US20070266660A1 - Apparatus for covering a roof - Google Patents
Apparatus for covering a roof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070266660A1 US20070266660A1 US11/807,085 US80708507A US2007266660A1 US 20070266660 A1 US20070266660 A1 US 20070266660A1 US 80708507 A US80708507 A US 80708507A US 2007266660 A1 US2007266660 A1 US 2007266660A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- membrane
- roof
- fastener system
- web
- solar energy
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 91
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 235000001674 Agaricus brunnescens Nutrition 0.000 claims description 17
- 229920002397 thermoplastic olefin Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011490 mineral wool Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000593 degrading effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D5/00—Roof covering by making use of flexible material, e.g. supplied in roll form
- E04D5/12—Roof covering by making use of flexible material, e.g. supplied in roll form specially modified, e.g. perforated, with granulated surface, with attached pads
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
- F24S20/67—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings in the form of roof constructions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/6001—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using hook and loop-type fasteners
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- a typical roof consists of a metal framework having a profiled deck supported on purlins. This deck supports an insulation layer of typically compressible mineral wool.
- a weatherproof outer layer can be provided by the application of a membrane laid on top of the roof and attached using mechanical fasteners or other means. The membrane is typically constructed from a number of strips which are laid down the roof slope and welded together at the overlaps between strips to form a weather-tight layer.
- apparatus for covering a roof comprising a waterproof membrane, wherein: said membrane has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof; and said membrane has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.
- apparatus for collecting solar energy mountable on the roof of a building comprising: an upper surface displaying a solar energy collection surface; and a lower surface carrying a surface fastener system, wherein said fastener system is fastenable to a roof membrane having a co-operating fastener system.
- a method of producing a roof covering membrane having a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof comprising the steps of: producing a waterproof membrane material; forming said material into an appropriate membrane shape; and processing said membrane shape so as to include an integrated surface fastener system in an upper surface of the membrane to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collecting devices.
- apparatus for attachment to a roof in order to derive electrical energy from sunlight comprising: a membrane attachable to the exposed surface of a roof; a web of solar energy collection material attachable to an upper surface of said membrane and including electrical connections; and an elongate trunking configured to be installed on said roof and to be attached to an edge of said web, so as to locate said web and to house said electrical connectors.
- FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in use on a roof
- FIG. 3 shows a second procedure for manufacture of membranes or webs
- FIG. 4 shows detail of an example of the surface fastener
- FIG. 5A shows a building with a uncovered roof
- FIG. 5B shows the application of membranes
- FIG. 6 a cross-section through a roof
- FIG. 7 shows a roof with membranes applied
- FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of a trunking base on a roof
- FIG. 9 shows the fitting of webs
- FIG. 10 shows alternative configurations of trunking.
- FIG. 1 Apparatus for covering a roof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the apparatus is also suitable for use on other outer surfaces, for example walls.
- a building 101 is shown which in this embodiment is a commercial building, having a substantial roof area. In alternative embodiments, residential or other building types may also be used.
- membrane such as in regions 102 and 103 has been applied to the modestly sloping roof of building 101 . In this example, the membrane is laid down the slope of the roof.
- This apparatus may also be applied to a building with a flat roof.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 Examples of processes for manufacture of a membrane such as that in regions 102 and 103 are described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the procedures described in FIGS. 2 and 3 also are applicable to the manufacture of webs shown at 104 , 105 and 106 etc.
- Webs such as 104 are examples of a carrier of solar energy collection devices. In an embodiment, the webs are flexible.
- the application of membrane such as that in regions 102 and 103 is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIG. 4 An example of a surface fastener system which can be used to attach, for example, web 104 to membrane 102 is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the attachment procedure is described with reference to FIG. 9 .
- Trunking 107 is attachable to an edge of web such as 104 , as is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- the installation of trunking 107 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- Trunking 107 also houses electrical connectors as shown in FIG. 9 which connect with multiple energy collection devices webs such as 104 , to form a DC circuit.
- junction box 108 is provided which in this example is shown on the end wall 109 of building 101 .
- junction box 108 may be located on the roof and connected to the trunking 107 .
- Junction box 108 is connected in a DC circuit with solar energy collection devices on webs such as 104 .
- FIG. 2 shows an example of a lamination process which can be utilised to manufacture a membrane such as 102 or a web such as 104 .
- the process shown in FIG. 2 either applies a material which is pre-prepared as a surface fastener, or a material suitable for formation into a surface fastener, to an active layer of either a membrane or a web.
- a first roll 201 is shown which comprises the active layer of either the membrane such as membrane 102 or the web such as web 104 .
- the active layer of the membrane comprises a waterproof portion and the active layer of the web comprises the solar collection device.
- the active layer of a membrane may comprise, for example, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material.
- the active layer of a web may comprise, for example, a photovoltaic layer such as amorphous thin-film silicon.
- a second roll 202 is shown which comprises an integrated surface fastener system.
- the procedure described with reference to FIG. 2 is an example of the manufacture of a membrane or web. Alternative methods may be used including that shown in FIG. 3 . In FIG.
- the surface fastener system may be such that it is applied to a surface or it may be embossed or moulded in a surface.
- the term integrated is used to mean attached, moulded, embossed or any other way of integrating a surface fastener.
- Roll 202 has an upper surface 203 , which may be fully covered by a surface fastener system or may have portions of surface fastener system material incorporated therein.
- the surface may be entirely covered by hook or loop-side Velcro®, or it may have strips of Velcro® or another surface fastener system incorporated therein.
- Rollers 204 and 205 are used, along with, in this example, the application of heat, to push the materials from rolls 201 and 202 together and laminate them to form a product shown at 206 . Adhesive may also be applied if required.
- the product shown at 206 is either membrane or web, depending upon which active layer was used at 201 .
- a web active layer is used at 201 with loop-side Velcro® at 202 to form a web.
- the upper surface of the web is formed by the active layer, and can carry solar energy collection material, whilst the lower surface of the web carries a fastener system.
- a corresponding membrane is therefore formed by use of a membrane active layer at 201 with hook-side Velcro® at 202 .
- the lower surface of the membrane is formed by the active layer, and is waterproof, whilst the upper surface of the membrane has an integrated surface fastener system.
- the fastener systems of the web and the membrane are configured to co-operate to facilitate the subsequent attachment of them together.
- both the membrane and the web are formed by this process.
- one or both of the membrane and web are formed by a different process, such as that shown in FIG. 3 .
- roll 202 comprises a material which is suitable to be formed into a surface fastener, as described in the process of FIG. 3 .
- a press 302 is provided which embosses upper surface 303 of the material.
- upper surface 303 is heated prior to reaching press 302 .
- Press 302 moves up and down as it presses a portion of the material, and then the material is moved through and press 302 presses on a further portion, etc.
- the material at 304 which has been acted on by press 302 has, in this example, patches of mushroom fasteners moulded into its surface, such as patch 305 . Mushroom fasteners are shown in detail in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 .
- the step of processing the material to include a surface fastener system may take place after the membrane has been formed, such that the membrane material is still in a semi-cured state.
- shaped protrusions could also be used, for example saw-toothed protrusions.
- a sheet of mushrooms co-operates with another sheet with similar mushrooms, the two sheets may have co-operating different shaped protrusions, as is the case with Velcro®.
- a further example to provide flexibility is the provision of surface fasteners in strips in a first orientation on a first surface, and strips in a second, possibly substantially perpendicular orientation on a second surface.
- FIG. 5A shows building 101 with an uncovered roof 501 . This view is before the application of a deck, insulating material and membranes such as 102 . Beams such as 502 and 503 are shown forming a primary framework to give the structure of roof 501 .
- the building framework is typically made from metal or concrete. Purlins such as 504 and 505 run in a substantially perpendicular orientation to beams such as 502 and 503 .
- a profiled metal deck is applied on top of purlins ( 504 , 505 ).
- a layer of insulation typically mineral wool or closed cell foam, is laid. The layers are illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- membrane 102 As shown in FIG. 5B , panels of membrane ( 102 ) are applied over a roof such as roof 501 , contacting with the insulating material ( 511 , 512 ). The lower surface of membrane 102 is shown in contact with uncovered roof insulation ( 511 , 512 ).
- membrane 102 has on its upper surface a plurality of strips of Velcro®, such as strips 508 , 509 and 510 .
- the entire upper surface may be covered by a surface fastener such as Velcro®, mushroom fasteners, inter-digitated rubber etc, or patches of fastener may be present. Further alternative fastening mechanisms such as metallic or hard plastic mechanical devices may also be used.
- Mechanical fasteners are provided along edge portions 506 and 507 of membrane 102 .
- the mechanical fasteners are embodied as self-drilling (TEK) screws that may penetrate through membrane 102 and secure it to the underlying deck, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- Alternative mechanical fixings may also be used, for example gripping strips similar to those used for fitted carpets, which can be located above the insulation layer and secured to the underlying profiled deck, and the membrane pressed thereto. Different quantities or types of mechanical fixings may be appropriate for use on buildings in different locations, for example due to varying wind and general weather conditions. As each membrane is applied, it is overlapped with the preceding membrane (and its fasteners).
- the surface fastener embodied by Velcro® strips 508 to 510 is provided to facilitate the subsequent attachment of webs comprising solar collection devices, the attachment of which are illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- solar collection devices can be attached, and, if necessary removed in a simple and efficient manner.
- FIG. 5B incorporates the fitting of membranes with integrated surface fasteners.
- surface fasteners may be retro-fitted to existing roof covering membranes to allow the attachment of webs comprising solar collection devices.
- covers may also be provided.
- cover strips of complementary Velcro® may be provided attached to the membranes. This allows the membranes to be installed and remain in place for a period of time before webs are attached. In this way, membranes may be fitted to buildings in order to make them suitable for receiving solar energy collection devices, whether or not the installation of the solar energy collection devices is performed as part of the same process.
- the provision of covers for surface fasteners may be necessary if webs are not to be attached straight away, in order to prevent the degrading of the surface fasteners, or the presentation of an undesirable appearance.
- An alternative to individual covers to attach to fasteners is the provision of shields. A shield could be of similar dimensions to a web and would attach to the surface fasteners. The shields can then be removed when webs are to be installed.
- FIG. 7 An example of membranes applied to a roof surface is shown in FIG. 7 .
- one side 701 of roof 501 has membranes with surface fasteners applied thereto.
- both sides may be treated similarly or differently.
- FIG. 6 A cross-sectional view of a roof with a membrane applied is shown in FIG. 6 .
- beam 503 is shown, with a plurality of purlins such as 504 and 505 .
- the purlins are orientated in a substantially perpendicular direction to the beams.
- FIG. 6 a detailed view is shown of the roof construction.
- a deck 601 is positioned on top of the purlins ( 504 , 505 ).
- This deck is typically made from metal and profiled for rigidity.
- Insulating material 511 is located on top of deck 601 .
- Membranes such as 102 are applied as shown in FIG. 5B and secured by mechanical fixings such as screw 602 . Strips of adjacent membrane overlap mechanical fasteners such as screw 602 as shown at 603 . They are each sealed to the next at 604 using, for example, hot air welding or adhesive, to ensure a weatherproof result.
- membrane region 102 can be seen to be fully fitted to roof 501 . Further membrane regions 103 , 704 , 705 etc are also provided to facilitate the attachment of solar energy collection devices.
- FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of the base 801 of trunking 107 onto roof 501 .
- the trunking may be supplied as two pieces, a base and a top, or may be a single piece. Examples of different configurations are shown in FIG. 10 .
- trunking 107 is made from a plastic material. Alternatively, any lightweight suitable material can be used.
- trunking base 801 is attached to the upper surface 802 of a membrane. This attachment may use Velcro®, a mechanical fixing or any other suitable attachment method. In this embodiment, trunking base 801 is fitted before fitting webs comprising solar energy collecting devices.
- FIG. 9 illustrates the fitting of webs comprising solar energy collection devices. Trunking base 801 is shown containing wires 901 . In this embodiment, webs are made from a flexible material that may be rolled down the slope of roof 501 . In alternative embodiments, rigid material comprising solar energy collection devices may be applied.
- a web 902 is shown being applied to roof 501 , on top of a membrane such as 103 .
- strips of surface fastener eg 903
- Velcro® have been applied to a lower surface of web 902 , at an orientation substantially perpendicular to that of Velcro® strips such as strip 904 on membrane 103 .
- a surface fastener is attached to substantially the whole of the lower surface of web 902 .
- Web 902 comprises, in this example, photovoltaic material (for example amorphous thin-film silicon) forming a solar energy collection device.
- the process of fitting a web therefore, in this example, comprises placing a first edge 905 of web 902 into trunking base 801 .
- Wires such as wire 901 are then connected appropriately to form a DC circuit.
- trunking 107 forms a conduit for wires from each solar energy collection device.
- the wires then connect to junction box 108 to complete the DC circuit.
- the electricity generated from the webs is supplied as a dual supply together with mains power received from a grid system. Alternatively, the generated electricity may be supplied directly to a grid system.
- Web 902 is then unrolled down the slope of roof 501 , attaching to membrane 103 by the interaction of co-operating fasteners such as 903 and 904 .
- Trunking top 906 is then fitted. In this example, it is fixed in place by an interference fit with trunking base 801 . In this embodiment, all bases such as 801 of the elongate trunking are fitted before any webs are fitted. Each web is then fitted in turn, and it's respective trunking top added. In alternative embodiments procedures occur in a different order. The process is repeated until the desired area is covered with solar energy collection devices. The appearance of the building 101 will then be as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 Alternative configurations of elongate trunking such as 107 are shown in cross-section FIG. 10 .
- a first example is shown in FIG. 10A , having two pieces, and a second example is shown in FIG. 10B , having a single piece.
- a membrane 1001 is shown, having strips of surface fastener such as 1002 applied thereto.
- Web 1003 is also shown, having strips of surface fastener such as 1004 , applied in a substantially perpendicular orientation to strips such as 1002 .
- trunking base 1006 has a cutaway section at the front, configured to receive edge 1005 . Connections with wires are made as shown at 1007 . Trunking base 1006 is held in position with surface fastener 1008 . Trunking top 1009 is added which is held into trunking base 1006 by a snap fit.
- top edge 1010 of web 1011 is placed inside trunking 1012 .
- the top and base portions of trunking 1012 are attached to each other. They therefore open and close in a jaw-like manner.
- trunking 1012 is closed.
- the top portion of trunking 1012 has, in this example, a lip which has an interference fit with a corresponding lip on the base portion.
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- Structural Engineering (AREA)
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
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- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided apparatus for covering a roof (501). The apparatus comprises a waterproof membrane (102, 103). The membrane (102, 103) has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof (511, 512). The membrane (102, 103) has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system (508, 509 and 510) configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy connection devices (104, 105 and 106).
Description
- This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 06 105 525.8, filed 26 May 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to apparatus for covering a roof.
- A typical roof consists of a metal framework having a profiled deck supported on purlins. This deck supports an insulation layer of typically compressible mineral wool. A weatherproof outer layer can be provided by the application of a membrane laid on top of the roof and attached using mechanical fasteners or other means. The membrane is typically constructed from a number of strips which are laid down the roof slope and welded together at the overlaps between strips to form a weather-tight layer.
- It is desirable to facilitate the attachment of solar energy collection devices to such roofs.
- Many known solar energy collection systems have been attached to buildings and on the whole the collection panels are effectively treated as part of the building, being in common ownership such that an occupant or owner may be responsible both for the solar energy collection systems and the fabric of the building itself.
- Increasingly, in the future, it is likely that alternative relationships may be developed in which a separate organisation is responsible for the ownership, maintenance and operation of solar energy collection systems, without having any direct relationship with the ownership or control of the building on which the devices are situated. Consequently, under these circumstances, it is preferable for solar energy devices to be installed and maintained on a roof while at the same time minimising the actual physical impact upon the roof itself. Consequently, the roof should not be damaged and opportunities for mechanical attachment to the roof may be limited.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for covering a roof, comprising a waterproof membrane, wherein: said membrane has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof; and said membrane has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for collecting solar energy mountable on the roof of a building, comprising: an upper surface displaying a solar energy collection surface; and a lower surface carrying a surface fastener system, wherein said fastener system is fastenable to a roof membrane having a co-operating fastener system.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a roof covering membrane having a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof, comprising the steps of: producing a waterproof membrane material; forming said material into an appropriate membrane shape; and processing said membrane shape so as to include an integrated surface fastener system in an upper surface of the membrane to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collecting devices.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for attachment to a roof in order to derive electrical energy from sunlight, comprising: a membrane attachable to the exposed surface of a roof; a web of solar energy collection material attachable to an upper surface of said membrane and including electrical connections; and an elongate trunking configured to be installed on said roof and to be attached to an edge of said web, so as to locate said web and to house said electrical connectors.
-
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in use on a roof; -
FIG. 2 shows the first procedure for manufacture of membranes or webs; -
FIG. 3 shows a second procedure for manufacture of membranes or webs; -
FIG. 4 shows detail of an example of the surface fastener; -
FIG. 5A shows a building with a uncovered roof; -
FIG. 5B shows the application of membranes; -
FIG. 6 a cross-section through a roof; -
FIG. 7 shows a roof with membranes applied; -
FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of a trunking base on a roof; -
FIG. 9 shows the fitting of webs; and -
FIG. 10 shows alternative configurations of trunking. - Apparatus for covering a roof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 1 . The apparatus is also suitable for use on other outer surfaces, for example walls. Abuilding 101 is shown which in this embodiment is a commercial building, having a substantial roof area. In alternative embodiments, residential or other building types may also be used. It can be seen inFIG. 1 that membrane such as inregions building 101. In this example, the membrane is laid down the slope of the roof. This apparatus may also be applied to a building with a flat roof. - Examples of processes for manufacture of a membrane such as that in
regions FIGS. 2 and 3 . The procedures described inFIGS. 2 and 3 also are applicable to the manufacture of webs shown at 104, 105 and 106 etc. Webs such as 104 are examples of a carrier of solar energy collection devices. In an embodiment, the webs are flexible. The application of membrane such as that inregions FIGS. 6 and 7 . An example of a surface fastener system which can be used to attach, for example,web 104 tomembrane 102 is shown inFIG. 4 . The attachment procedure is described with reference toFIG. 9 . - In this
example webs membrane 102.Elongate trunking 107 is also provided. This is, in this embodiment, installed at the apex of the roof ofbuilding 101. In alternative configurations it may be installed at different locations. Trunking 107 is attachable to an edge of web such as 104, as is illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 . The installation oftrunking 107 is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . Trunking 107 also houses electrical connectors as shown inFIG. 9 which connect with multiple energy collection devices webs such as 104, to form a DC circuit. - A
junction box 108 is provided which in this example is shown on theend wall 109 ofbuilding 101. In alternativeexamples junction box 108 may be located on the roof and connected to thetrunking 107.Junction box 108 is connected in a DC circuit with solar energy collection devices on webs such as 104. -
FIG. 2 shows an example of a lamination process which can be utilised to manufacture a membrane such as 102 or a web such as 104. The process shown inFIG. 2 either applies a material which is pre-prepared as a surface fastener, or a material suitable for formation into a surface fastener, to an active layer of either a membrane or a web. - A
first roll 201 is shown which comprises the active layer of either the membrane such asmembrane 102 or the web such asweb 104. The active layer of the membrane comprises a waterproof portion and the active layer of the web comprises the solar collection device. The active layer of a membrane may comprise, for example, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material. The active layer of a web may comprise, for example, a photovoltaic layer such as amorphous thin-film silicon. Asecond roll 202 is shown which comprises an integrated surface fastener system. The procedure described with reference toFIG. 2 is an example of the manufacture of a membrane or web. Alternative methods may be used including that shown inFIG. 3 . InFIG. 2 , theroll 202 of material which comprises a surface fastener system may be for example hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. Further examples of surface fastener systems include mushroom fasteners as illustrated inFIG. 4 , or strip fasteners. The fasteners allow the material to flex and roll. The addition of fasteners does not typically significantly alter the weight or other properties of the material. The fasteners may be provided across a whole surface or in patches. Strip fasteners may comprise strips of hook and loop fastener or may for example comprise a slot configured to receive a ridge and seal around it, in the way that seals are known for plastic bags used in food storage etc. - The surface fastener system may be such that it is applied to a surface or it may be embossed or moulded in a surface. The term integrated is used to mean attached, moulded, embossed or any other way of integrating a surface fastener.
-
Roll 202 has anupper surface 203, which may be fully covered by a surface fastener system or may have portions of surface fastener system material incorporated therein. For example, the surface may be entirely covered by hook or loop-side Velcro®, or it may have strips of Velcro® or another surface fastener system incorporated therein. -
Rollers rolls - In an example, a web active layer is used at 201 with loop-side Velcro® at 202 to form a web. Thus the upper surface of the web is formed by the active layer, and can carry solar energy collection material, whilst the lower surface of the web carries a fastener system. A corresponding membrane is therefore formed by use of a membrane active layer at 201 with hook-side Velcro® at 202. Thus the lower surface of the membrane is formed by the active layer, and is waterproof, whilst the upper surface of the membrane has an integrated surface fastener system. The fastener systems of the web and the membrane are configured to co-operate to facilitate the subsequent attachment of them together. In an embodiment of the present invention, both the membrane and the web are formed by this process. Alternatively, one or both of the membrane and web are formed by a different process, such as that shown in
FIG. 3 . In an alternative embodiment, roll 202 comprises a material which is suitable to be formed into a surface fastener, as described in the process ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 3 shows aroll 301 of material. This material may be a membrane such as 102 or a web such as 104. The material onroll 301 is configured to allow a surface fastener to be formed. For example, roll 301 of material may have undergone the procedure ofFIG. 2 , and been laminated with a material which can be moulded or embossed etc to form a surface fastener. - A
press 302 is provided which embossesupper surface 303 of the material. In this exampleupper surface 303 is heated prior to reachingpress 302.Press 302 moves up and down as it presses a portion of the material, and then the material is moved through and press 302 presses on a further portion, etc. The material at 304 which has been acted on bypress 302 has, in this example, patches of mushroom fasteners moulded into its surface, such aspatch 305. Mushroom fasteners are shown in detail in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4 . The step of processing the material to include a surface fastener system may take place after the membrane has been formed, such that the membrane material is still in a semi-cured state. - In
FIG. 4 , two sheets ofmaterial Sheet 401 has moulded to it a plurality of mushrooms such as 403, 404 and 405.Sheet 402 has moulded to it a plurality of similar and co-operating mushrooms such as 406, 407 and 408.Sheet 401 represents a membrane such as 102 andsheet 402 represents a web such as 104. Each mushroom interacts with neighbouring mushrooms to form a removable but secure bond. For example,Mushroom 404 interacts withmushrooms - Covering the whole of one of the surfaces with surface fasteners allows flexibility of positioning of webs such as 104 onto membranes such as 102. A further example to provide flexibility is the provision of surface fasteners in strips in a first orientation on a first surface, and strips in a second, possibly substantially perpendicular orientation on a second surface.
- Procedures have now been explained for the manufacture of membranes and webs. The application of these materials to produce the result shown in
FIG. 1 is described below. -
FIG. 5A shows building 101 with anuncovered roof 501. This view is before the application of a deck, insulating material and membranes such as 102. Beams such as 502 and 503 are shown forming a primary framework to give the structure ofroof 501. The building framework is typically made from metal or concrete. Purlins such as 504 and 505 run in a substantially perpendicular orientation to beams such as 502 and 503. - On top of purlins (504,505), a profiled metal deck is applied. A layer of insulation (511,512) typically mineral wool or closed cell foam, is laid. The layers are illustrated in
FIG. 6 . - As shown in
FIG. 5B , panels of membrane (102) are applied over a roof such asroof 501, contacting with the insulating material (511,512). The lower surface ofmembrane 102 is shown in contact with uncovered roof insulation (511,512). In this embodiment,membrane 102 has on its upper surface a plurality of strips of Velcro®, such asstrips - Mechanical fasteners are provided along
edge portions membrane 102. In this embodiment the mechanical fasteners are embodied as self-drilling (TEK) screws that may penetrate throughmembrane 102 and secure it to the underlying deck, as shown inFIG. 6 . Alternative mechanical fixings may also be used, for example gripping strips similar to those used for fitted carpets, which can be located above the insulation layer and secured to the underlying profiled deck, and the membrane pressed thereto. Different quantities or types of mechanical fixings may be appropriate for use on buildings in different locations, for example due to varying wind and general weather conditions. As each membrane is applied, it is overlapped with the preceding membrane (and its fasteners). - The surface fastener embodied by Velcro® strips 508 to 510 is provided to facilitate the subsequent attachment of webs comprising solar collection devices, the attachment of which are illustrated in
FIG. 9 . Thus, solar collection devices can be attached, and, if necessary removed in a simple and efficient manner. - The embodiment shown in
FIG. 5B incorporates the fitting of membranes with integrated surface fasteners. Alternatively, surface fasteners may be retro-fitted to existing roof covering membranes to allow the attachment of webs comprising solar collection devices. - In addition to the provision of surface fasteners, covers may also be provided. Thus, for example, cover strips of complementary Velcro® may be provided attached to the membranes. This allows the membranes to be installed and remain in place for a period of time before webs are attached. In this way, membranes may be fitted to buildings in order to make them suitable for receiving solar energy collection devices, whether or not the installation of the solar energy collection devices is performed as part of the same process. The provision of covers for surface fasteners may be necessary if webs are not to be attached straight away, in order to prevent the degrading of the surface fasteners, or the presentation of an undesirable appearance. An alternative to individual covers to attach to fasteners is the provision of shields. A shield could be of similar dimensions to a web and would attach to the surface fasteners. The shields can then be removed when webs are to be installed.
- Each membrane is attached in turn until the desired area is complete. An example of membranes applied to a roof surface is shown in
FIG. 7 . In this example only oneside 701 ofroof 501 has membranes with surface fasteners applied thereto. Depending upon the location of thebuilding 101 and other constraining factors, both sides may be treated similarly or differently. - A cross-sectional view of a roof with a membrane applied is shown in
FIG. 6 . InFIG. 5A beam 503 is shown, with a plurality of purlins such as 504 and 505. The purlins are orientated in a substantially perpendicular direction to the beams. InFIG. 6 a detailed view is shown of the roof construction. On top of the purlins (504,505), adeck 601 is positioned. This deck is typically made from metal and profiled for rigidity. Insulatingmaterial 511 is located on top ofdeck 601. Membranes such as 102 are applied as shown inFIG. 5B and secured by mechanical fixings such asscrew 602. Strips of adjacent membrane overlap mechanical fasteners such asscrew 602 as shown at 603. They are each sealed to the next at 604 using, for example, hot air welding or adhesive, to ensure a weatherproof result. - In
FIG. 7 membrane region 102 can be seen to be fully fitted toroof 501.Further membrane regions -
FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of thebase 801 oftrunking 107 ontoroof 501. Depending upon the configuration of the trunking, it may be supplied as two pieces, a base and a top, or may be a single piece. Examples of different configurations are shown inFIG. 10 . - In an embodiment of the invention,
trunking 107 is made from a plastic material. Alternatively, any lightweight suitable material can be used. In this embodiment,trunking base 801 is attached to theupper surface 802 of a membrane. This attachment may use Velcro®, a mechanical fixing or any other suitable attachment method. In this embodiment,trunking base 801 is fitted before fitting webs comprising solar energy collecting devices. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the fitting of webs comprising solar energy collection devices.Trunking base 801 is shown containingwires 901. In this embodiment, webs are made from a flexible material that may be rolled down the slope ofroof 501. In alternative embodiments, rigid material comprising solar energy collection devices may be applied. - A
web 902 is shown being applied toroof 501, on top of a membrane such as 103. In this embodiment, strips of surface fastener (eg 903) such as Velcro® have been applied to a lower surface ofweb 902, at an orientation substantially perpendicular to that of Velcro® strips such asstrip 904 onmembrane 103. In an alternative embodiment, a surface fastener is attached to substantially the whole of the lower surface ofweb 902.Web 902 comprises, in this example, photovoltaic material (for example amorphous thin-film silicon) forming a solar energy collection device. - The process of fitting a web therefore, in this example, comprises placing a
first edge 905 ofweb 902 intotrunking base 801. Wires such aswire 901 are then connected appropriately to form a DC circuit. In this embodiment,trunking 107 forms a conduit for wires from each solar energy collection device. The wires then connect tojunction box 108 to complete the DC circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the electricity generated from the webs is supplied as a dual supply together with mains power received from a grid system. Alternatively, the generated electricity may be supplied directly to a grid system. -
Web 902 is then unrolled down the slope ofroof 501, attaching tomembrane 103 by the interaction of co-operating fasteners such as 903 and 904. Trunking top 906 is then fitted. In this example, it is fixed in place by an interference fit withtrunking base 801. In this embodiment, all bases such as 801 of the elongate trunking are fitted before any webs are fitted. Each web is then fitted in turn, and it's respective trunking top added. In alternative embodiments procedures occur in a different order. The process is repeated until the desired area is covered with solar energy collection devices. The appearance of thebuilding 101 will then be as illustrated inFIG. 1 . - Alternative configurations of elongate trunking such as 107 are shown in cross-section
FIG. 10 . A first example is shown inFIG. 10A , having two pieces, and a second example is shown inFIG. 10B , having a single piece. - Referring to
FIG. 10A , amembrane 1001 is shown, having strips of surface fastener such as 1002 applied thereto.Web 1003 is also shown, having strips of surface fastener such as 1004, applied in a substantially perpendicular orientation to strips such as 1002. - The
top edge 1005 ofweb 1003 is placed insidetrunking base 1006. In this example,trunking base 1006 has a cutaway section at the front, configured to receiveedge 1005. Connections with wires are made as shown at 1007.Trunking base 1006 is held in position withsurface fastener 1008. Trunking top 1009 is added which is held intotrunking base 1006 by a snap fit. - In the example shown in
FIG. 10B ,top edge 1010 ofweb 1011 is placed insidetrunking 1012. In this example, the top and base portions oftrunking 1012 are attached to each other. They therefore open and close in a jaw-like manner. Onceweb 1011 has been appropriately positioned, and wires connected at 1013,trunking 1012 is closed. The top portion oftrunking 1012 has, in this example, a lip which has an interference fit with a corresponding lip on the base portion.
Claims (20)
1. Apparatus for covering a roof, comprising a waterproof membrane, wherein:
said membrane has a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof; and
said membrane has an upper surface with an integrated surface fastener system configured to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the membrane is fabricated from a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material consisting of a polymer with a filler.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said uncovered roof exposes metal or insulating material to said lower surface.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said upper surface is configured to receive a web, wherein:
said web carries solar energy collection material on an upper surface, and
a lower surface of said web carries a co-operating fastener system that fastens to said integrated surface fastener system.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the upper surface of said membrane has portions of hook-side Velcro® attached thereto and the lower surface of said web has loop-side Velcro® attached thereto.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said loop-side Velcro® is attached to substantially the whole of said lower surface.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a cover strip is applied to said portions of hook-side Velcro® to protect the integrated fastener system prior to the attachment of said collection devices.
8. Apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said integrated surface fastener system is a mushroom fastener.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a cover strip is applied to said portions of mushroom fastener to protect the integrated fastener system prior to the attachment of said solar collection devices.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said integrated surface fastener system includes metallic or hard plastic mechanical fastening devices.
11. Apparatus for collecting solar energy mountable on the roof of a building, comprising:
an upper surface displaying a solar energy collection surface; and
a lower surface carrying a surface fastener system, wherein
said fastener system is fastenable to a roof membrane having a co-operating fastener system.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said solar energy collection surface is presented by a photovoltaic material carried on a web.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said surface fastener system is hook-side Velcro® or mushroom fastening.
14. A method of producing a roof covering membrane having a lower surface contactable with an uncovered roof, comprising the steps of:
producing a waterproof membrane material;
forming said material into an appropriate membrane shape; and
processing said membrane shape so as to include an integrated surface fastener system in an upper surface of the membrane to facilitate the subsequent attachment of solar energy collection devices.
15. A method according to claim 14 , wherein said waterproof membrane material is produced from thermoplastic olefin (TPO) material.
16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the TPO material is formed into an appropriate membrane shape by a process of heating and rolling.
17. A method according to claim 14 , wherein said processing step includes the addition of Velcro®, mushroom fasteners or mechanical fastening devices.
18. A method according to claim 14 , wherein said processing step includes:
softening the upper surface of the membrane by the application of heat; and
moulding the integrated fastener system onto said upper surface.
19. A method according to claim 14 , wherein:
said processing step is performed after said forming step, such that the membrane material is in a semi-cured state; and
a pattern of surface fasteners is formed on said upper surface by a further moulding stage.
20. Apparatus for attachment to a roof in order to derive electrical energy from sunlight, comprising:
a membrane attachable to the exposed surface of a roof;
a web of solar energy collection material attachable to an upper surface of said membrane and including electrical connections; and
an elongate trunking configured to be installed on said roof and to be attached to an edge of said web, so as to locate said web and to house said electrical connectors.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0610031.7 | 2006-05-19 | ||
GBGB0610031.7A GB0610031D0 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2006-05-19 | Solar panel roof mounting system |
GBGB0610525.8A GB0610525D0 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2006-05-26 | Flexible solar collector roof system |
GB06105525.8 | 2006-05-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070266660A1 true US20070266660A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/807,085 Abandoned US20070266660A1 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2007-05-25 | Apparatus for covering a roof |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070266660A1 (en) |
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US11773611B1 (en) * | 2020-09-02 | 2023-10-03 | Storm Damage Solutions, LLC | Protective roof tarp and associated methods |
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