WO1996023115A1 - Module de toiture constituant un seul ensemble avec un concentrateur d'energie solaire - Google Patents

Module de toiture constituant un seul ensemble avec un concentrateur d'energie solaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996023115A1
WO1996023115A1 PCT/US1996/001359 US9601359W WO9623115A1 WO 1996023115 A1 WO1996023115 A1 WO 1996023115A1 US 9601359 W US9601359 W US 9601359W WO 9623115 A1 WO9623115 A1 WO 9623115A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reflector
panel
roof
spanning member
dimensioned
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/001359
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John F. Myles, Iii
Michael H. Nicklas
Louis J. Gerics
Original Assignee
Myles John F Iii
Nicklas Michael H
Gerics Louis J
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Myles John F Iii, Nicklas Michael H, Gerics Louis J filed Critical Myles John F Iii
Priority to AU53533/96A priority Critical patent/AU5353396A/en
Publication of WO1996023115A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996023115A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B7/00—Roofs; Roof construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B7/12—Roofs; Roof construction with regard to insulation formed in bays, e.g. sawtooth roofs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
    • F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
    • F24S20/67—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings in the form of roof constructions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
    • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator.
  • the present modules can be combined to form a weathertight roof. Radiant solar energy can be collected from this modular roof using reflected solar energy collectors, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements.
  • the roof module is sized to be pre-assembled for transport to the site of intended use.
  • the present invention results in a lower weight and easier to install system for incorporating solar energy concentrators atop a structure, and thus, lowers the cost of collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.
  • the present invention is a modular form of certain elements of the integral solar concentrator roof described in an application entitled “A Roof Having an Integral Solar Energy Concentrating System", filed concurrently herewith, and incorporated by reference hereto.
  • the present invention also can incorporate the use of replaceable solar energy concentrating reflectors as described in an application entitled “An Improved Solar Energy Concentrating System Having Replaceable Reflectors", filed concurrently herewith, and incorporated by reference hereto.
  • BACKGROUND ART In the past, if solar energy concentrating systems were used on top of buildings or roofed structures to gather radiant solar energy, then one could select from two options. The first option was simply to take a solar energy concentrating system suitable for use on the ground and mount it up on top of a roofed structure.
  • the semi-cylindrical reflector and fixed collector did not collect as much solar energy as ground-based units with better geometries.
  • Barr required that the underlying building have a shape similar to the reflector, and thus, the ends of the Barr building had to swoop arcuately upwards, mimicking the reflector arc.
  • Such a requirement had obvious disadvantages in being used on the numerous flat roofed buildings and roofed structures which are used for commercial or industrial purposes.
  • the present invention relates to a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator.
  • the present modules can be combined to form a weathertight roof. Radiant solar energy striking this modular roof can be collected by adding other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, such as reflected solar energy collectors .
  • the roof module is sized to be pre-assembled for transport to the site of intended use.
  • the present invention results in a lower weight and easier to install system for incorporating solar energy concentrators atop a structure, and thus, lower the cost of collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.
  • a roof is made from at least one module, typically from a plurality of modules.
  • a roof module comprises a number of elements, starting with a roof spanning member, having a distal end and a proximal end.
  • roof spanning member includes conventional load bearing structures for supporting roofs such as trusses or beams.
  • the roof spanning member in a module has a width that spans a predetermined distance, typically from 8 feet to 16 feet
  • the roof spanning member is dimensioned and configured such that either the proximal end, the distal end, or both ends of a first roof spanning member in a first roof module hove attachment means that allow the end to be connected to either the proximal end or the distal end of a second roof spanning member in a second roof module.
  • the roof spanning members can be dimensioned and configured such that only distal ends attach to the proximal ends or vice versa.
  • the roof spanning member has a plurality of upper panel support points, a plurality of lower panel support points, or a combination of upper panel support points and lower panel support points. These panel support points are for attaching and supporting either a reflector backing panel or a reflector. The lower panel support points are spaced outward from and down from the upper support points.
  • the roof spanning member is dimensioned and configured to support the weight of all of the roof-supported elements in the following paragraphs, as well as conventional roof-mounted dead loads and live loads known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • a number of modules can be placed between a first load-bearing building member of a roofed structure to a second upright load-bearing building member of the roofed structure.
  • "upright load-bearing building member” includes conventional means of supporting roof spanning members, such as walls or columns.
  • roof spanning members such as walls or columns.
  • Each auxiliary module has attachment means that connect to the attachment means of the end or terminal modules.
  • Roof modules can be combined to span distances of over 100 feet
  • Each module is designed to be part of a solar energy concentrating system that uses a reflected solar energy collector.
  • a roof module will have a mounting means for a collector support means which is disposed above each row of laterally adjacent reflectors in a roof module.
  • the roof modules can be butted laterally against another module so that the lower edge of a first reflector backing panel of a first roof module is adjacent to the lower edge of a second reflector backing panel of a second roof module.
  • the roof modules can be separated at the lower edges by a distance sufficient to allow the installation of gutter means, as shown in FIGURE 4.
  • the modules of the present invention have two main variants with respect to the weathertight roofing surface.
  • a reflector backing panel is used as part of this surface.
  • no backing panel is used and the reflector is part of the weathertight roofing surface.
  • At least one reflector backing panel is used as part of the roofing surface, but a plurality of reflector backing panels may be used. For example, if the roof spanning member is 16 feet long, then four reflector backing panels may be used, each 4 foot wide. Each reflector backing panel has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to 180 degrees, a lower edge, an upper edge, and curved lateral edges. (For the purposes of the present invention, "lower” and “upper” with respect to the reflectors or the reflector backing panels do not express, necessarily, a relative position between the edges.
  • the reflector backing panels are disposed adjacent to one another in a row above and connected to the roof spanning member, for up to the entire length of the roof spanning member. At least one of the curved lateral edges of at least one of the reflector backing panels disposed in the row attaches either to the upper panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, to the lower panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, or to a combination of such upper panel support points and lower panel support points.
  • Each reflector backing panel is disposed such that the skyward surface is the concave surface.
  • each reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges wherein the curved lateral edge of a reflector backing panel can be placed adjacent along the curved lateral edge of another reflector backing panel for the length of the underlying roof spanning member so as to form the row of adjacent reflector backing panels.
  • a reflector backing panel that has dimensional and configurational stability, including fabricated metals or alloys, and molded laminates or composites.
  • the width and height of each module is determined by the arc length of the reflector backing panel The greater the arc length, the taller and wider the module. Typically, one would desire modules that are from 4 feet to 16 feet wide and from 8 feet to 48 feet long, for movement over roads by tracks.
  • the present invention also comprises at least one reflector, but, typically, a plurality of solar energy concentrating reflectors.
  • Each reflector has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration complementary to an underlying reflector backing panel.
  • each reflector has a skyward facing surface that reflects radiant solar energy.
  • Each reflector has an upper edge, a lower edge, and curved lateral edges.
  • each reflector is disposed on top of the skyward surface of an underlying reflector backing panel.
  • the reflector is attached to the reflector backing panel either by conventional mechanical fastening means or conventional chemical fastening means such as adhesives.
  • reflector backing panels are used in this first variant the reflectors may be made so as to be flexible, relying upon the underlying reflector backing panels to provide a desired arcuate conformational stability. Suitable flexible reflectors are described in an application entitled “An Improved Solar Energy Concentrating System Having Replaceable Reflectors", filed concurrently herewith.
  • each module includes a spanning member cap means.
  • the spanning member cap means is connected either to the top of a roof spanning member, the upper edge of a reflector, or the upper edge of a reflector backing panel.
  • the spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • the spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with either the reflector backing panels or the reflectors, and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed.
  • the end cap means is disposed at the outside end of the terminal module, so as to seal the exposed end formed by the reflector backing panel and its reflector.
  • the end cap means is connected to roof elements such as an outside reflector, an outside reflector backing panel, an outside spanning member cap means, or an outside load-bearing building member, such as a parapet or a wall
  • An end cap means may be unitary or formed from several parts.
  • each end cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with the roof elements to which the end cap means is connected, thus, sealing the roof.
  • the end cap means can vary even within the use on one roof. For example, one wall of a building may be raised above the roof spanning member so as to equal or exceed the height of the part of the spanning member cap means, whereas another wall may reach only to the bottom of the reflector backing panel.
  • the end cap means would simply provide a flashing to the wall for the reflector backing panel or the reflector, and the roof spanning member or the spanning member cap means.
  • the end cap means would include a panel having a surface that coven the exposed arcuate area formed by the reflector backing panel or the reflector, and the roof spanning member or the spanning member cap means.
  • the present roof module includes a weathertight panel sealing means.
  • the panel sealing means are located at various seams including at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector, or a combination of at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel and at the curved lateral edges reflectors, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector.
  • a roof module uses at least one reflector as part of the roofing surface, without the need for reflector backing panels.
  • a plurality of reflectors can be used as described above for the reflector backing panels.
  • the roof module comprises a number of elements, starting with a roof spanning member as described in the above reflector backing panel module variant On top of the roof spanning member lies at least one reflector.
  • Each reflector has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to 180 degrees, a lower edge, an upper edge, and curved lateral edges.
  • each reflector is disposed laterally adjacent to one another in a row above the roof spanning members for up to the entire length of the roof spanning member. At least one of the edges of at least one reflector disposed in each row attaches either to the upper panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, to the lower panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, or to a combination of such upper panel support points and lower panel support points.
  • Each reflector is disposed such that the skyward surface is the concave surface. As in conventional solar energy concentrating systems, each reflector has a skyward facing surface that reflects radiant solar energy.
  • each reflector is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges wherein the curved lateral edge of a reflector can be placed adjacent along the curved lateral edge of another reflector for the length of the underlying roof spanning member so as to form the row of adjacent reflectors.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art can use various materials to construct a reflector having dimensional and configurational stability, including fabricated metals or alloys with polished or reflectorized surfaces, and molded laminates or composites with reflectorized surfaces.
  • the width and height of each module is determined by the arc length of the reflector. The greater the arc length, the taller and wider the module.
  • the reflector roof module includes a spanning member cap means. Also, if the module is a terminal reflector roof module, then another weathertight roofing element present is the end cap means. Both of these elements are described above in the reflector backing panel roof module.
  • the roof module includes a weathertight panel sealing means.
  • the panel sealing means are located at various seams including at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector.
  • FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of a roof module using a reflector on either side of the roof spanning member.
  • FIGURE 2 is a sectional view of a roof module using a reflector on one side of the roof spanning member and a non- reflective roofing panel on the other side.
  • FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of a roof module using a reflector on cither side of a complex space truss and incorporating a daylighting means.
  • FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of two roof modules installed laterally adjacent to each other.
  • FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of two roof modules installed distal end to proximal end.
  • One preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a single reflector design wherein a reflector, or a plurality of reflectors, having an arc of up to about 120 degrees is disposed on one side of the roof spanning member of a roof module.
  • a non- reflective roofing panel is disposed on the opposite side of the roof spanning member.
  • the single reflector module can have two main formats, the first in which reflectors and reflector backing panels are used, and the second in which only reflectors are used.
  • each module comprises a number of elements, starting with a roof spanning member having a distal end and a proximal end as described above.
  • At least one reflector backing panel is used as part of the roofing surface, but a plurality of reflector backing panels may be used.
  • Each reflector backing panel has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to about 120 degrees, a lower edge, an upper edge, and curved lateral edges. If a plurality are used, the reflector backing panels are disposed laterally adjacent to one another in a row attached to the roof spanning member for up to the entire length of the roof spanning member.
  • At least one of the edges of at least one reflector backing panel disposed in the row attaches eitiier to the upper panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, to the lower panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, or to a combination of such upper panel support points and lower panel support points.
  • Each reflector backing panel is disposed such that the skyward surface is the concave surface.
  • each reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges wherein the curved lateral edge of a reflector backing panel can be placed adjacent along the curved lateral edge of another reflector backing panel for the length of the underlying roof spanning member so as to form the row of adjacent reflector backing panels.
  • each reflector backing panel is a sandwich laminate having aluminum sheet skin on either side and a core of insulating structural foam.
  • a reflector On top of each reflector backing panel lies a reflector.
  • Each reflector has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration complementary to an underlying reflector backing panel
  • the reflector can be rigid or flexible.
  • each reflector has a skyward facing surface that reflects radiant solar energy.
  • Each reflector has an upper edge, a lower edge, and curved lateral edges.
  • each reflector is disposed on top of the skyward surface of an underlying reflector backing panel, being attached thereto by conventional mechanical fastening means.
  • Non-reflective roofing panels are also used on tins single reflector design.
  • Each non-reflective roofing panel has curved lateral edges, a lower edge, and an upper edge.
  • At least one non- reflective roofing panel is attached to the side of the roof spanning member opposite to that on which the reflector backing panel is placed.
  • the non-reflective roofing panel is dimensioned and configured such that when a first roof module is abutted laterally to a second roof module, the lower edge of the non-reflective roofing panel on the first roof module is adjacent to the lower edge of the reflector backing panel of the second roof module, as shown in FIGURE 4.
  • the lower edge of a non-reflective roofing panel attaches to a lower panel support.
  • each non-reflective roofing panel is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges wherein the curved lateral edge of a non-reflective roofing panel can be placed adjacent to the curved lateral edge of another non- reflective roofing panel for the length of the underlying roof spanning member, so as to form a row of adjacent non-reflective roofing panels, opposing the row of reflectors.
  • the installed modules would be oriented so that the non-reflective roofing panels face a northerly direction.
  • the roof module includes a spanning member cap means.
  • the spanning member cap means is connected either to the top of a roof spanning member, the upper edge of a reflector, the upper edge of a non-reflective roofing panel or the upper edge of a reflector backing panel
  • the spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • the spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with either the reflector backing panels or the reflectors, and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed If, when installed, the distal end or the proximal end of a roof module does not connect to anotiier roof module, (an outside end of a terminal module), then another weathertight roofing element present is the end cap means as described above.
  • the roof module includes weathertight panel sealing means.
  • the panel sealing means are located at various seams including at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector, at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of the non-reflective roofing panels, or a combination of all of the above.
  • each module In order to gather reflect solar energy once installed, each module is designed to be part of a solar energy concentrating system that uses a reflected solar energy collector. Thus, each module will have a mounting means for a collector support means which is disposed above each row of adjacent reflectors in a module.
  • At least one reflector is used as part of the roofing surface, without the need for reflector backing panels.
  • the reflector is configured of a material designed with sufficient strength to have dimensional and configurational stability to maintain the predetermined arcuate configuration.
  • the reflector attaches in the same manner as described above for the reflector backing panel.
  • FIGURE 2 illustrates a single reflector design that uses reflector backing panels. If a new structure is being built, then one would prefer to orient the roof module such that the roof panning member is oriented in a lengthwise direction, i.e., follows the direction formed by the lower edge of the reflectors, which is within 30 degrees of a true East-West axis.
  • a simple space truss (10) is used as the roof spanning member.
  • the space truss has a plurality of web members (12) disposed between an upper chord (14) and two lower chords (16).
  • Upper panel support points (17) are located near the upper chord, and the lower panel support points (18) are located on the lower chords, as shown in FIGURES 1, 2, and 4.
  • the simple space truss is dimensioned and configured to support the weight of all of the roof supported elements described below, as well as conventional dead loads, such as roof-mounted air conditioning elements, and live loads, such as wind and snow.
  • a reflector backing panel (20) underlies each solar energy concentrating reflector (30).
  • This reflector backing panel has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to about 120 degrees, a lower edge (22), an upper edge (24), and curved lateral edges (26).
  • the reflector backing panels are dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges such that one reflector backing panel can be located adjacent to another reflector backing panel so as to form a row of reflector backing panels extending for up to the length of the underlying space truss.
  • the reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured so as to provide dimensional or configurational stability to the overlying reflector. Suitable
  • Each reflector (30) is flexible enough to assume a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration complementary to the underlying reflector backing panel
  • Each reflector has a lower edge (32), an upper edge (34), and curved lateral edges (36).
  • the skyward surface of the reflector is the concave surface.
  • Each reflector is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges such that one reflector can be located adjacent to another reflector so as to form a row of reflector extending for up to the length of the underlying space truss.
  • Such a reflector can be comprised of a ultraviolet-stabilized plastic having a reflectorized concave surface.
  • Particularly suitable for reflectors is an ultraviolet-stabilized acrylic having a thickness of 1.6 mm wherein the underside of the concave surface of the acrylic has aluminum vapor-deposited thereon, providing a reflectivity of at least 75%, preferably at least 90%.
  • the reflector can be made from co-extruded polymers having a reflectivity based on the difference in the indices of refraction of the two polymers.
  • Non-reflective roofing panels are used on the opposite side of the roof spanning member.
  • Each non-reflective roofing panel (40) has lateral edges (46), a lower edge (42), and an upper edge (44).
  • the lower edge attaches to a lower panel support point
  • the upper edge attaches to an upper panel support point on top of a simple space truss.
  • Each non-reflective roofing panel is dimensioned and configured along the lateral edges wherein the lateral edge (46) of a non-reflective roofing panel can be placed adjacent to the lateral edge of another non-reflective roofing panel extending for up to the length of the underlying roof spanning member, so as to form a row of adjacent non-reflective roofing panels.
  • Some of these non-reflective roofing panels can be transparent or translucent for daylighting.
  • the present roof module includes a spanning member cap means (50).
  • the spanning member cap means is connected to the top of the simple space truss.
  • the spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • the spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with the reflector backing panels, the non-reflective roofing panels, and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed.
  • Another weathertight roofing element present in terminal modules is the end cap means.
  • the present invention includes an end cap means, not shown, being situated or disposed at the outside or end of the roof spanning member, so as to seal the exposed end formed by the reflector backing panel and its reflector.
  • Each end cap means is connected to an outside reflector backing panel, an outside non-reflective panel and the end of the spanning member cap means.
  • Each end cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with the roof elements to which the end cap means is connected, thus, sealing the roof.
  • the present invention includes weathertight panel sealing means.
  • the panel sealing means (70) shown in FIGURE 5, are located at various seams including the curved lateral edges between adjacent reflector backing panels, at the upper edge and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel at the curved lateral edges between adjacent non-reflective roofing panels, and at the upper edge and at the lower edge of each non-reflective roofing panels.
  • Double Reflector Roof Modules An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide for a first reflector and a second reflector on either side of the roof spanning member of a roof module. Each reflector extends downward such that when a first module is abutted laterally to a second module, the first reflector on the first module and either the first reflector or the second reflector on the second module are paired so as to form an up to a 180 degree cylindrically arcuate form.
  • the single reflector roof modules there are two main formats, the first in which reflectors and reflector backing panels are used, and the second in which only reflectors are used
  • the roof comprises a number of elements, starting with a roof spanning member as previously described above.
  • each reflector backing panel has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to 90 degrees, a lower edge, an upper edge, and curved lateral edges. If a plurality of panels are used, the reflector backing panels are disposed adjacent to one another in two rows, one attached to either side of the roof spanning member for up to the entire length of the roof spanning member.
  • At least one of the curved lateral edges of at least one reflector backing panel disposed in each row attaches either to the upper panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, to the lower panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, or to a combination of such upper and lower attachments.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art can vary the number of support points needed through changing the strength of the reflector backing panel Thus, each reflector backing panel need not be attached to support points.
  • Each reflector backing panel is disposed such that the skyward surface is the concave surface.
  • Each reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges wherein the curved lateral edge of a reflector backing panel can be placed adjacent along the curved lateral edge of another reflector backing panel for the length of the underlying roof spanning member so as to form the row of adjacent reflector backing panels.
  • the lower edge of each reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured such that the lower edges of the reflector backing panels or the reflectors in a first module can be located adjacent to the lower edge to a second, arcuately paired reflector backing panel or reflector.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art can use various materials to construct a reflector backing panel including fabricated metals or alloys, and molded laminates or composites, as described above.
  • each reflector On top of the reflector backing panel lies a reflector.
  • Each reflector has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration complementary to an underlying reflector backing panel
  • each reflector has a skyward facing surface that reflects radiant solar energy.
  • the reflector has an upper edge, a lower edge, and curved lateral edges.
  • each reflector is disposed on top of the skyward surface of an underlying reflector backing panel, and is constructed and attached as described above.
  • the present invention includes a spanning member cap means.
  • the spanning member cap means is connected either to the top of a roof spanning member, the upper edge of a reflector, or the upper edge of a reflector backing panel
  • the spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • the spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with either the reflector backing panels or the reflectors, and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed.
  • a weathertight roofing element present in terminal or end roof modules is the end cap means.
  • an end cap means is disposed at the outside or end of the roof spanning member, so as to seal the exposed end formed by the reflector backing panel and its reflector.
  • the end cap means is connected and configured as described above.
  • the present invention includes weathertight panel scaling means.
  • the panel sealing means are located at various scams including at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel at the curved lateral edges, at the upper edge, and at lower edge of each reflector, or a combination of the above.
  • At least two reflectors is used as part of the roofing surface, without the need for reflector backing panels.
  • Each reflector is configured of a material designed with sufficient strength to have dimensional and configurational stability to maintain the predetermined arcuate configuration.
  • Each reflector attaches to either side of the roof spanning member in the same manner that the reflector backing panel does as described above. Rows of reflectors can be used
  • this variant includes a spanning member cap means.
  • the spanning member cap means is connected either to the top of a roof spanning member or the upper edge of a reflector.
  • the spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • the spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with the reflectors on either side of the roof spanning member and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates a double reflector design that uses reflector backing panels. If a new structure is being built, then one would prefer to orient the load bearing members of the new structure such that the roof spanning member in the module is oriented in a lengthwise direction, i.e., follows the direction formed by the lower edge of the reflectors, which is within 30 degrees of a true North-South axis.
  • the present invention can be used on structures having any orientation.
  • a simple space truss (10) is used as described above in the embodiment for the single reflector design
  • a reflector backing panel (20) underlies each solar energy concentrating reflector (30).
  • This reflector backing panel has a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to 90 degrees, a lower edge (22), an upper edge (24), and curved lateral edges (26).
  • the reflector backing panels are dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges such that one reflector backing panel can be located adjacent to another reflector backing panel so as to form a row of reflector backing panels extending for up to the length of the underlying space truss.
  • Each reflector backing panel is connected to the upper panel support points (17) and the lower panel support points (18) by conventional fastening means.
  • each reflector backing panel is dimensioned and configured so as to provide dimensional or configurational stability to the ovcriying reflector. Suitable embodiments of the reflector backing panel for this embodiment are described above.
  • Each reflector (30) is flexible enough to assume a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration complementary to the underlying reflector backing panel
  • Each reflector has a lower edge (32), an upper edge (34), and curved lateral edges (36).
  • the skyward surface of the reflector is the concave surface.
  • Each reflector is dimensioned and configured along the curved lateral edges such that one reflector can be located adjacent to another reflector so as to form a row of reflector extending for up to the length of the underlying space truss.
  • Each reflector is secured to the underlying reflector backing panel either by conventional fastening means or by conventional adhesives. Suitable reflectors are described above.
  • each roof module includes a spanning member cap means (50).
  • the spanning member cap means (50) is connected to the top of a roof spanning member.
  • Each spanning member cap means extends lengthwise for the length of the roof spanning member and extends laterally across the roof spanning member.
  • each spanning member cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with either the reflector backing panels or the reflectors on either side of the roof spanning member, and the roof spanning member over which the spanning cap means is disposed.
  • the end cap means is situated or disposed at the outside end of the roof spanning member, so as to seal the exposed end formed by the reflector backing panel and its reflector.
  • the end cap means is connected to an outside reflector backing panel and the end of the spanning member cap means.
  • the end cap means is dimensioned and configured so as to form a weathertight seal with the roof elements to which the end cap means is connected, thus, sealing the roof.
  • the present invention includes weathertight panel sealing means.
  • the panel sealing means are located at various seams including the curved lateral edges between adjacent reflector backing panels, and at the upper edge and at the lower edge of each reflector backing panel Additional Roof Module Elements
  • Preferred embodiments of the present invention can include a number of additional features. For example, when selecting a truss for the roof spanning member, one can select between a simple space truss, as shown in FIGURE 1, or a complex space truss, as shown in FIGURE 3. Complex space trusses are preferred if incorporating daylighting means into the spanning member cap means, as shown in FIGURE 3. In either truss, the upper panel support points arc located at or near the upper chord, and the lower panel support points are located at or near the lower chords.
  • the reflectors and the underlying reflector backing panels can be dimensioned and configured such that each reflector may be detached without removing the underlying reflector backing panel and without affecting the weathertight panel sealing means.
  • Such a configuration allows for the easy replacement of reflectors without disturbing the weathertight integrity of the roof.
  • Another preferred feature for the present roof module is to provide for gutter means at the lower edges of the reflectors.
  • the gutter means remove debris from settling on the reflector surface, maintaining a high reflectivity, and thus, energy yield for the solar energy concentrating components.
  • the gutter can be designed to be wide enough and strong enough to support a person. Thus, maintenance can be performed on the roof without having to step on the reflectors, thereby preventing damage to the reflective surfaces.
  • the present roof module can have at least one gutter means attached thereto. Each gutter means (80) is located below the lower edge of the reflector backing panel or the lower edge of the reflector, as shown in FIGURE 1 to 5. Each gutter means extends the length of the roof spanning member.
  • the gutter means is connected either to the underlying roof spanning member, the lower panel support points, the adjacent reflectors, the adjacent reflector backing panels or a combination thereof.
  • a weathertight gutter sealing means is included with the gutter means.
  • the gutter sealing means (82) is disposed between each gutter means and the lower edges of the adjacent reflector backing panels, the lower edges of the adjacent reflectors, or a combination thereof.
  • Such scaling means are of conventional design and are known to those of skill in the art.
  • insulation means can be provided for the various roof surface components.
  • the reflector backing panels, reflectors, end cap means, spanning member cap means, and gutter means can have an insulating means disposed beneath or attached to these elements or incorporated into these elements gutter means.
  • Another preferred feature for the present invention is to use daylighting means in the roof module so as to lower lighting cost for the underlying structure by providing ambient light to go into the structure.
  • a daylighting means can be either a transparent or translucent material.
  • One way of providing daylighting comprises having the spanning member cap means being dimensioned and configured such that at least one daylighting means is located on a surface of the spanning member cap means. In other words, flat glass panels can be inset into the spanning cap means, not shown.
  • a second way is to use a raised transparent or substantially translucent daylighting panel (90), as shown in FIGURE 3. Such a panel is disposed substantially vertically from the surface of the spanning member cap means.
  • a daylighting panel housing (92) is attached to the spanning member cap means, said housing being dimensioned and configured to form a weathertight seal between the raised daylighting panel and the spanning member cap means.
  • a third way of providing daylighting is to use a transparent or substantially translucent daylighting panel in place of a reflector, or if used the reflector and the underlying reflector backing panel. This daylighting panel would be dimensioned and configured to form a weathertight seal with either an adjacent daylighting means, an adjacent reflector, an adjacent reflector backing panel or a combination thereof.
  • a fourth way to provide daylight is shown in the preferred single reflector designs.
  • one or more of the non-reflective roofing panels can be substituted for with a transparent or translucent replacement daylighting panel. Any combination of the above, in the correct format, can be used to provide a desired level of daylighting.
  • Another roof module feature is to integrate weathertight panel sealing means into the reflectors, the reflector backing panels, the non-reflective roofing panels, or the daylighting panels by designing the edges of these roofing surface elements to have an interlocking means that does not allow water to penetrate between such adjacent roofing elements.
  • a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrating reflector comprising: a) a roof spanning member having a distal end and a proximal end, said roof spanning member having a plurality of upper panel support points, a plurality of lower panel support points or a combination of upper panel support points and lower panel support points, said lower panel support points spaced outward from and down from the upper support points, and said roof spanning member being dimensioned and configured to support the weight of all of the roof- supported elements in paragraphs b) to f), as well as conventional roof-mounted dead loads and live loads;
  • an attachment means disposed on the distal end or the terminal end of the roof spanning member, said attachment means being dimensioned and configured to connect to either the proximal end or the distal end of a second roof spanning member in a second module;
  • each reflector backing panel having a concave and cylindrically arcuate configuration of up to 180 degrees, a lower edge, an upper edge, and curved lateral edges, wherein at least one of the curved lateral edges of at least one reflector backing panel attaches to the upper panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, the lower panel support points of the underlying roof spanning member, or a combination of such upper panel support points and lower support points, each reflector backing panel being disposed such that the skyward surface of each reflector backing panel is the concave surface;

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un module de toiture possédant un concentrateur d'énergie solaire solidaire de l'ensemble (fig. 5). On peut combiner ces modules de manière à construire une toiture résistant aux intempéries et constituant un seul ensemble avec un concentrateur solaire. On peut capter l'énergie solaire radiante à partir de cette toiture modulaire au moyen de capteurs (30) d'énergie solaire réfléchie, parmi d'autres éléments de transfert ou de concentration d'énergie solaire. L'invention consiste en un système léger, facile à monter et permettant de placer des concentrateurs d'énergie solaire au sommet d'une structure et, de ce fait, d'optimiser les coûts de l'énergie solaire radiante, étant donné qu'elle est captée depuis le sommet d'un bâtiment ou d'une structure en forme de toiture.
PCT/US1996/001359 1995-01-26 1996-01-25 Module de toiture constituant un seul ensemble avec un concentrateur d'energie solaire WO1996023115A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU53533/96A AU5353396A (en) 1995-01-26 1996-01-25 A roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US37984395A 1995-01-26 1995-01-26
US08/379,843 1995-01-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996023115A1 true WO1996023115A1 (fr) 1996-08-01

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US1996/001359 WO1996023115A1 (fr) 1995-01-26 1996-01-25 Module de toiture constituant un seul ensemble avec un concentrateur d'energie solaire

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AU (1) AU5353396A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996023115A1 (fr)

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US7910822B1 (en) 2005-10-17 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Fabrication process for photovoltaic cell
US7910035B2 (en) 2007-12-12 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Method and system for manufacturing integrated molded concentrator photovoltaic device
US7910392B2 (en) 2007-04-02 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Method and system for assembling a solar cell package
US8049098B2 (en) 2007-09-05 2011-11-01 Solaria Corporation Notch structure for concentrating module and method of manufacture using photovoltaic strips
US8227688B1 (en) 2005-10-17 2012-07-24 Solaria Corporation Method and resulting structure for assembling photovoltaic regions onto lead frame members for integration on concentrating elements for solar cells
CN102817446A (zh) * 2012-08-03 2012-12-12 大地太阳风（北京）能源技术有限公司 透光屋顶下的阳光辐射反射聚焦系统

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US4579106A (en) * 1983-04-19 1986-04-01 Stellar Energy Systems, Inc. Solar collector with drive system
US4587951A (en) * 1983-04-19 1986-05-13 Stellar Energy Systems, Inc. Circular arc solar concentrator
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US2625930A (en) * 1950-06-02 1953-01-20 Clyde W Harris Solar-heating structure
US3868823A (en) * 1972-04-06 1975-03-04 Gulf Oil Corp Concentrator, method, and system for utilizing radiant energy
US4149523A (en) * 1976-06-03 1979-04-17 Bertin & Cie Solar energy collector system with cylindro-parabolic mirror
US4602613A (en) * 1976-11-30 1986-07-29 Aai Corporation Solar energy concentrating and collecting arrangement
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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7910822B1 (en) 2005-10-17 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Fabrication process for photovoltaic cell
US8227688B1 (en) 2005-10-17 2012-07-24 Solaria Corporation Method and resulting structure for assembling photovoltaic regions onto lead frame members for integration on concentrating elements for solar cells
US7910392B2 (en) 2007-04-02 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Method and system for assembling a solar cell package
US8049098B2 (en) 2007-09-05 2011-11-01 Solaria Corporation Notch structure for concentrating module and method of manufacture using photovoltaic strips
US7910035B2 (en) 2007-12-12 2011-03-22 Solaria Corporation Method and system for manufacturing integrated molded concentrator photovoltaic device
CN102817446A (zh) * 2012-08-03 2012-12-12 大地太阳风（北京）能源技术有限公司 透光屋顶下的阳光辐射反射聚焦系统

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