Photovoltaic Facade Element With Integrated Insulation Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade elements with photovoltaic modules require complex mounting structures and rear ventilation, leading to increased construction time and potential thermal bridging issues, while also failing to integrate effectively as both insulation and energy generators.
Innovation Solution
A facade element design featuring a photovoltaic module with a front panel and rear carrier plate, where a spacer filled with insulating material eliminates the need for rear ventilation, creating a rigid, cost-effective, and multi-functional element that provides insulation, sealing, and electricity generation, with a frameless design for simplified assembly and reduced thermal bridging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaic modules are mounted on supporting structures attached to the outer shell, then the modules can be securely fixed, but the construction time increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic module mounting function with the facade insulation element itself. The insulation element includes integrated mounting features (such as channels or attachment points) that directly secure the photovoltaic modules, eliminating the need for separate supporting structures attached to the outer shell. This merging of functions reduces construction time and structural complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, weather sealing, and photovoltaic module mounting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated mounting structures, thereby reducing construction time and complexity while ensuring reliable module fixation.
2Temperature
If rear ventilation is implemented for photovoltaic modules, then heat dissipation is improved, but the facade element becomes more complex and less rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rear ventilation requirement by providing alternative heat dissipation paths. Instead of requiring rear ventilation cavities, the design allows heat to dissipate through the edges and sides of the compact insulation element, or through the front panel if transparent. This eliminates the complex rear ventilation structure while maintaining thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing heat dissipation in the rear direction (traditional ventilation), the patent utilizes edge and side surfaces for thermal management. This dimensional shift allows heat to escape through the perimeter of the compact element, eliminating the need for rear ventilation cavities and reducing overall structural complexity.
3Reliability
If complex mounting frames are used, then photovoltaic modules can be securely attached, but the facade loses visual seamless appearance and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is merged into the insulation element itself. The insulation element includes integrated channels, grooves, or attachment points that directly secure the photovoltaic modules without requiring separate external frames. This integration simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment and achieves a visually seamless facade appearance.
4Reliability
If separate mounting structures are used, then photovoltaic modules can be installed, but thermal bridging issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is integrated into the insulation element, which is made of thermally insulating material. This eliminates the need for separate metal mounting structures that would create thermal bridges. The photovoltaic modules are secured directly to the insulation element using methods that minimize thermal conduction paths, thereby reducing energy loss through thermal bridging.
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 results in a more efficient construction process, enhanced thermal and sound insulation, and a visually seamless facade that integrates photovoltaic energy generation, while eliminating the need for complex mounting frames and rear ventilation systems.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic modules are used to convert light into electrical energy and use the photovoltaic effect to do so.
Implementation Method 2
The space between the rear side of the carrier plate and the cover layer is filled with at least one insulating material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The element (1) has a photovoltaic module (30) provided with a front plate (31) and a rear support plate (33). The front plate forms a front side of the element. A spacer (12) is placed on a rear side of the support plate. A top layer (40) i.e. cover, is arranged on a rear side of the spacer. A space between the support plate and the top layer is filled with insulating material (50) i.e. polyurethane. The spacer forms a circular frame, which laterally limits the space between the top layer and the plate. The spacer is restored relative to an edge of the plate and/or the top layer. The photovoltaic module is formed as a thin layer module. The spacer is formed as an insulating material support.