyond the frame on the side of the outer skin composite element facing the load-bearing substrate. This allows the thermal insulation layer to be compressed during installation, thus compensating for unevenness in the load-bearing substrate. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the portion of the thermal insulation material projecting beyond the frame is softer than the portion of the thermal insulation material enclosed by the frame. This allows for defined and controlled compression of the thermal insulation material during assembly of the outer skin composite element. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the frame defines a space adjacent to the PV module in which the thermal insulation layer is at least partially housed, wherein the end of the frame furthest from the PV module defines an opening whose cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space in the immediate vicinity of the PV module. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the frame has side wall sections that slope inwards towards the open end of the frame. This allows the thermal insulation layer to be attached by clamping, which can simplify the manufacture of the outer skin composite element. In some embodiments, the external cladding element can be designed such that the frame has at least one fastening section extending laterally outwards in a plane from a lateral frame part, and which has a free end that is movable out of and back into this plane. The fastening sections of the frames of each pair of adjacent external cladding elements are arranged to be opposite each other, so that the free ends of the opposing fastening sections are spaced apart. Such a frame design can simplify assembly and facilitate or enable the subsequent replacement of individual external cladding elements of a facade or roof. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the or each fastening section is connected to the respective side frame part via a hinge, which allows a folding movement of at least one part of the fastening section. This facilitates the assembly of adjacent exterior composite elements. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that the fastening section or each section has elastic deformability, so that the free end of the fastening section, moved out of the plane, returns to its original position in the plane by itself. In some embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that an air gap exists between the at least one PV module and the at least one layer of thermal insulation material. In other embodiments, the outer skin composite element can be designed such that an air gap exists between the at least one PV module and the at least one layer of thermal insulation material, in which a spacer is arranged that keeps the upper side of the thermal insulation material layer facing the PV module at a distance from the rear side of the PV module. The air gap can improve thermal insulation and / or prevent or reduce the formation of condensation in the thermal insulation material layer. Furthermore, the air gap can serve to ventilate the rear side of the PV module. A spacer arranged in the air gap can prevent the air gap from narrowing during storage, transport, or installation. Another aspect described is a combined photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system. This system is characterized by its small number of parts, low weight, quick and easy manufacturing, and simple installation on a solid building surface, potentially even by low-skilled personnel. The photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system exhibits a high degree of prefabrication and good thermal insulation properties. It is also easily replaceable, either partially or completely, in the event of damage. For example, the thermal insulation layer can be easily removed from the frame if it is simply clipped in. For larger roof or facade areas, several external cladding panels can be used. These panels can be arranged side-by-side in a single plane, with a gap between the opposing lateral frame sections of two adjacent panels. Each panel can be fastened to the supporting substrate. A joint, running parallel to the opposing lateral frame sections, is formed between each pair of adjacent panels. This joint accommodates fasteners that connect the frames of each pair of adjacent panels to each other and to the supporting substrate. The joint facilitates access to the fasteners during installation and any necessary disassembly for repair or replacement of the panels, and promotes rainwater runoff. The unwanted ingress of water behind the outer skin composite elements can be prevented in some embodiments by providing a first sealing element attached to the frame of one of each pair of adjacent outer skin composite elements and a second sealing element attached to the frame of the other outer skin composite element of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements, wherein the first and the second sealing element each have a section extending in two directions, the section of the first sealing element extending in one direction over the length of the adjacent lateral frame part of one outer skin composite element and extending in the other direction at least to the frame of the other outer skin composite element.the section of the second sealing element extends in one direction over the length of the adjacent lateral frame part of the other outer skin composite element and in the other direction to at least the frame of the first outer skin composite element, the two sealing elements run on the side of the opposing fastening sections facing away from the PV modules of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements and overlap each other in a sealing arrangement. In some embodiments, the free ends of the opposing fastening sections of each pair of adjacent outer skin composite elements are bridged by at least one clamp which has two clamping jaws, one of which rests on the front of the opposing fastening sections facing the PV modules of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements and the other clamping jaw rests on the back of the opposing fastening sections facing away from the PV modules of the two outer skin composite elements and the two clamping jaws are pulled towards each other by a first connecting element engaging both clamping jaws, whereby the fastening sections arranged between them are clamped and held relative to each other.The use of such a clamp and its arrangement on the opposing fastening sections of two adjacent outer skin connecting elements enables quick and precise adjustment of the position of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements in an xy-plane parallel to the surface of the PV modules. In some embodiments, the first connecting element is a screw that can be tightened and loosened by means of a tool that can be inserted through the joint. The screw may have a metric thread. The clamping jaw on the rear side of the two outer skin composite elements, facing away from the PV modules, may have a threaded bore suitable for receiving the screw. Furthermore, each clamp can be connected to the solid substrate by means of a second connecting element. This allows the interconnected, adjacent outer skin composite elements to be adjusted quickly and precisely in a z-direction orthogonal to the xy-plane, whereby the adjustment sequence in the xy-plane and z-direction can also be reversed. In some embodiments, the second connecting element is a screw that can be tightened and loosened by means of a tool that can be inserted through the joint. For attaching the frame to the PV module, it is advantageous if the PV module has a multi-layered structure and a free end of the frame is embedded in the multi-layered structure of the PV module. In other embodiments, the frame can also encompass the side surfaces of the PV module and have a contact surface on its upper side. A sealant and / or an adhesive, such as silicone or a thermosetting resin, can be applied to this contact surface. In some embodiments, outwardly directed mounting sections, running essentially parallel to the PV module, adjoin the side wall sections. Each side section and its attached mounting section includes a groove that connects to the joint between the adjacent outer skin composite elements. This allows for the routing of wiring, connectors, or electronic modules for the PV modules, accessible from the outside. For example, the power cable(s) connecting to the PV module(s) can run in the joint and / or the groove. The joint can have a triangular, semicircular, or square cross-section. The joint can also have a cross-section that widens downwards from the outside to securely accommodate cables, connectors, and / or electronic modules.An electronic module can be selected from a control or regulating device for the PV modules, a power optimizer, or an inverter. To further improve the thermal insulation properties of the combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation system, in some embodiments an additional layer of thermal insulation material can be arranged adjacent to the layer enclosed by the frame. This additional layer can be attached to the supporting substrate, for example, by bonding. At the same time, the additional layer of thermal insulation material can compensate for unevenness in the wall of the supporting substrate. In some embodiments, the additional layer of thermal insulation material is softer than the layer of thermal insulation material enclosed by the frame, making the additional layer of thermal insulation material more compressible than the layer of thermal insulation material enclosed by the frame, thus making the adjustment of the outer skin composite elements in the z-direction even easier and more precise. The side sections on opposite sides of the frame at the respective frame opening can preferably be connected by a transverse cover element that rests against the back of the thermal insulation layer facing away from the PV module. This prevents the thermal insulation layer from bulging out of the frame opening. In some embodiments, the composite outer skin elements can be used as facade and / or roof skin elements on buildings. It is also possible for the composite outer skin element, or each element, to be arranged adjacent to a facade or roof skin element that does not generate electricity through solar energy. Such facade or roof skin elements can be used for architectural reasons. However, they can also be arranged for technical reasons instead of composite outer skin elements according to the invention that are fitted with PV modules, for example, if the PV modules would be permanently installed. In some embodiments, opposite sides of the frame can be connected at the respective frame opening by at least one transverse connecting element, which rests against the rear side of the thermal insulation layer facing away from the PV module or is embedded in the thermal insulation layer. This creates a static plane beneath the outer skin composite elements, which absorbs the forces that occur when individual fasteners fail. This can increase the operational reliability of the photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system. According to another aspect, a kit for a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation system is described. Such a kit can contain at least one external composite element as described above. Furthermore, the kit can contain at least one clamp having two clamping jaws that can be drawn together by at least one connecting element engaging both clamping jaws. In some embodiments, the kit may contain different outer skin composite elements that differ in shape and / or size. In some embodiments, the kit may also contain different outer skin composite elements that differ in thickness and / or the material of the thermal insulation. This can increase the application possibilities of the photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system. In some embodiments, the kit may contain outer skin composite elements without a PV module, which can be used, for example, in shaded installation locations or in edge strips. In some embodiments, the kit can also include electronic modules that can be inserted into the joints between adjacent outer skin composite elements. This allows for subsequent electrical installation and maintenance because the wiring and electronics are accessible from the outside. According to another aspect, a method for assembling a combined photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system is described. A kit as described in the preceding aspect can be used for this purpose. The method comprises the following steps: attaching at least one fastener to the frame of a first external cladding element; mounting the first external cladding element to the load-bearing substrate of a building; and arranging a further external cladding element adjacent to the first external cladding element. Connecting the outer skin composite elements by means of at least one further connecting element in the form of a clamp containing two clamping jaws; aligning the adjacent outer skin composite elements and fixing the clamp; attaching the clamp to the load-bearing substrate and aligning the distance between the outer skin composite elements. In some embodiments of the method, the electrical installation of the PV modules can be carried out subsequently by inserting cables, connectors, and / or electronic modules into the joints between adjacent outer skin composite elements. In some embodiments of the method, the insertion of the clamping jaws into the joint between adjacent outer skin composite elements can be achieved by pivotally connecting the clamping jaws to a mounting rod, which can be detached again after the two clamping jaws have been connected. The mounting rods can be made of plastic and can be separated by breaking or cutting after the clamping jaws have been mounted. The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a top view of a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to the invention, with four outer skin composite elements arranged in an xy-plane, which are connected to each other and to a non-visible supporting substrate and are part of a building facade. Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to the invention, with three external skin composite elements attached to a building wall and interconnected with each other, which are part of the facade of the building. Figures 3a - 3e each show a section of two adjacent outer skin composite elements in a cross-sectional view in the area of the opposing lateral frame parts of the two outer skin composite elements, showing the sequence of steps for connecting the frames to each other and to the supporting substrate. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a clamp containing two clamping jaws for connecting the frames to each other and to the supporting substrate in a first embodiment. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of a clamp containing two clamping jaws for connecting the frames to each other and to the supporting substrate in a second embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a section of a PV module and the frame attached to it in cross-section. Reference is first made to Figures 1 and 2. As can be seen therein, a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation system for integration into the building envelope, which in this embodiment is a facade of the building, comprises several PV modules 1 arranged side by side and one above the other in a single plane for generating electricity from solar radiation incident on the front of the PV modules 1. Behind each PV module is a layer of thermal insulation material 2 on the back of each PV module 1. The respective thermal insulation material 2 and the PV module 1 are held together by a frame 3, which at least partially surrounds each PV module 1 and the respective thermal insulation material 2 at their lateral edges and unites each PV module 1 and the respective thermal insulation material 2 into a prefabricated integral exterior envelope composite element 4. The frame 3 consists of sheet metal, e.g.The frame 3 is made of aluminum sheeting, but it could also be made of plastic, provided that the fire protection to be ensured for the entire PV and thermal insulation system is not compromised. As described in more detail below and illustrated in the drawings, the frame 3 is shaped such that it clamps the thermal insulation layer 2 between its lateral frame parts 5 and holds it in place on the frame 3. The cohesion between the PV module 1, the thermal insulation layer 3, and the frame 3 of each outer skin composite element 4 is ensured solely by clamping, i.e., without adhesives or other connecting elements that could compromise fire protection. A further outer frame 3a can be attached around the group of four outer skin composite elements 4 to increase stability. The thermal insulation material layer 2 can, as shown in particular in Figure 2, either be in direct contact with the rear of the PV module 1 with its front side facing the PV module 1, or be separated from the rear of the PV module 1 by an air gap 6, wherein in the case of the air gap 6 a spacer element 7 extending between opposing lateral frame parts 5 is arranged, which ensures the distance between the front of the thermal insulation material layer facing the PV module 1 and the rear of the PV module 1. The thermal insulation material 2 can extend beyond the frame 3 on the side facing the substrate 20. This allows the thermal insulation material 2 to be compressed during installation and to compensate for unevenness in the substrate 20. The PV module 1 is of conventional design. The design of the PV module 1 is arbitrarily selectable. In the example shown, the PV module 1 has two interconnected, parallel glass panes 8, between which the solar cells 9 of the PV module are embedded. The frame 3 is attached to the PV module 1, with a preferred method of attaching the frame 3 to the PV module 1 consisting of a cranked free end 10 being firmly inserted between the two glass panes 8, e.g., by lamination, as shown in Figure 5. The thermal insulation material layer 2 of each external cladding element 4 is housed in a space bounded by the respective frame 3. This space has an opening at the end of the frame 3 furthest from the PV module. The cross-sectional area of this opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space at the PV module 1. This reduction in the cross-sectional area of the space accommodating the thermal insulation material layer 2 is achieved by the fact that opposing side wall sections 11 of the frame 3 slope inwards towards the open end. Each of the side wall sections 11 is connected to an outwardly directed fastening section 12 (Figures 3d and 3e) running parallel to the PV module. This fastening section, together with adjacent side wall sections 11, forms a polygonal, for example triangular, groove 13 in cross-section, which is connected to a joint 14 formed between two adjacent external cladding elements 4.The joint 14 and the groove 13 connected to it provide space for power cables 15 that can be connected to the PV modules and can be laid from the outside into the joint 14 and / or the groove 13. After completion of the facade, the external cladding panels 4 are attached to a load-bearing wall 20 by means of fasteners described in more detail below, which include frames 3 and various connecting elements 16. An additional layer of thermal insulation material 21, which is bonded to the wall surface, can be arranged between the wall 20, which is usually uneven, and the external cladding panels 4. This additional layer of thermal insulation material 21 can be softer and therefore more easily compressible in the z-direction than the thermal insulation material 2 present in the external cladding panels 4. Optionally, a connecting element 22 is arranged between the two layers of thermal insulation material 20 and 21. This connecting element extends transversely across the opening of the frame 3 and connects the opposing side wall sections 11 at the opening.The connecting element 22 can serve, on the one hand, to fasten the thermal insulation material layer 2 so that it does not protrude from the opening. Furthermore, the connecting element 22 can form a static plane below the outer skin composite elements, which transfers the forces occurring in the event of failure of individual fastenings. This can increase the operational reliability of the photovoltaic (PV) thermal insulation system. The connecting element can contain one or more wires or be a sheet structure, for example, made of a braid, a knitted fabric, a crocheted fabric, or a sheet of foil with or without perforations. In other embodiments of the invention, the thermal insulation layer 2 can have a greater thickness than the frame 3. The at least one thermal insulation layer can then project beyond the frame on the side of the outer skin composite element 4 facing the supporting substrate. This allows the thermal insulation material layer 2 to be compressed during installation, thus compensating for unevenness in the supporting substrate. In this embodiment, reference numeral 21 designates the portion of the thermal insulation material layer 2 that extends beyond the frame 3. As can be seen particularly from Figures 3a to 3e and Figure 4, the fastening of the adjacent outer skin composite elements 4 to each other and to the supporting substrate (wall 20) takes place in several successive steps, the first step of which is shown in Figure 3a and the last step in Figure 3e. Figures 3b, 3c and 3d show the successive intermediate steps. The connecting elements 16 have a clamp 25 containing two clamping jaws 23 and 24. Clamping jaw 23 is pivotally connected to a mounting rod 26, which can be detached from clamping jaw 23 after connection with clamping jaw 24. Similarly, clamping jaw 24 is pivotally connected to a mounting rod 27, which can also be detached from clamping jaw 24 after connection with clamping jaw 23. The mounting rods can be made of plastic and can be easily detached after the clamping jaws have been mounted. In the first step (Figure 3a), clamping jaw 23 is positioned behind the free ends of the mounting sections 12 of the frames 2 of two adjacent outer skin composite elements 4 by means of the mounting rod 26. In the second step (Figure 3b) the clamping jaw 24 is brought in front of the free ends of the fastening sections 12 by means of the mounting rod 27.The two clamping jaws 23 and 24 are connected to each other by means of a screw 28, after which the mounting rods 26 and 27 are removed and the clamping jaws 23 and 24 can be clamped to each other and to the free ends of the fastening sections 12 located between the clamping jaws 23 and 24 by tightening the screw 28 (Figures 3c and 3d). Before tightening the screw 28 and after loosening it again, the adjacent outer skin composite elements 4 can be adjusted relative to each other in the xy direction, with a joint cross 29 arranged at the intersection of the joints 14 between the four adjacent or superimposed outer skin composite elements 4 (Figure 1) providing adjustment assistance. In some embodiments, a plurality of screws 28 may also be present, with the clamping jaws being extended accordingly in the longitudinal direction of the joint 14. Once the external cladding elements 4 are adjusted in the xy-direction and the clamping jaws 23 and 24 are clamped together, the adjacent external cladding elements 4 are also firmly connected. In a final step (Figure 3e), the connected external cladding elements 4 are then fastened to the wall 20 by means of a second connecting element using a further screw 30, which passes through the clamp 25 and the additional layer of thermal insulation 21. This is done by turning the screw 30 into the wall 20 and clamping it with the clamp 25. The degree to which the screw 30 is tightened adjusts the connected external cladding elements 4 in the z-direction, whereby the protruding part of the thermal insulation layer 2 or the optional additional layer of thermal insulation 21 is compressed to a greater or lesser degree. In Figure 4a the clamp 25, its clamping jaws 23 and 24, the mounting rods 26 and 27 and the screws 28 and 30 are enlarged again and shown in perspective. Figure 4b shows a second embodiment of the clamp 25. The second embodiment of the clamp 25 differs from the first embodiment in that two screws 28 are used, which are arranged on both sides of the screw 30. For the watertight sealing of the area behind the fastening sections 12 of the two adjacent outer skin composite sections 4, which are clamped together by the clamp 25, two watertight sealing elements 31, 32 (Figure 3e) are used. Sealing element 31 has two sections 33 and 34, of which section 33 is attached to the frame 3 of one outer skin composite section 4 and section 34 extends beyond the clamp 25 towards the frame 2 of the other outer skin composite section 4. Section 34 also extends over the entire side length of the frame 3. Sealing element 32 also has two sections 35, 36, of which section 35 is attached to the frame 3 of the adjacent other outer skin composite section and section 36 extends beyond the clamp 25 towards the frame 3 of one outer skin composite section 4.Section 36 of the sealing element 32 also extends over the entire side length of the frame 3 of the other outer skin composite element 4. The oppositely extending sections 34 and 36 of the sealing elements 31, 32 overlap in a sealing arrangement in the area behind the clamp 25. The overlaps are arranged to ensure controlled water drainage. The sealing elements 31, 32 are brought into mutual overlap before the clamp 25 is attached. The fastening sections 12 have hinges (not shown) that allow their free ends to be moved slightly forward, thus creating space for the insertion of the overlapping sections 34, 36 of the sealing elements 31, 32. Afterwards, the free ends of the fastening sections 12 are moved back to their original position. The joint 14 can serve not only to accommodate terminal 25. In some embodiments, cables or electronic modules such as inverters or power optimizers can also be inserted into the joint 14. Since the joint remains accessible after the installation of the exterior cladding panels, the electrical installation can follow the installation of the exterior cladding panels. This can simplify the coordination of the two trades. The outer skin composite elements 4 can be prefabricated together with the sealing elements 31, 32. Before they are then attached to the wall 20, the further layer of thermal insulation material is attached to the wall 20. The external skin composite elements 4 can be used both for the construction of a building facade and for integration into a roof skin, with no substructure in the form of a support or rail system being required in either case, which would have to be attached to the supporting substrate beforehand. Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The preceding description is therefore not to be considered limiting, but rather explanatory. The following claims are to be understood as meaning that a named feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not preclude the presence of further features. The following claims are not to be understood as meaning that a named feature is present in every embodiment of the invention. Insofar as the claims and the preceding description define "first" and "second" embodiments, this designation serves to distinguish between two similar embodiments without establishing any hierarchy.
Claims
Claims 1. Exterior skin composite element (4) with at least one PV module (1), at least one thermal insulation material arranged on the back of the PV module (1) (2) and with fastening means for attaching the exterior skin composite element (4) to a load-bearing substrate (20) of an exterior skin of a building, characterized by the fact that the fastening means have a frame (3) which at least partially encompasses the at least one PV module (1) and the at least one thermal insulation material (2) at their lateral edges and combines them into a prefabricated integral outer skin composite element (4).
2. Exterior skin composite element according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one thermal insulation material layer (2) protrudes beyond the frame (3) on the rear side of the exterior skin composite element (4) facing the supporting substrate.
3. Outer skin composite element according to claim 2, characterized in that the part of the thermal insulation material extending beyond the frame (3) is softer than the part of the thermal insulation material encompassed by the frame (3).
4. Outer skin composite element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (3) defines a space adjacent to the PV module (1) in which the thermal insulation material (2) is at least partially housed, wherein the end of the frame (3) furthest from the PV module (1) defines an opening whose cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space adjacent to the PV module (1) and / or that the frame (3) has side wall sections (11) which run obliquely inwards towards the open end of the frame (3).
5. Outer skin composite element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (3) has at least one fastening section (12) which extends laterally outwards in a plane from a lateral frame part (5) and which has a free end which is movable out of this plane and movable back into this plane, wherein the fastening sections (12) of the frames (3) of each of two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4) are arranged to be opposite each other, so that the free ends of the opposing fastening sections (12) are spaced apart from each other.
6. Outer skin composite element according to claim 5, characterized in that the or each fastening section (12) is connected to the respective lateral frame part (5) via a hinge which allows a folding movement of at least one part of the fastening section (12).
7. Outer skin composite element according to claim 5, characterized in that the or each fastening section (12) has elastic deformability, so that the free end of the fastening section (12) moved out of the plane returns to its initial position in the plane by itself.
8. Outer skin composite element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an air gap (6) is provided between the at least one PV module (1) and the at least one layer of thermal insulation material (2) and / or that an air gap (6) is provided between the at least one PV module (1) and the at least one layer of thermal insulation material (2), in which a spacer (7) is arranged which keeps the upper side of the layer of thermal insulation material (2) facing the PV module (1) at a distance from the back side of the PV module (1).
9. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device for integration into an outer skin of a building which has a load-bearing substrate for the outer skin, characterized in that the combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device comprises a plurality of outer skin composite elements according to one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of outer skin composite elements (4) are arranged in one plane, wherein two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4) are arranged and each attached to the supporting substrate such that a joint (14) is formed between opposing lateral frame parts (5), in which connecting means (16) are arranged, with which the frames (3) of each two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4) are connected to each other and to the supporting substrate (20).
11. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 or 10, further comprising a first sealing element (31) which is attached to the frame (3) of one of each of two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4) and. a second sealing element (32) which is attached to the frame (3) of the other outer skin composite element (4) of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4), wherein the first and the second sealing element (31, 32) each have a section (34, 36) extending in two directions, the section (34) of the first sealing element (31) extending in one direction over the length of the adjacent lateral frame part (5) of one outer skin composite element (4) and extending in the other direction at least to the frame (3) of the other outer skin composite element (4), the section (36) of the second sealing element (32) extending in one direction over the length of the adjacent lateral frame part (5) of the other outer skin composite element (4) and extending in the other direction at least to the frame (3) of one outer skin composite element (4), the two sealing elements (31, 32) run on the side of the opposing fastening sections (12) facing away from the PV modules (1) of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4) and overlap each other in a sealing arrangement.
12. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the connecting means (16) contain or consist of at least one clamp (25), wherein the clamp (25) has two clamping jaws (23, 24), one of which clamping jaws (24) rests against the front of the opposing fastening sections (12) facing the PV modules (1) of the two adjacent outer skin composite elements (4), and the other clamping jaw (23) rests against the rear of the opposing fastening sections (12) facing away from the PV modules (1) of the two outer skin composite elements (4), and the two clamping jaws (23, 24) are drawn towards each other by at least one first connecting element engaging both clamping jaws (23, 24), whereby the fastening sections (12) arranged between them are clamped and held relative to each other.
13. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first connecting element is a first screw (28) which can be tightened and loosened by means of a tool that can be inserted through the joint (14).
14. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the or each clamp (25) can be connected to the solid substrate by means of a respective second connecting element.
15. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to claim 14, characterized in that the second connecting element is a second screw (30) which can be tightened and loosened by means of a tool that can be inserted through the joint (14).
16. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that power cables (15) and / or at least one electronic module are arranged in the joint (14).
17. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that a further thermal insulation material layer (21) is attached to the supporting substrate and / or a further thermal insulation material layer (21) is attached to the supporting substrate, which is softer than the thermal insulation material layer (2) at least partially enclosed by the frame (3).
18. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the side wall sections (11) of opposite sides of the frame (3) are connected at the respective opening of the frame (3) by at least one transverse connecting element (22), which rests against the back of the thermal insulation material layer (2) facing away from the PV module (1) or is embedded in the thermal insulation material layer (2).
19. Combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 18, further comprising at least one outer skin composite element which is not designed for generating electricity by solar energy.
20. Use of a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 19 as a facade and / or roof skin element on a building.
21. Kit for the production of a combined photovoltaic (PV) and thermal insulation device according to one of claims 9 to 19, comprising at least one outer skin composite element (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and at least one clamp (25) which has two clamping jaws (23, 24) which can be drawn towards each other by at least one first connecting element engaging both clamping jaws (23, 24).