Modular Solar Fluid Heating Panel Assembly for Roof Purlin Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar water heating systems require extensive assembly and can damage traditional roofs, necessitating a solution that enhances assembly speed and convenience while ensuring roof protection and efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A solar fluid heating assembly comprising pre-built modular panels that can be quickly and securely assembled, with a mounting bracket system allowing direct attachment to roof purlins, providing a watertight roof replacement and efficient sunlight penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar water heating systems are installed on existing roofs, then solar energy can be collected efficiently, but extensive assembly is required and damage to the roof structure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The solar heating system is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on the roof. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized mounting interfaces, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining energy collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-assembled with mounting brackets and connection components before being transported to the installation site. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly time and complexity, allowing for quicker installation without compromising the structural integrity of the existing roof.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar water heating systems are installed on existing roofs, then solar energy can be collected efficiently, but extensive assembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be quickly deployed. Each panel is designed as a complete functional unit, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and significantly reducing installation time while preserving solar energy collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary components including mounting brackets, fasteners, and connection elements are pre-attached to each panel during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive on-site assembly operations, reducing installation time from days to hours while maintaining full functional capability.
3Ease of operation
If mounting brackets with gaps are used to attach panels to roof purlins, then assembly is simplified and roof damage is minimized, but the structure must still support panel weight
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into multiple contact points (shelves and feet) that distribute the panel weight across several locations on the roof purlin. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly with minimal intrusion into the roof structure while maintaining adequate structural strength through load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket concentrates support forces at specific localized points (the shelves and feet contact points) rather than distributing them continuously. This local quality approach allows the bracket to be simple in overall design while providing sufficient strength at critical load-bearing locations.
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 solution enables rapid and secure assembly of solar fluid heating systems on roofs, minimizing damage and enhancing energy efficiency by allowing direct attachment to roof purlins, thus providing a convenient and efficient solar energy harvesting solution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one outwardly facing portion of the first sheet is substantially transparent to solar heat energy, derived from the sun, passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
at least one portion of the inner surface of the second sheet orientated towards the conduit is substantially reflective of solar heat energy
Implementation Method 3
The conduit is heated both by heat energy which passes through transparent sheets and directly strikes the conduit but also by heat energy which strikes the reflective sheet and is reflected back to the conduit onto surfaces that face away from the sun
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a solar fluid heating panel with fluid conduits that allow a fluid to be heated by the sun. It also provides a mounting system and weather sealing system that allow the panels to replace a traditional roof. The roof replacing panels can be installed quickly using mounting brackets attached to roof purlins. The panels can allow natural ambient light to enter the building while harnessing the sun's energy to heat fluid within the conduits.