Ballasted PV Module Mounting With Wind Shield for Flat Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for photovoltaic modules on rooftops are not environmentally friendly, are costly, time-consuming to install, and can damage the rooftop membrane, as they often require customization and penetrate the roof.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising separate, spaced-apart support members that secure photovoltaic modules without directly connecting to each other, using plastic components that are lightweight, recyclable, and do not penetrate the rooftop, with a wind shield to deflect wind and reduce load, allowing for easy installation and universal compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior mounting systems are used to secure PV modules to rooftops, then wind loads are withstood, but the rooftop membrane is damaged and installation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (ballast-weighted support members) between the PV module and the rooftop surface. Instead of directly penetrating the roof membrane with fasteners, the system uses gravity-weighted support members that rest on the rooftop surface, distributing wind loads through weight rather than mechanical penetration, thereby protecting the rooftop membrane while withstanding wind forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts penetrating the roof) with a gravity-based ballast system. The support members are weighted with ballast to resist wind uplift forces, substituting mechanical penetration with gravitational force, thereby eliminating rooftop membrane damage while maintaining wind load resistance
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom fabricated mounting systems are used for each PV module type, then specific module requirements are met, but production cost increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting system where the support members and ballast components can be used with multiple types and sizes of PV modules. The standardized support member geometry and ballast configuration allow the same components to accommodate different module specifications, eliminating the need for custom fabrication for each module type while maintaining adaptability through adjustable positioning features
3Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then PV modules are secured, but installation time increases and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate, independently installable components: support members, ballast weights, and PV module attachments. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and simplifies the installation process, as components can be independently positioned and secured without complex integrated structures, thereby reducing overall installation time while maintaining secure module mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast-weighted support members are designed to be self-positioning and self-securing through gravity. The heavy ballast components naturally settle into position and provide automatic stabilization, reducing the need for complex fastening operations and manual adjustment during installation, thereby decreasing installation time while ensuring reliable module securing
4Strength
If penetrating mounting systems are used, then structural support is provided, but environmental friendliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (ballast-weighted support members) between the PV module and the rooftop surface. Instead of directly penetrating the roof membrane with fasteners, the system uses gravity-weighted support members that rest on the rooftop surface, distributing wind loads through weight rather than mechanical penetration, thereby protecting the rooftop membrane while withstanding wind forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts penetrating the roof) with a gravity-based ballast system. The support members are weighted with ballast to resist wind uplift forces, substituting mechanical penetration with gravitational force, thereby eliminating rooftop membrane damage while maintaining wind load resistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, easy to install, and does not damage rooftops, providing a universal solution that resists wind loads and can be used with various PV module sizes and orientations without customization.
Implementation Method 1
a wind shield at rearward most ones of the support members that is spaced a distance from the rearward most ones of the photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules rather than under the photovoltaic modules to reduce wind load
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system includes a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules and a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array on the support surface without penetrating the support surface. The support members are formed of plastic and each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members. Each of the support members is secured to and supports at least one of the photovoltaic modules but is not directly secured to any of the other support members. Thus the support modules can be utilized to support a wide variety of different sizes of photovoltaic modules. A wind shield is located at the rearward most support members. The wind shield is spaced a distance from the rearward photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules.