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
  • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
  • H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
• • 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

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a modular roofing tile element with integrated photovoltaic module.
• the invention also relates to a method for laying a plurality of said elements.
• One first drawback is that the photovoltaic module carried by such elements is not positioned on top of the structure, but is placed under mouldings or raised parts of the structure itself. Under solar irradiation, such an arrangement causes a shadow to be cast on small areas of the photovoltaic module. A significant reduction in the efficiency of the whole plant thus occurs due to the considerable performance losses undergone by the single module when even just one cell is totally or partially shaded.
• Another drawback of said known modular elements is that they do not allow for a proper ventilation of the photovoltaic module, which is thus subjected to overheating when in operation, leading to performance decay.
• the known modular elements are sometimes made of materials which are at least partly non-recyclable, relatively heavy and not very strong mechanically.
• the known modular elements feature an optimal dimensional ratio between the support structure and the respective photovoltaic module, which maximises the module's energetic efficiency.
• the present invention aims at overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.
• the present invention provides a modular roofing tile element with integrated photovoltaic module whose main feature is set out in claim 1.
• Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a modular roofing tile element of the plain type with integrated photovoltaic module according to one example of embodiment of the present invention
• Fig. 2 is a top view of the modular element of Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line A-A of Fig. 2;
• Fig. 4 is a perspective top view of the modular element of Fig. 1 without the photovoltaic module;
• Fig. 5 A is a top view of the modular element without the photovoltaic module according to Fig. 4;
• Fig. 5B is the same view of Fig. 5 A, rotated by 90 degrees in the drawing plane;
• Fig. 6 is a longitudinal side elevation view of the modular element of Fig. 5 A;
• Figs. 7 and 8 are longitudinal sectional views along lines B-B and C-C of Fig. 5A, respectively;
• Figs. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views along lines D-D and E-E of Fig. 5B, respectively;
• Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the modular element of Fig. 4;
• Fig. 12 is a cross side elevation view of the modular element of Fig. 11 ;
• Fig. 13 is a top view in a different scale of a photovoltaic module integrated in the modular element of Fig. 1 with a superimposed protective glass sheet;
• Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line F-F of Fig. 13;
• Figs. 15 and 16 respectively show elevation and sectional views along line G-G, in a bigger scale, of an elastic mounting clamp for securing the photovoltaic module to the support structure in the modular element according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view which illustrates the installation, with respect to a roof framework batten, of four modular plain tile elements with respective integrated photovoltaic modules according to the invention
• Fig.18 is a sectional view along line H-H of Fig. 17;
• Fig. 19 is a view of a roof comprising a plurality of modular elements according to the invention.
• a modular roofing tile element with integrated photovoltaic module is designated as a whole by reference numeral 10.
• Said modular element 10 is, by way of example, of the plain type ana essentially comprises a support structure 11.1 and a photovoltaic module 11.2 securely assembled together, as will be described more in detail hereafter.
• said photovoltaic module is considered to be formed by a Tedlar base, an Evatane encapsulant, and photovoltaic cells.
• Said photovoltaic module 11.2 is covered on top by a glass sheet 20, consisting of a low iron content, highly transparent tempered glass, as will be described more in detail below.
• Said support structure 11.1 is manufactured by moulding a plastic material, and its outer perimeter is shaped like a traditional plain tile.
• said tile-shaped support structure 11.1 comprises (when viewed in the installed position), at its upper longitudinal end, a rectangular tray 12 protruding upwards and extending for a substantial portion of the width of the structure 11.1; a first continuous longitudinal flap 13 with a flat surface arranged alongside the base of said tray 12 and having, on its upper face, a continuous raised longitudinal bead 13.1; a second continuous longitudinal flap 14 with a flat surface, arranged alongside the top of said tray 12 on the side opposite to the first flap 13.
• Said flaps 13, 14 are essentially parallel to each other, but lie, as aforesaid, in respective planes at different heights so that, when two modular elements 10 are placed side by side, as will be described more in detail hereafter, the flap 14 is superimposed on the flap 13. Furthermore, said upper flap 14 has, in a region at its upper longitudinal end, an L-shaped notch 14.1 and an elongated through hole 14.2 near said notch. Said underlying flap 13 has, in an upper region thereof, an elongated through hole 13.2 transversally aligned with said elongated hole 14.2.
• the remaining and substantial part of said support structure 11.1 comprises an integral raised flat frame 15 essentially rectangular in shape, the top of which lies in the plane of said upper flap 14.
• Said flat frame 15 is formed by the inner transverse wall 12.1 of the tray 12, a continuous longitudinal relief 15.1 jutting out from and running along said first flap 13, the corresponding longitudinal portion 14.3 of said upper flat flap 14, and a raised lower transverse edge 15.2 at the lower end, opposite to said transverse wall 12.1 of the tray 12.
• From said raised transverse edge 15.2 two opposed integral transverse teeth 16 extend which are separated by a recess 16.1 , whereas the corresponding end of the continuous longitudinal flap 13 is also bent to form a tooth 13.3 lower than and set back relative to said teeth 16.
• the tray 12 communicates, through a notch 12.2, with the channel formed on the flap 13 between the bead 13.1 and the longitudinal relief 15.1 of the frame 15, so as to allow for rain-water drainage.
• the notch 12.2 advantageously prevents the water from being drained from the higher modular elements 10 onto the lower modular elements 10, which might cause damage to the respective photovoltaic module 11.2.
• each modular element 10 only has to drain the water that falls onto it, instead of also having to drain the water of the upstream modular elements 10.
• a continuous rectangular groove 15.5 is formed within said raised frame 15 and along the sides thereof there are respective lowered integral steps: 15.3 (transversal) and 15.4 (longitudinal), in which a continuous rectangular groove 15.5 is formed.
• Said rectangular groove 15.5 is intended for housing, as will be described more in detail below, a corresponding continuous layer of fireproof silicone-based glue 18.
• two respective pairs of vertical recesses 12.10 and 15.20 are formed which house the vertical branches 19.1 of respective elastic metal mounting clamps 19 shaped essentially like an upside-down "L" (Figs. 1, 15 and 16), which, through their horizontal branch 19.2, secure said protective glass sheet 20 housed inside said raised frame 15.
• two elastic tabs 19.3 are obtained by shearing, which open outwards and rest elastically against said frame 15, whereas the horizontal branch 19.2 thereof is slightly curved to adhere elastically to said sheet 20.
• a median longitudinal member 15.6 and a median cross member 15.7 are provided, in one body, inside the frame 15 and substantially in the plane of the lowered steps 15.3, 15.4.
• Fig. 17 illustrates the on-site layout of four modular tile elements 10 according to the invention, arranged side by side in pairs and overlapping each other.
• Said modular elements are designated herein by reference numerals 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively.
• the elements 10.1, 10.3 are respectively placed alongside the elements 10.2, 10.4, so that the upper flaps 14 of the former two are respectively superimposed on the lower flaps 13 of the latter.
• the contiguous teeth 16 of the two side-by-side elements 10.1, 10.2, which lie higher in the installed position occupy the tray 12 of the element 10.4, while the recess of the element, said elements 10.3 e 10.4 being arranged side by side and being lower when installed.
• the through hole 17 of the upper modular element 10.1 comes to match, in the axial direction, the hole 14.2 of the flap 14 of the modular element 10.3 and the hole 13.2 of the flap 13 of the modular element 10.4, respectively. Therefore, as schematically shown in Fig. 18, by means of a single fastening means V, e.g. a self-tapping screw, engaging said holes 17, 14.2, 13.2 in a through manner, it is possible to attain a solid and secure fastening of the three modular elements 10.1, 10.3, 10.4 with respect to the batten L of a roof framework (not shown any further).
• a single fastening means V e.g. a self-tapping screw
• the protective glass sheet 20 takes up all the useful area delimited by the flat frame 15, whereas the corresponding underlying photovoltaic module 11.2 is perimetrically set back relative to said sheet, and therefore also to the frame 15. This measure allows to compensate, in order to exploit the solar irradiation optimally, for the slight depth in which the photovoltaic module
• 11.2 is located with respect to the top of the frame 15, due to the presence of the protective sheet 20.
• Fig. 19 illustrates a roof which can be obtained by using the modular elements 10 according to the invention.
• the photovoltaic module 11.2 (formed by a Tedlar base, an Evatane encapsulant, and photovoltaic cells) is first assembled together with said protective glass 20.
• the support structure 11.1 is produced as a monolithic body by injecting molten thermoplastic resin into a corresponding steel mould.
• the support structure 11.1 thus produced is picked up by a robot at a temperature between 75°C and 90°C and is positioned on a dedicated base.
• the layer of fireproof silicone-based glue 18 is then applied by a robot into the continuous rectangular groove 15.5. Subsequently the assembly consisting of the photovoltaic module and the protective glass is picked up by a robot and inserted with the Tedlar back part into the frame 15, resting on the steps 15.3, 15.4 where the layer of silicone-based glue i o was applied, so that the external surface of the protective glass 20 is flush with the top of said frame 15. The elastic clamps 19 are then inserted into the corresponding seats 12.10 and 15.20 of the frame 15, so that they stably engage said protective glass 20.
• This provides a solid and secure threefold fastening of the photovoltaic module 1 1.2 with sheet 20 with respect to the support structure 1 1.1, namely of the physical, chemical and mechanical types, by means of the physiological post-moulding shrinkage of the thermoplastic resin, by means of the layer of fireproof silicone-based glue 18 and by means of the elastic clamps 19, respectively.
• the modular roofing tile element with integrated photovoltaic module allows to prevent any shading of the photovoltaic module caused by the structure of the element itself.
• the photovoltaic module 1 1.2 is inserted in the frame 15 in such a way that no raised regions of the support structure stay above the module surface.
• the perimeter of the photovoltaic module 1 1.2 is set back relative to that of the protective glass 20 superimposed on and contained within said frame 15.
• the photovoltaic module 1 1.2 is electrically connected to a bypass diode to ensure that it can be excluded from the plant (for each modular element 10) in the event of accidental shading.
• the modular element 10 When in operation, the modular element 10 also ensures adequate ventilation of the photovoltaic module 1 1.2, due to the fact that the module itself is perimetrically supported by the lowered steps 15.3, 15.4 of the frame 15, by the median longitudinal member 15.6 and by the median cross member 15.7, while wide aeration openings are provided under said module 11.2 between said support parts.
• the modular element 10 is so designed as to promote thermal exchange, so that the photovoltaic module will never reach in operation temperature values which may jeopardise its energetic efficiency.
• the materials used for manufacturing the modular element 10 are recyclable and therefore have a low environmental impact.
• the modular element 10 is light and features a high mechanical strength.
• the fastening system according to the invention allows to make a roofing comprising modular elements with any slope, unlike the normal terracotta tiles, for which a minimum slope of approx. 20 % and a maximum slope of approx. 40 % are specified.
• the dimensional ratio between the frame 15 of the support structure 11.1 and the integrated photovoltaic module 11.2 is optimal, thus allowing said module to include, for instance, two photovoltaic cells in order to attain the best energetic efficiency per surface unit of the roofing made up of modular elements 10.
• the method according to the invention allows to assemble the support structure and the photovoltaic module in a manner such as to easily, quickly and safely obtain a substantially monolithic unit.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (8)

Citations (4)

• 2009
  • 2009-10-22 IT ITTO2009A000805A patent/IT1396768B1/it active
• 2010
  • 2010-10-21 WO PCT/IB2010/054767 patent/WO2011048565A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (4)

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