Frameless PV Module Mounting Grid for Wind Load Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems face challenges in supporting frameless solar panels efficiently, particularly in withstanding wind forces and accommodating various roof types, while maintaining energy conversion efficiency and minimizing installation complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A solar array mounting system featuring flexible pedestal-style feet, rigid links, and panel clamps with a grid formation that distributes uplift forces along two axes, using cast polymers and roll-formed steel components, and a locking mechanism to secure panels at a tilt angle, ensuring stability and resistance to wind and seismic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If frameless solar panels are used to reduce cost and simplify structure, then manufacturing cost and structural complexity are reduced, but attachment difficulty and reliability under wind loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into discrete components: individual clamps for each panel edge, separate attachment points at each corner, and modular connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for securing frameless panels while maintaining overall system reliability through distributed attachment points.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tilted configuration is used to maximize solar energy capture, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but wind-induced uplift forces and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and addresses the wind load problem separately from the tilt configuration. By using specialized clamps with uplift resistance features and distributed attachment points, the wind force management is decoupled from the tilt angle optimization, allowing maximum tilt for energy capture while independently managing wind loads through the clamp design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system adds dimensional complexity by distributing attachment points in multiple directions and planes. The clamps engage panels at multiple locations and orientations, creating a three-dimensional attachment pattern that resists uplift forces while maintaining the tilted configuration for optimal solar exposure.
3Force
If ballast is increased to resist wind forces, then wind resistance is improved, but building load capacity requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamps are pre-configured with integrated ballast retention features and attachment mechanisms during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly of ballast systems, as the components are designed to work together as integrated units that can be installed in a standardized sequence.
4Strength
If enclosed tilted solar array design is used to improve rigidity and protect components, then structural strength and component protection are improved, but wind-induced drag forces and heat accumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies enclosure and protection only where specifically needed - the clamps provide localized protection at attachment points and component interfaces, while leaving the panel surfaces exposed for optimal thermal management. This selective application of enclosure maintains structural rigidity at critical locations without creating overall enclosed structures that would trap heat.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.