Layered BIPV System Structural Integrity and Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) fail to meet structural performance standards and have undesirable aesthetic profiles, lacking certification in areas like structural pressure, water penetration, air infiltration, impact resistance, and fire resistance, while also being difficult to install and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A layered BIPV system incorporating an antireflective coating, substrates with visible stone or glass aesthetics, anchoring elements like aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels, and insulation layers, which are connected using mechanical fasteners or adhesives, ensuring compliance with building code standards through enhanced structural properties and customizable aesthetic designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional BIPVs are used to generate electrical energy from solar energy, then energy generation is achieved, but structural performance standards are not met and aesthetic appeal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining photovoltaic cells with cladding materials such as metal panels, stone laminates, or glass. This composite design allows the BIPV system to simultaneously achieve structural performance comparable to traditional cladding materials while maintaining electrical energy generation capability. The photovoltaic cells are integrated within the composite structure, enabling both aesthetic and structural functions to be fulfilled.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional BIPVs are used to generate electrical energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but aesthetic appeal and design flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional BIPV system where the cladding material serves multiple purposes: it provides aesthetic appeal through various finishes and designs, ensures structural performance, and houses photovoltaic cells for energy generation. The system can be customized with different cladding materials (metal, stone, glass) and photovoltaic cell arrangements to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes while maintaining energy generation functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional BIPVs are installed on building surfaces, then energy generation is achieved, but installation difficulty and certification compliance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the BIPV system into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on the building surface. Each module contains integrated photovoltaic cells and cladding materials, allowing for standardized production and simplified installation. This segmentation enables the system to meet certification standards through controlled manufacturing processes while facilitating easier installation compared to traditional BIPV approaches.
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 layered BIPV system achieves compliance with structural standards, provides effective solar energy conversion, and offers aesthetically appealing designs, addressing the shortcomings of existing BIPVs by enhancing structural integrity and energy efficiency while being customizable for various architectural aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
BIPVs are materials that replace or augment traditional building materials in a building envelope, like cladding, and which generate electrical energy from solar energy
Implementation Method 2
an antireflective coating
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 1(d)~1(e)
Figure 1(f)~1(g)
AI summary
Described is a structurally and aesthetically superior building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system for converting solar energy into usable electric energy. The layered BIPV system is comprised of an antireflective coating, at least one substrate, at least one solar cell, an anchoring element, stone lamina back rails, an exterior side, an interior side, and adhesives or fasteners. A substrate thereof has a visible stone, glass, or other aesthetic feature. The layered BIPV system may also include an insulation layer, an inert gas fill, a fire-resistant seal, or a transparent intumescent coat. The layered BIPV system exhibits desirable structural properties with respect to structural pressure resistance, water penetration, air penetration, missile impact resistance, cyclic pressure loading resistance, flexural strength, compressive strength, shear strength, tensile strength, and fire resistance and complies with building code standards for the same.