Slidable BIPV Tile Connectors for Roof Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of solar technology is limited by aesthetic concerns and the mismatch between the lifespan of solar systems and existing roofs, particularly composition shingle roofs, as well as complexities in installation and maintenance of photovoltaic roof tiles, which require specialized equipment and accessories, making them difficult to install, service, and repair.
Innovation Solution
A building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) mounting system that includes movable or slidable tile connectors for easy mechanical and electrical coupling of PV tiles to the roof, allowing for quick installation, versatility across different roof configurations, and easy removal of individual tiles for servicing or replacement, using a laminate structure with integrated photovoltaic cells and resilient spring arms for secure coupling and easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic tiles are integrated into the roof system, then aesthetic integration is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the photovoltaic roof into modular tiles that can be installed independently. Each tile is a self-contained unit with integrated photovoltaic cells, allowing aesthetic integration while simplifying installation through standardized modules rather than custom integration work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized connectors as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between photovoltaic tiles and the roof structure. These connectors serve as mediators that simplify the installation process by providing standardized mechanical and electrical coupling interfaces, reducing the complexity of direct tile-to-roof integration.
2Reliability
If photovoltaic tiles are electrically coupled within the system, then system reliability is improved, but serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical coupling system is segmented into modular connectors that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each connector serves a specific tile and can be serviced without affecting the entire electrical system, maintaining reliability through standardized connections while enabling easy repair of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors incorporate movable or slidable components that allow for dynamic access to electrical connections. The slidable design enables service personnel to easily access and disconnect electrical contacts for maintenance or replacement without permanent fixed connections, balancing system reliability with serviceability.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized equipment is used for installing photovoltaic tiles, then installation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specialized connectors as intermediary devices that provide built-in alignment and positioning features. These connectors serve as precision instruments that guide the installation process, ensuring accurate mechanical and electrical coupling without requiring complex external installation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning during installation. The mechanical features of the connectors automatically guide proper placement and orientation of the photovoltaic tiles, providing installation precision through the connector design itself rather than requiring sophisticated external positioning equipment.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If photovoltaic tiles are made permanent for long lifespan, then durability is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors incorporate movable or slidable mechanisms that allow the photovoltaic tiles to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed when needed. The dynamic connector design provides stable mechanical coupling for long-term durability while enabling simple disengagement through sliding or moving actions, resolving the contradiction between permanence and removability.
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 BIPV mounting system simplifies installation, enhances aesthetic integration with existing roofs, extends the lifespan of solar systems, and facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of PV tiles, addressing the challenges of roof tile compatibility and serviceability while maintaining reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
each PV roof tile is formed of a laminate structure and includes at least one photovoltaic cell encased in the laminate structure
Implementation Method 2
resilient spring arms for secure coupling and easy disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace conventional roof structures. BIPV mounting systems described herein allow for improved versatility and ease of installation as compared to conventional approaches. Such BIPV mounting systems can include photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles with separate mechanical coupling features and electrical contact portions for use with tile connectors having both mechanical and electrical coupling features. Such PV tiles can be mechanically and electrically coupled in series through the tile connectors without requiring wire bussing between adjacent PV roof tiles and the tile connectors can be slidable within a batten bracket to easily accommodate PV roof tiles of differing dimensions.