Roof unit, rooftop system and method for manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop systems for thermoelectric power generation are space-intensive, require complex infrastructure, and are not maintenance-free, limiting their effectiveness and usability under harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rooftop system incorporating a thermoelectric generator with a thermal bridge member that utilizes temperature differences between the inner and outer sides of a building, combined with a cover membrane for protection and efficient energy transfer, allowing for space-saving and maintenance-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a solar thermal system is coupled with a thermoelectrical generator, then electrical energy can be generated, but a large space and further infrastructure such as fluid tanks and fluid pipes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric generator with the roof structure itself, integrating the power generation function into the building envelope. The Seebeck elements are arranged between the outer cover membrane and the insulation layer, eliminating the need for separate solar thermal systems and their associated infrastructure (fluid tanks, pipes), thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining electrical energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The roof structure serves multiple functions: it provides weather protection through the cover membrane, thermal insulation through the insulation layer, and electrical power generation through the integrated thermoelectric generators. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for each function, particularly reducing the space needed for fluid storage and transport infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermoelectric generators are installed in a housing for building installation, then they can be used under various conditions, but the arrangement is space-intensive and requires complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric generators are merged directly into the roof structure between the cover membrane and insulation layer, eliminating the need for separate housings and complex installation infrastructure. This integration simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability to various environmental conditions through the protective roof structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the thermoelectric generators from complex housing structures and integrates them directly into the simplified roof assembly. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and infrastructure, reducing device complexity while preserving the generators' ability to operate under various conditions
3Loss of energy
If insulation members are used along a rooftop, then thermal energy is preserved, but temperature difference for thermoelectric power generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific thermal pathway through the insulation layer using thermal bridge members. These bridges provide localized regions of enhanced heat conduction that selectively extract thermal energy from the insulation layer without compromising the overall insulation performance. This allows the insulation to preserve thermal energy generally while permitting localized temperature differences needed for thermoelectric power generation
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal bridge members act as intermediaries between the insulation layer and the thermoelectric generators. These bridges selectively conduct thermal energy from the insulation to the generators, enabling temperature difference utilization without significantly increasing overall heat loss through the roof structure
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 generates electrical energy independently of time and season, using a thermal bridge to transfer internal building temperatures to thermoelectric generators, providing a space-saving and maintenance-free solution for energy generation under various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric power generation by thermoelectric generators or so called 'Seebeck elements' has been known for a long time
Implementation Method 2
the thermal bridge member reaches to the inner side of the insulation member along a thickness of the insulation member such that a thermal bridge between an area along the inner side of the insulation member and the second side of the thermoelectric generator is provided
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention refers to a roof unit (1), in particular for buildings, comprising a cover membrane (10), at least one thermoelectric generator (20) for providing electrical energy with a first side (20.1) and a second side (20.2), an insulation member (30) with an outer (30.1) and an inner side (30.2), and at least one thermal bridge member (40). The cover membrane (10) is attached to the first side (20.1) of the thermoelectric generator (20), whereby the second side (20.2) of the thermoelectric generator (20) and the outer side (30.1) of the insulation member (30) are arranged next to each other and are separated from each other by the thermal bridge member (40). The thermal bridge member (40) partially extends between the second side (20.2) of the thermoelectric generator (20) and the outer side (30.1) of the insulation member (30), whereby the thermal bridge member (40) reaches to the inner side (30.2) of the insulation member (30) along a thickness of the insulation member (30) such that a thermal bridge between an area along the inner side (30.2) of the insulation member and the second side (20.2) of the thermoelectric generator (20) is provided. Further, the invention refers to a rooftop system and a method for manufacturing.