PV Module Support Profiles for Low-Angle Flat Roof Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inclined arrangements for photovoltaic (PV) modules on flat roofs with inclinations less than 10° offer limited yield and self-cleaning, while conventional solutions are economically unviable due to complexity, and existing solutions with a slight increase in inclination are material-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A simplified inclined arrangement using front and rear support profiles with parallel spacing on the roof, featuring an undercut longitudinal groove and rounded tops to allow for static support at various angles, providing a small but cost-effective increase in inclination (5°-8°) with reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PV modules are installed parallel to the roof on flat roofs with inclination less than 10°, then the installation is simple, but the yield and self-cleaning are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into front and rear support profiles with different support heights, allowing the PV module to be inclined relative to the roof while maintaining simple installation through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The front and rear support profiles have asymmetric support heights, with the rear support profile having a greater support height than the front support profile, creating an inclined arrangement that improves yield and self-cleaning
2Productivity
If conventional roof elevations with 30° inclination are used, then the yield is optimized, but the complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a full 30° roof elevation which would be complex and costly, the invention applies a partial inclination increase of 5°-8° through simple support profiles, achieving sufficient yield improvement without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the inclination parameter from 0° (parallel to roof) to 5°-8° by adjusting the support height difference between front and rear support profiles, achieving optimal yield without the complexity of conventional roof elevations
3Productivity
If existing inclined arrangements with slight inclination increase are used, then the yield improves slightly, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support profiles utilize thin-walled extruded profiles made of light metal, reducing material usage while maintaining structural integrity for the inclined arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The tops of the support profiles are rounded with a radius between 500 mm and 700 mm, allowing the PV module to rest tangentially and enabling the use of lighter, more efficient profile designs
Data Source
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AI summary
The inclined arrangement of PV modules on flat roofs comprises a front and rear support section (6, 7). Said sections are mounted in parallel on the flat roof by means of retaining elements (10a, 11a) that are fixed to the flat roof (1). The undersides of the support sections (6, 7) are positioned in parallel with the roof on the retaining elements. The upper sides of the support sections (6, 7) support a PV module (4) at an incline and at a shallow angle in relation to the flat roof (1), the rear support section (7) having a greater supporting height than the front support section (6). The inclined arrangement is particularly suitable for shallow angles of between 5 and 8°. Preferably, the upper sides of both support sections (6, 7) are rounded so that the PV module (4) lies tangentially or substantially tangentially on said sections. The support sections (6, 7) can thus give favourable structural support to PV modules of various sizes at various angles.