Two-Part Tee Roofing for Integrated Photovoltaic Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic roofing systems are heavy, bulky, aesthetically unfavorable, and difficult to install on steep surfaces, often resulting in incomplete coverage and a slow, costly process due to the need for multiple components and complex interconnections.
Innovation Solution
A two-part tee element system for photovoltaic roofing, comprising a base piece with horizontally-extending flanges and a top piece with a vertically extending portion, allowing for easy installation and replacement, and using non-conductive plastic or polymeric materials that do not require electrical grounding, with the option to use weather-durable materials for exposed parts and flexible designs for aesthetic adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If photovoltaic elements are integrated with roofing products such as shingles, shakes or tiles, then aesthetic appearance and environmental protection are improved, but installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic roofing system is divided into modular units that can be independently installed and connected. Each module contains integrated photovoltaic elements and roofing components, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining aesthetic appearance and environmental protection benefits.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple smaller photovoltaic roofing elements are used, then coverage of roof surface is improved, but fabrication and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photovoltaic elements and roofing components are merged into integrated modular units. This combining approach maintains comprehensive roof surface coverage while significantly reducing fabrication and installation time compared to separate component assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic elements are made from semiconductor materials, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic roofing system uses semiconductor materials with optimized local properties in specific regions where energy conversion is most effective. This allows maintaining high energy conversion efficiency while reducing overall weight and bulk by concentrating material usage where most needed.
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 two-part tee element system simplifies installation, reduces material costs, avoids corrosion, and provides a visually integrated photovoltaic roofing system that is easier to maintain and adapt, while minimizing roof penetrations and enhancing weather resistance.
Implementation Method 1
components that convert light energy into electrical energy. Such 'photovoltaic cells' are often made from semiconductor-type materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are integrated on a roof deck with conventional roofing materials. In one aspect, a photovoltaic roofing system includes a two-part tee element disposed on a roof deck, the two-part tee element comprising a base piece including a central portion; two opposed horizontally-extending first and second flanges extending from the central portion, and a top piece attachment feature formed in the central portion, and a top piece including a base piece attachment feature mated with the top piece attachment feature of the base piece; and a vertically extending portion extending from the base piece attachment feature. A first photovoltaic element can be disposed on the roof adjacent the base piece with its edge disposed on the horizontally-extending first flange of the base piece of the two-part tee element.