ROOF PANEL, ROOF ASSEMBLY AND ROOF

Abstract

Roof panel comprising a photovoltaic module having a top surface, a bottom surface and lateral edges, and at least one rib fixedly connected to the photovoltaic module and transversely, preferably perpendicularly, projecting away from the bottom surface and extending along a lateral edge of the photovoltaic module. The height (h, h1, h2) of the at least one rib increases, preferably continuously increases, in direction along the lateral edge, such that the lower edge of the at least one rib is inclined with respect to the bottom surface and/or the top surface of the photovoltaic module.

Claims

1. Roof panel (1), comprising: a photovoltaic module (2) having a top surface (3), a bottom surface (4) and lateral edges (5, 6), characterized in that the roof panel (1) comprises at least one rib (7, 8) fixedly connected to the photovoltaic module (2) and transversely, preferably perpendicularly, projecting away from the bottom surface (4) and extending along the lateral edges (5, 6) of the photovoltaic module (2).

2. Roof panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein a height (h, h1, h2) of the at least one rib (7) increases, preferably continuously increases, in direction (D) along the lateral edges (5, 6), such that a lower edge (9) of the at least one rib (7) is inclined or curved, preferably concave curved, with respect to the bottom surface (4) or the top surface (3) of the photovoltaic module (2).

3. Roof panel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roof panel comprises at least two ribs (7, 8) fixedly connected to the photovoltaic module (2) and transversely, preferably perpendicularly, projecting away from the bottom surface (4), wherein the first rib (7) of the at least two ribs extends along the first lateral edge (5) of the photovoltaic module (2) and the second rib (8) of the at least two ribs extends along the second lateral edge (6) of the photovoltaic module (2), wherein the second lateral edge is opposed to the first lateral edge, both ribs (7, 8) preferably having lower edges (9) that are inclined with respect to the bottom surface (2) or the top surface of the photovoltaic module.

4. Roof panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module (2) has transverse edges extending between the lateral edges (5, 6), wherein in a mounting condition of the roof panel one of the transverse edges is an upper edge (13) and the other of the transverse edges is a lower edge (14), wherein preferably the height (h) of the at least one rib, preferably of each of the at least two ribs, increases in direction from the upper edge (13) towards the lower edge (14), such that a distance between the lower edge of the at least one rib (9) and the bottom surface (4) of the photovoltaic module (2) increases in direction from the upper edge (13) towards the lower edge (14).

5. Roof panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module (2) comprises an arrangement of at least one, preferably a plurality of photovoltaic elements (15), wherein preferably a first area (16) located between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements and the upper edge (13) of the photovoltaic module (2) is free from photovoltaic elements (15) and a second area (17) located between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements (15) and the lower edge (14) of the photovoltaic module (2) is free from photovoltaic elements, and wherein the first area (16) is larger, preferably at least two times larger than the second area (17) or wherein a distance (d1) between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements (15) and the upper edge (13) of the photovoltaic module (2) is larger than a distance (d2) between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements (15) and the lower edge (14) of the photovoltaic module (2).

6. Roof panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum height (h1) of the at least one rib amounts between 1 cm and 10 cm or wherein the maximum height (h2) of the rib amounts between 3 cm and 30 cm, the maximum height being larger than the minimum height or wherein an absolute difference between the maximum height and the minimum height amounts between 5 mm and 20 mm or wherein the angle () between the lower edge (9) of the at least one rib (7, 8) and the bottom surface (4) or the top surface (3) of the photovoltaic module (2) amounts between 0.2 and 3.

7. Roof panel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rib (7, 8), preferably each of the at least two ribs, ends at a distance (I) before the lower edge (14) of the photovoltaic module (2) or wherein the at least one rib (7, 8) has in an area of the lower edge (14) a recess or space (R) for accommodating an upper portion (18) of an adjacent roof panel.

8. Roof panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rib (7, 8) has a mounting portion (19) which at least partially engages the bottom surface (4) or the lateral edge (5) or the transverse edge or the top surface (3) of the photovoltaic module (2), wherein preferably the mounting portion (19) at least partially extends beyond or covers or encloses the lateral edge (5) associated with the rib (7).

9. Roof panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the lower portion, preferably at least the lower half, of the rib(s) (7, 8)as seen in direction perpendicular to the photovoltaic module (2)completely lie(s) within the outline of the photovoltaic module (2), or wherein the rib(s) (7, 8) end(s) at its/their lower edge, the lower edge(s)as seen in direction perpendicular to the photovoltaic module (2)completely lie(s) within an outline of the photovoltaic module (2), or wherein the rib(s) (7, 8)as seen in direction perpendicular to the photovoltaic module (2)do not extend more than 3 cm beyond the outline of the photovoltaic module (2), or wherein the outermost rib(s) (7, 8) do not extend more than 4 cm, preferably more than 2 cm, beyond the outline of the photovoltaic module (2)as seen in direction perpendicular to the photovoltaic module (2), or wherein no part of the roof panel (1) extends more than 4 cm, preferably more than 2 cm, beyond the outline of the photovoltaic module (2)as seen in direction perpendicular to the photovoltaic module (2), or wherein the rib(s) (7, 8) with its/their downward extending portion is/are distanced from its/their associated lateral edge (5, 6) inwardly, preferably by a distance of at least 2 cm, preferably of at least 4 cm.

10. Roof panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom surface (4) of the photovoltaic module (2) is made of a planar sheet of material, preferably fibre reinforced material, such as glass, polymer or ceramic or wherein the at least one rib (7) is made of metal or wood or a polymer, preferably containing any of polyethylene, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon or any combination thereof, preferably containing reinforcement fibres or flame retardants.

11. Roof panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof panel (1) can be placed with an adjacent roof panel in an overlapping manner, wherein preferably their lateral edges (5, 6) are aligned such, that at least two of their respective ribs (7, 8), preferably all of their respective ribs, extend in a common plane (P) or wherein preferably the ribs (7, 8) of the adjacent roof panels (1) align with each other in a direction of the longitudinal extension of the ribs; or wherein two roof panels (1) can be made to overlap in such a way that at least two, preferably all, of their ribs (7, 8) associated with one lateral edge (5, 6) extend in one plane (P) and a lower edge (9) of at least two, preferably all, of their ribs (7, 8) associated with one lateral edge lie in one line (L) or plane (P).

12. Roof assembly or roof, comprising: longitudinal supporting profiles (20) inclined with respect to a horizontal, and a plurality of roof panels (1) supported by the supporting profiles (20), characterized in that the roof panels (1) are roof panels according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof panels (1) are mountable or mounted such, that the ribs (7, 8) of the roof panels (1) extend into or are supported by the supporting profiles (20), wherein preferably a length of the supporting profiles (20) is at least 2 times, preferably at least 3 times, larger than a length of a roof panel (1), or wherein preferably the supporting profiles (20) each extends continuously along at least two, preferably along at least three roof panels (1), or wherein preferably at least one of the ribs (7, 8) of neighboring roof panels (1) lies within the same supporting profile (20), or wherein preferably the supporting profile (20) is made of one piece of material.

13. Roof assembly or roof according to claim 12, wherein the supporting profile (20) in a cross-sectional view has side wall portions (21) and a bottom portion (22), wherein ribs (7, 8) of adjacent roof panels (1) are arranged between the side wall portions (21) of the same supporting profile (20), wherein preferably the height of the side wall portions (21) is smaller than the minimum height of the ribs (7, 8) of the roof panels (1) so that the ribs (7, 8) rest on a bottom of the supporting profile (20), wherein preferably the ribs (7, 8), preferably with their lower edge, abut against the bottom portion (22) of the supporting profile (20), wherein preferably a channel is formed between two neighbouring ribs (7, 8), preferably to let water flow down the roof assembly or roof, or wherein preferably the supporting profile (20) has U-shaped cross-section.

14. Roof assembly or roof according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the ribs (7, 8), preferably with their lower edge, abutpreferably in a gapless manneragainst the bottom portion (22) of the supporting profile (20), or wherein the ribs (7, 8) have apreferably planarbottom surface, wherein the ribs (7, 8) rest with their bottom surface on apreferably planarsurface of the bottom portion (22) of the supporting profile (20), or wherein the lower edge or bottom surface of the rib is a continuous straight surface, such that the rib abuts along its entire length against a supporting profile of the roof construction.

15. Roof assembly or roof according to one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein a force of gravity caused by a weight of the roof panels (1) is directly introduced via the bottom surface of the ribs (7, 8) into the surface of the bottom portion (22), or wherein the space extending between two neighbouring ribs (7, 8) within the supporting profile (20) is free space, preferably forming a channel, or wherein the surface of the bottom portion (22) facing the ribs (7, 8) extends between the ribs (7, 8) in a planar manner.

16. Method for installing a roof assembly or a roof, preferably according to one of the claims 12 to 15, comprising the steps: a. mounting at least two, preferably the plurality of, supporting profiles (20) at a distance from each other and essentially parallel to each other, wherein preferably the at least two, preferably the plurality of, supporting profiles (20) are mounted on an under construction, preferably on horizontal bars; b. placing roof panels (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 on the supporting profiles (20) such that the ribs (7, 8) of the roof panels (1) are arranged within the supporting profiles (20), wherein preferably the ribs (7, 8) of neighboring roof panels (1) lie within the same supporting profile (20); and c. optionally fastening the roof panels (1) to the supporting profiles (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Further embodiments of the invention are indicated in the figures and in the dependent claims. The list of reference marks forms part of the disclosure. The invention will now be explained in detail by the drawings. In the drawings:

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive roof panel from below.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a pan view of two overlapping roof panels resting on a supporting profile.

[0078] FIG. 3 schematically shows a side view of two overlapping roof panels.

[0079] FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross sectional view of two roof panels and a supporting profile they rest in.

[0080] FIGS. 5-10 schematically show a front view of a lateral side of a roof panel.

[0081] FIG. 11 schematically shows two overlapping adjacent ribs.

[0082] FIG. 12a-c schematically show top a view of lateral sides of a roof panel.

[0083] FIG. 13 schematically shows interlocking of ribs that prevent moisture ingress.

[0084] FIG. 14 shows how the photovoltaic elements may be located in the modules.

[0085] FIG. 15 shows a roof assembly with curved ribs and a curved supporting profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0086] FIG. 1 shows a roof panel 1 from below comprising a photovoltaic module 2 and two ribs 7, 8. The ribs 7, 8 are mounted on the bottom surface 4 of module 2 along its lateral edges 5, 6.

[0087] As can be seen in FIG. 3, ribs 7 are higher near the lower edge 14 of the module 2 than near the upper or transverse edge 13 thereof. The lower edge 9 of rib 7 makes an acute angle with the bottom surface 4 and/or the top surface 3 of the photovoltaic and/or laminate module 2. The height h of the at least one rib 7 increases, in direction D along the lateral edge 5, 6, such that the lower edge 9, 10 of the at least one rib 7 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface 4 and/or the top surface 3 of the photovoltaic module 2.

[0088] As mounted, the lower edges 9 of ribs 7 lie in straight line I. This can also be seen in FIG. 2. Here the ribs 7 lie in a supporting profile 20. FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of this situation perpendicular to the direction the supporting profile 20 extends in. Clearly the lower edges 9 of ribs 7 now lie in a single plane P extending along the bottom portion 22 of the supporting profile 20.

[0089] In FIG. 2 the ribs 7 of the roof panels 1 shown have protecting means such as deformable elements 23 so that the ribs can expand and move e.g. under the influence of heat or wind load.

[0090] As can be seen in FIG. 4, supporting profile 20 contains two side wall portions 21 and a bottom portion 22 thereby forming an U-shape. All roof panels 1 have one rib 7 extending into supporting profile 20, the ribs 7 abutting against bottom portion 22, thus building a channel for the water to run off between the ribs 7 of adjacent roof panels 1.

[0091] Water that passes through the gap 10 between two photovoltaic modules 2 will fall into supporting profile 20 and flow down along the supporting profile 20. In order to penetrate the roof, water would have to move in horizontal direction over the bottom portion 22 of the supporting profile 20, underneath ribs 7 and up the side wall portion 21 of supporting profile 20. Clearly it is virtually impossible for water to pass this barrier.

[0092] As can be seen from FIG. 4 the ribs 7, 8 of adjacent roof panels 1 abut with their lower edgein a gapless manneragainst the bottom portion 22 of the supporting profile 20. The ribs 7, 8 may have a planar bottom surface, wherein the ribs 7, 8 rest with their planar bottom surface on a planar surface of the bottom portion 22 of the supporting profile 20.

[0093] The lower edge or bottom surface of the rib 7, 8 may be a continuous straight surface, such that the rib abuts along its entire length against a (straight) supporting profile 20 of the roof construction. If the supporting profile has a constant curvature, at least in the range where the solar modules extend, the ribs should have a comparable (or complementary) curvature.

[0094] By the construction shown in FIG. 4, the force of gravity caused by the weight of the roof panels 1 is directly introduced via the bottom surface of the ribs 7, 8 into the surface of the bottom portion 22 (i.e. from surface to surface).

[0095] The space extending between two neighbouring ribs 7, 8 (i.e. between ribs of adjacent roof panels) within the supporting profile 20 is free space, preferably forming a channelas already mentioned above. The surface of the bottom portion 22, i.e. the surface facing the ribs 7, 8, extends between the ribs 7, 8 in a planar manner (see FIG. 4).

[0096] FIG. 4 further shows that the exact location of ribs 7 in supporting profile 20 in horizontal direction is not important since only the relative positions of the roof panels 1 can be seen from outside. Consequently, the mounting of supporting profiles 20 is not very critical. An accuracy of a couple of centimetres is all that is needed so that the ribs extend into the supporting profile 20. This makes the mounting of the supporting profiles 20 easy.

[0097] Going back to FIG. 3, it is shown that ribs 7 have a smaller height h1 near the upper or transverse edge 11, 13 of the module 2 as compared to their height h2 near the lower or transverse edge 12, 14 of the module 2. In the shown embodiment the ribs 7 have a recess R near the lower edge 14 for accommodating the upper portion 18 of an adjacent roof panel 1.

[0098] In FIG. 13 four ribs 7 in a supporting profile 20 are shown from the top. The recesses R of the ribs 7 here form interlocking portions 27 so that the lateral movement of water (in vertical direction in this figure) from bottom portion 22 to inside the roof is inhibited. Moreover, the ribs of two overlapping roof panels overlap in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction the supporting profile 20 extends in. The space between the interlocking portions 27 is exaggerated for clarity. Normally, there would be hardly any space at all.

[0099] FIGS. 5 through 11 schematically show possible features of embodiments according to the invention:

[0100] FIG. 5 shows a rib 7 in its most elementary form.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a rib 7 with a protruding portion 24 that prevents two adjacent modules 2 from touching.

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a rib 7 with a protruding portion 24 that prevents two modules 2 from touching, the protruding portion now being on the lower edge of the rib.

[0103] FIG. 8 shows a rib 7 with a protruding portion 24 that protects the module edge even more.

[0104] FIG. 9 shows a rib 7 with a protruding portion 24 that protects the module edge and holds the module.

[0105] FIG. 9 shows a rib 7 with no protruding portion 24 that makes the channel between two adjacent panels small.

[0106] FIG. 11 shows two ribs 7 with protruding portions 24 that interlock, thus at least partially closing the gap 10.

[0107] All ribs in FIGS. 5 through 11 are mounted to the module with their mounting portion 19.

[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the protruding portion does not have to be identical along the lateral edge 5 of the roof panel:

[0109] FIG. 12(a) shows a protruding portion 24 that is the same along lateral edge 5.

[0110] FIG. 12(b) shows a protruding portion 24 that is formed by knobs 25.

[0111] FIG. 12(c) shows a protruding portion 24 that has a continuous portion 26 and knobs 25.

[0112] FIG. 14 shows two modules 2 with arrangements of photovoltaic elements 15. The arrangements of photovoltaic elements may contain any number of solar cells of any type such as crystalline or thin film.

[0113] A first area 16 located between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements 15 and the upper or transverse edge 13 of the photovoltaic module 2 is free from photovoltaic elements. A second area 17 located between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements 15 and the lower edge 14 of the photovoltaic module 2 is free from photovoltaic elements as well. The first area 16 is larger than the second area 17 and is used to fit under an overlapping module 2 as indicated by the dashed arrows. The distance d1 between the arrangement of photovoltaic elements 15 and the upper edge 13 of the photovoltaic module 2 is larger than the distance d2 arrangement of photovoltaic elements 15 and the lower edge 14 of the photovoltaic module 2.

[0114] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described on the basis of roof panels comprising a photovoltaic module, it should be mentioned that the invention is also applicable to laminate modules (with or without photovoltaic elements or solar cells), thus also including so-called blind modules.

[0115] FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the inventive roof assembly with a curved supporting profile 20 and roof panels 1 with ribs 7 that have the essentially same curvature as the supporting profile 20. The lower rib edge may be curved relative to the top or bottom surface of the photovoltaic module 2, i.e. in the present embodiment the lower rib edge is concave curved. This embodiment has all the advantages of the invention while allowing roofs to be curved.

[0116] The invention is not restricted to these embodiments. Other variants will be obvious for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims. Individual features described in all parts of the above specification, particularly with respect to the figures may be combined with each other to form other embodiments and/or applied mutatis mutandis to what is described in the claims and to the rest of the description, even if the features are described in respect to or in combination with other features.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference signs 1 Roof panel 2 Photovoltaic module 3 Top surface 4 Bottom surface 5 Lateral edge 6 Lateral edge 7 Rib 8 Rib 9 Lower edge of a rib 10 Gap 11 Transverse edge 12 Transverse edge 13 Upper edge 14 Lower edge 15 Arrangement of photovoltaic elements 16 First area 17 Second area 18 Upper portion 19 Mounting portion 20 Supporting profile 21 Side wall portion 22 Bottom portion 23 Deformable element 24 Protruding portion 25 Knobs 26 Continuous portion 27 Interlocking portion Angle between lower edge of the rib and the bottom of the photovoltaic module d1 Distance d2 Distance D Direction h Height h1 Minimum height h2 Maximum height I Distance P Plane R Recess