Solar Panel Coupling Protrusions for Thermal Expansion Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing thin-film solar battery modules on metal roof panels face issues due to thermal expansion coefficient differences, leading to detachment and reduced power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A panel design with upward protruding connection portions, coupling protrusions, and a seating portion with concave sections and stoppers to securely fix and cool solar battery modules, ensuring efficient power generation and preventing detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to attach thin-film solar battery module to metal roof panel, then installation is simplified, but module detachment occurs due to thermal expansion coefficient difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmodule attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of coupling protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the roof panel. This mechanical connection provides reliable attachment that is not affected by thermal expansion differences between materials, while maintaining installation simplicity through the integrated coupling structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel structure is divided into distinct functional components: the roof panel body, coupling protrusions for mechanical attachment, and concave sections for thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - mechanical fastening for attachment stability and concave sections for heat dissipation - while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If solar battery module is tightly fixed to roof panel, then attachment stability is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule attachment stabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the panel: the coupling protrusions provide rigid mechanical fastening for stable attachment, while the concave sections create localized air spaces for heat dissipation. This local differentiation allows the panel to simultaneously achieve both attachment stability and thermal management efficiency by optimizing each region for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The concave sections act as intermediary thermal management features between the solar battery module and the roof panel. These recessed areas create air gaps that facilitate heat dissipation from the module without compromising the mechanical attachment provided by the coupling protrusions, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of stable fixation and effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional installation method is used, then material cost is reduced, but power generation efficiency decreases due to poor heat dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation costVSAvoidpower generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel structure integrates multiple functions into a single system: mechanical attachment through coupling protrusions and thermal management through concave sections. This multi-functional design achieves both reliable module fixation and effective heat dissipation without requiring separate components, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving power generation efficiency through better thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates quick and cost-effective installation of solar battery modules, enhances power generation efficiency through effective heat dissipation and secure fixation, preventing module escape or detachment.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of coupling protrusions bent upwards inside the first connection portion and inside the second connection portion... The coupling protrusions may be bent in a direction in which the solar battery module is provided so that the solar battery module is pressed down and fixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Research into a panel for installing a solar battery module to increase the power generation efficiency of solar batteries by effectively discharging heat from the solar battery module is desired... At least one concave section recessed downwards may be formed at a bottom surface between seating portions to extend in a lengthwise direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3276822B1Panel for installing solar battery module
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 I SOLAR ENERGY
  • EP3276822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A panel for installing a solar battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first connection portion (11), which protrudes upwards from one widthwise end of a panel (10); a second connection portion (12), which protrudes upwards from the other widthwise end of the panel (10), and which is fitted to a first connection portion of an adjacent panel in the upward/downward direction; a pair of coupling protrusions (14, 15) bent upwards inside the first connection portion and inside the second connection portion (12); and a seating portion (16) formed between the coupling protrusions (14, 15), solar battery modules (4, 6) being installed on the seating portion (16), wherein the coupling protrusions (14, 15) are bent in the direction in which the solar battery modules (4, 6) are provided, such that the solar battery modules (4, 6) can be pressurized and fixed.