Ballasted PV Module Support Assembly With Integrated Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for photovoltaic modules are not environmentally friendly, are costly, time-consuming to install, and can damage rooftops due to their custom fabrication and penetrative nature.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar mounting system using polymer components with integrated grounding, allowing for universal application without direct structural connections between support assemblies, utilizing ballasts and clamp subassemblies to secure photovoltaic modules without penetrating the rooftop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior mounting systems are used to secure PV modules to rooftops, then wind load resistance is achieved, but rooftop damage occurs due to membrane penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-penetrating mounting system that uses an intermediary approach: support assemblies with ballasts provide mechanical anchoring through weight distribution rather than penetration, and a separate grounding assembly provides electrical grounding without physical penetration of the roof membrane. This mediator system resolves the contradiction by achieving both wind load resistance and rooftop protection simultaneously.
2Reliability
If custom fabricated mounting systems are used for each PV module type, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing support assemblies and grounding assemblies that can be used with multiple types of PV modules without custom fabrication. The standardized components with universal mounting mechanisms allow the same assembly design to secure different PV module types, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining mounting security through proven structural design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If penetrative mounting systems are used, then structural stability is achieved, but environmental friendliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful penetration function from the mounting system by separating structural support from electrical grounding. The support assemblies provide structural stability through non-penetrating ballast-based anchoring, while the grounding assembly independently provides electrical grounding through surface contact or alternative non-penetrative methods, eliminating roof membrane penetration and associated environmental harm.
4Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then PV module support is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate functional modules: support assemblies for mechanical mounting and grounding assemblies for electrical grounding. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes and materials, reducing overall production costs while maintaining reliable PV module support through the specialized design of each module.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for supporting one or more photovoltaic modules on a support surface is disclosed herein. The support assembly includes (i) a body portion, the body portion including a base portion for accommodating one or more ballasts, the body portion comprising polymer; and (ii) integrated grounding means, the integrated ground means configured to provide integrated grounding between adjacent photovoltaic modules. The support assembly is configured to bridge multiple rows of photovoltaic modules without being directly secured to any other support assembly. Thus the support assembly can be utilized to support a wide variety of different sizes of photovoltaic modules. A mounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a support surface, which comprises a plurality of separate support assemblies, is also disclosed herein.