Standing Seam Solar Roof Mounting With Arched Backer Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of photovoltaic systems into pre-engineered roofing systems is hindered by weight limitations, fire safety concerns, and the difficulty in servicing or replacing malfunctioning solar cells due to adhesive bonding, which complicates installation and maintenance, and can lead to reduced system performance and accelerated corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A roof system utilizing a standing seam metal roofing design with concealed fasteners, incorporating brackets and arched backer panels to securely mount thin film solar panels, allowing for easy cabling routing and ventilation, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing moisture intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic cells are adhered directly to existing roof systems using adhesive, then installation is simplified, but servicing and replacement becomes extremely difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the photovoltaic installation into separate modular components: metal roof panels with integrated mounting channels, and photovoltaic cells with attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the photovoltaic cells to be independently attached to and detached from the roof panels without affecting the roof structure, enabling easy servicing and replacement while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting system consisting of channels, clips, and attachment mechanisms that mediate between the roof structure and photovoltaic cells. This intermediary layer provides a reversible connection method, allowing photovoltaic cells to be securely mounted during operation but easily removed for maintenance without damaging the roof or requiring complete system replacement.
2Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic panels are adhered directly to the roof system, then installation is simplified, but corrosion of roof components is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting system consisting of channels, clips, and attachment mechanisms that mediate between the roof structure and photovoltaic cells. This intermediary layer provides a reversible connection method, allowing photovoltaic cells to be securely mounted during operation but easily removed for maintenance without damaging the roof or requiring complete system replacement.
3Shape
If standard metal roof panels with concealed fasteners are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but removal and replacement of photovoltaic cells becomes cost ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the photovoltaic installation into separate modular components: metal roof panels with integrated mounting channels, and photovoltaic cells with attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the photovoltaic cells to be independently attached to and detached from the roof panels without affecting the roof structure, enabling easy servicing and replacement while maintaining installation simplicity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fire codes require access paths along rakes, valleys and ridge, then firefighter safety is improved, but system design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting system with multi-functional components that serve both structural and safety functions. The channels and mounting mechanisms are configured to provide structural support for photovoltaic cells while simultaneously creating accessible pathways along rakes, valleys, and ridges for firefighter safety. This universal design approach integrates safety requirements into the structural system without adding separate complex safety features.
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 rapid and secure installation, enhances solar panel performance by improving ventilation and snow shedding, reduces heat transfer, and maintains structural integrity, addressing the challenges of weight, safety, and maintenance in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
thin film photovoltaic cells to be adhered to metal and rubber membranes used in manufacturing roofing materials
Implementation Method 2
The arched configuration facilitates the shedding of snow and increases exposure to sunlight as the sun passes overhead thereby improving the delivery of electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A roof system for production of electrical power from solar energy including a roof with laterally disposed longitudinally extending standing seams and brackets secured to the laterally disposed standing seams. The roof system includes a backer panel with an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the backer panel extends between and is secured to the brackets forming an arch shaped backer panel configuration. A thin film solar panel is secured to the upper surface of the arch shaped backer panel.