Interlocking Photovoltaic Roofing Elements With Protected Wire Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic roofing systems face challenges in installation on steep surfaces, ensuring watertightness, and aesthetic integration with conventional roofing, while also risking wire damage during installation due to pinching or bending, which can lead to power loss, injury, or fire.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with an upward-facing and downward-facing surface, including an attachment zone and an exposure zone, with sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to create water drainage channels, and a wiring containment structure to prevent wire pinching, along with side flashing elements for enhanced watertightness and aesthetic transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic roofing elements are installed on steep surfaces, then photovoltaic power generation coverage is improved, but installation difficulty increases and watertightness becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic roofing system is divided into modular elements that can be independently installed and interconnected. Each element contains integrated wiring channels that guide wires through predetermined paths, preventing wire pinching and damage during installation on steep surfaces while maintaining ease of assembly and watertightness.
2Ease of operation
If wiring is routed through support structures during installation, then electrical interconnection is achieved, but wire damage risk increases due to pinching or bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wiring channels as intermediary structures within the support elements. These channels act as protective conduits that guide wires through the support structures without direct contact between wires and sharp edges or pinching points, thereby maintaining wire integrity while enabling electrical interconnection.
3Shape
If conventional roofing products are used alongside photovoltaic elements, then aesthetic transition is achieved, but roof closure and watertightness become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of photovoltaic elements, support structures, and roofing materials into an integrated system. The support elements serve dual purposes as both structural components and wiring conduits, while the modular design allows seamless integration with conventional roofing products, maintaining both aesthetic transition and roof closure.
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 facilitates easier and safer installation, ensures watertightness, and maintains the aesthetic appeal of photovoltaic roofing systems by preventing wire damage and enhancing water drainage, thereby reducing the risk of power loss and safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
components that convert light energy into electrical energy. Such 'photovoltaic cells' are often made from semiconductor-type materials
Implementation Method 2
sidelap portions for interlocking with adjacent elements to create water drainage channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.