Diagonal Roof Cladding Panels for Watertight Solar Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar roof systems are costly, aesthetically unsatisfactory, and not suitable for mass production, as they require complex structures and separate components for energy generation and weatherproofing, impairing the profitability of combined electricity and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs square weatherproof panels laid diagonally with a scale-like overlap to ensure water tightness, integrated with a supporting structure and sealing elements, allowing for various energy-generating functions and diverse building envelope dimensions while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic modules are integrated into roof cladding, then energy generation function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roof cladding function and photovoltaic energy generation function into a single integrated panel structure. The photovoltaic cells are embedded within the cladding panel itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and achieving multifunctionality in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding panel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides weather protection as a building envelope component while also generating electrical energy through integrated photovoltaic cells. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If complex measures are taken for achieving watertightness in solar roofs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the cladding panel design itself rather than being added as separate components. The panel's geometric configuration and overlapping arrangement provide inherent watertightness, eliminating the need for additional sealing measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding panels achieve watertightness through their own geometric design and arrangement, without requiring external sealing components. The overlapping configuration and precise positioning enable the structure to seal itself against water penetration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic modules replace conventional roof elements, then energy generation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cells are integrated into specific regions of the cladding panel rather than covering the entire surface uniformly. This allows different parts of the panel to have different visual characteristics, maintaining aesthetic appeal while providing energy generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs colored or patterned photovoltaic cells that can match or complement the building's aesthetic requirements. The cells are available in various colors and designs, allowing them to blend with the overall architectural appearance rather than standing out as separate functional components.
4Reliability
If separate mounting structures and sealing components are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure, sealing components, and photovoltaic cells are merged into a single integrated cladding panel. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliability of each individual function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated panel is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual panels while ensuring that all necessary components (mounting, sealing, photovoltaic) are pre-integrated for reliable performance.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient method for generating both electricity and heat, suitable for mass production, with the potential for large-scale economic use of solar energy by integrating energy generation into building envelopes without the need for separate shells.
Implementation Method 1
The photovoltaic modules and the thermal collectors also take on the function of the roof and facade. It is increasingly large-area photovoltaic roof elements that are used as a 'solar roof' for the roof structure.
Implementation Method 2
The occupation of roof sections with thermal collectors has become the rule through the installation of water-carrying absorbers. Solar systems are known, but have hardly been used so far, in which the solar radiation is used for heating water or air flows guided in the pipeline system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
Weatherproof building envelope, in particular a pitched roof, with several square weatherproof panels, which are laid diagonally with respect to a line of fall with scale-like mutual overlapping, with panels overlapping in an edge area transverse to the line of fall being offset to one another, and each at a corner area lying below in relation to a line of fall are connected to a support structure, with a sealing element being arranged in each of the named corner areas of the panel, which seal element closes a gap between panels arranged transversely to the main direction at the same height. The quadrangular panels each have a passage opening for a fastening element in two opposite corner regions, so that the panels are connected to the supporting structure at their top and bottom corner regions in the main direction.