Photovoltaic Panel Mounting Structure With Waterproof Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic panel mounting systems fail to provide waterproofing, static support, and insulation, leading to costly and aesthetically undesirable installations that are prone to water infiltration and overheating.
Innovation Solution
A self-bearing mounting system using laminated photovoltaic modules without frames, supported by a double-thickness infrastructure with gaskets for waterproofing and ventilation, allowing for integration with various roofing types and optional cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photovoltaic panels are mounted on independent covering systems with rectangular tubular sections, then installation is simple, but waterproofing is compromised and water leaks occur along the sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting structure with the waterproofing function by integrating L-shaped profiles that simultaneously support photovoltaic panels and provide waterproof coverage. The profiles are fixed to the covering system and extend beyond panel edges to prevent water infiltration, combining structural support and waterproofing into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped profiles act as intermediary elements between the covering system and photovoltaic panels, providing both mechanical support and waterproofing. The profiles are positioned to overlap panel edges and seal gaps, serving as a mediator that prevents water infiltration while maintaining panel stability.
2Strength
If standard photovoltaic panels with aluminum frames are used, then structural sturdiness is increased, but the frames are insufficient to withstand current regulation loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining aluminum L-shaped profiles with wooden battens and appropriate fastening systems. This composite structure increases load-bearing capacity beyond what aluminum frames alone can provide, while maintaining the lightweight advantages of aluminum and adding the structural strength of wood to meet current regulation requirements.
3Reliability
If photovoltaic panels are installed on perfectly waterproofed roofs, then waterproofing is ensured, but installation costs increase and roof weight becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproofing function with the mounting structure by using L-shaped profiles that integrate both support and water protection functions. This eliminates the need for separate expensive waterproofing layers, reducing overall installation costs while maintaining reliable waterproofing performance.
4Strength
If photovoltaic panels are mounted with continuous lateral shoulders, then panel support is provided, but micro-infiltrations and water leaks percolate along the sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lateral shoulders into discrete L-shaped profiles positioned at specific intervals rather than continuous shoulders. Each L-shaped profile is fixed to the covering system and extends beyond panel edges to provide localized waterproofing, preventing water infiltration while maintaining structural support.
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 system ensures long-term waterproofing, static stability, and energy efficiency while maintaining architectural integration and reducing installation costs, with enhanced aesthetic appeal and reduced overheating risks.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket sealing said junction between said photovoltaic panel and said support structure
Implementation Method 2
a ventilation channel allowing for a air flow beneath said photovoltaic panel, in such manner to remove heat from the same
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A mounting system (1) of photovoltaic panels is disclosed, such to obtain a self-bearing waterproof and watertight covering, comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic panels (2) with square or rectangular shape; a plurality of lower metal sections (3, 3', 103) that are mutually crossed to generate support frames of the edges of the photovoltaic panels; a plurality of upper supports (4, 4') that are mutually crossed in correspondence of lower metal sections and fixed to the lower metal sections by means of special supports and screws (70, 71, 72); a set of lower gaskets (5; 50, 50') disposed between lower sections and lower surface of photovoltaic panels; a set of upper gaskets (6; 60) disposed between upper surface of photovoltaic panels and upper strips.