Method and apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
H02S-020/23
H02S-030/10
F24J-002/52
F24J-002/46
출원번호
US-0431620
(2017-02-13)
등록번호
US-9998066
(2018-06-12)
발명자
/ 주소
West, Jack Raymond
Haenlein, Hans-Christoph
출원인 / 주소
SolarCity Corporation
대리인 / 주소
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
0인용 특허 :
3
초록▼
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
대표청구항▼
1. A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a support beam, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;a first photovoltaic module;a second photovoltaic module separated from the first photovoltaic module by a gap, the first and second photovoltaic modules being el
1. A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a support beam, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;a first photovoltaic module;a second photovoltaic module separated from the first photovoltaic module by a gap, the first and second photovoltaic modules being elevated above the first surface of the support beam; anda bracket, comprising: a bracket body comprising a first portion contacting the first surface of the support beam and a second portion defining first and second adjustment slots,a bolt coupled to the bracket body and exerting a force on the second surface of the support beam,a first two-sided coupling extending through the first adjustment slot and coupled to a lateral portion of the first photovoltaic module, anda second two-sided coupling extending through the second adjustment slot and coupled to a lateral portion of the second photovoltaic module, wherein the support beam extends lengthwise along the gap between the first and second photovoltaic modules. 2. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the support beam comprises a purlin supported by two or more girders. 3. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the girders are elevated above the ground by a plurality of vertical columns. 4. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second two-sided couplings are configured to engage channels defined by the first and second photovoltaic modules. 5. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising third and fourth photovoltaic modules adjacent to the first and second photovoltaic modules, wherein the first two-sided coupling is coupled to a lateral portion of the third photovoltaic module and the second two-sided coupling is coupled to a lateral portion of the fourth photovoltaic module. 6. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the first adjustment slots allow a distance between the first two-sided coupling and the first surface of the support beam to be changed. 7. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 6, further comprising a nut and washer positioned at each end of the U-bolt, the nut and washer operative to clamp the support beam between a central portion of the U-bolt and the first portion of the bracket body. 8. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the bolt is a U-bolt threaded at both ends. 9. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the support beam is positioned between the bolt and the first portion of the bracket body. 10. A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first photovoltaic module;a second photovoltaic module separated from the first photovoltaic module by a gap;a support beam having a first surface facing the first and second photovoltaic modules and a second surface opposite the first surface; anda bracket assembly clamped to the support beam and elevating the first and second photovoltaic modules above the support beam, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket body contacting the first surface,a first coupling securing the first photovoltaic module to the bracket body,a second coupling securing the second photovoltaic module to the bracket body, wherein the support beam extends lengthwise along the gap between the first and second photovoltaic modules, anda bolt extending through an opening defined by the bracket body and applying a clamping force to the second surface of the support beam. 11. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and second couplings engage lateral portions of respective first and second photovoltaic modules. 12. The photovoltaic modules assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and second couplings extend through slots defined by the bracket body. 13. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and second couplings are two sided couplings configured to attach to multiple photovoltaic modules. 14. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a third photovoltaic module adjacent to the first photovoltaic module, wherein the first coupling secures the third photovoltaic module to the bracket body. 15. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the first photovoltaic module comprises a frame supporting a photovoltaic laminate, the frame having a lateral facing surface that defines a channel extending around a periphery of the frame. 16. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein the first coupling engages the channel defined by the frame of the first photovoltaic module. 17. A bracket assembly configured to clamp to a support beam of a support structure, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket body configured to contact a first surface of the support beam and defining first and second slots;a first coupling extending through the first slot and being configured to secure a first photovoltaic module to the bracket body;a second coupling extending through the second slot and being configured to secure the second photovoltaic module to the bracket body by engaging a lateral portion of the second photovoltaic module disposed farther from the support beam than a bottom surface of the second photovoltaic module; anda bolt extending through an opening defined by the bracket body and configured to apply a clamping force to a second surface of the support beam, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface. 18. The bracket assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the opening is a first opening and the bolt extends through both the first opening and a second opening defined by the bracket body. 19. The bracket assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the first and second slots are oriented in a direction that accommodates movement of the first and second couplings closer to or farther way from the support beam. 20. The photovoltaic module assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the first and second couplings are each configured to couple multiple photovoltaic modules to the bracket body.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (3)
Zuritis, Michael, Solar array support structure, mounting rail and method of installation thereof.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.