Encasement system for integration of solar devices into a structure and solar devices for use in the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar device delivery systems lack structural integration into building components, leading to instability, exposure to harsh weather conditions, inadequate venting, and increased weight, which reduces efficiency and requires additional structural support.
Innovation Solution
An encasement system or bay assembly that is embedded in a building's roof and walls, connected to rafters and wall studs, providing a housing tray for solar devices under a glass panel with airflow cutouts and attachable to building structures using hold-down bars, allowing for structural integration and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar devices are installed on the outermost layer of the roof (above shingles and sheathing), then installation is simpler and cosmetic integration is achieved, but structural stability is insufficient and additional structural support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar device mounting function with the roof's structural components (rafters and sheathing) by integrating the mounting system into the existing structural framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural support while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete components that can be independently installed and attached to specific structural elements (rafters, sheathing), allowing for simplified installation while distributing structural loads across multiple attachment points.
2Ease of manufacture
If solar devices are mounted above the roof's structural components, then installation is easier, but the devices are exposed to harsh weather conditions which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-mounted installation to integrated installation by embedding the mounting system within the roof's structural layers. This dimensional change moves the solar devices from the external surface into the protected interior space while maintaining installation accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If solar devices are installed without integration into structural components, then installation costs are lower initially, but additional structural support and reinforcement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the solar devices, integrating with the roof's load-bearing framework, and eliminating the need for additional structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality reduces both initial installation complexity and long-term structural requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An encasement system or bay for the delivery of solar powered devices that is installed and structurally integrated into a building is provided. The encasement system or bay houses solar powered devices, such as solar heaters, solar coolers and photovoltaic devices, into a roof and/or wall of a building. As the solar devices are housed in the encasement system or bay, and the bay is embedded in the roof or wall of the building, the components of the solar devices are not exposed to the elements, and thereby have an increased output efficiency. Should the solar devices need repair or replacement, the encasement systems can be easily accessed, and the solar devices repaired or replaced, without a need for replacing the encasement system.