U.S. patent application number 13/126255 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for roof mounting system for solar modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to Markus KOSSLINGER. Invention is credited to Markus Kosslinger, Robert Kosslinger.
Application Number | 20110277400 13/126255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40299469 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110277400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kosslinger; Markus ; et
al. |
November 17, 2011 |
ROOF MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR SOLAR MODULES
Abstract
The invention relates to a modular, self-supporting mounting
system for mounting an arbitrary number of flat modules (170) on
flat roofs, wherein the modular, self-supporting mounting system
comprises at least one base element for mounting a single flat
module (170), wherein the base element comprises the following: a
first and second module strut (110) disposed in parallel next to
each other; a first and second front module support (120) having a
first length, wherein a first end of the first front module support
(120) is attached to a first area (111) of the first module strut
(110), and wherein a first end of the second front module support
(120) is attached to a first area (111) of the second module strut
(110); a first and a second rear module support (130) having a
second length, wherein a first end of the first rear module support
(130) is attached to a second area (112) of the first module strut
(110), wherein a first end of the second rear module support (130)
is attached to a second area (112) of the second module strut
(110); wherein the first length is greater than the second length,
and wherein the second ends of the first and second, front and rear
module supports (120, 130) are provided for attaching the flat
module (170), so that the flat module (170) forms a prescribed
angle to the module struts (110), said angle being defined by the
first and second length and greater than zero; a front cover (150)
covering the space between the two front module supports (120);
Inventors: |
Kosslinger; Markus;
(Friesenried, DE) ; Kosslinger; Robert;
(Friesenried, DE) |
Assignee: |
KOSSLINGER; Markus
Friesenried
DE
|
Family ID: |
40299469 |
Appl. No.: |
13/126255 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 26, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/003707 |
371 Date: |
August 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 40/85 20180501;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; F24S 25/617 20180501; F24S 25/15 20180501;
Y02E 10/47 20130101; H02S 20/24 20141201; F24S 25/16 20180501; Y02B
10/20 20130101; F24S 25/11 20180501; Y02E 10/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.1 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/18 20060101
E04D013/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 27, 2008 |
DE |
20 2008 014 274.1 |
Claims
1. A modular, self-supporting mounting system for mounting of plane
modules (170) of an arbitrary type on flat roofs, wherein the
modular, self-supporting mounting system comprises at least one
base element for mounting a single plane module (170), the base
element comprising: a first and a second module rail (110),
disposed in parallel alongside to each other; a first and a second
front module support (120) having a first length, wherein a first
end of the first front module support (120) is attached to a first
area (111) of the first module rail (110), and wherein the first
end of the second front module support (120) is attached to a first
area (111) of the second module rail (110); a first and a second
rear module support (130) having a second length, wherein a first
end of the first rear module support (130) is attached to a second
area (112) of the first module rail (110), and wherein a first end
of the second rear module support (130) is attached to a second
area (112) of the second module rail (110); wherein the first
length is greater than the second length, and wherein the second
ends of the first and second front and rear module supports (120,
130) are adapted for mounting the plane module (170) so that the
plane module (170) forms a prescribed angle to the module rails
(110), said angle being defined by the first and second length and
being greater than zero; a front cover (150) covering the space
between the two front module supports (120); and a rear cover (140)
covering the space between the two rear module supports (130),
wherein the base element comprises an attaching device for mounting
at least one of a further base element and an extension element of
the modular, self-supporting mounting system.
2. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to claim
1, wherein each module rail (110) is mounted on at least two
supporting devices (160-1, 160-2) being able to keep the module
rail (110) at a prescribed distance from a roof surface.
3. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to claim
2, which is configured so that a gap (50) is formed between the
plane module (170) and the rear cover (140), said gap being greater
than the prescribed distance between the module rail (110) and the
roof surface.
4. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to claim
2 or 3, wherein the supporting device (160-1, 160-2) is provided
with screws (161-2, 161-4), and the module rail (110) being fitted
onto said screws and screwed together with the supporting device
(160-1, 160-2).
5. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one of
the claims 1 to 4, further comprising an extension element, wherein
the extension element comprises the following: a third module rail
(110), disposed in parallel alongside to the base element; a third
front module support (120) having the first length, the first end
of which is attached to a first area (111) of the third module rail
(110); a third rear module support (130) having the second length,
the first end of which is attached to a second area (112) of the
third module rail (110), wherein the second ends of the third front
and rear module supports (120, 130) together with the second ends
of a front and a rear module support of at least one of a
neighboring base element and an extension element are adapted for
mounting a second plane module (170) so that the second plane
module (170) forms the prescribed angle to the module rails (110);
a second front cover (150) covering the space between the third
front module support (120) and a neighboring base element or
extension element; a second rear cover (140) covering the space
between the third rear module support (130) and the neighboring
base element or extension element.
6. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one of
the claims 1 to 5, wherein the attaching device for mounting at
least one of a further base element and an extension element of the
modular, self-supporting system is formed by a connecting device
between two module rails (110) so that a rear end part of at least
one of the first, second and third module support (110) can be
connected to a front end area (110-2) of a further module rail
(110).
7. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one of
the claims 1 to 6, wherein the attaching device for mounting a
further extension element of the modular, self-supporting system is
formed by a device at the front and rear module supports (120, 130)
to which neighboring plane modules (170), neighboring front covers
(150) and neighboring rear covers (160) can be attached.
8. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one of
the claims 1 to 7, wherein the front module support (120) and the
rear module support (130) comprise devices (120-1, 130-1, 120-5,
130-5, 200) for attaching the plane modules (170).
9. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to claim
8, wherein the devices (120-1, 130-1, 120-5, 130-5, 200) for
attaching the plane modules (170) can be adjusted to various module
sizes and types.
10. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one
of the claims 8 and 9, wherein the devices (120-5, 130-5, 200) for
attaching the plane modules (170) each comprises the following: a
profile rail (120-5, 130-5) attached to a second end of the module
support (120, 130) on which the plane module (170) can rest; and a
module clamp (200) attached to the profile rail (120-5, 130-5).
11. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one
of the claims 1 to 10, wherein m base elements and (n-1).times.m
extension elements are arranged and connected so that they form an
m.times.n matrix array, wherein m and n are a natural number
greater than or equal 1.
12. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to claim
11, further comprising 2.times.m lateral covers for the m.times.n
matrix array, wherein each lateral cover covers the space between a
front cover and a rear cover in order to form an all around closed
assembly.
13. The modular, self-supporting mounting system according to one
of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the plane modules (170) are at least
one of photovoltaic modules and solar modules.
14. A base element for a modular, self-supporting mounting system
for mounting of plane modules (170) of an arbitrary type on flat
roofs, comprising: a first and a second module rail (110) disposed
in parallel alongside to each other; two front module supports
(120) having a first length, the respective first end of which is
each attached to a first area (111) of the first and second module
rail (110), respectively; two rear module supports (130) having a
second length, the respective first end of which is each attached
to a second area (112) of the first and second module rail (110),
respectively; wherein the first length is greater than the second
length, and wherein the second ends of the module supports (120,
130) are adapted for mounting the plane module (170) so that the
plane module can form a prescribed angle to the module rails (110),
said angle being defined by the first and second length and being
greater than zero; a front cover (150) covering the space between
the two front module supports (120); and a rear cover (140)
covering the space between the two rear module supports (130); and
wherein the base element comprises an attaching device for mounting
at least one of a further base element and an extension element of
the modular, self-supporting mounting system.
15. An extension element for a modular, self-supporting mounting
system for mounting of plane modules (170) of an arbitrary type on
flat roofs, comprising: a module rail (110); a front module support
(120) having a first length, the first end of which is attached to
a first area (111) of the module rail (110); a rear module support
(130) having a second length, the first end of which is attached to
a second area (112) of the module rail (110), wherein the first
length is greater than the second length, and wherein the second
ends of the module supports (120, 130) are adapted for mounting the
plane module (170) so that the plane module (170) forms a
prescribed angle to the module rails (110), said angle being
defined by the first and second length and greater than zero; a
front cover (150), which can cover the space between the front
module support (120) and a neighboring element; and a rear cover
(140), which can cover the space between the rear module support
(130) and a neighboring element; wherein the extension element
comprises an attaching device for mounting a further extension
element of the modular, self-supporting mounting system.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a flat roof attachment for solar
modules and in particular for a modular, self-supporting mounting
system for mounting an arbitrary number of flat solar modules on
flat roofs.
PRIOR ART
[0002] For the generation of solar energy, large absorbing surfaces
for absorbing solar radiation are required. Since roofs are mainly
unutilized surfaces which cannot be used for other purposes, they
are an ideal location for utilization of solar energy. Mountings
for sloping roofs are widely used since the wind-stable attachment
on a roof surface is easy to implement.
[0003] Since, however, there are also a large number of roof
surfaces in particular in the industrial field, it is desired to
also utilize flat roofs for generating solar energy.
[0004] The attachment of mountings for solar modules on sloping
roofs without impairing the tightness of the roof is relatively
simple due to the slope. With flat roofs, in contrast, there is the
danger that the mounting of the modules might damage the roof
cladding, thereby rendering the roof untight.
[0005] Such a roof attachment is known from document DE 10 2005 033
780 A1. In order to particularly secure the roof attachment against
wind loads, the supporting frame is anchored to a corresponding
sustainable sub-construction of the roof. The supports required at
the supporting frame penetrate the roof cladding, thereby impairing
its function as watertight roof element. In order to counteract
this, extensive tightening measures have to be taken at the
penetrated spots.
[0006] Further, flat roof attachments with supporting frames are
known which are solely attached on the roof cladding in a
frictionally engaged manner, i.e. which make due without anchoring
elements penetrating the roof cladding. The stabilization against
wind loads at this supporting frames is due to a high dead weight.
In this respect, the frame parts themselves can be particularly
heavy as well, as can be seen from document DE 203 12 641 U1. In
other cases, the supporting frame is provided with receiving
devices, like troughs in order to apply a superimposed load with
bulk material. Such a possibility is described in document DE 203
11 967 U1.
[0007] Solar modules of known roof attachments can be arranged
without taking the aerodynamic situation any further into account,
provided that the modules in the lateral area are arranged in a
protruding manner and both their upper surfaces and their lower
surfaces are exposed to wind. This requires a particularly high
dead weight of the roof attachment in order to render said roof
attachment insensitive to wind. This, in turn, has an adverse
effect on the statics of the building.
[0008] Another solution for a flat roof attachment for mounting of
solar modules is described in document WO 2008/022719 A1. This
document describes a flat roof attachment comprising a supporting
frame for a plurality of solar modules that are disposed in
parallel. The flat roof attachment can solely be mounted on the
roof cladding in a frictionally engaged manner but it is in part
laterally open and therefore insensitive to wind. The supporting
frame further impairs the flow of water on the roof and thus the
drainage of the roof surface. Moreover, the flat roof attachment of
document WO 2008/022719 cannot be mounted on roofs with gravel or
granular bulk material since irregularities can hardly be evened
out. Since the solar modules on the supporting frame are mounted in
that an edge of the solar module almost rests on the roof surface,
it is difficult for snow loads to slip down in winter, which has an
adverse effect on the efficiency of the solar module. Further, the
flat roof attachment of document WO 2008/022719 cannot be used as
universal self-supporting solar module carrier since solely solar
modules of a certain type (size, mounting) can be used and mounted
in order to render the flat roof attachment structurally stable.
The size of the flat roof attachment cannot be adjusted
individually to a certain number of solar modules, either, so that
individual modules can be mounted subsequently.
[0009] Thus, the object of the invention is to overcome the above
disadvantages, at least in part. It is in particular an object of
the invention to provide a modular self-supporting mounting system
for mounting an arbitrary number of plane solar modules of an
arbitrary type on flat roofs which makes due without an anchoring
at the roof construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This object is solved by a modular self-supporting mounting
system for mounting of flat solar modules of an arbitrary type on
flat roofs according to the features of claim 1 by means of
assembly of base elements according to claim 14 and extension
elements according to claim 15.
[0011] In this respect, the term "self-supporting" means that the
mounting system can be set up in a stable manner without a plane
module having to be mounted as a stabilizing element. Here, the
term "modular" means that the mounting system can be designed for
an arbitrary number of plane modules and can also be expanded later
on.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a modular
self-supporting mounting system for mounting plane modules of an
arbitrary type on flat roofs is provided, wherein the modular
self-supporting mounting system comprises at least one base element
for mounting an individual plane module, the base element
comprising the following: a first and a second module rail,
disposed in parallel alongside to each other; a first and a second
front module support having a first length, wherein a first end of
the first front module support is attached to a first area of the
first module rail, and wherein the first end of the second front
module support is attached to a first area of the second module
rail; a first and a second rear module support having a second
length, wherein a first end of the first rear module support is
attached to a second area of the first module rail, and wherein a
first end of the second rear module support is attached to a second
area of the second module rail; wherein the first length is greater
than the second length, and wherein the second ends of the first
and second front and rear module supports are adapted for mounting
the plane module so that the plane module forms a prescribed angle
to the module rails, said angle being defined by the first and
second length and being greater than zero; a front cover covering
the space between the two front module supports; and a rear cover
covering the space between the two rear module supports, wherein
the base element comprises an attaching device for mounting at
least one of a further base element and an extension element of the
modular, self-supporting mounting system.
[0013] This arrangement leads to a modular mounting system which
can be set up in a stable manner independently of the plane module
and which makes due without anchorage to the roof surface. This
arrangement further allows the mounting of an arbitrary number of
plane modules, i.e. of modules from various manufacturers having
any size, thickness, mounting points, framed and unframed modules.
The mixture of various modules in one set-up is also possible. The
self-supporting construction allows for a facilitated assembly of
the mounting system. As regards the exchange of damaged modules,
one is not tied down to one specific type either. Further, the
front cover and the rear cover provide for a streamlined design,
wherein the wind pushes the system against the roof surface,
thereby requiring less ballast for weighing down the system which
has an adverse effect on the statics. Hence, the system allows for
a low-ballast construction of the roof without anchoring in the
roof. The system further allows for a mounting of the plane modules
inclined towards the roof so that an edge of the plane module,
which is closer to the roof surface, may comprise a prescribed
distance to the roof surface, e.g. 20 cm. This allows for a better
slipping down of the snow in winter, impairing the function of the
plane module to a lesser extent.
[0014] One embodiment thereof provides a mounting system, wherein
each module rail is mounted on at least two supporting devices
being able to keep the module rail at a prescribed distance from a
roof surface.
[0015] Due to the supporting device, the flow of water is not
impaired in any direction and water accumulating on the roof after
strong rain or when snow is melting can freely flow away. The
assembly system for flat roofs according to the present invention
is in particular suited for areas with high precipitation (snow and
rain) since the flow of water is not impaired.
[0016] This is achieved by the open-bottom construction only
resting on the roof by means of the relatively small surfaces of
the supporting device.
[0017] In an further embodiment thereof, the modular
self-supporting mounting system is designed so that a gap is
situated between the plane module and the rear cover, said gap
being greater than the prescribed distance between the module rail
and the roof surface.
[0018] The gap serves as a defined venting gap for the drying of
the roof surface below the solar module and for the discharge of
accumulated heat.
[0019] In a further embodiment thereof, the supporting devices are
provided with screws, the module rail being fitted onto said screws
and screwed together with the supporting device.
[0020] The screws facilitate the assembly of the mounting systems.
Further, the screws can also be used as connecting elements for
attaching base elements and extension elements, facilitating the
assembly and extension to a considerable extent.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the modular self-supporting
mounting system further comprises an extension element, wherein the
extension element comprises the following: a third module rail,
disposed in parallel alongside to the base element; a third front
module support having the first length, the first end of which is
attached to a first area of the third module rail; a third rear
module support having the second length, the first end of which is
attached to a second area of the third module rail, wherein the
second ends of the third front and rear module supports together
with the second ends of a front and a rear module support of at
least one of a neighboring base element and an extension element
are adapted for mounting a second plane module so that the second
plane module forms the prescribed angle to the module rails; a
second front cover covering the space between the third front
module support and a neighboring base element or extension element;
a second rear cover covering the space between the third rear
module support and the neighboring base element or extension
element.
[0022] The extension element uses the same structural elements as
the base element, but in a lower number, thereby facilitating the
manufacture and rendering it more cost-effective.
[0023] In one embodiment, the attaching device for mounting a
further base element or extension element of the modular
self-supporting mounting system is formed by a connecting device
between said two module rails so that a rear end area of the first,
second or third module rail can be connected to a rear end area of
a further module rail.
[0024] In doing so, more module rails which can be, e.g., part of
various base or extension elements can be connected with each other
in longitudinal direction. The connecting device can be, e.g.,
realized by means of holes in the module rails so that the module
rails can be assembled by means of the screws or supporting
devices.
[0025] In a further embodiment of the modular self-supporting
mounting system, the attaching device for mounting a further
extension element of the modular self-supporting system is formed
by means of a device attached to the front and rear module supports
to which neighboring plane modules, neighboring front covers and
neighboring rear covers can be attached.
[0026] Thus, the extension elements can be attached to the mounting
system "laterally" with respect to the module rail (in contrast to
the aforementioned "longitudinal direction").
[0027] In a further embodiment of the modular self-supporting
mounting system, the front module supports and the rear module
supports comprise devices for attaching the plane modules.
[0028] In this respect, arbitrary types of module attachments can
be used.
[0029] In one embodiment thereof, the devices for attaching plane
modules can be adjusted to various module sizes and types.
[0030] Thus, from a technical point of view, it is possible to
replace manufacturer-specific module attachments.
[0031] In another embodiment of the modular, self-supporting
mounting system, the devices for attaching the plane modules each
comprise the following: a profile rail attached to a second end of
the module support on which the plane module (170) can rest; and a
module clamp attached to the profile rail.
[0032] This embodiment allows for the use of a profile rail serving
as a rest for the plane module on the one hand and allowing for
universal attachment of module clamps on the other hand. For
security reasons, plane modules like e.g. photovoltaic modules may
often be solely mounted with type-specific supporting devices
(module clamps). These supporting devices (module clamps) can be
attached to the profile rails in a simple and technically correct
manner. Thus, a low-cost, universal mounting system is
provided.
[0033] In a further embodiment of the modular, self-supporting
mounting system, m base elements and (n-1).times.m extension
elements are disposed and connected to a m.times.n matrix array,
wherein m and n are a natural number greater than or equal 1.
[0034] The mounting system allows for the set-up of module fields
of arbitrary size on flat roofs, solely limited by the roof
surface. In this respect, it is also possible to combine several
matrix arrays of different sizes. For example, it is possible to
attach a 1.times.2 array to a 6.times.4 array. Thus, the surface of
any type of roof shape can be utilized.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the self-supporting mounting system
further comprises 2.times.m lateral covers for the m.times.n matrix
array, wherein each lateral cover covers the space between a front
cover and a rear cover in order to form an all around closed
assembly.
[0036] This measure causes the flat roof attachment including the
solar modules to form a completely closed roof structure which is
open on the bottom side, laterally to the roof cladding.
[0037] This increases the earlier mentioned aerodynamic effect.
Therefore, the wind coming from any direction is blowing above the
roof structure. This generates both pressing forces and suction
forces below the roof structure. Together with the frictional
forces due to the resting surfaces of the whole assembly frame, the
roof attachment is secured against displacing, tilting over or
lifting off. The aerodynamic effect taken advantage of is in
particular increased by the closed roof structure.
[0038] This means that this embodiment allows for a reduction in
ballast by exploiting aerodynamic forces.
[0039] Further, the stack effect for ventilating below the modules
is considerably increased.
[0040] In a further embodiment, the plane modules are photovoltaic
modules and/or solar modules.
[0041] The mounting system even allows for a mixture of module
types.
[0042] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
base element for a modular, self-supporting mounting system is
provided for mounting of plane modules of an arbitrary type on flat
roofs, comprising: a first and a second module rail disposed in
parallel alongside to each other; two front module supports having
a first length, the respective first end of which is each attached
to a first area of the first and second module rail, respectively;
two rear module supports having a second length, the respective
first end of which is each attached to a second area of the first
and second module rail, respectively; wherein the first length is
greater than the second length, and wherein the second ends of the
module supports are adapted for mounting the plane module so that
the plane module can form a prescribed angle to the module rails,
said angle being defined by the first and second length and being
greater than zero; a front cover covering the space between the two
front module supports; and a rear cover covering the space between
the two rear module supports; and wherein the base element
comprises an attaching device for mounting at least one of a
further base element and an extension element of the modular,
self-supporting mounting system.
[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an
extension element for a modular self-supporting mounting system for
mounting of plane modules of an arbitrary type to flat roofs is
provided, which comprises the following: a module rail; a front
module support having a first length, the first end of which is
attached to a first area of the module rail; a rear module support
having a second length, the first end of which is attached to a
second area of the module rail, wherein the first length is greater
than the second length, and wherein the second ends of the module
supports are adapted for mounting the plane module so that the
plane module forms a prescribed angle to the module rails, said
angle being defined by the first and second length and greater than
zero; a front cover, which can cover the space between the front
module support (120) and a neighboring element; and a rear cover,
which can cover the space between the rear module support and a
neighboring element; wherein the extension element comprises an
attaching device for mounting a further extension element of the
modular, self-supporting mounting system.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] Further advantageous embodiments can be seen from the
detailed description, wherein the accompanying drawings are
referred to, in which:
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of the mounting
system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 schematically shows how the base elements and
extension elements of the mounting system according to the present
invention are assembled;
[0047] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the mounting
system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein different elements of the first embodiment are modified by
way of example;
[0048] FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective reproduction of the
embodiment of FIG. 3; and
[0049] FIG. 5 shows the perspective reproduction of FIG. 4
including the lateral cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 5 are referred to,
in which the same reference numerals describe equal elements.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows the fundamental structural elements of the
invention. In detail, FIG. 1, showing a cross-section of the
mounting system according to the present invention, comprises a
module rail 110 positioned on two supporting devices 160-1 and
160-2, a front module support 120, a rear module support 130, a
front cover 150 and a rear cover 140. For attaching a plane module
170 to the front module support 120 and the rear module support
130, respectively, the module supports 120 and 130 are provided
with attaching devices 120-1 and 130-1.
[0052] Even though the attaching devices 120-1 and 130-1 are
illustrated in FIG. 1 such that they comprise the plane module of
the coordinate system 180 in Y-direction, the attaching device is
not limited to this. Further examples are explained in more detail
in connection with FIG. 3.
[0053] In view of the present invention, the term "plane module"
means that the surface dimensions are not considerably greater than
the thickness dimension, wherein the cross-section of the surfaces
is normally rectangular, but this is not mandatory. Here, solar
modules, in particular photovoltaic modules (PV modules), solar
collectors, electrothermic solar modules, hydrothermic solar
modules and aerothermic solar modules are used.
[0054] The mounting system, however, can also be used for attaching
any kind of flat objects, e.g. for shadowing purposes. The plane
module 170 is shown with dashed lines since it is not a part of the
mounting system and not required for stabilizing the mounting
system either.
[0055] Due to the simple and inexpensive processing, the
above-mentioned elements are preferably made of curved,
weather-proof, treated metal sheet, but other materials can also be
used, e.g. plastic molded parts.
[0056] The front module support 120 is shorter than the rear module
support so that a mounted module forms an angle in the area of
about 5.degree. to about 25.degree., preferably from about
10.degree. to 15.degree. and most preferred of about 10.degree.
relative to the module rail 110. Further, the front module support
is arranged in that the lower end of the solar module lies more
than 10 cm, preferably in the area from 20 cm to 40 cm above the
roof surface, in order to facilitate the slipping down of snow.
[0057] Due to the supporting devices 160-1 and 160-2, which can
e.g. be a supporting plate comprising a supporting surface of about
5% to 20%, preferably of about 10% of the solar module surface, the
defined distance to the roof surface is obtained. Thus, the
mounting system according to the present invention can be assembled
both on a foil roof and on a gravel-covered roof. due to the
provision of the supporting plates 160-1 and 160-2, the unimpeded
drainage of the flat roof is secured.
[0058] The rear cover 140 is attached so that a defined venting gap
is formed between the rear cover 140 and the edge at the upper end
of the solar module 170 (not shown in FIG. 1, in FIG. 3 with
reference numeral 50). The defined venting gap secures the drying
of the roof surface below the solar module and the discharge of
accumulated heat. Due to the dimensioning of the venting gap (see
no. 50 in FIG. 3) and the defined distance from the flat roof
mounting system to the roof surface due to the utilization of the
supporting plate 160-1 and 160-2, the stack-effect occurring in
this respect is exploited.
[0059] The supporting plate 160-1 and 160-2 is provided with screws
161-2 and 161-4 to which the module rail 110 can be screwed on via
bores 110-3 and 110-5 made therein in defined areas 111 and 112. A
first end of the front cover 150 and the rear cover 140,
respectively, can be attached to the module rail 110 with a screw
161-1 and 161-3, respectively. A second end of the front cover 150
and the rear cover 140, respectively, is attached to the front
module support 120 and the rear module support 130, respectively.
As an alternative, the first end of the front cover 150 and the
rear cover 140, respectively, can be screwed on with the module
rail 110 each via an additional screw (not shown) in the gusset
160-1 and 160-2, respectively.
[0060] It shall be noted that the inclination direction of the
plane module 170 provides an orientation for the terms "front" and
"rear". All terms used in connection with the word "front", like
e.g. "front cover", "front module support" or "front side" mean a
disposition on the side where the plane module 170 is closer to the
roof surface. All terms used in connection with the word "rear",
like e.g. "rear cover", "rear module support" or "rear side" mean a
disposition on the side where the plane module is further from the
roof surface than it is on the front side.
[0061] In order to consecutively connect several elements of the
mounting system (base elements and extension elements) in
longitudinal direction, i.e. in the inclination direction of the
plane module 170, a rear end of the module rail 110 comprises a
fold having a hole 110-1. In order to connect two module
dispositions M1 and M2, the screw 161-2 of the front supporting
plate 160-1 can be used in order to screw a front end of the module
rail 110 of the module disposition M1 to the rear end of a
neighboring module rail 110 of a neighboring module disposition M2
through the hole 110-1 in the fold of the neighboring module rail
110, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the neighboring module rail 110
of the neighboring module disposition M2 is drawn in dashed
lines.
[0062] By connecting the neighboring module rail 110 with the front
supporting plate 160-1, one obtains a very stable connection of the
consecutively arranged base and extension elements. A somewhat
simpler way of connecting the module rails 110 with one another is
to use the screw 161-1 for mounting the front cover 150 to the
module rail 110 (not shown).
[0063] FIG. 2 shows a top view as to how base modules and extension
modules can be assembled to form an array. The coordinate system
280 is a projection of the coordinate system of FIG. 1 for a better
orientation.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows that the flat roof mounting system according to
the present invention can be arbitrarily expanded and enlarged due
to its construction. In doing so, one can flexibly arrange an
arbitrary number of solar modules next to each other (in x
direction) or consecutively (in y direction). The flat roof
mounting system can be set-up completely and can be assembled with
solar modules in subsequent working steps. In this respect, the
lacking solar modules can be replaced by blind covers. The flat
roof mounting system can be prefabricated in a partially mounted
manner and can be completed on the roof surface later on.
[0065] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the mounting
system according to the present invention, wherein different
elements of FIG. 3 are modified by way of example. It shall be
highlighted that the modifications in FIG. 3 can be applied to the
embodiment in FIG. 1 individually or in total.
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates in particular modifications of the module
supports 120 and 130 of FIG. 1. Said modifications facilitate the
mounting of the system and thereby reduce the expenditure of time
required for the mounting and reparation.
[0067] In FIG. 3, the front module support 120 further comprises a
profile rail 120-5, a module gusset 120-6 and a module attachment
(not shown). The rear module support 130 further comprises a
profile rail 130-5, a holder 130-6 for the rear cover 140 and a
module attachment (not shown).
[0068] The module supports 120 and 130 serve as profile supports
120 and 130, the first end of which is attached to the module rail
110. At a second end of the profile support 120 and 130,
respectively, a profile rail 120-5 and 130-5, respectively, is
attached. Further, the module attachment is attached to the profile
rail 120-5 and 130-5, respectively (not shown in FIG. 3; identified
with numerals 120-1 and 130-1 in FIG. 1; in FIG. 4 with numeral
200).
[0069] The holder 130-6 of the rear cover 140 is attached to the
rear module support 130 (profile support) or, alternatively, to the
rear profile rail 130-5. The holder 130-6 is disposed so that a
venting gap 50 between the solar module 170 and the rear cover 140
remains free.
[0070] A module gusset 120-6 is attached to the profile rail 120-5.
The front cover 150 can also be attached to said gusset.
[0071] On the one hand, the utilization of the profile rail 120-5
and 130-5, respectively, allows for the resting of a plane module
170. On the other hand, it allows for the universal attachment of
module clamps. For security reasons, plane modules like e.g.
photovoltaic modules may often solely be mounted with type-specific
supporting devices (module clamps). These mandatory supporting
devices (module clamps) can be attached to the profile rails in a
simple and technically correct manner.
[0072] The attachment of a solar module can be implemented in
different ways. The attachments do not necessarily have to be
attached to the profile rail 120-5 and 130-5, respectively, but can
also be attached directly to the front and rear module supports 120
and 130 in order to save material (see FIG. 1). The mounting via
the profile rail 120-5 and 130-5, respectively, facilitates the
mounting effort.
[0073] In FIG. 1, a mounting system was illustrated, which uses a
U-shaped profile 130-1 (profile with U-shaped cross-section) at the
rear profile support 130 and a U-shaped profile 120-1 at the front
profile support 130, into which the solar module 170 can be
inserted laterally. Using a hinged U-profile may facilitate the
insertion and fixation of the solar module.
[0074] Alternatively, the solar module can be inserted and attached
by means of screwing on a holder, using a screwable attachment in a
solar module receiving element attached to the front side of the
profile support 120 and 120-5, respectively, and to the rear side
of the profile support 130 and 130-5, respectively, in the form of
an L-profile.
[0075] In another embodiment, the solar module can be attached to
the sub-construction of the mounting system, e.g. the profile rail
120-5 and 130-5 by using appropriate solar module attachments 200
that are each adapted to the solar module 170 used in this
respect.
[0076] In a further embodiment, the solar module can be attached by
using standard aluminum profile rails having a U-profile with
screws of the screw size M10 mm for attaching to the front side of
the profile support and the rear side of the profile support as
well as with a U-profile with screws of the screw size M8 mm for
attaching the solar module by means of appropriate solar module
attachments that are each adapted to the solar module used in this
respect.
[0077] Further with reference to FIG. 3, the module rail 110 of a
module disposition M1 can consist of a module rail base element
110-A and a distance rail 190. The front module support 150 and the
rear module support 140 are attached to the module rail base
element 110-A in the same way as described in connection with FIG.
1. A rear end of the module rail base element 10-A comprises a fold
serving as connecting area with the distance rail 190. The module
rail base element 110-A and the distance rail 190 can be connected
via the screw 161-4 of the rear supporting device 160-2. The rear
cover is attached to the distance rail 190. The distance rail 190
also comprises a fold having a bore 110-1 at its rear end, where a
neighboring module rail base element 110-A of a neighboring module
disposition M2 (shown in dashed lines) can be attached, e.g. via
the screw 161-2 of the front supporting device 160-1 as described
in connection with FIG. 1. Thus, the front cover 140 (shown in
dashed lines) of the neighboring module disposition M2 is attached
to the distance rail 190 of the module arrangement M1.
[0078] If no further module disposition is situated in front of the
module disposition M1, as shown in FIG. 3, the front cover 140 of
the module disposition M1 has to be attached to a front sheet
holder 180 with a screw 161-1, e.g. via a sheet-metal screw. The
front sheet holder 180 is connected to the module rail base element
110-A, e.g. via a perforated fold at the front sheet holder 180
which is screwed with the screw 161-2 of the front supporting
device 160-1.
[0079] The embodiment of the module rail described in FIG. 3 is a
particularly advantageous embodiment in view of the mounting
effort. However, it shall also be further modified. For example,
the module rail base element 110-A can be extended forwards so that
no front sheet holder 180 is required for the foremost (first)
module disposition.
[0080] FIG. 4 shows a 3-D view of a base module according to FIG.
3. This view shows the module clamps 200 which can be attached to
the profile rail 120-5 and 130-5. Since the profile rails 120-5 and
130-5 universally allow for the mounting of the most varied
holders, manufacturer-specific module clamps (holders) can also be
used.
[0081] By utilizing solar module-specific module clamps which are
required by many manufacturers of solar modules, all static and
approval-relevant requirements for attaching can be met.
[0082] FIG. 5 shows the 3-D view of FIG. 4, which is provided with
lateral covers 210. Due to this, a completely closed body is
formed, which is, however, open at the bottom, which enhances the
above-described aerodynamic effects of the ballast-reduction.
[0083] Further modifications and variations of the present
disclosure will be obvious to any expert who views this
description. Therefore, the description should be considered for
illustration purposes, solely serving the expert as an aid for
teaching the general principle of implementing the present
invention, the scope of which is determined by the claims.
* * * * *