SOLAR ENERGY ROOF TILE HAVING A LENGTH-VARIABLE CONNECTING ELEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar energy roof tile (20) for the production of electrical and thermal energy from solar radiation. The shape thereof essentially corresponds to the shape of a conventional roof tile, having a base tile (22), for mounting the solar energy roof tile (20) onto a rooftop and furthermore comprising a photovoltaic module (90) arranged on top, which is connected to a first power line (96) and a second n power line 98), and an absorber (26) with an inlet line (34) and an outlet line (36) passed-through by a medium, wherein the inlet line (34), at its free end, comprises a first connecting element (38), the outlet line (36), at its free end, comprises a second connecting element (40), at least one of which lines (34, 36) are designed as being changeable in length in a base state, both connecting elements (38, 40) are arranged within the outer dimensions of the solar energy roof tile (20), at least one of the two connecting elements (38, 40) being expandable beyond the outer dimensions of the solar energy roof tile (20) in an assembly state and being connectable to a corresponding connecting element (38, 40) of an adjacent solar energy roof tile (20) while in medium communication and electrically conductive, the length-variable line (34, 36) comprises one of the two power lines (96, 98).

Claims

1. A solar energy roof tile (20) for the production of electrical and thermal energy from solar radiation, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the shape of a conventional roof tile, having a base tile (22), for mounting the solar energy roof tile (20) on a roof and furthermore comprising a photovoltaic module (90) arranged on top, which is connected to a first power line (96) and a second n power line 98), and an absorber (26) with an inlet line (34) and an outlet line (36) passed-through by a medium, wherein the inlet line (34), at its free end, comprises a first connecting element (38), the outlet line (36), at its free end, comprises a second connecting element (40), at least one of which lines (34, 36) are designed as being changeable in length in a base state, both connecting elements (38, 40) are arranged within the outer dimensions of the solar energy roof tile (20), in an assembly state, at least one of the two connecting elements (38, 40) is expandable beyond the outer dimensions of the solar energy roof tile (20) and is connectable to a corresponding connecting element (38, 40) of an adjacent solar energy roof tile (20) while being in medium communication and electrically conductive, the length-variable line (34, 36) comprises one of the two power lines (96. 98).

2. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first power line (96) extends along the outlet line (38).

3. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first power line (96) is integrated into the outlet line (38).

4. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two connecting elements (38, 40) each comprises an electrical contact surface, which contact surface is connected in an electrically conductive manner via an associated power line (96, 98) to the photovoltaic module (90), wherein the contact surfaces, in the assembled state of two connecting elements (38, 40), contact each other, thus causing electrical connection to be provided.

5. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet line (34) is configured as being changeable in length and the first connecting element (38) and the inlet line (34) are fixedly arranged within of the solar energy roof tile (20).

6. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two connecting elements (38, 40) are formed such that they form a snap-in connection.

7. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting element (38) comprises an accommodation opening (46) being open towards the top and t-shaped in horizontal plane for accommodating the second connecting element (40) which is also formed as being T-shaped.

8. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second connecting element (40) comprises at least one accommodation (52), into which a snap-in element is engageable, the snap-in element being arranged in the first connecting element (38).

9. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the snap-in element is configured as a spring-loaded pin (48), wherein the accommodation (52) and the pin (48) are arranged essentially in horizontal direction.

10. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the accommodation (52) and the snap-in element are formed of an electrically conductive material, at least in certain area, and forming the electrical conductive contact surfaces.

11. The solar energy roof tile (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that the free end of the pin (48) is conically configured such that said pin contacts an edge limiting the accommodation (52).

12. The solar thermal roof tile (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the two connecting elements (38, 40), in the assembled state of the two connecting elements (38, 40), form an access opening (54) foe a tool (56), by means of which the pin (48) may be urged backwards, allowing release of the two connecting elements (38, 40) from each other.

13. A solar thermal system for the production of thermal energy from solar radiation, comprising solar energy roof tiles (20) according to claim 1 connected to each other, which are coupled to a utilization facility via a cold-water line (58) and a hot water line (60) and a main power line (92).

14. The solar system according to claim 13, characterized in that solar energy roof tiles (20), in the edge region of a surface of solar energy roof tiles (20) according to the invention, are attached to a respective feeder line (64) via a feeder supply line (66), the feeder line being connected to the cold water line (58), in that solar energy roof tiles (20), in the opposite edge region of the surface, are attached to a respective manifold (68) via a manifold supply line (70), the manifold being connected to the hot water line (60).

15. The solar system according to claim 13, characterized in that the cold water line (58), the hot water line (60) and the main power line (92) are partially arranged in a downspout (72).

Description

[0043] The invention will be explained in detail by way of the following figures, said figures showing a preferred working example of the invention, which, however, is not intended to limit the invention to the features shown, wherein

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the solar energy roof tile according to the invention;

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a portion of a roof, which is covered with solar energy roof tiles according to the invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a row of assembled solar energy roof tiles in cross section;

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a sectional enlargement of FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a water-bearing unit of the solar energy roof tile in longitudinal section;

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the solar energy roof tile according to the invention, with the connection element being extended;

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a solar energy roof tile according to invention;

[0051] FIG. 8: shows two connecting elements of two solar energy roof tiles in the assembled state;

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a releasing operation of the connection of FIG. 8 with the help of a tool;

[0053] FIG. 10 shows a strongly simplified representation of a system for obtaining thermal and electrical energy according to the invention;

[0054] FIG. 11 shows coupling of solar energy roof tiles to a feeder line;

[0055] FIG. 12 shows coupling of the solar energy roof tiles to a manifold;

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a cross section of a downspout including connecting lines;

[0057] FIG. 14 shows an alternative connection means by a rotary slide in a schematic diagram;

[0058] FIG. 15 shows the alternative connection means of FIG. 14 with additional sledge;

[0059] FIG. 16 shows a perspective representation of the sledge.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows an explosive representation of a preferred embodiment of a solar energy roof tile 20 according to the invention. Basically, the solar energy roof tile 20 is configured in sandwich-type construction mode. Starting from of a base tile 22, which forms a bottom side of a solar energy roof tile 20 and is laid on top of a roof supporting structure 24 (also cf. FIG. 3), it is followed by an absorber 26 and preferably a transparent or translucent cover 28. It is to be seen that the absorber 26 is formed of an upper absorber element 30 and a lower absorber element 32. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two photovoltaic modules 90 are arranged adjacent to each other between the cover 28 and the upper absorber element 30. The photovoltaic modules 90 abut on the upper absorber element 30 to assure optimal heat transfer. The photovoltaic modules 90 and the upper absorber element 30 are preferably adhered to each other with a heat conductive adhesive.

[0061] A combined element is also conceivable, which forms the upper absorber element 30 and the photovoltaic module 90 together, preferably adjacent to each other. The cover 28 approximately has the same shape as the upper absorber element 30, thus entirely covering said absorber element. The lower absorber element 32 will be passed-through by a fluid not shown. It is therefore coupled to an inlet line 34 and an outlet line 36. The inlet line 34 is followed by a first connecting element 38 and the outlet line is followed by a second connecting element 40. The two connecting elements 38, 40 each may be connected to a corresponding connecting element 38, 40 of an adjacent solar energy roof tile 20.

[0062] A frame 42 is furthermore shown, approximately having the dimensions of the base tile 22 and serving for the accommodation of the absorber 26. Moreover, in the working example shown, the cover 28 is supported on the frame 42 and is connected thereto.

[0063] The second connecting element 40 is guided in a longitudinal groove 44 of the base tile 22. This significantly facilitates assembly of the solar energy roof tile 20 by way of specifically pulling out the second connecting element 40. The longitudinal groove 44 furthermore avoids distortion of the second connecting element 40.

[0064] Finally, it is essential for the outlet line 36, which is arranged between the lower absorber element 32 and the second connection element 40 to be changeable in length. In the working example shown, it is formed as a trumpet pipe, which is formed of two pipe portions which are slidable into each other and having different diameters. The photovoltaic modules 90 comprise electrical cable connections 94. Moreover, a first power line 96 is shown, which helically extends around the outlet lines 36 30 of the absorber 26 and is connected with the second connecting element 40. A second power line 98 is connected to the first connecting element 38. The first power line 96, the second power line 98 and the cable connections 94 are connected to each other, preferably via a plug-in element not shown, such that several solar energy roof tiles 20 are interconnected in a parallel ascending manner. In an especially advantageous embodiment variant, which is not shown herein, the first power line 96 is arranged within the outlet line 36. It may also extend in the interior of the outlet line 36, but the outlet line 36 may also comprise a cavity, preferably a longitudinal channel in its wall, in which longitudinal channel the first power line 96 extends. This has the advantage, that the power line 96 cannot come in contact with the fluid. In the embodiment variant shown, the two connecting elements 38, 40 each have an electrical contact surface, which in turn is electrically conductive connected to the associated power line 96, 98, wherein the contact surfaces, in the assembled state of two connecting elements 38, 40, contact each other, thus causing the electrical connection.

[0065] From the FIGS. 2 to 4, the installation according to the invention of solar energy roof tiles 20 on a roof or a roof supporting structure 24, respectively, becomes clear. FIG. 2 shows a top view of a region of a roof FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section across a row of solar thermal roof tiles 20, and FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the region B from FIG. 3.

[0066] It is to be seen that the solar energy roof tiles 20 which are connected to each other, overlap in some areas, similar to conventional roofing with conventional roof tiles. They abut against the roof supporting structure 24 with their bottom side, i.e. the bottom side of the base tile 22. Especially in FIG. 4 it is shown that respective adjacent solar energy roof tiles 20 arranged one over the other, and are connected to each other via the connecting elements 38, 40. Thus flow-through fluid is passed from a solar energy roof tile 20 through the inlet line 34, the two connecting elements 38, 40, the absorber 26 and the outlet lines 36, or electrical power is passed through the cable connections 94, the two power lines 96,98 and the photovoltaic module 90 to the next solar energy roof tile 20, respectively.

[0067] As it is especially shown in FIG. 4, the solar energy roof tiles 20 are mounted via the retaining collars 100 into the roof supporting structure 24, the especially roof battens. The retaining collars engage behind the roof supporting structure 24. FIG. 5 illustrates the design of the solar energy roof tile 20 according to the invention. It is to be seen that the first connecting element 38 is followed by the inlet line 34 and leading to the lower absorber element 32. After the fluid flows through the lower absorber element 32 and has appropriately been heated it is passed to the second connecting element 40 through the outlet line 36.

[0068] For installation of the solar thermal roof tiles 20 it is furthermore of advantage, that the absorber 26, especially the upper absorber element 30 as well as the cover 28, do not entirely cover the first connection element 38 so that it easily remains accessible during tiling the roof. The first connection element 38 will finally be first covered by the installed adjacent solar energy roof tile 20, thereby being no longer visible in the installed state.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section of a solar energy roof tile 20 having extended second connection element 40. The outlet line 36, which, in the working example shown, is formed as a trumpet pipe, is changeable in length, so that the second connection element 40 may be pulled out beyond the overall dimensions of the solar energy roof tile 20. It then protrudes opposite of the respective edge or side of the solar energy roof tile 20 and may smoothly be connected to an adjacent first connection element 38.

[0070] FIG. 7 explains, by way of a top view representation of the solar energy roof tile 20, that in the initial state, there are no elements protruding over the overall dimensions of the solar energy roof tile 20. The overall dimensions are specified by the two transverse sides 80 and the two longitudinal sides 82. It may as well be seen that an accommodation opening 46 of the first connecting element 38, in the initial state, is not covered by the absorber 26 or the cover 28, but is open towards the top, i.e. towards the direction facing away from the base tile 22. The accommodation opening 46 essentially is formed as being T-shaped.

[0071] The FIGS. 8 and 9 exemplify the advantageous connection of two solar energy roof tiles 20 via the two connecting elements 38, 40. The two connecting elements 38, 40 are shown in longitudinal section view, wherein the outlet line 36 is not being drawn. What may be seen is the accommodation opening 46 (or accommodating recess), into which the second connecting element 40 is insertable. The T-shape causes the connection to be secured in essentially horizontal direction, i.e. in the extension direction of the second connecting element 40, and the two connecting elements 38, 40 may not be disengaged from each other.

[0072] In addition, spring-loaded pins 48 are to be seen as snap-in elements. In the working example shown, two pins 48 are provided, each one of which being oriented parallel adjacent to the outlet line 36.

[0073] A spring element 50 urges the respective pin 48 towards an accommodation 52, which is arranged in the second connecting element 40. A snap-in or click connection will thereby result, which also secures essentially in the vertical direction, i.e. transversally to the extension direction of the second connecting element 40. The pins 48 each have a conically shaped free end, the diameter of which is dimensioned such that the pins 48 will not be entirely inserted into the respective accommodation 52. In this way, it will be achieved that the spring force of the spring element 50 acts towards an appropriate edge of the respective accommodation 52, thus urging the second connecting element 40 against an opposite opening of the inlet line 34. The openings of the outlet line 36 and the inlet line 34 therein abut against each other. The pressure of the spring element 50 causes a tight connection between the two connecting elements 38, 40 and the electrical connection between the contact surfaces to be assured.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, an edge of the accommodation 52 and the outer surface of the pins 48 serve as contact surfaces for the electrical connection of the two connecting elements 38, 40.

[0075] FIG. 9 furthermore shows that, in the assembled state of the two connecting elements 38, 40, an access opening 54 for a tool 56 results. Into this access opening 54, an angular-shaped tool 56 is insertable, by which tool the two pins 48 may be pushed back against the spring force of the spring element 50, thus allowing release of the two connecting elements 38, 40 from each other.

[0076] From FIG. 10 it will be seen how a system is to be designed, which makes use of the solar energy roof tile according to the invention 20. Relatively cold fluid is supplied to the solar energy roof tiles 20 via a cold-water line 58. Said fluid will be heated when flowing through the solar energy roof tiles 20 connected to each other and will be recycled via a hot water line 60 back to the heat exchanger 62, or alternatively will be recycled back to direct utilization. The two connecting lines, i.e. the cold-water line 58 and the hot water line 60, couple the solar energy roof tiles 20 to the utilization facility, for example a water supply system of house. A main power line 92 extends parallel to the cold-water line 58 and the hot water line 60 (cf. FIG. 13). The main power line 92 may sectionally be arranged in the region of a gutter board of the roof.

[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates the conveyance of the relatively cold fluid via a feeding line 64 to the solar energy roof tiles 20. The feeding line 64 preferably is arranged in the region of a gutter board of the roof. A row of solar energy roof tiles 20, which are arranged in the edge region of an area of solar energy roof tiles 20 according to the invention, preferably the lower row of a roof, is coupled to feeding line 64 via a supply feeding line 66. The supply feeding line 66 connects the feeding line 64 to each of the first connection element 38 of a solar energy roof tile 20.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows attachment of the solar energy roof tiles 20 of the uppermost row to a collecting line 68. A collecting supply line 70 extends from the second connection element 38 into the collecting line 68, feeding heated fluid thereto.

[0079] FIG. 13 illustrates an advantageous installation of the connecting lines, i.e. the cold-water line 58 and the hot water line 60 as well as the main power line 92, in some places within a downspout 72. In this case, the downspout 72 preferably is divided into two compartments by a separating wall 74, wherein a first compartment 76 is for discharging rain water, a second compartment 78 is for accommodating the two connecting lines 58, 60 and the main power line 92. This mode of installation, on the one hand, is cost-effective and quickly feasible, on the other hand the external appearance of the house will not negatively be effected.

[0080] The FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternative mode of connecting by means of a rotary slide 102 in a schematic diagram. The rotary slide 102 replaces the retaining collars 100 and, accordingly, is arranged approximately in that region. The solar energy roof tiles according to invention 20 are engaged into the roof supporting structure 24 via the rotary slide 102.

[0081] The rotary slide 102 has a free space 104, via which the roof supporting structure 24 may be released as it is, so that the solar energy roof tile 20 is displaceable in an axial direction. For pulling out or inserting the solar energy roof tile 20, the rotary slide 102 is required to be turned into the appropriate position, so that it no longer engages behind the roof supporting structure 24. For this, the rotary slide 102 comprises a rotational axis 106 (cf. FIG. 15).

[0082] The rotary slide 102 simultaneously is the abutment for the second connecting element 40, which otherwise could be further displaced into the axial direction. This especially arises from FIG. 16. The second connecting element 40 is guided in an accommodation 108 and has a step design, with a lower base body 110 and an upper base body 112, wherein the lower base body 110 in transversal direction to the longitudinal axis of the solar energy roof tile 20 is formed broader than the upper base body 112.

[0083] The accommodation 108 comprises a through opening 114, through which the upper base body 112 may axially be passed due to its lower width, whereas the lower base body 110 may not be passed through. Moreover, an undercut 116 is provided in the range of the through opening 114, against which the lower base body 110 abuts from the bottom, and thus may not be guided out of the accommodation 108 and to the top.

[0084] FIG. 16 shows another advantageous embodiment variant, where adjacent to the rotary slide 102, a sledge 122 is additionally provided, which facilitates and secures the connection. The sledge 122 is spring-loaded and biased at its base position via a compression spring 118. A lever 120 maintains the sledge 116 in its biased position by contacting an abutment. If the second connecting element 40 is inserted into the first connecting element 38 from the top, the lever 120 is pushed downwards and becomes disengaged from the abutment, thus releasing the spring force. The sledge 116 moves towards the rotary slide 102 to contact it. Meanwhile, it is located below the two undercuts 116 with its lower base body 110. Thus, the second connecting element 40 is maintained both in the axial direction by the rotary slide 102, and in the vertical direction by the undercut 116. Advancing the sledge 122 also causes a line portion 126, which is part of the inlet line 34, to be pushed into the outlet line 36 of the second connecting element 40. Moreover, electrical contacts are closed to transfer the electrical energy (not shown).

[0085] Furthermore, FIG. 15 shows a lock bolt 124, via which the solar energy roof tile 20 is attachable to the roof supporting structure 24, for example as a wind suction protection.

[0086] The invention is not limited to the working examples shown and represented, but also includes other possible embodiments. Especially, instead of the outlet line 36, the inlet line 34 or even both lines 34, 36 may be formed as being changeable in length. Instead of the base tile 22, it is also conceivable that the absorber 26 is for mounting directly to the roof structure 24, i.e. the base tile 22 may thus be omitted.