Photovoltaic roofing elements and photovoltaic roofing systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic roofing systems face challenges in installation on steep surfaces, ensuring watertightness, and aesthetic integration with conventional roofing, while also risking wire damage during installation due to pinching or bending.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with an upward-facing and downward-facing surface, including an attachment zone and an exposure zone, with sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to create water drainage channels, and a wiring containment structure to prevent damage, along with side flashing elements for enhanced installation and watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaic roofing elements are installed on steep surfaces using conventional methods, then power generation coverage is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and watertightness cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic roofing system is divided into modular elements that can be independently installed and interconnected. Each element functions as a discrete unit with integrated waterproofing features, allowing simplified installation on steep surfaces while maintaining overall system watertightness through standardized connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized flashing elements and interconnection components serve as intermediaries between photovoltaic roofing elements and the underlying roof structure. These intermediary components facilitate secure attachment on steep surfaces while ensuring watertight seals, resolving the conflict between installation ease and waterproofing reliability.
2Productivity
If wiring is routed during installation without containment structures, then installation speed increases, but wire damage risk increases due to pinching or bending
Solution Approach 1:
Wiring containment structures are pre-integrated into the photovoltaic roofing element design before installation. This preliminary incorporation of wire protection features eliminates the need for separate wire routing steps, maintaining installation speed while preventing wire damage through built-in containment that prevents pinching and excessive bending during the installation process.
3Power
If photovoltaic roofing elements are used to cover the entire roof surface, then power generation is maximized, but aesthetic integration with transition zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies photovoltaic roofing elements selectively to specific roof zones while using conventional roofing materials in transition areas. This local differentiation allows maximum power generation in suitable areas while maintaining aesthetic integration at boundaries, resolving the contradiction between power maximization and visual harmony through spatial quality variation.
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 facilitates easier installation, ensures watertightness, and prevents wire damage, improving the aesthetic integration and functionality of photovoltaic roofing systems by using interlocking sidelap portions and a wiring containment structure.
Implementation Method 1
components that convert light energy into electrical energy. Such 'photovoltaic cells' are often made from semiconductor-type materials
Implementation Method 2
sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to create water drainage channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.