Photovoltaic Module Cable Layout for Sloped Roof Water Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of photovoltaic modules on sloped roofs, particularly on corrugated metal sheets, faces issues with horizontal cables obstructing water flow, leading to debris accumulation, cable degradation, and reduced electrical efficiency due to shadowing and pooling water, which complicates installation and affects the lifespan of the modules.
Innovation Solution
The photovoltaic assembly features cables and electric tracks arranged parallel to the slope, with U-shapes connecting columns or lines of photovoltaic cells, and return cables embedded or enclosed in sheaths, minimizing horizontal obstructions and optimizing water flow, thereby reducing debris accumulation and shadowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horizontal cables are arranged between photovoltaic modules perpendicular to the slope, then electrical connection between modules is achieved, but water flow is obstructed causing debris accumulation and cable degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cable arrangement by changing from horizontal cables (perpendicular to slope) to cables running parallel to the slope in the water flow direction. This inversion eliminates the contradiction by making cables flow with rather than against water, preventing debris accumulation while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the cable arrangement from a horizontal dimension (perpendicular to slope) to a vertical/directional dimension (parallel to slope following water flow). This dimensional change allows cables to align with natural water flow patterns, eliminating obstruction problems while maintaining electrical function.
2Reliability
If horizontal cables are placed on corrugated metal sheet roofs, then electrical connection is established, but pooling spaces are created between cables and ridges complicating installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the cable placement strategy by running cables parallel to ridges rather than perpendicular to them. This eliminates the creation of pooling spaces between cables and ridges, simplifying installation while maintaining electrical connectivity between modules.
3Reliability
If horizontal cables are arranged perpendicular to the slope, then module interconnection is achieved, but shadowing increases reducing electrical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the cable orientation from horizontal (perpendicular to slope) to vertical (parallel to slope). This inversion reduces the cable profile presented to sunlight, minimizing shadowing effects and maintaining electrical efficiency while preserving interconnection functionality.
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
This configuration enhances water flow, reduces debris accumulation, and maintains electrical efficiency by minimizing horizontal obstructions, thus extending the lifespan of the photovoltaic modules and improving the aesthetic and technical installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power from solar radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic assembly (100) for installation on a sloped roof, comprising • a plurality of photovoltaic modules (1a, 1b, ...), arranged in at least one column parallel to the slope (S), each photovoltaic module (1a, 1b, ...) comprising: ▪ a laminate (11) of rectangular shape, with two slope sides (SS) to be placed parallel to the slope (S) of the roof and two horizontal sides (HS) to be placed perpendicular to the slope (S), ▪ a plurality of photovoltaic cells (13), disposed in the laminate (11), ▪ at least two monopole junction boxes (15a, 15b), comprising a first junction box (15a) attached respectively at the corner between one of the first or second slope side (SS) and a first horizontal side (HS), and a second junction box (15b) attached at the corner between the same first or second slope side (SS) and the second horizontal side (HS), connected to the photovoltaic cells (13), the junction boxes (15a, 15b) of the photovoltaic modules (1a, 1b, ...) being close to the same slope side (SS) of the photovoltaic modules (1a, 1b, ...) • connection and collecting cables (19, 21).