Elevated Solar Shade Structure for Roof Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rooftop solar energy systems compromise the roof by adding weight and requiring numerous penetrations, leading to reduced coverage efficiency and increased maintenance costs, as they need to be removed for resurfacing and can obstruct rooftop equipment.
Innovation Solution
A solar structure comprising a steel frame that elevates solar panels above the roof, transferring the load directly to the building's support structure, allowing for higher coverage without adding weight to the roof and reducing the need for penetrations, while also providing shade to rooftop equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional rooftop solar systems are installed using ballast or bolts, then solar energy generation is achieved, but the roof is compromised by significant weight load or numerous penetrations creating water leak risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a steel frame structure as an intermediary between the solar panels and the roof. This frame transfers the weight load to the building's support structure (columns and walls) rather than directly to the roof, eliminating the need for roof penetrations or ballast while maintaining solar energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional roof-mounted system to a three-dimensional elevated structure. By raising solar panels above the roof plane on steel columns, the system moves the weight burden to the vertical support structure, freeing the roof from both weight and penetration compromises
2Area of stationary object
If solar panels are mounted low to the roof to maximize coverage, then space utilization is improved, but access for servicing and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating solar panels to a height of 4-20 feet above the roof on steel columns, the system maintains maximum horizontal coverage while creating vertical clearance for easy worker access. Maintenance personnel can safely walk underneath the elevated panels to perform servicing without compromising roof space utilization
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar systems are installed, then energy generation is achieved, but the roof surface must be removed and resurfaced periodically requiring panel removal
Solution Approach 1:
The steel frame structure serves as a permanent intermediary that decouples the solar panel array from the roof surface. This allows the roof to be resurfaced or replaced underneath the elevated panels without requiring panel removal, maintaining continuous energy generation while enabling unrestricted roof maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated steel frame structure is installed in advance to create a permanent, stable mounting platform that is independent of the roof surface condition. This preliminary action ensures that future roof resurfacing activities can proceed without disturbing the solar installation, eliminating repeated panel removal and reinstallation
4Productivity
If solar panels are installed to cover maximum roof area, then energy generation capacity is improved, but rooftop equipment access and ventilation are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By vertically elevating solar panels 4-20 feet above the roof on steel columns, the system achieves maximum horizontal coverage while creating sufficient vertical clearance for equipment access aisles and ventilation. Workers can freely move underneath elevated panels to service rooftop equipment, and air circulation is maintained between the roof surface and panel array
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is divided into multiple sections mounted on separate steel columns, creating modular zones that can be configured to accommodate equipment access pathways. This segmentation allows strategic placement of access aisles underneath elevated panels while maintaining overall energy generation capacity
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 enables efficient energy generation with reduced heat absorption, extended roof life, and improved equipment performance by covering a larger roof area without compromising the structural integrity or increasing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building
Data Source
AI summary
An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.