Building-Integrated PV Modules with Ventilation Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic systems require separate mounting hardware and cannot be integrated directly into building structures, leading to increased material and labor costs, and they lack efficient ventilation and moisture management systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of building-integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules that include photovoltaic inserts with ventilation ribs and supporting structures for mechanical attachment to building structures, forming ventilation channels and moisture barriers, which allow for air flow and water management, reducing overheating and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional photovoltaic systems use separate mounting hardware, then mechanical attachment to building structures is achieved, but material costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting hardware and photovoltaic module into a single integrated BIP module. The base tray with ventilation ribs is directly attached to the photovoltaic insert, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and reducing both material costs and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tray serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the photovoltaic insert, creates ventilation channels for cooling, and attaches to the building structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic cells operate without efficient ventilation, then structure simplicity is maintained, but operating temperature increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation channels are integrated into the base tray structure itself, combining the support function and ventilation function into a single component. The ribs of the base tray create the channels, eliminating the need for separate ventilation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tray features localized rib structures at specific positions to create ventilation channels where needed for cooling the photovoltaic cells, while maintaining a simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If modules are installed without integrated moisture barriers, then installation simplicity is maintained, but water leakage and moisture damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support flap is integrated into the base tray structure and serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support/attachment to the building structure and creating a moisture barrier. The flap extends under adjacent modules to prevent water leakage, combining structural and protective functions.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting hardware is used, then ease of assembly is maintained, but material costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hardware functions are integrated into the base tray structure, which is made from a single piece of material. This eliminates the need for additional separate hardware components, reducing both material quantity and assembly labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tray performs multiple functions: structural support, ventilation channel creation, and mechanical attachment to the building structure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and material quantity needed.
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
BIP modules enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by maintaining optimal operating temperatures through ventilation and reduce installation costs by eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware, while providing a seamless integration with building structures.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple modules are then arranged into photovoltaic arrays that are used to convert solar energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 2
The supporting structures may include ventilation ribs that form ventilation channels for providing an air flow under the photovoltaic insert
Data Source
AI summary
Building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules include photovoltaic inserts for producing electrical power and supporting structures for mechanically attaching and supporting the insert with respect to a building structure, such as roof tops. The supporting structures may include ventilation ribs that form ventilation channels under the photovoltaic insert and, in certain embodiments, under other components of the module. These ribs may be used to provide mechanical support to the entire module. In specific embodiments, ventilation channels of one module are configured to coincide with ventilation channels of one or more other like modules and to form a continuous channel along the roof edge. The supporting structures may be used to form moisture barriers in between two modules, such as side glitters. In certain embodiments, supporting structures are separate components and are attached to the insert to form a module during fabrication or installation of the module on a building structure.