U.S. patent application number 17/396817 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-25 for modular removable building integrated thermal electric roofing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frank PAO. Invention is credited to Frank PAO.
Application Number | 20210367556 17/396817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005764717 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210367556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PAO; Frank |
November 25, 2021 |
MODULAR REMOVABLE BUILDING INTEGRATED THERMAL ELECTRIC ROOFING
SYSTEM
Abstract
An improved modular, removable system of building-integrated
solar panel photovoltaics for easy residential and commercial roof
installation for generating electrical and thermal energy.
Inventors: |
PAO; Frank; (Boston,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PAO; Frank |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005764717 |
Appl. No.: |
17/396817 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15874392 |
Jan 18, 2018 |
11114976 |
|
|
17396817 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 40/36 20141201;
F24S 80/10 20180501; F24S 20/67 20180501; E04D 12/004 20130101;
F24S 25/30 20180501; F24S 80/20 20180501; H02S 20/25 20141201; H02S
40/32 20141201; H02S 40/44 20141201 |
International
Class: |
H02S 40/44 20060101
H02S040/44; H02S 40/32 20060101 H02S040/32; E04D 12/00 20060101
E04D012/00; H02S 20/25 20060101 H02S020/25; F24S 20/67 20060101
F24S020/67; F24S 80/20 20060101 F24S080/20; F24S 80/10 20060101
F24S080/10; F24S 25/30 20060101 F24S025/30; H02S 40/36 20060101
H02S040/36 |
Claims
1. A modular, removable roofing installation system for optimally
capturing solar thermal energy, the modular, removable roofing
installation system comprising: a plurality of removable solar
panel modules, each solar panel module comprising a plurality of
slate modules mounted on a plurality of battens, a plurality of
inverters for converting DC electricity fed from the plurality of
slate modules to AC electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid
mounted beneath the plurality of slate modules on the plurality of
battens, wherein the plurality of battens are mounted on a
plurality of horizontal battens that are mounted onto a plurality
of vertical battens, wherein each solar panel module comprises a
roof-attaching latch mounted to a backing of the plurality of
vertical battens, wherein the roof-attaching latch couples to a
corresponding roof surface latch mounted to a roof to removably
attach each solar panel module to the roof; a pump and thermal
control unit comprising a circulation pump that is operatively
connected to the thermal tubing for circulating the liquid through
the thermal tubing; a heat exchanger that is operatively connected
to the thermal tubing for extracting the thermal energy, the heat
exchanger being housed in a storage tank; a heat pump connected to
the heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in
the storage tank to a certain threshold temperature; whereby the
plurality of slate modules and the thermal tubing operate
simultaneously to generate electricity and domestic hot water
respectively; and wherein the system may be removed and
re-installed on a second roof by disconnecting the pump and thermal
control unit, disconnecting the thermal tubing from the heat
exchanger and the circulation pump, and removing the plurality of
removable solar panel modules.
2. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein each of the plurality of slate modules includes at least
one photovoltaic cell.
3. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein each of the plurality of slate modules is electrically
connected in series to form a string.
4. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 3
wherein the plurality of inverters feed AC electricity to a utility
grid.
5. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the plurality of battens collects the solar energy,
converts into thermal energy and delivers to the liquid running in
the thermal tubing.
6. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the circulation pump is powered by a separate photovoltaic
panel.
7. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the heat exchanger extracts the thermal energy from the
liquid in the thermal tubing resulting in heating up the domestic
water supply and providing domestic hot water.
8. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the thermal tubing may be made of material selected from a
group consisting of: copper, aluminum or cross-linked polyethylene
(PEX).
9. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the liquid in the thermal tubing may be selected from a
group consisting of: water and glycol.
10. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the heat pump maintains the temperature of the liquid in
the storage tank when the temperature goes below/above a certain
level.
11. The modular, removable roofing installation system of claim 1
wherein the horizontal and vertical battens may be composed from a
material selected from a group consisting of: wood and
fiberglass.
12. The roofing installation system of claim 1 wherein the
plurality of slate modules is cooled as the thermal energy is
extracted by the heat exchanger, thereby making the plurality of
slate modules operate at high efficiency in converting the solar
energy to DC electricity.
13. A method of installing a modular, removable roofing
installation system comprising: removably mounting a plurality of
removable solar panel modules on a roof, each solar panel module
comprising a plurality of slate modules mounted on a plurality of
battens, a plurality of inverters for converting DC electricity fed
from the plurality of slate modules to AC electricity, a thermal
tubing containing liquid mounted beneath the plurality of slate
modules on the plurality of battens, wherein the plurality of
battens are mounted on a plurality of horizontal battens that are
mounted onto a plurality of vertical battens, wherein each solar
panel module comprises a roof-attaching latch mounted to a backing
of the plurality of vertical battens, wherein the roof-attaching
latch couples to a corresponding roof surface latch mounted to roof
to removably attach each solar panel module to the roof; mounting a
pump and thermal control unit comprising a circulation pump
proximate to the solar panel modules; connecting the circulation
pump to the thermal tubing for circulating the liquid through the
thermal tubing; connecting a heat exchanger to the thermal tubing
for extracting the thermal energy, the heat exchanger being housed
in a storage tank; connecting a heat pump to the heat exchanger for
maintaining the temperature of the liquid in the storage tank to a
certain threshold temperature; electrically connecting each of the
plurality of slate modules in series to form a string; and
connecting the plurality of inverters to each string for converting
the DC electricity from the plurality of slate modules to AC
electricity.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of slate
modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the method of installing the
roofing installation system is initiated at the bottom of the slope
roof.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of battens
collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy by
running the liquid in the thermal tubing throughout the roof.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the thermal energy is extracted
by the heat exchanger resulting in heating up the domestic water
supply and providing domestic hot water.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of slate modules
is cooled as the thermal energy is extracted by the heat exchanger,
thereby making the plurality of slate modules operate at high
efficiency in converting the solar energy to DC electricity.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein the heat pump maintains the
temperature of the liquid in the storage tank when the temperature
goes below/above a certain level.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an improved system of modular
building-integrated photovoltaics for easy residential and
commercial roof installation for generating electrical and thermal
energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Global warming, access to reliable, clean, renewable energy,
and worldwide energy shortages are growing problems. The increased
usage and efficiency of solar panels can be used worldwide to
capture greater amounts of solar energy to solve these problems.
Solar panels containing solar cells for generating thermal and
electrical energy from solar energy and are well known in the art
and in widespread use.
[0003] However, due to their structure, conventional solar panels
are typically large and heavy. These solar panels contain large
arrays of photovoltaic silicon cells for converting solar energy
directly to electricity, and hydraulic circuits below the
photovoltaic cell and in thermal contact therewith. These hydraulic
circuits convert part of the solar energy absorbed into domestic
hot water supplies and heat for indoor spaces. This heavy structure
makes it expensive to move and mount solar panels, reducing their
availability to many structures worldwide.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system of modular solar
panels, that are cheaper to move and install. The present invention
accomplishes these objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There are additional features of the invention that will be
described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least
one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited in its application to the details
of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth
in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0006] The subject invention discloses a modular, removable roofing
installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy,
the modular, removable roofing installation system comprising: a
plurality of removable solar panel modules, each solar panel module
comprising a plurality of slate modules mounted on a plurality of
metal battens, a plurality of inverters for converting DC
electricity fed from the plurality of slate modules to AC
electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted beneath the
plurality of slate modules on the plurality of metal battens,
wherein the plurality of metal battens are mounted on a plurality
of horizontal battens that mounted onto a plurality of vertical
battens, wherein each solar panel module comprises a roof-attaching
latch mounted to a backing of the plurality of vertical battens,
wherein the roof-attaching latch coupled to a corresponding roof
surface latch mounted to a roof to removably attach each solar
panel module to the roof; a pump and thermal control unit
comprising a circulation pump that is operatively connected to the
thermal tubing for circulating the liquid through the thermal
tubing; a heat exchanger that is operatively connected to the
thermal tubing for extracting the thermal energy, the heat
exchanger being housed in a storage tank; a heat pump connected to
the heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in
the storage tank to a certain threshold temperature; whereby the
plurality of slate modules and the thermal tubing operate
simultaneously to generate electricity and domestic hot water
respectively; and wherein the system may be removed and
re-installed on a second roof by disconnecting the pump and thermal
control unit, disconnecting the thermal tubing from the heat
exchanger and the circulation pump, and removing the plurality of
removable solar panel modules.
[0007] The subject invention discloses a modular, removable roofing
installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy,
the modular, removable roofing installation system comprising: a
plurality of removable solar panel modules, each solar panel module
comprising a plurality of slate modules mounted on a plurality of
metal fasteners, a plurality of inverters for converting DC
electricity fed from the plurality of slate modules to AC
electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted beneath the
plurality of slate modules on the plurality of metal fasteners,
wherein the plurality of metal fasteners removably attach each
solar panel module to a roof; a thermal control unit comprising a
liquid circulation pump that is operatively connected and in fluid
communication with the thermal tubing for circulating the liquid
through the thermal tubing, wherein the thermal control unit is
placed within an attic or basement; a heat exchanger that is
operatively connected to the thermal tubing for extracting the
captured solar thermal energy, the heat exchanger being housed in a
storage tank that maintains the temperature of the liquid in the
storage tank at a threshold temperature, wherein the storage tank
is placed within the attic or basement; whereby the plurality of
slate modules and the thermal tubing operate simultaneously to
generate DC electricity and domestic hot water respectively,
wherein the DC electricity is converted to AC electricity with the
plurality of inverters; and wherein the system may be removed and
re-installed onto a second roof by disconnecting the thermal
control unit, disconnecting the thermal tubing from the heat
exchanger and the circulation pump, and removing the plurality of
removable solar panel modules off the roof.
[0008] The subject invention discloses a modular roofing system for
optimally capturing solar thermal energy, the modular roofing
system comprising: a plurality of removable solar panel modules,
each solar panel module comprising a plurality of slate modules
mounted on a plurality of metal fasteners; a plurality of inverters
for converting DC electricity generated by the plurality of slate
modules into AC electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid
mounted beneath the plurality of slate modules on the plurality of
metal fasteners; wherein the plurality of metal fasteners removably
attach each solar panel module to a roof; a liquid circulation pump
operatively connected and in fluid communication with the thermal
tubing for circulating the liquid through the thermal tubing,
wherein the circulation pump is placed within an attic or basement;
a heat exchanger operatively connected to the thermal tubing for
extracting captured solar thermal energy; a storage tank for
maintaining the temperature of the liquid; whereby the plurality of
slate modules and the thermal tubing operate simultaneously to
generate DC electricity and domestic hot water respectively,
wherein the DC electricity is converted to AC electricity with the
plurality of inverters; and wherein the system may be removed and
re-installed onto a second roof by disconnecting the thermal tubing
from the heat exchanger and the circulation pump, and removing the
plurality of removable solar panel modules off the roof.
[0009] The subject invention discloses a modular, removable roofing
installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy,
the modular, removable roofing installation system comprising: a
plurality of removable solar panel modules, each solar panel module
comprising a plurality of slate modules mounted on a plurality of
fasteners, wherein the plurality of fasteners removably attach each
solar panel module to a roof; a thermal tubing containing liquid
mounted beneath the plurality of slate modules; a thermal pump
control unit operatively connected and in fluid communication with
the thermal tubing for circulating the liquid through the thermal
tubing; a heat exchanger operatively connected to the thermal
tubing for extracting the thermal energy; whereby the plurality of
slate modules and the thermal tubing operate simultaneously to
generate DC electricity; a DC to AC electricity converter to
generate AC electricity from the generated DC electricity, and
wherein the system may be removed and re-installed on a second roof
by disconnecting the thermal pump control unit, disconnecting the
thermal tubing from the heat exchanger and the thermal pump control
un, and removing the plurality of removable solar panel modules off
the roof.
[0010] The subject invention also discloses a method of installing
a modular, removable roofing installation system comprising:
removably mounting a plurality of removable solar panel modules on
a roof, each solar panel module comprising a plurality of slate
modules mounted on a plurality of metal battens, a plurality of
inverters for converting DC electricity fed from the plurality of
slate modules to AC electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid
mounted beneath the plurality of slate modules on the plurality of
metal battens, wherein the plurality of metal battens are mounted
on a plurality of horizontal battens that mounted onto a plurality
of vertical battens, wherein each solar panel module comprises a
roof-attaching latch mounted to a backing of the plurality of
vertical battens, wherein the roof-attaching latch couples to a
corresponding roof surface latch mounted to the roof to removably
attach each solar panel module to the roof; mounting a pump and
thermal control unit comprising a circulation pump proximate to the
solar panel modules; connecting the circulation pump to the thermal
tubing for circulating the liquid through the thermal tubing;
connecting a heat exchanger to the thermal tubing for extracting
the thermal energy, the heat exchanger being housed in a storage
tank; connecting a heat pump to the heat exchanger for maintaining
the temperature of the liquid in the storage tank to a certain
threshold temperature; electrically connecting each of the
plurality of slate modules in series to form a string; and
connecting the plurality of inverters to each string for converting
the DC electricity from the plurality of slate modules to AC
electricity. The subject invention also discloses a method of
installing a modular, removable roofing installation system
comprising: a. removably mounting a plurality of removable solar
panel modules on a roof, each solar panel module comprising a
plurality of slate modules mounted on a plurality of metal
fasteners, a plurality of inverters for converting DC electricity
fed from the plurality of slate modules to AC electricity, a
thermal tubing containing liquid mounted beneath the plurality of
slate modules on the plurality of metal fasteners, wherein the
plurality of metal fasteners removably attach each solar panel
module to a roof; b. mounting a thermal control unit comprising a
circulation pump in the attic or basement; c. operatively
connecting the circulation pump to the thermal tubing in fluid
communication for circulating the liquid through the thermal
tubing; d. connecting a heat exchanger to the thermal tubing for
extracting the thermal energy, the heat exchanger being housed in a
storage tank in the basement or attic; e. connecting a heat pump to
the heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in
the storage tank to a certain threshold temperature; f.
electrically connecting each of the plurality of slate modules in
series to form a string; and g. connecting the plurality of
inverters to each string for converting the DC electricity from the
plurality of slate modules to AC electricity.
[0011] The subject invention also discloses a method of installing
a modular roofing installation system comprising: removably
mounting a plurality of removable solar panel modules on a roof,
each solar panel module comprising a plurality of slate modules
mounted on a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of inverters for
converting DC electricity fed from the plurality of slate modules
to AC electricity, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted
beneath the plurality of slate modules on the plurality of
fasteners, wherein the plurality of fasteners removably attach each
solar panel module to a roof; mounting a thermal control unit
comprising a circulation pump in the attic or basement; operatively
connecting the circulation pump to the thermal tubing in fluid
communication for circulating the liquid through the thermal
tubing, connecting a heat exchanger to the thermal tubing for
extracting the thermal energy, the heat exchanger being housed in a
storage tank in the basement or attic; connecting a heat pump to
the heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in
the storage tank to a certain threshold temperature; electrically
connecting each of the plurality of slate modules in series to form
a string; and connecting the plurality of inverters to each string
for converting the DC electricity from the plurality of slate
modules to AC electricity.
[0012] In embodiments of the subject invention, each of the
plurality of slate modules includes at least one photovoltaic
cell.
[0013] In embodiments of the subject invention, each of the
plurality of slate modules is electrically connected in series to
form a string.
[0014] In embodiments of the subject invention, the plurality of
inverters feed AC electricity to a utility grid.
[0015] In embodiments of the subject invention, the plurality of
metal battens collects the solar energy, converts into thermal
energy and delivers to the liquid running in the thermal
tubing.
[0016] In embodiments of the subject invention, the circulation
pump is powered by a separate photovoltaic panel.
[0017] In embodiments of the subject invention, the heat exchanger
extracts the thermal energy from the liquid in the thermal tubing
resulting in heating up the domestic water supply and providing
domestic hot water.
[0018] In embodiments of the subject invention, thermal tubing may
be made of material selected from a group consisting of: copper,
aluminum or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). In embodiments of the
subject invention, the liquid in the thermal tubing may be selected
from a group consisting of: water and glycol.
[0019] In embodiments of the subject invention, the heat pump
maintains the temperature of the liquid in the storage tank when
the temperature goes below/above a certain level.
[0020] In embodiments of the subject invention, the horizontal and
vertical battens may be composed from a material selected from a
group consisting of: wood and fiberglass.
[0021] In embodiments of the subject invention, the plurality of
slate modules is cooled as the thermal energy is extracted by the
heat exchanger, thereby making the plurality of slate modules
operate at high efficiency in converting the solar energy to DC
electricity.
[0022] In embodiments of the subject invention, the term
"substantially" is defined as at least close to (and can include) a
given value or state, as understood by a person of ordinary skill
in the art. In one embodiment, the term "substantially" refers to
ranges within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%,
and most preferably within 0.1% of the given value or state being
specified.
[0023] In embodiments of the subject invention, the term
"relatively" is defined as a comparison of a property, or the
proportion of a property between two components.
[0024] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description of an improved system for modular building-integrated
photovoltaics (BIPV) for easy residential and commercial roof
installation. There are additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. These together with other
objects of the invention, along with the various features of
novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from
the following detailed description of embodiments of an improved
system of modular building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) for easy
residential and commercial roof installation, which description
should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the removable BITERS
system.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of the BITERS system.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram for the pump and thermal
control system.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a layout of a system.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of an attaching
purlin.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an attaching purlin.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a removable BITERS
mounting latch.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a top isometric view of a removable
BITERS mounting latch.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the removable BITERS
mounting latch with a mounting notch.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the BITERS Sunslate
Removable Modular System in an unconnected configuration.
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the BITERS Sunslate
Removable Modular System in a connected configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0037] While several variations of the present invention have been
illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is
apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the
spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept
of an improved system of modular building-integrated photovoltaics
(BIPV) for easy residential and commercial roof installation.
However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications
and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present
invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following
appended claims as set forth.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, 10 and 11, the subject
invention is a system 1 of modular building-integrated
photovoltaics (BIPV) for easy residential and commercial roof
installation. This system 1 is installed on and in the roof, attic,
and basement spaces for optimally capturing solar energy and
converting it to electrical and thermal energy. In embodiments of
the subject invention, the modular BIPV products would be composed
from Sunslates.TM. 33 and TallSlates.TM. 7 BITERS.RTM. (Building
Integrated Thermal Electric Roofing System) products.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 10 and 11, the modular BITERS
system 1 consists of three major units: A) a plurality of removable
BITERS modules 2 which each consist of a photovoltaic system with
pre-installed micro inverters 3 and a thermal collector 4 for
installation on a roof; B) a Pump and Thermal Control System 5 for
installation in an attic or basement space; and C) an energy
storage tank 6 for installation in an attic or basement space next
to the Pump and Thermal Control System 5.
[0040] Each removable BITERS module 2 consists of the Photovoltaic
modules which generate the solar electric through a TallSlates.TM.
system 7 or Sunslates system 33. Each TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates
system 33 includes at least one photovoltaic cell. Each removable
BITERS module 2 would be around 0.5 to 1.5 kw in size. A Y2
kilowatt would have ten (10) TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system
33 modules. The TallSlates.TM. 7 modules 33 are about 54 watts and
the Sunslates system 33 modules are about 23 watts. The modular
BITERS system 1 solar energy conversion efficiency ranges from 25%
to 50%, or higher, subject to sunlight and geographic location.
[0041] Right beneath the TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system 33
modules, the thermal collector 4 is composed of thermal tubing 23
containing liquid, mounted on a plurality of metal battens 24. The
thermal tubing 23 extends on a longitudinal channel 25 of each of
the plurality of metal battens 24. The plurality of metal battens
24 is mounted horizontally onto the plurality of horizontal wooden
battens 28, which are mounted on a plurality of vertical wooden
battens 29. A plurality of link channel brackets 26 having a hook
is fastened vertically between a pair of the plurality of metal
battens 24 using a latch. The thermal tubing 23 loops through the
removable BITERS module 2 from top to bottom. Each of the
TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system 33 modules is electrically
connected in series to form a string 27. The number of the
plurality of TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system 33 modules in the
string 27 may vary according to the roof design. The plurality of
TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system 33 modules and the thermal
tubing 23 operate simultaneously to generate electricity energy and
domestic hot water (thermal energy) respectively.
[0042] In other embodiments of the subject invention, the thermal
system 4 could also use a plurality of purlins 30 to hold the
thermal tubing 23 beneath the TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system
33. These purlins 30 would be mounted between the plurality of
horizontal wooden batten 28. In a further embodiment, heat pipes
could also be mounted vertically on the plurality of metal battens
24 as well as vertically on the plurality of purlins 30. In
embodiments of the subject invention, the pluralities of horizontal
28 and vertical batten 29 holding the thermal collector 4 and the
TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates system 33 can be composed of wood or
fiberglass, with fiberglass being the preferred material.
[0043] Each removable BITERS module 2 will contain a roof-attaching
latch 31 securely mounted onto a vertical batten 29 comprising the
plywood or fiberglass backing 40. The other portion 36 of the
roof-attaching latch will be mounted onto a roof 41 at a designated
attachment position. FIGS. 7-9 illustrate possible embodiments of
the latch 31. FIG. 9 is another type of latch 31 which has a
locking bend 32 on latch 31 and on latch 36, which would be
recommended in high wind areas.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, dummy sun slate covers
the Sunslates system 33 BITERS modules 2 to make them more
aesthetically pleasing and to protect the connections between the
modules from adverse weather conditions. The Sunslates system 33
BITERS modules 2 are connected with a plurality of metal fasteners
34 with hooks 35 that overlap each adjacent Sunslates system 33
BITERS modules 2 and connected them.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the Pump and Thermal Control
System 5 is one removable unit for installation in the attic or
basement, which consists of a first set of temperature and pressure
gauges 8 attached to the thermal collector input 4, a second set of
temperature and pressure gauges 9 is attached to the thermal
collector return 11, a pump 12 to circulate the Pump and Thermal
Control System 5, a fill valve 13 to help fill the System 5, a
drain valve 14 which helps drain the System 5, a check valve 15 to
make sure air is going on right direction, a flow sight glass 16 to
ensure the liquid is flowing at the right direction, an air
eliminator 17 to release the air from the System 5, an expansion
tank 18 and a pressure relief valve 19 for safety. In variations of
the subject invention, the Pump and Thermal Control System 5 or the
pump 12 can be directly powered by the TallSlates.TM. 7 or
Sunslates systems 33.
[0046] Each Pump and Thermal Control System 5 can support three to
four TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates systems 33.
[0047] Each removable BITERS module 2 may be mounted on a
residential or commercial roof by a crane or a forklift. All the
BITERS module 2 are installed on the roof and connected to each
other before the TallSlates.TM. 7 or Sunslates systems 33 are made
operational. The pluralities of metal batten 24, and horizontal 28
and vertical batten 29 are aligned between BITERS modules 2. Each
BITERS module 2 may be attached to the roof with the roof-attaching
latches 31 securely mounted onto the back side of each BITERS
module 2 and attached to roof surface latches 36 that are installed
on the roof at a designated attachment position.
[0048] Once the plurality of BITERS modules 2 are mounted on the
roof, the micro-inverters 3 of each module 2 are connected to the
electrical grid 21. In other embodiments of the subject invention,
BITERS module 2 may be connected to a battery system (not
shown).
[0049] After the micro-inverters 3 of each module 2 are connected
to the electrical grid 21, the Pump and Thermal Control System 5 is
installed in the attic or basement. To install the Pump and Thermal
Control System 5, a user attaches the thermal collector 4 input 9
to the first set of temperature and pressure gauges 8, attaches the
thermal collector 4 output 11 to the second set of temperature and
pressure gauges 9, connects the pump 12 to a cold water supply 22,
the drain valve 14, and the heat exchanger 20 to the tank 6. Once
the pressures and temperatures are checked out, the Pump and
Thermal Control System 5 is installed and is operational.
[0050] The system 1 can also be easily uninstalled and moved to a
new roof structure. To remove, the Pump and Thermal Control System
5 is detached from the attic or basement. The thermal collector 4
input 9 is detached from the first set of temperature and pressure
gauges 8, the thermal collector 4 output 11 is detached from the
second set of temperature and pressure gauges 9, the pump 12 is
detached from the cold water supply 22, the drain valve 14, and the
heat exchanger 20 is detached from the tank 6. After Pump and
Thermal Control System 5 is detached, the micro-inverters 3 of each
module 2 are disconnected from the electrical grid 21.
[0051] Each removable BITERS module 2 may be removed from the
residential or commercial roof by a crane or a forklift.
* * * * *