Overlapping PV Mounting Frames for Watertight Roof Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic panel systems face challenges in sealing and integration with roofs, particularly with high DC voltages posing safety risks and requiring specific adaptations for different roofing types, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with overlapping sections and gutters is designed to securely integrate photovoltaic panels directly onto a roof frame, ensuring sealing without additional membranes and accommodating various roofing types, while incorporating a micro-inverter receptacle for safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If photovoltaic panels are fixed using screws or nails through a membrane, then the panels are securely attached to the roof framework, but sealing is compromised and additional installation time and costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into separate functional elements: the membrane remains intact as a sealing layer, while dedicated fixing lugs with integrated sealing features attach the panels. This segmentation allows the membrane to fulfill its sealing function without being compromised by penetration fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
Fixing lugs act as intermediary elements between the membrane and the photovoltaic panels. These lugs include integrated sealing features that create watertight connections without requiring screws or nails to penetrate the membrane, thus maintaining sealing integrity while achieving secure attachment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high DC voltage is used to optimize inverter efficiency, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase for technicians and emergency services
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage parameter from high DC voltage to low voltage operation. Micro-inverters convert DC to AC at low voltage levels at each panel, eliminating the need for high voltage DC transmission and thereby removing the electrocution risk for technicians and emergency services while maintaining energy conversion efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized flashings are used for all roofing types, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to specific roofing configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flashing system is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple roofing types including tiles, slates, and metal roofs. The standardized flashings incorporate adjustable features and universal mounting mechanisms that allow them to adapt to various roofing configurations without requiring custom fabrication, thereby achieving both standardization and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If micro-inverters are fixed directly to the back of modules, then integration is achieved, but hot spots are created that affect module performance
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-inverters are extracted from direct contact with the photovoltaic module backs. Instead of being fixed directly to the modules, they are mounted on separate support structures or racks positioned behind the panels, which provides adequate thermal spacing and prevents hot spot formation while maintaining electrical integration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
This device for integrating photovoltaic panels (4) on a frame (2), in particular on a roof structure, comprises - a plurality of frames (5) intended to receive the photovoltaic panels (4), attached to the frame, said frames being defined by a peripheral edge provided with linear elements protruding from the plane in which the frames are inscribed; - clamping means (6) for holding said panels on the frames; - means for fixing the frames to the frame. The frames (5) are perforated and partially overlap or overlap each other at the edges which define them, laterally on the one hand and in the direction of the slope of the roof on the other hand, the linear elements projecting with which they are provided cooperating with each other to form a sealing barrier.