PV Cable Passthrough Grommet Sealing for Watertight Roof Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems face challenges in efficiently routing electrical cables through roof structures while maintaining watertight seals and protecting against moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A passthrough device comprising a base and lid with a grommet system that compresses around the electrical cable, forming a watertight seal, and aligns with roof deck and photovoltaic module apertures to facilitate cable passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passthrough device is installed on the roof deck to route cables, then cable routing is facilitated, but the risk of moisture ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
A grommet is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable and the passthrough device. The grommet is compressed between the base and lid to form a watertight seal around the cable, preventing moisture ingress while allowing the cable to pass through the roof deck aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet acts as a flexible sealing element that deforms under compression to create a watertight barrier. This flexible component conforms to the cable surface and maintains the seal even with cable movement or thermal expansion.
2Reliability
If the lid and base are compressed to seal the grommet, then watertight protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base and lid are designed as complementary components that together form the complete passthrough device. The base includes an aperture for cable passage while the lid provides the sealing surface, and when assembled they create both the structural support and watertight seal in an integrated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The passthrough device is divided into separable base and lid components that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while the compression mechanism between the two parts creates the watertight seal.
3Ease of operation
If the aperture is sized to receive the cable, then cable passage is enabled, but protection against moisture ingress is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet serves as an intermediary sealing element installed within the aperture and compressed around the cable. This allows the aperture to be large enough for cable passage while the grommet creates a tight seal that prevents moisture ingress around the cable surface.
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 passthrough device provides a secure and watertight passage for electrical cables, protecting against moisture ingress and ensuring effective cable routing within photovoltaic systems.
Implementation Method 1
the lid and the base are configured to compress the grommet around the at least one cable when the lid is attached to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a passthrough installed on a roof deck. The passthrough includes a base with an aperture, and a lid attached to the base. The aperture of the base is configured to align with an aperture formed within the roof deck. The system includes at least one cable and a grommet installed on the at least one cable. The lid and the base are configured to compress the grommet around the at least one cable.