CA2820582C - Photovoltaic solar masonry - Google Patents
Photovoltaic solar masonry Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2820582C CA2820582C CA2820582A CA2820582A CA2820582C CA 2820582 C CA2820582 C CA 2820582C CA 2820582 A CA2820582 A CA 2820582A CA 2820582 A CA2820582 A CA 2820582A CA 2820582 C CA2820582 C CA 2820582C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- load bearing
- block component
- building block
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000005331 crown glasses (windows) Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000003667 anti-reflective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009435 building construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052602 gypsum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010440 gypsum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004570 mortar (masonry) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- H02S20/26—Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
-
- 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
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/20—Optical components
- H02S40/22—Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means
-
- 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
- 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
- Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus includes: (A) a masonry unit of a building, in which the masonry unit is configured to be load bearing; and (B) a collector unit configured to collect solar energy; and (C) a lens assembly configured to transfer sunlight to the collector unit, and functions as a rain screen for the collector unit; and (D) a casing configured to hold the collector unit and the lens assembly, and the casing also configured to be fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and (E) an output wire configured to: (a) be connectable to the collector unit; and (b) extend from the collector unit, and past the masonry unit, and extend beyond the masonry unit once the casing is fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and (c) be connectable to a circuit wire of the building.
Description
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR MASONRY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The technical field pertains to, for instance, a product (such as a photovoltaic solar masonry product) that integrates solar and daylight collection into a masonry unit (and is not limited thereto).
BACKGROUND
Currently, there are a variety of products and inventions that use photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy to electricity for commercial or domestic use; however, most of these products are standalone units that are either architecturally too unattractive or too bulky, and they are mostly unattractive attachments to walls or roofs of buildings, and none before has attempted to incorporate the photovoltaic cells into a masonry unit.
SUMMARY
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) overcomes, at least in part, all these shortcomings, by incorporating solar collection into an architecturally attractive unit that becomes a permanent part of a building assembly.
In accordance with a first major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
a masonry unit of a building, in which the masonry unit is configured to be load bearing; and a collector unit configured to collect solar energy; and a lens assembly configured to transfer sunlight to the collector unit, and which functions as a rain screen for the collector unit; and a casing configured to hold the collector unit and the lens assembly, and in which the casing is also configured to be fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and =
an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the collector unit; and extend from the collector unit, and past the masonry unit, and extend beyond the masonry unit once the casing is fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and be connectable to a circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a second major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
a casing configured to be securely connected to an exterior facing side of a load bearing building block component, in which the load bearing building block component is configured to: (A) be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight, (B) carry a load from above, (C) have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building, (D) have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building, and (E) define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to produce electricity, and to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a third major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
(A) a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and
TECHNICAL FIELD
The technical field pertains to, for instance, a product (such as a photovoltaic solar masonry product) that integrates solar and daylight collection into a masonry unit (and is not limited thereto).
BACKGROUND
Currently, there are a variety of products and inventions that use photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy to electricity for commercial or domestic use; however, most of these products are standalone units that are either architecturally too unattractive or too bulky, and they are mostly unattractive attachments to walls or roofs of buildings, and none before has attempted to incorporate the photovoltaic cells into a masonry unit.
SUMMARY
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) overcomes, at least in part, all these shortcomings, by incorporating solar collection into an architecturally attractive unit that becomes a permanent part of a building assembly.
In accordance with a first major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
a masonry unit of a building, in which the masonry unit is configured to be load bearing; and a collector unit configured to collect solar energy; and a lens assembly configured to transfer sunlight to the collector unit, and which functions as a rain screen for the collector unit; and a casing configured to hold the collector unit and the lens assembly, and in which the casing is also configured to be fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and =
an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the collector unit; and extend from the collector unit, and past the masonry unit, and extend beyond the masonry unit once the casing is fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and be connectable to a circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a second major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
a casing configured to be securely connected to an exterior facing side of a load bearing building block component, in which the load bearing building block component is configured to: (A) be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight, (B) carry a load from above, (C) have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building, (D) have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building, and (E) define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to produce electricity, and to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a third major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
(A) a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and
2 have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and (B) a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and (C) a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and (D) an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit, and extend through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a fourth major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
(A) a building having a wall and also having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and (B) a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to the wall of the building; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and (D) an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit, and extend through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with a fourth major aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising:
(A) a building having a wall and also having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and (B) a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to the wall of the building; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and
3 define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and (C) a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and (D) a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and (E) an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit, and extend through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an integrated building component that will act as a: 1. load bearing component, 2. solar collector, 3.
rainscreen, and 4.
decorative architectural block, and is henceforth called photovoltaic solar masonry (10).
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) intends to make solar energy collection a permanent component of buildings by means of integration with other building components with other functions. In this case, a masonry unit (11), which normally acts as a rainscreen and is also a decorative architectural component and sometimes acts as a load bearing component in building construction, is modified to function as a solar collector as well.
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) incorporates a load bearing concrete block component (20), a casing (25) to hold all the parts together, photovoltaic cells (5) and a simple glass cover (Figure 3) or an advance flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) (Figure 2) to redirect sunlight toward the photovoltaic cells (5), thus avoiding the need for perpendicular alignment of the cell's panel to the direction of sunlight.
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and (E) an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit, and extend through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an integrated building component that will act as a: 1. load bearing component, 2. solar collector, 3.
rainscreen, and 4.
decorative architectural block, and is henceforth called photovoltaic solar masonry (10).
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) intends to make solar energy collection a permanent component of buildings by means of integration with other building components with other functions. In this case, a masonry unit (11), which normally acts as a rainscreen and is also a decorative architectural component and sometimes acts as a load bearing component in building construction, is modified to function as a solar collector as well.
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) incorporates a load bearing concrete block component (20), a casing (25) to hold all the parts together, photovoltaic cells (5) and a simple glass cover (Figure 3) or an advance flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) (Figure 2) to redirect sunlight toward the photovoltaic cells (5), thus avoiding the need for perpendicular alignment of the cell's panel to the direction of sunlight.
4 The cover is made of the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF material with higher Tg resins to create a durable and nonreactive surface with anti-reflective properties. (Index of Refraction = 1.29¨ 1.31) (TEFLON (TRADEMARK) is trademark of E. L. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates). The cover can be produced with various tints of colours for a desired architectural look.
BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) is a product that:
1. can be used in masonry construction, primarily in a masonry wall (9) with exposure to daylight and sunlight;
2. is used in conjunction with masonry units (11) in desired patterns and quantities;
3. is produced in a variety of sizes and dimensions to match different sized masonry units produced and available in the market, so that for every size of masonry unit (11) there is a corresponding photovoltaic solar masonry (10) size;
4. uses photovoltaic cells (5) to collect sunlight and daylight and to produce direct current electricity. The electricity produced is wired (14) to a battery storage unit and from there, with the use of a convertor unit, the electricity is converted to alternative current, matching the local voltage specification. The produced electricity can then be used domestically or supplied to the electricity grid through appropriate coordination with the local electricity supplier;
BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Photovoltaic solar masonry (10) is a product that:
1. can be used in masonry construction, primarily in a masonry wall (9) with exposure to daylight and sunlight;
2. is used in conjunction with masonry units (11) in desired patterns and quantities;
3. is produced in a variety of sizes and dimensions to match different sized masonry units produced and available in the market, so that for every size of masonry unit (11) there is a corresponding photovoltaic solar masonry (10) size;
4. uses photovoltaic cells (5) to collect sunlight and daylight and to produce direct current electricity. The electricity produced is wired (14) to a battery storage unit and from there, with the use of a convertor unit, the electricity is converted to alternative current, matching the local voltage specification. The produced electricity can then be used domestically or supplied to the electricity grid through appropriate coordination with the local electricity supplier;
5. provides two options for lens assembly (29). Option 1 incorporates an advance flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) (Figure 2) to redirect the sunlight towards the photovoltaic cells (5), thus avoiding the need for perpendicular alignment of the cell panel to the direction of sunlight. Option 2 is a simple layer of glass which is less efficient but costs less and is intended to provide a cost alternative. Both options have the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF covers (Figure 3); and
6. uses the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF cover (2), which can be produced with various tints of colour for a desired architectural look.
LIST OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the behaviour of light from different directions on a 45-90-45 degree prism;
a component of flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3), which is made of the CROWN
GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54).
Figure 2 shows a flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) made of the CROWN
GLASS
(TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54), with the TEFLON
(TRADEMARK) Model AF cover (index of refraction = 1.29 ¨ 1.31) and the behaviour of light from different directions.
Figure 3 shows a simple glass layer made of the CROWN GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54), with the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF cover (index of refraction = 1.29 ¨ 1.31).
Figure 4 shows two exploded isometric drawings that illustrate the components of the photovoltaic solar masonry (10) and the order of assembly.
Figure 5 shows section drawings that illustrate the application of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) in a typical masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) construction along with the identified components.
Figure 6 shows an elevation drawing that illustrates a structure with a masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) and the application of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) to create various architectural patterns.
The drawings are accompanied with an index sheet that explains all the parts.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) is to integrate sunlight and daylight collection into masonry units (11), which will facilitate the use of renewable energies in building construction, and provides the architects, designers and masons with a product that can be used decoratively and permanently in a variety of patterns and shades.
DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR MASONRY
The photovoltaic solar masonry (10) unit is a multi-functioning building component comprises a load bearing concrete block component (20) that is intended to carry the load of above masonry units (11). The block contains two cylindrical cavity holes that facilitate passage of the two treaded bolts of main casing (25) through it, which then, the casing can be securely tightened to the block by two nuts (27). The two treaded bolts of main casing (25) contain cylindrical cavity holes, which act as wire raceways (23) and allow the output wires (7) from the photovoltaic cells (5) to get through, and then the output wires
LIST OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the behaviour of light from different directions on a 45-90-45 degree prism;
a component of flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3), which is made of the CROWN
GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54).
Figure 2 shows a flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) made of the CROWN
GLASS
(TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54), with the TEFLON
(TRADEMARK) Model AF cover (index of refraction = 1.29 ¨ 1.31) and the behaviour of light from different directions.
Figure 3 shows a simple glass layer made of the CROWN GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (index of refraction = 1.50 ¨ 1.54), with the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF cover (index of refraction = 1.29 ¨ 1.31).
Figure 4 shows two exploded isometric drawings that illustrate the components of the photovoltaic solar masonry (10) and the order of assembly.
Figure 5 shows section drawings that illustrate the application of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) in a typical masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) construction along with the identified components.
Figure 6 shows an elevation drawing that illustrates a structure with a masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) and the application of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) to create various architectural patterns.
The drawings are accompanied with an index sheet that explains all the parts.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) is to integrate sunlight and daylight collection into masonry units (11), which will facilitate the use of renewable energies in building construction, and provides the architects, designers and masons with a product that can be used decoratively and permanently in a variety of patterns and shades.
DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR MASONRY
The photovoltaic solar masonry (10) unit is a multi-functioning building component comprises a load bearing concrete block component (20) that is intended to carry the load of above masonry units (11). The block contains two cylindrical cavity holes that facilitate passage of the two treaded bolts of main casing (25) through it, which then, the casing can be securely tightened to the block by two nuts (27). The two treaded bolts of main casing (25) contain cylindrical cavity holes, which act as wire raceways (23) and allow the output wires (7) from the photovoltaic cells (5) to get through, and then the output wires
(7), by means of wire junction clips (28), get connected to the collector circuit wires (14).
The circuit wires (14) connect the individual photovoltaic solar masonry (10) units in a parallel circuit, and transfer the 18v DC power to a typical 12v battery storage unit for storage and later conversion to AC output with matching local voltage specification for domestic use or for supply to the electricity grid through appropriate coordination with a local electricity supplier.
The main casing (25) from the front side receives the spacer (4) module and then the photovoltaic cells (5) panel, and, finally, the lens assembly (29) which comes with the gasket sealant (22) installed on the perimeter of the lens for the purpose of sealing the unit from the outside. To provide a complete seal and to prevent dust and insect penetration into the unit, silicon sealant (30) is applied at the end of the treaded bolts of main casing (25). This design provides two options for lens assembly (29).
Option 1, shown on Figure 2, incorporates an advance flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) (Figure 2) to redirect light toward the photovoltaic cells (5), thus avoiding the need for perpendicular alignment of the cell panel to the direction of sunlight. The flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) is made of a vertical array of elongated 45-90-45 degree prisms (Figure 1) in a straight line formation (Figure 2). As shown on Figure 2, this arrangement will redirect (but not to concentrate) the direct and indirect sunlight toward the photovoltaic cells (5). On the exterior side, the lens is glued to a TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF
cover, which has a matching mould of its surface patterns.
Option 2 for lens assembly (29) is a simple glass layer with a cover (Figure 3). Although it is less efficient in light gathering, it is able to provide a significant amount of light toward the photovoltaic cells (5) in certain times of the day, due to better alignment with the direction of sunlight. It costs less for production and, therefore, provides a cost alternative.
In both options, the lens assembly (29) is made of two materials: the inner layer made of the CROWN GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (Index of Refraction = 1.50 ¨
1.54) and the outer layer made of the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF material with higher Tg resins for the purpose of creating a durable and non-reactive surface with anti-reflective properties (index of Refraction = 1.29 ¨1.31). TEFLON (TRADEMARK) is a trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
EXAMPLE OF INTENDED USE
Figure 5 and Figure 6 show an example of the integration of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) in a typical masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) construction. In this example, the photovoltaic solar masonry (10) units function as:
1. a load bearing component just as masonry units (11) do.
2. a rainscreen component just as masonry units (11) do.
3. a collector of sunlight and convert the sunlight to electricity.
4. an architectural element to create various visual patterns.
For better results, photovoltaic solar masonry (10) should be used on the sides of the building that have direct exposure to sunlight.
The circuit wires (14) connect the individual photovoltaic solar masonry (10) units in a parallel circuit, and transfer the 18v DC power to a typical 12v battery storage unit for storage and later conversion to AC output with matching local voltage specification for domestic use or for supply to the electricity grid through appropriate coordination with a local electricity supplier.
The main casing (25) from the front side receives the spacer (4) module and then the photovoltaic cells (5) panel, and, finally, the lens assembly (29) which comes with the gasket sealant (22) installed on the perimeter of the lens for the purpose of sealing the unit from the outside. To provide a complete seal and to prevent dust and insect penetration into the unit, silicon sealant (30) is applied at the end of the treaded bolts of main casing (25). This design provides two options for lens assembly (29).
Option 1, shown on Figure 2, incorporates an advance flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) (Figure 2) to redirect light toward the photovoltaic cells (5), thus avoiding the need for perpendicular alignment of the cell panel to the direction of sunlight. The flat straight-line multi-prism lens (3) is made of a vertical array of elongated 45-90-45 degree prisms (Figure 1) in a straight line formation (Figure 2). As shown on Figure 2, this arrangement will redirect (but not to concentrate) the direct and indirect sunlight toward the photovoltaic cells (5). On the exterior side, the lens is glued to a TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF
cover, which has a matching mould of its surface patterns.
Option 2 for lens assembly (29) is a simple glass layer with a cover (Figure 3). Although it is less efficient in light gathering, it is able to provide a significant amount of light toward the photovoltaic cells (5) in certain times of the day, due to better alignment with the direction of sunlight. It costs less for production and, therefore, provides a cost alternative.
In both options, the lens assembly (29) is made of two materials: the inner layer made of the CROWN GLASS (TRADEMARK) Model BK7 material (Index of Refraction = 1.50 ¨
1.54) and the outer layer made of the TEFLON (TRADEMARK) Model AF material with higher Tg resins for the purpose of creating a durable and non-reactive surface with anti-reflective properties (index of Refraction = 1.29 ¨1.31). TEFLON (TRADEMARK) is a trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
EXAMPLE OF INTENDED USE
Figure 5 and Figure 6 show an example of the integration of photovoltaic solar masonry (10) in a typical masonry veneer (cavity) wall (9) construction. In this example, the photovoltaic solar masonry (10) units function as:
1. a load bearing component just as masonry units (11) do.
2. a rainscreen component just as masonry units (11) do.
3. a collector of sunlight and convert the sunlight to electricity.
4. an architectural element to create various visual patterns.
For better results, photovoltaic solar masonry (10) should be used on the sides of the building that have direct exposure to sunlight.
8 INDEX
1 Light Ray 2 Teflon AF with Higher Tg Resins 3 Flat Straight-Line Multi-Prism Lens. Made of Crown Glass (Bk7) 4 Spacer with Reflective Inner Surface Photovoltaic Cells (18v DC output connected in parallel to main collector line) 6 Air Pocket 7 Output Wires from the Photovoltaic Cell . 8 Crown Glass (Bk7) = 9 Masonry Veneer (Cavity) Wall .1.9 Photovoltaic Solar Masonry Unit 11 Masonry Unit (Brick or Architectural Block) 12 Typical Cavity within Wall Typical Mortar Joint 14 Collector Circuit Wires (18v DC to Battery Storage Unit) Typical Air Barrier 18. Typical Exterior Sheathing .17 Typical Vapour Barrier (Location varies according to regional location) 18. Typical Air Barrier ;19 Typical Gypsum Wall Board 2C. Load Beanng Concrete Block Component of Photovoltaic Solar Masonry Unit 21 Typical Air Barrier 22 Gasket Sealant 23 Wire Raceway within the Casing Unit 24 Void Space for Wire Passage 25. Main Casing with Threaded Bolts 26, Void Shafts within the Block to Receive Threaded Bolts 27. Nut to Secure the Casing Bolt to the Block -28. Wire Junction Clips 29 Lens Assembly which is the combination of (2) and (3) as shown on Figure 2 or is a is a combination of (2) & (8)as shown on Figure 3.
-30 Silicon Sealant
1 Light Ray 2 Teflon AF with Higher Tg Resins 3 Flat Straight-Line Multi-Prism Lens. Made of Crown Glass (Bk7) 4 Spacer with Reflective Inner Surface Photovoltaic Cells (18v DC output connected in parallel to main collector line) 6 Air Pocket 7 Output Wires from the Photovoltaic Cell . 8 Crown Glass (Bk7) = 9 Masonry Veneer (Cavity) Wall .1.9 Photovoltaic Solar Masonry Unit 11 Masonry Unit (Brick or Architectural Block) 12 Typical Cavity within Wall Typical Mortar Joint 14 Collector Circuit Wires (18v DC to Battery Storage Unit) Typical Air Barrier 18. Typical Exterior Sheathing .17 Typical Vapour Barrier (Location varies according to regional location) 18. Typical Air Barrier ;19 Typical Gypsum Wall Board 2C. Load Beanng Concrete Block Component of Photovoltaic Solar Masonry Unit 21 Typical Air Barrier 22 Gasket Sealant 23 Wire Raceway within the Casing Unit 24 Void Space for Wire Passage 25. Main Casing with Threaded Bolts 26, Void Shafts within the Block to Receive Threaded Bolts 27. Nut to Secure the Casing Bolt to the Block -28. Wire Junction Clips 29 Lens Assembly which is the combination of (2) and (3) as shown on Figure 2 or is a is a combination of (2) & (8)as shown on Figure 3.
-30 Silicon Sealant
9
Claims (52)
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a masonry unit of a building, in which the masonry unit is configured to be load bearing; and a collector unit configured to collect solar energy; and a lens assembly configured to transfer sunlight to the collector unit, and functions as a rain screen for the collector unit; and a casing configured to hold the collector unit and the lens assembly, and in which the casing is also configured to be fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the collector unit; and extend from the collector unit, and past the masonry unit, and extend beyond the masonry unit once the casing is fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and be connectable to a circuit wire of the building.
a masonry unit of a building, in which the masonry unit is configured to be load bearing; and a collector unit configured to collect solar energy; and a lens assembly configured to transfer sunlight to the collector unit, and functions as a rain screen for the collector unit; and a casing configured to hold the collector unit and the lens assembly, and in which the casing is also configured to be fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the collector unit; and extend from the collector unit, and past the masonry unit, and extend beyond the masonry unit once the casing is fixedly attached to the masonry unit; and be connectable to a circuit wire of the building.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the collector unit is configured to collect the solar energy and convert the solar energy that was collected to electricity.
the collector unit is configured to collect the solar energy and convert the solar energy that was collected to electricity.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate light, toward the collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate light, toward the collector unit.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in straight line formation.
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in straight line formation.
5. An apparatus, comprising:
a casing configured to be securely connected to an exterior facing side of a load bearing building block component, in which the load bearing building block component is configured to: (A) be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight, (B) carry a load from above, (C) have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building, (D) have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building, and (E) define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to produce electricity, and to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and also extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
a casing configured to be securely connected to an exterior facing side of a load bearing building block component, in which the load bearing building block component is configured to: (A) be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight, (B) carry a load from above, (C) have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building, (D) have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building, and (E) define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to produce electricity, and to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and also extend beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and the nut configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and the nut configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not to concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not to concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
17. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
18. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
19. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:
the casing provides a spaced-apart threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides a spaced-apart threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
20. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passages of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passages of the threaded bolt of the casing.
21. An apparatus, comprising:
a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to a wall of a building having a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component, and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and wherein the nut is configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and wherein the nut is configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
26. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
32. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
33. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
34. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein:
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein:
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein:
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
37. An apparatus, comprising:
a building having a wall and also haying a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to the wall of the building; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
a building having a wall and also haying a circuit wire, in which the wall is exposable to daylight; and a load bearing building block component configured to:
be installed to the wall of the building; and carry a load from above; and have an exterior facing side configured to face the exterior of the building; and have an interior facing side configured to face the interior of the building; and define a cavity extending from the exterior facing side to the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a casing configured to be securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and a solar energy collector unit configured to be received, at least in part, by the casing in such a way that the solar energy collector unit, in use, faces the exterior of the building once:
the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and an output wire configured to:
be connectable to the solar energy collector unit; and extend from the solar energy collector unit through the cavity of the load bearing building block component and beyond the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component; and be connectable to the circuit wire of the building.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
a connector assembly configured to securely connect the casing to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and the nut configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a threaded bolt extending from the casing; and a nut configured to be threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing; and the nut configured to contact the interior facing side of the load bearing building block component once the nut is threadably connected to the threaded bolt extending from the casing.
40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein:
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
the connector assembly includes:
a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the load bearing building block component is securely attached to the casing.
41. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collectOr unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance; and wherein the cover is configured to:
be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collectOr unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
42. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
a lens assembly configured to:
be supported by the casing; and be positioned in front of the solar energy collector unit; and face away, at least in part, from the building once the casing is securely connected to the exterior facing side of the load bearing building block component, and once the load bearing building block component is installed to the wall of the building; and transfer light to the solar energy collector unit; and protect the solar energy collector unit from the rain.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a multi-line multi-prism lens configured to redirect sunlight towards the solar energy collector unit.
44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
the lens assembly includes a vertical array of elongated prisms in a straight line formation.
45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
the lens assembly includes a prism configured to uniformly redirect, and not concentrate, light toward the solar energy collector unit.
46. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
the lens assembly includes a layer of glass.
47. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
the lens assembly includes a cover having a predetermined architectural appearance.
48. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising:
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
a gasket sealant configured to seal the lens assembly to the casing in such a way that the gasket sealant, in use, prevents, at least in part, an ingress of the rain to the interior of the casing.
49. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
a spacer module configured to be positioned between the casing and the solar energy collector unit.
50. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein:
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
the solar energy collector unit includes a photovoltaic cell.
51. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein:
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and wherein a nut is configured to securely connect the threaded bolt of the casing to the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
52. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein:
the casing provides extended a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
the casing provides extended a threaded bolt; and the cavity of the load bearing building block component includes a hole configured to receive the threaded bolt of the casing; and the threaded bolt provides a wire raceway configured to allow the output wire from the solar energy collector unit to get through the load bearing building block component once the hole of the load bearing building block component, in use, receives and facilitates passage of the threaded bolt of the casing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2820582A CA2820582C (en) | 2013-07-15 | 2013-07-15 | Photovoltaic solar masonry |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2820582A CA2820582C (en) | 2013-07-15 | 2013-07-15 | Photovoltaic solar masonry |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2820582A1 CA2820582A1 (en) | 2015-01-15 |
| CA2820582C true CA2820582C (en) | 2018-01-02 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2820582A Active CA2820582C (en) | 2013-07-15 | 2013-07-15 | Photovoltaic solar masonry |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2820582C (en) |
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2013
- 2013-07-15 CA CA2820582A patent/CA2820582C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2820582A1 (en) | 2015-01-15 |
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