EA017378B1 - Roof-covering element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to A roof-covering element (10), with an upper surface (11) and a lower surface (12), whereby for roof covering a plurality of elements (10) is juxtaposed in a particular way such that neighbouring elements (10) are interconnected by means of an interlocking arrangement (13, 14, 15), and whereby the roof-covering element (10) comprises means for exchanging heat with the environment, where at least one of the surfaces (11, 12) of the element (10) is at least partially made of a metal alloy. The particular roof-covering element (10) can in particular be made of an alloy comprising any combination of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe), i.e. the alloy CuZnMnFe. The roof-covering element (10) according to the present invention can also comprise a cavity (16), provided inside the element (10), in which a fluid is circulable for heat exchange with the environment. The roof-covering elements (10) according to the present invention can be interconnected by means of a tubing system (25) for the circulation of the fluid between different elements (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a roof covering element having an upper surface, a lower surface and an overlapping device for interconnecting adjacent elements, whereby a plurality of elements are arranged on top of each other in a specific way for a roof covering. The present invention relates, in particular, to such a roofing element which comprises a means for heat exchange with the environment.

State of the art

Roofing i.e. the top cover of the building is on every building in the world. On the one hand, the task of the roof is to dump rainwater from the building and prevent the collection of water on the roof of the building. On the other hand, roofs have an increasingly important decorative function. To solve these problems, roofs must be built using various shapes and shapes and using many different materials. As for the shape, roofs in shape can be roofs with high slopes (sloping) or with a gentle slope. While roofs with slopes are mainly available on industrial or commercial type structures, gently sloping roofs are the main form on residential buildings. Since the roofs are facing the sky, they must withstand all weather conditions. In particular, they must be moisture-proof, reliable, durable, attractive and resilient enough to withstand major temperature changes without cracking. Later, manufacturing methods for roofs and roofing materials have been improved over the centuries to give roofs considerable strength and durability.

For centuries, people have covered their homes with everything that could withstand the weather, from animal skins to tree bark. Today there is a large selection of roofing materials in terms of material, color, shape, etc. The use of various roofing materials is largely dependent on specific weather conditions, but also on aesthetic criteria. Traditional roofing - slate and wood shingle - have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. On the other hand, new materials, such as asphalt / fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete and metal tiles, are products of the technological revolution. Each of these materials has slightly different durability, appearance, cost and ease of use. In addition, modern roofs are complex systems made of various components that work together.

In recent decades, the so-called solar roofing systems have been largely used for roofing. These systems are designed to be capable of generating electricity and / or heating hot water or hot air in addition to performing the function of roofing. Usually, these systems use the so-called solar cells. The solar (photovoltaic) cell is a component of equipment that is capable of converting solar energy into another form of energy. The arrangement of solar cells is commonly called a solar panel. Historically, solar cells and panels have been used in cases where electrical energy from the grid was unavailable. Recently, solar cells, however, have been used more and more as a source of clean or alternative energy as opposed to dirty energy from nuclear power plants.

Solar systems can be embedded in roofs in many different ways. On the one hand, solar cells can be directly embedded in roofing with slopes. These systems are commonly called solar shingles. Essentially, solar tiles are solar cells made like ordinary (slate or ceramic) tiles. They are made to be well suited for many different types of roofs and to be compatible with ordinary roof tiles. However, solar systems can also be installed on an existing roof, such as a solar panel on a tiled roof, or built into a flat roof.

However, all known solar roofing systems have many significant disadvantages compared to conventional roofs. To begin with, all solar panels have a deep, dark, purplish-blue color, such that roofs covered with solar roofing systems look completely different than other roofs. In addition, the installation of solar roofing systems is prohibited under various circumstances, for example, in particular, on old buildings or buildings of special historical significance. In addition, most solar cells have a large blinding effect, which can be a source of significant inconvenience in the immediate vicinity. An additional problem with conventional solar systems is the integration of these solar systems into existing roofs. As solar roofing systems are becoming increasingly popular, more and more homeowners want to replace existing roofs with solar roofs. However, solar panels represent an additional weight on the underlying roof structures, so the installation of solar panels is often possible only after a thorough update of the entire roof structure. Similar problems arise in the case of solar roof tiles, when the replacement of traditional roof tiles usually requires new static calculations and significant changes in the roof support.

- 1 017378

On the other hand, the so-called heat pumps of geothermal exchange or heat pumps using the heat of the ground (O8HP), are becoming an increasingly popular source of energy for heating buildings. These heat pumps that use ground heat use the Earth either as a heat source when they work in heating mode, or to remove heat when they work in cooling mode. Geothermal heat pumps have an external circuit containing water or a water / antifreeze mixture, and a much smaller internal circuit containing refrigerant. Both circuits pass through a heat exchanger. There are also so-called heat pumps that use air as a heat source (L8HP), which use the same principle, but extract heat more preferably from air than from soil. Thus, the installation of these pumps is simpler and cheaper.

However, these heat pumps using air heat have the disadvantage that in the cooling mode, the removal of excess heat is often difficult. Some systems that use heat pumps that use air as a heat source, therefore use additional cooling devices, such as fans, to remove heat. These fans are an additional inconvenience to the neighbors and also contribute to the high cost of such systems.

The closest analogue for the claimed invention is EP 0335261, disclosing a solar energy storage device comprising a roof covering element having an upper surface and a lower surface, means for interlocking the roof elements, means for heat exchange with the environment.

The claimed invention differs from EP 0335261 in that at least one surface of the roofing element is at least partially made of a metal alloy containing Cu2p ₄₀ Mp ₂ Its ₁ . This alloy improves mechanical properties. Due to the use of this alloy, the roofing has the same color and weight as a conventional roofing, with optimal heat transfer properties and structural strength. These properties make it possible to easily replace traditional roofing elements without the need to strengthen the roof structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the object of the present invention is to propose a new and improved roofing element that does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved, in particular, using the features listed in the independent clauses. In addition, further preferred embodiments of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the description.

In particular, this task is achieved in the invention, in which in the element of the roof covering having an upper surface and a lower surface, moreover, to create a roof covering, a plurality of elements are arranged on top of each other so that adjacent elements are interconnected by means of mutual engagement, and whereby the roofing element contains means for heat exchange with the environment, at least one of the surfaces of the element is at least partially made of metal melt. An advantage of such a device is, inter alia, that the roofing element can be made of natural material. A metal alloy is, in particular, a suitable material for this task, since the type of alloy and the ratio of the various constituent components in the mixture can be selected to satisfy all the different requirements of a particular roof. In particular, an alloy of iron or aluminum can be used for modern buildings where a silver luster of these materials may be particularly preferred. In addition, the particular metal alloy to be used may be selected depending on thermal or mechanical characteristics for optimal protection against atmospheric conditions and environmental influences.

In one embodiment, the metal alloy contains any combination of copper (Cu), zinc (Ζη), manganese (Mn), and iron (Ge). This embodiment of the invention has, among other things, a particular advantage in that a metal alloy containing a combination of these components has, in particular, preferred properties with respect to thermal, mechanical and chemical aspects. Thus, a roofing device made of such a metal alloy is particularly suitable for carrying out the present invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the metal alloy contains an alloy CuΖη4 ₀ Mη ₂ Ge ₁ . Alloy CuΖη ₄₀ Mη ₂ Ge ₁ has specific mechanical characteristics, which makes it very suitable for the present invention. In particular, this alloy, also known under the ΌΟΚΝΆA® trademark, has a special surface color that does not essentially differ from the color of ordinary roof tiles or other similar roofing elements. Thus, the roofing element according to this embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that it can be very easily interchanged with traditional roofing elements.

In another embodiment, a cavity is made inside the element between the upper

- 2 017378 surface and the lower surface of the element, as a result of which the fluid circulates in the cavity for heat exchange with the environment. An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is, inter alia, that a fluid can be introduced to circulate within the roofing device for heat exchange with the environment. The roofing element provides a good platform for heat exchange between the fluid and the surrounding air through conventional convection. In addition, sunlight can heat the fluid inside the cavity of the roofing element in such a way that heat transfer can work in two directions (i.e., heating or cooling the fluid). In this way, a building with a roof made of roofing elements according to this embodiment of the present invention can be heated or cooled depending on needs. In addition, this particular embodiment of the present invention provides the opportunity for good collaboration with heat pump systems using air as a heat source in which excess heat can easily be dissipated into the environment.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, at least one nipple with an opening is made in at least one surface of the element, whereby the nipple opening is connected to the cavity. This embodiment of the invention has, among other things, the advantage that the cavity can be easily filled with fluid or that the fluid can be removed from the cavity of the roofing element. The nipple further has the advantage that a tube or other similar device can be easily connected to it, and thus to the roofing member for circulating the fluid.

In a further embodiment, the cavity comprises a channel system. An advantage of this embodiment is that, inter alia, the inner surface of the cavity of the roofing element can be increased, so that heat exchange with the environment can be facilitated. Using an appropriate channel system, the inner surface can be significantly increased so that a much better heat transfer rate can be achieved compared to other similar devices without such a channel system.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface and / or lower surface of the element comprises a ribbed structure. The ribbed structure may in particular be made similar to that of a radiator or similar device. An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is, inter alia, that the particular ribbed surface structure of the roofing element enables very efficient heat exchange with the environment. Since at least one of the surfaces of the roofing element in the preferred embodiment of the invention is at least partially made of a metal alloy, heat exchange with the environment can be accelerated and quickly carried out using a special ribbed structure with a large surface.

In another embodiment, the fluid is water and / or an aqueous solution. Water is very suitable for heat transfer due to its preferred thermal characteristics. In the same way, aqueous solutions, in particular solutions with a non-freezing substance, help to achieve an even stronger effect.

It should be noted that in addition to the roofing element according to these specific embodiments of the invention, the present invention also relates to a prefabricated roofing element structure, a heat exchange system in a building or similar structures, a method for manufacturing a roofing element, and a method for covering a roof using a roofing element according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional roofing element;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prefabricated structure of traditional roofing elements of FIG. 1, which are arranged on top of each other in rows and columns and interconnected by means of mutual engagement to cover some part of the roof;

FIG. 3a and 3b are sectional views of two embodiments of a roofing element according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prefabricated structure of roofing elements according to the present invention with a corresponding tubular structure; in FIG. 4a shows a tubular structure that is attached to roofing elements; in FIG. 4b shows a tubular structure that is separated from the roofing elements;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a prefabricated structure of roofing elements according to the present invention with a corresponding pipeline arrangement;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the precast structure of roofing devices according to the present invention of FIG. 5; FIG. 6a is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5; FIG. 6b

- 3 017378 is a sectional view along line AA in FIG. 5.

Description of specific embodiments of the invention

In FIG. 1 shows a traditional roofing element 10, commonly referred to as tiling. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 refers to the upper surface of the roof covering member 10. The upper surface of the roofing element 10 may have a different shape and profile, and may also have different patterns, colors or designs. The upper surface 11 of the roofing element 10 can be, in particular, treated with a mechanical or chemical agent in order to achieve a certain optical, mechanical or thermal effect. The upper surface 11 of the roofing element 10 may also have a specific varnished or similar coating. In addition, the roofing element 10 in FIG. 1 has a mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 that is used to interconnect adjacent roofing elements 10 when they are used in a roofing. This mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 basically consists of horizontal and vertical beams 13, 14 and grooves 15 on the periphery of the roof covering element 10, which cooperate to reliably connect adjacent elements 10 into a continuous prefabricated structure. It is well understood that the mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 may include additional mutually engaging, fastening and / or binding means (such as retainers or nails) for reliable and durable mutual connection, fastening and binding of adjacent elements 10 on the roof.

The prefabricated structure of the traditional roofing elements 10 in FIG. 1, which are arranged on top of each other in rows and columns and interconnected by means of mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 to cover some part of the roof, is shown in FIG. 2. Reference numeral 20 in FIG. 2 relates to frame beams whose function is to support the elements 10 of the roof covering. Typically, the frame beams 20 are made of wood. However, the frame beams 20 could also be made of any other suitable material. The roofing elements 10 hang from the frame beams 20 with a number of parallel rows, whereby each row overlaps the row below it to discharge rainwater. As mentioned above, additional fastening means could be used to securely attach the roof covering elements 10 to the roof. The specific assembly of the roof covering elements 10 therefore also makes it possible to hide fasteners (for example, nails or hooks) that hold the row immediately below. As a matter of course, various other ways of roofing are imaginable using the roofing elements 10, in particular with respect to the way the roofing elements 10 are assembled and / or interconnected.

Examples of the roofing element 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIG. 3: in FIG. 3a shows a sectional view of a roofing element 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a roof covering member 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3a, reference numeral 11 again refers to the upper surface of the roofing element 10, wherein reference numeral 12 refers to the lower surface of the roofing element 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3a, the upper surface 11 of the roofing element 10 may have a specific shape or profile that can be selected based on aesthetic, functional, architectural or any other criteria. Although the upper surface 11 of the roofing element in FIG. 3a has a concave profile, the profile or shape of the upper surface of the roofing element 10 may be of any other shape, including convex or flat profiles. The lower surface 12 of the roofing element 10 is generally flat, although other shapes of the lower surface 12 are possible. However, since the lower surface of the roofing element 10 is generally not visible, its shape can be selected in any way, since it does not limit the functionality of the roofing element 10.

The roofing member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 3a also contains a mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15, consisting of beams 13, 14 and grooves 15. The beams 13, 14 and grooves 15 of the mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 are designed so that they can easily connect adjacent elements 10 roofing. In particular, the beam 14 is made to interact with the groove 15, while the beam 13 is made to interact with the groove on the underside of the beam 14. In addition, the roofing element 10 usually contains other beams and grooves extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane section in FIG. 3 a. However, it is obvious that the roofing element 10 can be made with other means that allow easy and reliable interconnection of neighboring elements 10. Thus, any roof can be covered in continuous rows and columns, or any other prefabricated structure consisting of individual roofing elements 10 coverings. The roofing member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 3a comprises a recess 14a in the beam 14. The recess 14a can be used, in particular, to accommodate fastening or binding means, which can be used to better hold between the two roof covering elements 10. Thus, the mutual connection between the two elements 10 can be strengthened so that

- 4 017378 to achieve particularly reliable and stable roofs, even for very bad weather conditions. Without a doubt, fastening or bonding means for enhancing this mutual connection can also be placed elsewhere on the roof covering element 10. Alternatively, a recess 14a may be used to appropriately adjust the weight of the roofing element 10, if necessary.

The upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12 of the roofing element 10, as well as the mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 and other parts of the roofing element 10, can be made of one material. One or different parts, however, may be made of a material that is different from the material of the other parts. In particular, at least the upper surface 11 of the roof covering element 10 may be at least partially made of a metal alloy. This metal alloy, in particular, may contain a combination of copper (Cu), zinc (Ζη), manganese (Μη) and iron (Be). However, this metal alloy may also contain any other combination of these or other metals. This metal alloy may also contain non-metallic substances, which are especially necessary or preferred to achieve the special properties of the alloy. At the same time, other parts of the roofing element 10 may be made of another material, in particular another metal or metal alloy, but also non-metallic materials such as clay, ceramics, glass, plastics or other synthetic materials. For example, the upper surface 11 of the roofing element 10 can be made of the first metal alloy, the lower surface 12 of the roofing element 10 of the second metal alloy, the mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 of the third metal alloy. It is understood that any other combination of materials is possible without departing from the general inventive concept of the present invention.

Reference numeral 16 in FIG. 3a relates to a cavity made inside the roof covering element 10, between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12. The size, shape and dimensions of the cavity 16 may vary without changing the basic idea of the present invention. In particular, this cavity 16 can extend over the entire area of the roof covering element 10, but also only have a small area compared to the entire area of the roof covering element 10. The cavity 16 is designed so that the fluid can circulate inside the cavity 16. The fluid can be, in particular, water or a special aqueous solution, but can be essentially any other suitable fluid. The fluid used can be, in particular, also a water / antifreeze solution, which can be used in a very large temperature range without any difficulties caused by low temperatures. Particularly suitable antifreeze agents are propylene glycol, denatured alcohol and / or methanol. Since the fluid is enclosed in a cavity 16 inside the roof covering element 10 between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12, heat transfer between the fluid and the environment can be easily carried out. In particular, the upper surface 11 of the roof covering element 10 is in constant contact with the surrounding air, so that the temperature difference between the two media can lead to heating or cooling of the fluid inside the roof covering element 10 without any additional action or mechanism. In addition, metal alloys in general, and in particular alloys containing copper, have very preferred thermal characteristics, so that heat exchange with the environment can be carried out in an optimal way. In addition, when exposed to the sun, the upper surface 11 of the roofing element 10 is particularly susceptible to very high heat so that the fluid inside the cavity 16 of the roofing element 10 can easily be heated to very high temperatures.

In addition, the roofing element 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 3a comprises a nipple 17, which itself contains an opening 17a. The nipple 17 in FIG. 3 a is made in the lower surface 12 of the roof covering element 10. However, it is obvious that the nipple 17 can be made in any other place on the roof covering element 10, including, in particular, the upper surface 11, the mutual engagement means 13, 14, 15 or the side surfaces of the roof covering element 10. Of course, the roofing element 10 may contain more than one nipple, if required. The hole 17a of the nipple 17 is connected to the cavity 16 so that the fluid can enter the cavity 16 and / or leave the cavity 16 through the hole 17a of the nipple 17. The roofing element 10 may, for example, contain a plug to close the hole 17a of the nipple 17, after that as the cavity 16 is filled with fluid, or the fluid is removed from the cavity 16. Thus, the cavity 16 of the roofing element 10 can be filled with fluid for heat exchange with the environment and emptied after the fluid has reached the desired temperature temperature.

A second embodiment of the roofing element 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3b. The second embodiment of the roofing element 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a very similar construction as the roofing element 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numbers are again used to refer to the same building blocks:

- 5 017378 reference numeral 11 refers to the upper surface and reference numeral 12 to the lower surface of the roof covering element 10. Reference numerals 13, 14, 15 refer to the mutual engagement device, wherein reference numeral 16 refers to the cavity between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12 of the roof covering element 10. Reference numeral 17 refers to a first nipple with a hole 17a and reference numeral 17 ′ to a second nipple, which basically has the same construction and function as the first nipple 17. The cavity 16 in this second embodiment of the present invention comprises a channel system 18. Channel the system 18 contains various furrows and bends that significantly increase the inner surface of the cavity 16. Thus, heat transfer between the fluid enclosed within the cavity 16 and the environment can be particularly effective. Since the walls of the channel system 18 are directly connected to the upper surface 11 of the element 10, heat transfer between the upper surface 11 and the fluid inside the cavity 16 can also be realized in a very efficient and simple way.

How this can be better understood from FIG. 3a and 3b, the visual aspect of the roofing element 10 according to these two embodiments of the present invention is not in any way different from the visual appearance of the traditional roofing element. Their shape, including the shape and function of the device 13, 14, 15 of the mutual engagement of the elements 10 of the roof covering, is made to accurately reproduce the corresponding elements of the traditional elements of the roof covering. In addition, the use of a particular alloy (for example, copper alloy Cu2p ₄₀ Mi ₂ Ee1 with its specific properties) allows the roofing element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention to have substantially the same color as traditional clay roofing elements coatings, but without the need for additional mechanical or chemical surface treatment. In addition, the roofing element 10 of the present invention can preferably be made so as to have exactly the same weight as the traditional roofing element having the same shape. This particular feature allows for easy replacement of existing roofing elements and their replacement with roofing elements according to the present invention without the need for further changes to the roof structure or other roof elements. On the other hand, the roofing element 10 according to these embodiments of the present invention provides a specific advantage in heat transfer, without the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional solutions.

In FIG. 4 shows the prefabricated structure of the roofing elements 10 according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention in a roof section with a corresponding tubular structure 25. FIG. 4a shows a prefabricated structure with a tubular structure 25, which is attached to the elements 10 of the roof covering, while in FIG. 4b shows the same prefabricated structure with a tubular structure separated from the roof covering elements 10. As you can see, the individual tubes interconnect two elements 10. For a person skilled in the art it is obvious that the design of the tubes and the choice of interconnection patterns can be changed without going beyond the general inventive concept. The tubes are connected to the nipples 17, 17 ′ of the respective roof covering elements 10 and thus connect the cavities 16 of the elements 10 to each other. Thus, in a concrete way, all the individual roof covering elements 10 are combined into a connected system in which fluid can freely circulate through the system. In this system, in particular, it is possible to create a fluid flow in a direction when the fluid enters the system on the first roof covering element 10 and leaves the system after all the roof covering elements 10 in the prefabricated structure have passed. This flow may, in particular, be carried by a pump (not shown) or any other similar device. Thus, optimal heat transfer can be realized.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the prefabricated structure of the roofing elements 10 according to the present invention with the corresponding tubular structure 25. FIG. 6 shows sectional views of a prefabricated structure of roofing devices 10 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6a is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5, while FIG. 6b is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5. These drawings show one of the possible prefabricated structures of the roofing elements 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numbers are again used to refer to the same constituent elements, the structure and function of which will not be explained again for simplicity.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific means, materials and embodiments of the invention, a person skilled in the art can easily figure out the main characteristics of the present invention from the above description, at the same time various changes and modifications can be made to adapt various applications and characteristics without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, as described in the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. An element (10) of a roof covering having an upper surface (11) and a lower surface (12), moreover, for covering the roof, a plurality of elements (10) overlap each other so that adjacent elements (10) are interconnected by means of ( 13, 14, 15) of mutual engagement, wherein the roofing element (10) comprises means for heat exchange with the environment, characterized in that at least one surface (11, 12) of the element (10) is at least partially made from a metal alloy ί.'ιιΖη ₄₀ Μη ₂ Ρθ |. 2. Element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (16) is made inside the element (10), between the upper surface (11) and the lower surface (12) of the element (10), whereby the fluid circulates in the cavity (16) for heat exchange with the environment. 3. The element (10) according to one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that at least one nipple (17) with a hole (17a) is made on at least one surface (11, 12) of the element (10), by wherein the opening (17a) of the nipple (17) is connected to the cavity (16). 4. Element (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cavity (16) contains a channel system (18). 5. An element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper surface (11) and / or lower surface (12) of the element (10) contains a ribbed structure. 6. Element (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the fluid is water and / or an aqueous solution. 7. The prefabricated structure of the elements (10) of the roof covering, comprising at least one element (10) of the roof covering according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tubular structure (25) is made to connect at least two elements to each other (10) a roof covering, whereby a fluid circulates between the elements (10) of the roof covering through the tubular structure (25). 8. The prefabricated structure according to claim 7, characterized in that there is a pump for circulating fluid between the elements (10) of the roof covering. 9. The heat exchange system in the building, using a fluid for heat exchange with the environment and containing a storage device for storing fluid, a pump for circulating the fluid in the system and a control device for regulating heat transfer, characterized in that the heat exchange system contains at least one element (10) a roofing according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 10. A method of coating a roof using roofing elements (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising stages in which roofing elements (10) are arranged so that they overlap each other; connect adjacent elements (10) of the roof covering by means of mutual engagement (13, 14, 15).