Modular Wall System With Hollow Cantilevers For PV Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating photovoltaic modules into building structures are complex, costly, and limit flexibility, with challenging cabling and vulnerability to weather-related damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular wall system featuring solid construction elements with through-holes for mounting photovoltaic modules via edge profiles with hollow cantilevers, allowing secure, weather-protected cabling and easy assembly, enabling simple and stable integration of photovoltaic modules into building walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are attached to building roofs or facades using existing methods, then solar energy generation is increased, but the installation becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building wall into modular wall segments, each containing integrated photovoltaic modules. The wall is constructed from multiple identical or configurable modules that can be assembled systematically, reducing installation complexity while maintaining solar energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the building wall structure with photovoltaic modules into a single integrated system. The modules serve dual functions as both structural wall components and solar energy generators, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes and reducing installation complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are integrated into building construction, then solar energy generation increases, but construction time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Photovoltaic modules are pre-integrated into wall segments during manufacturing, with through-holes and mounting structures prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly, reducing construction time while maintaining solar energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wall construction is divided into standardized modular segments that can be pre-fabricated with integrated photovoltaic modules. These modules can be manufactured off-site and assembled quickly on-site, reducing overall construction time and costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are mounted on building surfaces, then solar energy generation is improved, but flexibility in material selection and building structure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the building, enables solar energy generation through integrated photovoltaic modules, and allows for flexible material selection in the solid components. The universal module design can accommodate different materials (concrete, wood, composite) while maintaining the same photovoltaic integration approach
4Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are installed on buildings, then solar energy generation increases, but cabling becomes complex and vulnerable to weather damage
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are routed through the hollow interior of the cantilever arms, which are themselves integrated into the wall module structure. This nested arrangement protects cables from weather exposure while maintaining electrical connectivity for solar energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure for the photovoltaic modules (cantilever arms) is merged with the cable routing function. The same structural elements that hold the modules also provide protected pathways for electrical cables, simplifying the system and improving reliability
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 modular wall system facilitates efficient, safe, and cost-effective integration of photovoltaic modules, reducing construction time and costs while ensuring weather-independent electrical connections and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
The cantilevers are characterized in that they are in the form of a hollow profile and allow current-carrying cables to be routed from the photovoltaic modules to an inside of the modular wall system
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic modules being installed at ground level in a mounting structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates in one aspect to a modular wall system comprising solid building elements (3) for the modular construction of self-supporting wall segments, wherein the solid building elements have one or more through-holes (9) for mounting photovoltaic modules (1). For this purpose, the photovoltaic modules are mounted in edge profiles (5) which have two or more extensions (7) for insertion into the through-holes of the solid building elements. The extensions are characterized in that they are in the form of a hollow profile and allow the routing of a current-carrying cable from the photovoltaic modules to an inner surface of the modular wall system. In another aspect, the invention relates to a building comprising a wall, preferably a load-bearing exterior wall, which is formed by such a modular wall system.