Self orienting tilting solar roof panel, characterized as being a roof panel (1), designed as a square, rectangular or polygon, that balances on a central axis or point of equilibrium (6), thanks to the effort applied at a minimum of three points (9), clearly spaced between them and between the central axis (6), without it overlapping the perimeter in its horizontal position.
1. Field of the Invention
The objective of this invention is the construction of a roof panel of a building that can orient itself towards the sun all of the time, but always remaining within the confines of the ground plan of the building, and therefore without overhanging the eaves themselves, starting from the maximum surface of the ground plan offered by the building, which allows it to balance on its own centre of gravity.
The patent overcomes the technical problem of the existing industrial turning panels when they are arranged on top of a building at its maximum dimension where, when it sweeps a surface that overhangs the building itself. The patent also avoids it needing to surround both the ground plan and the angle of the gables of the traditional roof panels of a building when wanting to cover it with solar panels.
2. Background of the Invention
Traditionally, the buildings have inclined roof panels to allow rainwater to run off. They are usually set out on the top of the building itself with several gables that normally direct the water towards the different facades.
Those buildings constructed in tropical lands usually have panels angled at between 30° to 45° to facilitate water runoff, as opposed to houses with flat roofs (0°) in desert areas around the equator, where it hardly ever rains. Nordic countries whose roofs have are at a 60° angle to avoid the accumulation of water in the form of snow.
From this generic geometrical structure, favored to facilitate water runoff from the roofs, the gables of the buildings have a determined slope and different orientations.
Therefore a building with a square or rectangular ground plan, the roof panel could correspond to one, two, three or four pitches which could allow the water to run off to four different facades. This means that the gables go in different orientations of the space and could lead to four possible different cases:
A single gable which could point in any direction;
Two gables which point in opposite directions;
Three gables with two pointing in opposite directions and the third at an intermediate, and
Four gables all pointing in different directions: two and two.
At the moment of wanting to take advantage of the sunshine impinging on the roof panel that will benefit from the solar energy, be it photovoltaic (to obtain electricity) or thermal (for domestic hot water), it is essential to take the orientation of the panel into account, with the four aforementioned possibilities.
At the same time, it is well known that in order to take full advantage of the sun's energy, it is necessary to place the solar panel perpendicular to the rays of light falling on them, which means that for any building, there are some ground plans with better orientations than others.
In this respect, it is evident for the same ground plan surface with a single gable oriented towards the south, it receives more solar energy through direct radiation (66%) than if the same roof panel were oriented towards the east (25%) or to the west (25%) and even less of oriented towards the north (0%).
In other words, for the same building, the gable oriented towards the north will not receive any direct radiation and capture almost no energy, while the other two gables in the building facing east and west will capture less energy that that obtained by the gable facing the south but with the same ground plan surface.
When it is necessary to capture as much solar energy as possible on the roof panel of a building, the need arises to be able to orientate the panel of the said building constantly towards the sun, which gives rise to the establishment of a roof panel that tracks the sun.
If the shape of the said panel were circular, and it rotated on an axis perpendicular to its circle, its rotation would not change the external geometry. On the other hand, if it were a square or rectangular panel, rotating on an axis perpendicular to it, the corresponding parallelepiped would describe a variable geometry in space in relation to the rotation.
As the solar panels currently being developed, start from rectangular geometries produced in silicon ‘wafers’ which are the basis for the aforementioned panels, we find ourselves with the problem that the parallelepiped geometry of the panels would vary the ground plan of the building that they are distributed on, where it occupies the entirety of the roof panel.
This means that if we want to occupy all of the square or rectangular surface of the roof panel of a building with a solar panel in order to obtain the maximum capture with it, this roof panel cannot rotate around itself as it will overlap the ground plan of the building itself.
In the face this dilemma, there are traditionally two opposing solutions; each with its advantages and disadvantages.
First: make a larger fixed panel the same size as the ground plan
Second: make a panel smaller than the ground plan that does not overlap during its rotation
Either of these two options limits in part the maximum advantage that could be taken from the panels laid out on the roof panel of the building, following the new invention set out below.
From the previous analysis it is concluded that those buildings built in tropical areas, that the horizontal ground plan of the roof (0°) is totally suitable for the capture of solar radiation that impinges on it during most of the day.
On the other hand, in Nordic countries and those in the southern hemisphere, the structure of a roof panel with only one ground plan of maximum proportions and a pitch) (60°) facing the south (or north in the southern hemisphere), is the most beneficial for the capture of solar energy.
In the tropics, with intermediate orientations (for 30° to 45°), where the most populated countries are to be found, the variation in the orientation between the east, south and west of the solar panels on the roof panel are of greater interest than the two aforementioned cases.
The panels are industrially designed to rotate to track the sun. However they have the disadvantage of a central support of large dimensions, together with their corresponding large foundations as the panel has to be supported on a large single pillar because of the pressure and the hurricane winds that might damage it. The central pillar is not the most suitable method for a central support in an habitable building.
In the interests of solving the aforementioned technical problems, the self-orientating, tilting solar roof panel, object of this new invention, proposes to subdivide the traditional roof panel into two different and therefore novel roof panels, as they have their usual features separated:
The upper roof panel goes on to be active and mobile, self orientating towards the sun, allows snow to run off and can allow rainwater to run off or not (towards the lower roof panel) but never compromises the insulation of the building.
The lower roof panel becomes passive, and it is fixed to the building itself and being able to allow water to run off (if it is not collected on the upper roof panel). It is also part of the insulation of the building in order to avoid energy losses through it.
Both roof panels resolve their own compromises such as their weight, the wind, snow, etc.
In order that the upper roof panel is able to achieve its objective of tracking the sun, without its geometry overlapping the perimeter initially established by the geometry of the ground plan (with its roof panel and eaves), while the lower roof panel remains fixed, the following invention has been developed.
It is a square or rectangular roof panel, which in principle is supported at its centre of gravity, thus making it capable of balancing on itself, so as to enable it to orient itself at any time towards the facade of the house upon which the sun is shining throughout the day.
The invention means that the square or rectangular roof panel on the ground plan, horizontally laid out, tilting on its centre of gravity so as to be able to move any of its sides or vertices, with the area generated on the ground plan being, logically, is less than that of the roof panel in its horizontal position.
This invention contrasts, therefore, with the traditional solar roof panels which rotate instead of balancing) on certain axes, and where on its route it overlaps the surface that it initially occupies on the floor, which does not happen with our invention.
In order to achieve the functioning of the proposed invention, an appropriate mechanism is necessary capable of varying the orientation of the roof panel at all times, as well as making it stable not only as a result of its load, but also against the action of the wind, snow, etc.
The mechanism consists basically of four cables, located at an appreciable distance from the centre of gravity and support of the tilting roof panel, which are secured from below at four opposing points and which, in reality, there are just two interrelated cables placed diagonally across the rectangular roof panel.
Therefore each of the diagonally opposed cables acts in one direction at the extremes (tensioning, shortening) at the same time as the opposite extreme but in a contrary manner (not-driving, lengthening). Of course the aforementioned action can take place in reverse (lengthening first and shortening later, that is, tensioning).
In order to achieve the aforementioned effect, each of the diagonally arranged cables works by means of its corresponding motor which, when turning, works in conjunction with the driving motor of the other cable. Through this method the dimensions of the cables, secured to the lower part of the mobile roof panel, at the diagonally opposed extremes may be lengthened or shortened.
The whole of the roof panel is perfectly designed with both its masses and weights tilting by a support at its centre of gravity, which could even be on top of it so as to facilitate its resting position in the horizontal position.
That is why it has the advantage of requiring very little driving effort to move it from the horizontal to the angle necessary for the desired orientation. This is technologically much simpler than pushing or turning the traditional roof panels as the cables that are used are only guy ropes, which is why they use very little energy.
Clearly, for the proper working of the entire mechanism, a series of bearings and pulleys (cogs or otherwise) are required apart from the cables driven by the motors to transmit the efforts desired for the tracking of the said cables in accordance with the living spaces and exact location of the room for the machinery.
However, finding a solution for the automated mechanized functioning that would require the corresponding domotics with its appropriate software in accordance with the time of year and time of day, which could also give rise to the manual balancing of the roof panel through the action of the appropriate pulleys and tackle system.
Although it is evident that the greater the arm or distance between the central support of the roof panel and the tensile cables that support it, it is possible that for reasons of design or aesthetics, that it would be preferable to locate the aforementioned cables at the extremes of the area of the rectangular solar roof panel, where even though they are more visible, they are more effective as a result of the maximum separation possible, or, on the other hand, if it is preferred to locate them under the central area of the roof panel, where they are much less visible, although they consume more energy in order to achieve the same effect as they have a smaller arm or distance in respect to the support of the roof panel on its centre of gravity.
When dealing with a roof panel that balances on a central support system to which a tensioning is added at one, two, three or four different points, according to the mechanism of the tensioning system, the roof panel becomes very stable against the action of the wind, making it resistant to even the strongest gusts leaving it immobile at the desired solar angle.
In any case there is an emergency system or zero point position in the machinery system that balances the roof panel that secures it in the horizontal or resting position which tenses all four cables at the same time.
So as to ensure that the roof panel has even more strength in its horizontal position in case of a hurricane, in which the action of the wind will affect it less, there is an automatic device made up of compression supports that complement the cables at its four extremes in order to obtain a total balance when creating four post-tensile supports under the roof at its extremes or in the central area as well as its barycentric support.
As regards the central support, it requires a ball joint capable of allowing there roof panel to turn at least in the directions; east, south and west, although it would be desirable for the ball joint to turn even to the north so as to facilitate the cleaning of the roof panel by acting on its four edges.
Clearly the turning ball joint includes its corresponding securing mechanism to avoid high-speed gusts of wind generating a force capable of lifting the weight of the roof panel, acting said ball joint as traction, instead of a compression in which the transmission of forces are referred to.
The turning solar panels usually have a central support of large proportions, since it is also needed to absorb the weight of the roof panel and the action of the wind of a much greater value than the previous one.
The design characteristics of the proposed invention, when setting out a respectable distance between the traction points of the struts and the central support, it is easy as a whole to resist the action of the wind at all times (together with the weight of the roof panel) that is generated at the central support, which could be of great proportions.
In spite of the aforementioned, the system allows a simple deviation of the central load below the barycentre of the roof panel, towards 3 or more extreme points, which are usually four (although it could also be five, six or eight) if it is a construction with an orthogonal structure.
In order to achieve this objective, the ball joint must be placed on a pyramid structure at an angle of 15°, 30°, 45° or 60° in respect to the horizontal, so as to allow the appropriate balance of the roof panel in relation to the sun, as set out by the latitude at which the building is located.
The aforementioned pyramid structure may be complemented by hydraulic jacks capable of varying its angel and/or height in accordance with the time of the year and therefore, in accordance with the angle of the sun, so as to adapt the whole of the roof panel easily in its turning, until it becomes orthogonal to the rays of solar light.
The aforementioned roof panel, although conceived with the aim of optimizing the solar capture of a building with a certain ground plan, it does not mean that instead of covering just homes or buildings, it can also be applied advantageously to car parks, areas of shade, garden areas etc., given that the technology of the invention can be adapted perfectly to a wide spectrum of applications.
Finally, it is logical to suppose that together with the mechanical and smart system, a manual variation of it be added, just in case the electricity or computer system fails in order to be able to operate the roof panel so as to place it in the required orientation or logically, place it in its resting horizontal and shored up position on the face of the risks of strong winds.
The Self-Orienting, Solar Roof Panel, must allow the rotation of the roof panel in accordance with the latitude of the location in which it is used. As it may be used in prefabricated or mobile homes which are able to change its geographical location, the possibility of complementing the central support of the roof panel with at least one hydraulic jack must be considered which will allow it to vary its position of origin, with the aim of being able to vary, more or less, the balancing angles of the roof panel in relation to its geographical location and the position of the sun.
In thinking that its industrial development could condition the ultimate definition of the technology to be used in the movement of the balancing solar roof panel, as an alternative to a series of cables or chains, together with the motors and pulleys, jacks might be applied to their corresponding hydraulic circuits combined with its corresponding smart control system.
When the application and use of the present invention does not correspond to its location in a fixed or mobile cover, the present invention is also useful as umbrella or covering of any kind, or any ground.
Throughout the description and claims the word “comprise” and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in part of the description and part of the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention covers all combinations of particular embodiments and preferred set forth herein.
FIG. 1.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, a two-storey home under a roof pitched in four slopes and with eaves.
FIG. 2.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, a two-storey home under a roof pitched in four slopes and with eaves.
a.—Shows, in perspective representation, the B-B′ section shown in
FIG. 3.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, a two-storey home under a roof pitched in four slopes and with eaves.
a.—Shows, in perspective representation, the C-C′ section shown in
FIG. 4.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, a two-storey home under a roof pitched in four slopes and with eaves, in which the interior structure of the roof panel can be appreciated.
a.—Shows, in perspective representation, the D-D′ section shown in
FIG. 5.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, a two-storey home under a roof pitched in four slopes and with eaves, in which the interior structure of the roof panel in
a.—Shows, in perspective representation, the E-E′ section shown in
FIG. 6.—Shows, as a schematic representation in perspective, the upper roof panel inverted as in
a.—Shows, in perspective representation, a transversal section of
FIG. 7.—Shows, in perspective representation, the balancing of the roof panel in
a.—Shows, in a schematic ground plan, the balancing of the roof panel in
b.—Shows, in a schematic section, the balancing of the roof panel in
FIG. 8.—Shows, in a schematic perspective, the balancing of the roof panel in
a.—Shows, in a schematic ground plan, the balancing of the roof panel in
b.—Shows, in a schematic section, the balancing of the roof panel in
FIG. 9.—Shows, in a schematic section, the instrumentation necessary to generate the movement of the upper roof panel in
a.—Shows, in a schematic perspective, the movements necessary in the instrumentation applied in order to generate the balance of the roof panel at 90° in respect to a facade.
b.—Shows, in a schematic perspective, the movements necessary in the instrumentation applied in order to generate the balance of the roof panel at 45° in respect to a facade.
FIG. 10.—Shows, in a schematic perspective, the joint application of an inverted upper roof panel on another lower one, together with the instrumentation necessary to generate the movement of the upper roof panel as detailed in
FIG. 11.—Shows, in a detailed perspective and an assembly in 3 phases, the realization of a possible main structure of the inverted upper roof panel, together with a possible cutting of the secondary structure which in turn supports a generic cutting of the solar, photovoltaic and thermal panels.
So, in the three initial figures (
Going on to a more detailed form in the specific case of a roof with a 15° slope (1), in
If we look at
Precisely, the meeting point between both roof panels, the traditional one (1) and geometrically inverted one, is the apex between both roof panels, made up of a rotating ball joint (6) so as to achieve a suitable orientation of the solar panels laid out on top of it, as set out previously in numbers (21) (22) and
As detailed in
In
Note in
As the wish of the invention aims precisely to seek different angles of the aforementioned roof panel apart from the horizontal, in order to orient itself towards the sun at all times, the problem arises of its being able to withstand the action of the wind whilst, at the same time creating a suitable orientation given the case. This can be seen in
By looking at
Equally, by looking at
In order to demonstrate that in any of the eight positions brought about from the balancing of the roof panel (1) detailed in
The previous graphic demonstration is extended in
In the figures that we have just analyzed (7, 7a, 7b and 8, 8a, 8b), the points (9) differentiated as A, B, C, D can be seen, where the structure (8) of the roof panel is fixed (1) the instruments capable of generating its movement at the time of withstanding the action of the wind.
The minimum instruments necessary to bring about the balancing movements for the solar tracking of the roof panel is detailed in
In
All of the movement is controlled and governed by a smart (domotic) computer system (which is not drawn) and which takes into account the characteristics of the solar cycle every day.
As can be seen in the graph in
The coordinated operation of the cables (10-10′) and (11-11′) by means of their motors (12) (13), makes the extremes A-B and C-D, laid out diagonally and secured to the structure (8), vary their position between the eight aforementioned ones (and their intermediate variations), as can be seen in the following
In
In
In
In the drawing of
By paying closer attention, it can be seen that I relation to each point (9) A, B, C, D, there is a lower homonym A′, B′, C′ D′, laid out on the structure (2) of the building, in such a way that the four rotating positions typified by the roof panel (as well as the intermediate ones), the upper roof panel can support itself on the lower one on by linking alternatively the corresponding points A with A′, C with C′, B with B′ or D with D′, thus giving rise to the variation in the length and tension of the cables (10-10′) and/or (11-11′) in accordance with the coordinated working to the right, to the left of stationary, of each of the motors (12) (13).
Points A′ B′ C′ D′, have been drawn as rubber spheres (15) which avoid vibrations of the roof in its balance when secured to them. At the same time, and with the aim of withstanding hurricane force winds, telescopic supports have been deployed (16) which are set into the structure (2), overlapping the aforementioned (A′ B′ C′ D′) to join them to the corresponding points (A B C D). The objective of this mechanism is that the aforementioned sets of points (A-A′; B-B′; C-C′; D-D′) can remain perfectly static as a result of the combined effects of the tensioning of the cables (10-10′) (11-11′) which by circulating through their interior compress the said telescopic tubes (16) once extended and secured in their maximum lengthened position, so as to achieve a stable, horizontal and shored up leveling of the solar roof panel.
On this aforementioned structure (8), its top perimeter is approached (17), together with a dissection of the substructure (18) with its perimeter supplement (19), which will support the square photovoltaic solar panels (21) in the central part of the roof panel and the lengthened thermal solar panels (22) at its perimeter. All of this topped with an edge profile (20).
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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P200900068 | Jan 2009 | ES | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/ES2010/000003 | 1/7/2010 | WO | 00 | 10/3/2011 |