Solar Array Rail Bracket With Integrated Gutters for Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel mounting systems fail to effectively maximize surface area exposure to light while providing a stable structure and adequate moisture management, particularly in precipitation-prone environments, as they lack efficient water diversion and sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A building-integrated photovoltaic mounting system with east/west and north/south gutter systems that channel rainwater into a regular runoff system, using extruded aluminum channels and stainless steel components to ensure structural integrity and water diversion, accommodating various solar module sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar arrays are suspended to maximize surface area exposure to light, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but moisture management and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: suspension elements for maximizing light exposure, and integrated gutter systems for moisture management. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it suspends solar panels to maximize surface area exposure, provides structural support, channels precipitation through integrated gutters, and directs water away from the array. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining what were previously separate systems into one integrated solution.
2Productivity
If solar arrays are installed in precipitation-prone environments to maximize energy generation, then productivity is improved, but moisture-related deterioration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of precipitation into a beneficial controlled flow path. Integrated gutters capture rainwater and channel it away from the solar panels, transforming what would be a source of deterioration into a managed water diversion system that protects the array while allowing installation in rainy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter system acts as an intermediary between the solar panels and the precipitation. It intercepts rainwater before it can directly contact the panels, channeling it through designated pathways and preventing moisture-related deterioration while allowing the panels to remain exposed to light for energy generation.
3Reliability
If overhead structure is added to direct precipitation away from panels, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure and precipitation diversion system are merged into a single integrated assembly. The gutters are incorporated directly into the mounting brackets that suspend the panels, eliminating the need for separate overhead protective structures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve dual functions: suspending the solar panels to maximize light exposure and simultaneously channeling precipitation away through integrated gutter features. This multi-functionality provides moisture protection without requiring additional complex overhead structures.
4Reliability
If mounting system provides comprehensive moisture diversion, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture diversion system is segmented into modular gutter sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled during installation. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing processes and reduces overall production complexity while maintaining comprehensive moisture diversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates moisture diversion features directly into the existing mounting components, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes for protective structures. This integration reduces manufacturing steps and costs while providing comprehensive moisture diversion.
Data Source
AI summary
The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module.