Rotatable PV Panel Mount for Emergency Roof Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic (PV) panel installations on roofs often leave large portions empty due to fire codes requiring clear access areas, limiting the power generation capacity and posing challenges for emergency access.
Innovation Solution
A PV panel mount system with a moving frame, hinge, spring, damper, and release mechanism that allows the panel to be rotated away from the roof edge, providing unobstructed access while maintaining power generation efficiency and safety features like automatic power disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PV panels are installed in fixed positions on the roof, then power generation is maintained, but emergency access to the roof is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The PV panel mounting system is designed with a movable frame that can rotate between an operative position (covering the roof for power generation) and an emergency access position (uncovering the roof for firefighter access). This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve two opposing functions: maintaining power generation while enabling emergency access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system divides the roof into multiple access regions, with at least one region remaining uncovered by PV panels. This segmentation allows firefighters to access specific areas of the roof while PV panels cover other areas for power generation, resolving the conflict between continuous power generation and emergency access requirements.
2Reliability
If clear access areas are increased on the roof, then emergency access is improved, but power generation capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the coverage area of PV panels based on emergency needs. During normal operation, the movable frame covers the roof area for maximum power generation. During emergencies, the frame rotates to uncover the area, providing access without permanently sacrificing power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PV panel covering of emergency access regions operates periodically - covering during normal operation for power generation, and uncovering during emergencies for access. This periodic action allows the system to maximize power generation capacity while ensuring emergency access is available when required.
3Reliability
If PV panels are rotated away from the roof, then emergency access is enabled, but power generation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The movable frame rotates dynamically between covered and uncovered positions. During emergencies, it rotates to uncover the roof for access. After the emergency is resolved, it rotates back to the covered position to resume power generation, allowing the system to temporarily interrupt power generation only when absolutely necessary for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by rotating the PV panels away from the roof temporarily during emergencies and then returning them to their power-generating position afterward. This periodic rotation ensures that power generation is interrupted only for the duration of the emergency response, minimizing the impact on overall energy production.
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
Enables rapid and safe emergency access to the roof while maintaining effective power generation, ensuring compliance with building codes and reducing the need for extensive clear areas, thus enhancing both safety and energy output.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached to the moving frame that rotates the frame and its PV panel around the hinge
Implementation Method 2
a damper to limit speed of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for a rotatable photovoltaic (PV) panel mount is described. A moving frame, comprising a standard PV panel, connects via a hinge to a fixed frame. In an “operative” position, the moving frame and its PV panel are coplanar with a larger, fixed array of PV panels. A spring between the fixed frame and the moving frame powers the moving frame to rotate around the hinge pivot from horizontal (operative) to vertical (roof access), when an emergency handle releases a latch. The roof access position provides unobstructed roof access to a portion of the roof previously under the PV panel. A damper limits speed of motion of the moving frame. Embodiments include an additional horizontal (folded) position, on top of an adjacent PV panel.