Apparatus and method for mounting photovoltaic power generating systems on buildings
US7435897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/291
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rectangular PV modules (6) are mounted on a building roof (4) by mounting stands that are distributed in rows and columns. Each stand comprises a base plate (10) that rests on the building roof (4) and first and second brackets (12, 14) of different height attached to opposite ends of the base plate (10). Each bracket (12, 14) has dual members for supporting two different PV modules (6), and each PV module (6) has a mounting pin (84) adjacent to each of its four corners. Each module (6) is supported by attachment of two of its mounting pins (84) to different first brackets (12), whereby the modules (6) and their supporting stands are able to resist uplift forces resulting from high velocity winds without the base plates (10) being physically attached to the supporting roof structure (4). Preferably the second brackets (14) have a telescoping construction that permits their effective height to vary from less than to substantially the same as that of the first brackets (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.