Ventilated Facade Photovoltaic Module Cavity for Fire Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic modules integrated into facades do not meet fire protection requirements, particularly when equipped with external glass panes, leading to glass shattering and fire penetration, and are either too heavy or costly when thicker or more heat-resistant glass is used.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module with a multi-layer structure and frame design that includes a cavity filled with air, a rear panel for even heat distribution, and a frame made of lightweight, thermally conductive materials to prevent glass shattering and warping, ensuring improved fire performance without additional weight or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the glass pane is made thicker to prevent shattering during fire, then the fire resistance is improved, but the weight of the photovoltaic module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cavity filled with fire-resistant material (such as aerogel, vacuum insulation, or fire-resistant foam) between the photovoltaic element and the external glass pane. This intermediary layer acts as a thermal barrier, protecting the glass from direct heat exposure during fire events, thereby preventing glass shattering without requiring the glass to be thicker.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from increasing glass thickness (one-dimensional solution) to adding a three-dimensional cavity structure with fire-resistant insulation material. This spatial approach provides thermal protection through volume rather than surface thickness, achieving fire resistance without proportionally increasing weight.
2Reliability
If more heat-resistant glass is used to prevent shattering during fire, then the fire resistance is improved, but the cost of the photovoltaic module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-resistant material in the cavity serves as an intermediary thermal barrier that protects standard glass panes from extreme heat. This allows the use of conventional, cost-effective glass instead of expensive heat-resistant glass variants, while still achieving the required fire resistance performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity insulation material provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive heat-resistant glass. By using readily available fire-resistant materials (aerogel, vacuum insulation panels, fire-resistant foams) in the cavity, the system achieves fire protection at lower material costs compared to using specialized heat-resistant glass.
3Reliability
If the photovoltaic module is designed to withstand fire heat, then the fire protection performance is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fire resistance by acting as a thermal barrier, improves thermal insulation during normal operation, and can accommodate wiring and structural support elements. This multi-functionality achieves fire protection without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection function is merged with the existing modular structure of the photovoltaic panel. The cavity is integrated into the frame structure, and the fire-resistant material is combined with the insulation and support functions, creating a unified design rather than adding separate fire protection components.
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 module withstands fire heat longer, prevents glass shattering, and maintains structural integrity, meeting fire protection requirements while being lightweight and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
In the event of a fire, the air heats up, contributing to the even heating of the photovoltaic element. This even heating prevents local overheating of the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 2
Depending on the material of the rear panel, this can also contribute to even temperature distribution in the event of a fire. Furthermore, the panel can stiffen the frame, preventing it from warping, or at least warping to a lesser extent, under the influence of heat
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic module (1) for a facade system (2) for forming a ventilated, curtain-type facade, comprising a photovoltaic element (10) with a multi-layer structure and a frame (20) for receiving the photovoltaic element (10), which frame has a front side (21) and a rear side (22), wherein the photovoltaic element (10) is received in the region of the front side (21) of the frame (20) and a plate (30) is arranged in the region of the rear side (22) of the frame (20) and is connected to the frame (20), such that the photovoltaic element (10), the frame (20), and the plate (30) together enclose a cavity (40). The invention further relates to a facade system (2) having a photovoltaic module (1) according to the invention, a ventilated, curtain-type facade formed from the facade system (1), and a use of the photovoltaic module (1) according to the invention as a facade element.