Polymeric Solar Roofing Module With Air Channels for PV Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roofing and cladding products for solar energy collection are heavy, difficult to install, lack durability, and are costly to produce, with photovoltaic systems being complex and prone to heat dissipation issues that reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A roofing, cladding, or siding module made from polymeric materials with three-dimensional surface features, designed for easy installation, weatherproofing, and thermal energy recovery, incorporating photovoltaic cells and a continuous forming process to eliminate weld lines and enhance airflow for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional roofing products are used for solar energy collection, then solar energy can be collected, but the products are heavy and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional heavy materials (concrete, clay, metal) to lightweight polymeric materials, achieving both solar energy collection functionality and reduced weight for easier installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymeric materials that integrate solar energy collection capabilities with lightweight structural properties, combining multiple functions in a single lightweight product
2Power
If photovoltaic panels are mounted on roof to generate electrical energy, then solar energy can be converted to electricity, but the system becomes complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roofing function with photovoltaic energy generation function into a single integrated product, eliminating the need for separate panel mounting systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The roofing product serves multiple functions simultaneously: weather protection, insulation, and electrical energy generation through integrated photovoltaic cells, reducing the need for additional separate systems
3Power
If photovoltaic cells are exposed to sunlight for energy generation, then electrical power can be produced, but the cells heat up and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid (air) flow through channels in the roofing product to provide cooling to photovoltaic cells, maintaining lower operating temperatures and higher efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium that flows between the photovoltaic cells and the external environment, transferring heat away from the cells without direct contact
4Object-affected harmful factors
If roofing tiles are designed to insulate the house from heat, then thermal protection is improved, but solar cells cannot cool effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the roofing product into distinct functional zones: insulated regions for thermal protection and channel regions for air flow and cooling, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different regions of the roofing product: insulated areas for general heat protection and thermally conductive channels for targeted cooling of photovoltaic cells
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 solution provides a lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing roofing system that effectively utilizes solar energy, reduces heat transfer into buildings, and allows for efficient energy generation while being economical and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
solar and/or thermal energy collection capabilities, wherein the formed surfaces are capable of heating a fluid that is flowable through channels defined by the underlapping region
Implementation Method 2
the sun's energy can be collected in a variety of different ways. One is converting solar energy into thermal energy to heat a fluid
Implementation Method 3
Another is converting solar energy to electricity using photovoltaic cells
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. One embodiment relates to a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. Another embodiment is a module which can, in additional to forming a weatherproof covering, be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. Yet another embodiment is a module which can, in addition to forming a weatherproof covering, and optionally in addition to being useful as part of a thermal energy recovery system, bears an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy. Assemblies, systems, uses, and methods of manufacture are also described.