Photovoltaic Module Mounting With Wind-Induced Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems face challenges with material-intensive and expensive special frames for support, complicated assembly processes, and high permanent load on underlying surfaces due to rigid connections and over-determination, which hinder efficient and cost-effective installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system utilizing one-piece carrier elements with angled profiles that create turbulence and negative pressure for additional contact pressure, allowing self-supporting modules with reduced fastening elements and flexible installation, produced from easily processed metals like aluminum, which simplifies assembly and reduces material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If special molded frames (aluminum pressed parts) are used to support photovoltaic modules, then mechanical stability and support function are achieved, but production becomes material-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional elements: support legs (first support element) and connecting parts (second support element). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, less material-intensive processes while maintaining overall mechanical stability through their coordinated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg and connecting part are combined into an integrated support system where the support leg provides vertical support and the connecting part provides horizontal connection. This merging of functions eliminates the need for complex molded frames while achieving both support and connection capabilities.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are mounted on angled support legs with adjustable height, then optimized solar radiation capture is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into standardized support legs and connecting parts with defined interfaces. This segmentation enables modular assembly where components can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled together, reducing overall assembly complexity despite the angled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg design allows for parameter adjustments (height, angle) while maintaining a standardized basic structure. This enables optimization of solar radiation capture through parameter variation without requiring complete redesign of the assembly process, thus managing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rows of photovoltaic modules are connected via continuous rails, then relative position and system alignment are ensured, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using continuous rails, the connection system is segmented into discrete connecting parts that link individual support legs. This segmentation reduces material usage by eliminating unnecessary continuous structure while still ensuring stable relative positioning through point-to-point connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential function of continuous rails (providing connection and positioning) is extracted and implemented through simpler discrete connecting parts. This extraction removes the excess material of continuous rails while preserving the core functionality of maintaining relative module positions.
4Strength
If rigid frame connections are used to ensure structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but permanent load on underlying surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure is segmented into separate support legs and connecting parts with defined connection points. This segmentation creates a more efficient load path that distributes forces through discrete elements rather than continuous rigid connections, reducing overall permanent load while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system uses simpler, lighter components (support legs and connecting parts) instead of heavy molded frames. While individual components are lighter and potentially replaceable, the overall system achieves required structural stability with reduced permanent load on the mounting surface.
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 solution achieves a simpler, more cost-effective assembly with reduced material usage and lower permanent load on the underlying surface, ensuring mechanical stability and flexibility while minimizing shadow impact and wind resistance.
Implementation Method 1
This measure then produces turbulence or nozzle effects when the air is flowing above along the mounted photovoltaic system
Implementation Method 2
which creates a negative pressure in the intermediate space formed between the photovoltaic modules and the mounting plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic system (1) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (100) and supporting means (10) for supporting and/or retaining each photovoltaic module (100) in a position relative to an assembly plane, said position forming an inclination angle. The supporting means (10) comprises first and second engaging means (20 or 30) for each of the photovoltaic modules (100), each said engaging means engaging onto a frame portion (102) of the corresponding photovoltaic module (100). The first engaging means (20), the photovoltaic module (100), and the second engaging means (30) are arranged in a successive manner in a direction (R) of extension, and the mechanical connection between the first and the second engaging means (20 or 30) in the direction (R) of extension is preferably produced solely by means of a portion (104) of the photovoltaic module (100), in particular a frame portion (102) of the photovoltaic module (100). The supporting means are paired with air and/or wind conducting means (62) such that a vacuum is generated in an intermediate space formed between at least one of the photovoltaic modules and the underlying assembly plane in the event of an airflow, which acts in particular in the direction (R) of extension, above or along the photovoltaic system.