Integrated Roofing Panel for Solar Thermal, PV, and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof-mounted alternative energy systems are cumbersome and expensive due to their unitary functions, which prevent multiple applications from sharing the same surface area, limiting efficient structural and operational layouts in both new installations and retrofits.
Innovation Solution
An integrated roofing panel that combines solar concentrator tubes, photovoltaic cells, LED lighting, and ventilation capabilities, with a modular design allowing interchangeable components and optimized solar exposure, featuring a frame with interconnected solar concentrator tubes, a working fluid manifold, and embedded photovoltaic cells for energy generation and supplemental lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate unitary systems are used for solar hot water, photovoltaic, and skylight functions, then each system can be independently optimized, but the overall system becomes cumbersome, expensive, and occupies excessive surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar hot water collection, photovoltaic electricity generation, skylight passive lighting, and ventilation functions into a single integrated roofing panel. The solar concentrator tubes serve both as thermal collection elements and as structural components of the roof panel, while photovoltaic cells are mounted on the same panel surface, creating a multi-functional system that reduces overall complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing panel is designed as a universal structure that simultaneously performs multiple functions: thermal energy collection through solar concentrator tubes, electrical energy generation through photovoltaic cells, natural lighting through skylight openings, and ventilation through adjustable panels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structures for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate systems are installed on the roof, then each system can be independently maintained and replaced, but installation costs and structural requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple energy collection functions are merged into a single roofing panel structure, allowing all components to be installed simultaneously as one unit rather than requiring separate installations for solar thermal, photovoltaic, and skylight systems. This integration significantly reduces installation time and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing panel serves as a universal platform that accommodates multiple energy collection technologies within a single surface area, maximizing the utilization of available roof space while reducing the total area required compared to separate installations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar concentrator tubes are used for hot water collection, then thermal energy efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar concentrator tubes are integrated directly into the roofing panel structure, eliminating the need for separate support structures and mounting hardware. The tubes serve dual purposes as both thermal collection elements and structural components of the roof panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar concentrator tubes are designed to perform multiple functions: collecting thermal energy, providing structural support for the panel, and serving as part of the overall roofing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall structure.
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 integrated panel achieves efficient solar hot water heating, electricity generation, and high-efficiency lighting while allowing for ventilation and space heating/cooling, enhancing energy savings and reducing installation costs through a unified, modular design.
Implementation Method 1
an array of solar concentrator tubes supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold
Implementation Method 2
The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes
Implementation Method 3
Solar photovoltaic systems using arrays of photovoltaic cells are mounted on roof systems
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web in one form of the embodiment for supplemental lighting
Implementation Method 5
The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated
Implementation Method 6
a top surface of the safety glass panel is treated for infrared reflectivity
Implementation Method 7
An additional feature of an exemplary embodiment may be an absorption chiller system receiving heated working fluid from the array of solar concentrator tubes
Implementation Method 8
The absorption chiller system then delivers cooled fluid to a manifold of a radiator unit mounted to the underside of a lower frame element. Vertical fins on the radiator unit allow gravity induced convection cooling
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated alternative energy roofing panel incorporates an array of solar concentrator tubes interconnected with transparent web to form a joined plate supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold. The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes. In one exemplary construction, each of the solar concentrator tubes terminates in a conducting metal sleeve which extends beyond the frame element into the manifold. A safety glass panel is attached to one frame element beneath the joined plate. The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web for supplemental lighting. An array of photovoltaic cells mounted to a top surface of the manifold and a battery are interconnected for powering the LEDs. The manifold incorporates a compartment to house the battery as a portion of the integrated panel.