Photovoltaic Roofing Elements with Colored Patterned Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic modules do not aesthetically blend with conventional roofing materials, as they have a distinct deep blue/purple/black color that contrasts with standard roofing materials like asphalt composite shingles, stone, wood, and ceramic, making them visually unappealing on roofs.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic roofing system comprising a roofing substrate with one or more photovoltaic cells, a colored or patterned layer to match the appearance of non-photovoltaic roofing elements, and an encapsulant layer to integrate the photovoltaic cells seamlessly, creating a uniform aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are used on roofs to harvest solar energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to color contrast with conventional roofing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coloration treatments to photovoltaic cells to change their visual appearance from the traditional deep blue/purple/black to colors that match conventional roofing materials such as grey, black, green, or brown tones. This allows the photovoltaic cells to blend aesthetically with asphalt composite shingles, stone, wood, and ceramic roofing materials while maintaining their energy harvesting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the photovoltaic cells including their color properties and surface characteristics to match the appearance of surrounding roofing materials. By changing these parameters, the photovoltaic cells become visually indistinguishable from conventional roofing elements, resolving the aesthetic contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells with deep blue/purple/black color are used to maximize solar absorptivity, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but visual blending with conventional roofing materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the color of photovoltaic cells from the traditional deep blue/purple/black to colors that match conventional roofing materials. This color transformation allows the cells to maintain visual blending with roofing materials while the patent ensures that energy conversion efficiency is preserved through alternative design approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures that combine photovoltaic functionality with aesthetic coloring layers or coatings. These composite structures allow the photovoltaic cells to achieve both visual blending with conventional roofing materials and maintained energy conversion efficiency through optimized material composition.
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 enhances aesthetic matching between photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic roofing elements, making the photovoltaic roofing system visually indistinguishable from conventional roofing materials, thereby improving the visual appeal of solar energy harvesting on roofs.
Implementation Method 1
components that convert light energy into electrical energy. Such 'photovoltaic cells' are often made from semiconductor-type materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the roofing substrate; and a colored or patterned layer disposed on the roofing substrate and visible in the area surrounding the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulant layer disposed over the photovoltaic cells and the patterned colored layer.