ABSTRACT
Abstract
An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/648,672, filed Mar. 27, 2018 and entitled âROOFTOP SOLAR SHADE STRUCTURE,â and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for providing a solar energy shade structure over rooftops.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rooftop solar energy generation systems have been installed on the roofs of some buildings for many years. These systems have certain similarities. For example, most such systems are held to the roof by ballast and therefore add a significant weight load to the roof. Alternatively, some solar energy generation systems are held to the roof by bolts that penetrate the roof surface creating many locations for possible water leaks. In either case, the roof is compromised by adding traditional rooftop solar due to the weight of the solar panels and, additionally by the significant additional weight of the ballast it has to carry or by the many dispersed small penetrations required to secure the panels to the roof.
These solar energy generation systems are mounted low to the roof, and therefore take up space on the roof. It is also necessary to leave adequate space between rows of panels for a person to walk to facilitate servicing or removing the panels and to prevent self-shading problems. It is further necessary to leave open spaces on the roof for access aisles to rooftop equipment. In addition, it is necessary to leave open spaces around all rooftop equipment so the solar panels are not in the rooftop equipment's shadow pattern at any point during the day, throughout the year. Another disadvantage is that the roof surface must be resurfaced every several years, and when that occurs, the solar panels have to be removed to permit the resurfacing activity.
With these installations, not only is the roof compromised but the percentage of the roof that can be covered is relatively low. Often less than 30% of a roof can be covered with solar panels. See FIG. 1 . Thus, it is desirable to have new and improved rooftop solar systems to address these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, wherein the building has a building support structure. In this example embodiment, the solar structure comprises: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building; and a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising: extending a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a roof, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred from the array of solar panels over the roof to the steel frame structure of the building; and wherein at least portion of a support structure for the array of solar panels is integrated into the steel frame structure of the building.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop equipment located on a roof, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred directly from the array of solar panels over the roof to the steel frame structure of the building.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over rooftop equipment.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for specifying smaller AC units, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over the AC units and shading the AC units with the array of solar panels or a portion thereof.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for extending the life of a roof, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop and shading it with solar panels.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of the building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a roof and shading the roof with the array of solar panels or a portion thereof.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame holding the solar panels between 4 and 20 feet above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop.
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building; a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building, wherein the plurality of solar panels comprises an array of solar panels, wherein the solar structure supports the array of solar panels located over all or a portion of the roof of the building and at least one rooftop equipment; and a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow the at least one rooftop equipment to be lifted off of the roof through the solar structure, wherein the movable portion further comprises at least two solar panels of the plurality of solar panels.
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising: a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of solar panels form a solar array; a plurality of vertical supports for supporting the solar array, wherein the solar array is located over the roof of the building and over at least one rooftop equipment; and a movable portion configured to move to create an opening that allows the at least one rooftop equipment to be lifted off of the roof through the solar structure.
In an example embodiment, a rooftop solar system is disclosed comprising: a solar array which shades a roof and rooftop equipment, the solar array having: a fixed portion, and at least one movable portion, comprising at least two solar panels of a plurality of solar panels of the solar array, and configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow access to the rooftop equipment from above the solar array.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for designing the interior support structure of a building, the method comprising combining the interior support structure with a solar energy support structure above the roof consisting of columns and beams to reduce the required strength of the support structure below the roof as compared to the required strength of the support structure below the roof without the solar energy support structure above the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and where:
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical rooftop solar energy system;
FIG. 2 illustrates a rooftop solar system, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rooftop solar system in FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 4 illustrates a side cutaway showing rooftop equipment and a person under the solar structure, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a side cutaway showing extended building columns supporting the solar structure, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 6 illustrates a side cutaway showing solar support columns attached to the upper building beams, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate, various ways to move or remove a section of solar panels from the solar panel array, in accordance with various example embodiments;
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a solar array structure and the solar panels at various fixed angles, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 9 illustrates various relative angles of roofs, solar panels and support beams, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 10 illustrates the positioning and attaching of solar panels from underneath the structure;
FIG. 11 illustrates a building with a solar structure having some of the solar panels removed to allow antennas to project through, and some spaces for solar panels covered instead by other types of panels;
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a rooftop solar system on a building with a design formed by the solar panels; and
FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate the reduced stress due to wind uplift forces imparted on a building's structure after adding the elevated solar array structure to the building's design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description is of various example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of the manufacturing functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. As used herein, the terms âcoupled,â âcoupling,â or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection.
For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for mechanical system construction, management, operation, measurement, optimization, and/or control, as well as conventional techniques for mechanical power transfer, modulation, control, and/or use, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a modular structure.
In an example embodiment, an elevated solar structure is disclosed, where the solar structure is elevated over and covering all or a significant portion of a roof of a building. The solar structure may be located over equipment on the roof of the building. The solar structure may comprise movable/removable portions that move to allow rooftop equipment to pass through the solar structure, for loading and unloading the rooftop equipment from the roof. As used herein, the roof is the upper surface of the building and does not include the structural members of the building supporting the roof.
The solar structure may be configured to provide shade to a roof of a building that has a building support structure, wherein the solar structure comprises a plurality of vertical supports and a plurality of connecting beams, and wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building. A plurality of solar panels may be supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and may be configured to provide shade to the roof of the building. In an example embodiment, the plurality of vertical supports transfer the load of the solar structure, comprising the weight load of the solar structure, the seismic load of the solar structure, and the wind load of the solar structure, directly to the building support structure.
In an example embodiment, the solar structure may comprise vertical supports directly supported by the support structure of the building, without adding weight to the roof.
With reference now to FIG. 1 , a typical rooftop solar system is illustrated. The rooftop solar system comprises roof mounted solar panels 100 , rooftop equipment 110 , and service/ walk aisles 120 . The rooftop solar system further comprises a roof surface 130 . The roof mounted solar panels 100 may be held to the roof by ballast and therefore add a significant weight load to the roof. Alternatively, the roof mounted solar panels 100 may be held to the roof by bolts or other
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/648,672, filed Mar. 27, 2018 and entitled âROOFTOP SOLAR SHADE STRUCTURE,â and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for providing a solar energy shade structure over rooftops.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rooftop solar energy generation systems have been installed on the roofs of some buildings for many years. These systems have certain similarities. For example, most such systems are held to the roof by ballast and therefore add a significant weight load to the roof. Alternatively, some solar energy generation systems are held to the roof by bolts that penetrate the roof surface creating many locations for possible water leaks. In either case, the roof is compromised by adding traditional rooftop solar due to the weight of the solar panels and, additionally by the significant additional weight of the ballast it has to carry or by the many dispersed small penetrations required to secure the panels to the roof.
These solar energy generation systems are mounted low to the roof, and therefore take up space on the roof. It is also necessary to leave adequate space between rows of panels for a person to walk to facilitate servicing or removing the panels and to prevent self-shading problems. It is further necessary to leave open spaces on the roof for access aisles to rooftop equipment. In addition, it is necessary to leave open spaces around all rooftop equipment so the solar panels are not in the rooftop equipment's shadow pattern at any point during the day, throughout the year. Another disadvantage is that the roof surface must be resurfaced every several years, and when that occurs, the solar panels have to be removed to permit the resurfacing activity.
With these installations, not only is the roof compromised but the percentage of the roof that can be covered is relatively low. Often less than 30% of a roof can be covered with solar panels. See FIG. 1 . Thus, it is desirable to have new and improved rooftop solar systems to address these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, wherein the building has a building support structure. In this example embodiment, the solar structure comprises: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building; and a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising: extending a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a roof, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred from the array of solar panels over the roof to the steel frame structure of the building; and wherein at least portion of a support structure for the array of solar panels is integrated into the steel frame structure of the building.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop equipment located on a roof, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred directly from the array of solar panels over the roof to the steel frame structure of the building.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over rooftop equipment.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for specifying smaller AC units, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over the AC units and shading the AC units with the array of solar panels or a portion thereof.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for extending the life of a roof, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop and shading it with solar panels.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of the building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a roof and shading the roof with the array of solar panels or a portion thereof.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, the method comprising constructing a steel frame structure of a building, the steel frame structure comprising a steel frame holding the solar panels between 4 and 20 feet above a roof surface for purpose of supporting an array of solar panels over a rooftop.
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building; a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building, wherein the plurality of solar panels comprises an array of solar panels, wherein the solar structure supports the array of solar panels located over all or a portion of the roof of the building and at least one rooftop equipment; and a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow the at least one rooftop equipment to be lifted off of the roof through the solar structure, wherein the movable portion further comprises at least two solar panels of the plurality of solar panels.
In an example embodiment, a solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising: a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of solar panels form a solar array; a plurality of vertical supports for supporting the solar array, wherein the solar array is located over the roof of the building and over at least one rooftop equipment; and a movable portion configured to move to create an opening that allows the at least one rooftop equipment to be lifted off of the roof through the solar structure.
In an example embodiment, a rooftop solar system is disclosed comprising: a solar array which shades a roof and rooftop equipment, the solar array having: a fixed portion, and at least one movable portion, comprising at least two solar panels of a plurality of solar panels of the solar array, and configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow access to the rooftop equipment from above the solar array.
In an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for designing the interior support structure of a building, the method comprising combining the interior support structure with a solar energy support structure above the roof consisting of columns and beams to reduce the required strength of the support structure below the roof as compared to the required strength of the support structure below the roof without the solar energy support structure above the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and where:
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical rooftop solar energy system;
FIG. 2 illustrates a rooftop solar system, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rooftop solar system in FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 4 illustrates a side cutaway showing rooftop equipment and a person under the solar structure, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a side cutaway showing extended building columns supporting the solar structure, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 6 illustrates a side cutaway showing solar support columns attached to the upper building beams, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate, various ways to move or remove a section of solar panels from the solar panel array, in accordance with various example embodiments;
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a solar array structure and the solar panels at various fixed angles, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 9 illustrates various relative angles of roofs, solar panels and support beams, in accordance with an example embodiment;
FIG. 10 illustrates the positioning and attaching of solar panels from underneath the structure;
FIG. 11 illustrates a building with a solar structure having some of the solar panels removed to allow antennas to project through, and some spaces for solar panels covered instead by other types of panels;
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a rooftop solar system on a building with a design formed by the solar panels; and
FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate the reduced stress due to wind uplift forces imparted on a building's structure after adding the elevated solar array structure to the building's design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description is of various example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of the manufacturing functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. As used herein, the terms âcoupled,â âcoupling,â or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection.
For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for mechanical system construction, management, operation, measurement, optimization, and/or control, as well as conventional techniques for mechanical power transfer, modulation, control, and/or use, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a modular structure.
In an example embodiment, an elevated solar structure is disclosed, where the solar structure is elevated over and covering all or a significant portion of a roof of a building. The solar structure may be located over equipment on the roof of the building. The solar structure may comprise movable/removable portions that move to allow rooftop equipment to pass through the solar structure, for loading and unloading the rooftop equipment from the roof. As used herein, the roof is the upper surface of the building and does not include the structural members of the building supporting the roof.
The solar structure may be configured to provide shade to a roof of a building that has a building support structure, wherein the solar structure comprises a plurality of vertical supports and a plurality of connecting beams, and wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a first height above a surface of the roof of the building. A plurality of solar panels may be supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and may be configured to provide shade to the roof of the building. In an example embodiment, the plurality of vertical supports transfer the load of the solar structure, comprising the weight load of the solar structure, the seismic load of the solar structure, and the wind load of the solar structure, directly to the building support structure.
In an example embodiment, the solar structure may comprise vertical supports directly supported by the support structure of the building, without adding weight to the roof.
With reference now to FIG. 1 , a typical rooftop solar system is illustrated. The rooftop solar system comprises roof mounted solar panels 100 , rooftop equipment 110 , and service/ walk aisles 120 . The rooftop solar system further comprises a roof surface 130 . The roof mounted solar panels 100 may be held to the roof by ballast and therefore add a significant weight load to the roof. Alternatively, the roof mounted solar panels 100 may be held to the roof by bolts or other anchors that penetrate the roof surface 130 and that create many locations for possible water leaks. In an example embodiment, these roof-mounted solar panels 100 are mounted low to the roof, and therefore take up space on the roof. These typical roof-mounted solar panels 100 also need to have service/ walk aisles 120 between rows of panels, for a person to walk, to facilitate servicing or removing the panels, and/or to prevent self-shading problems. In the typical configuration of FIG. 1 , it is further necessary to leave open spaces on the roof (1) for rooftop equipment, (2) for service/ walk aisles 120 around the rooftop equipment, and (3) so the solar panels are not in the equipment's shadow pattern at any point during the day, throughout the year. Therefore, with these installations, the percentage of the roof that can be covered is relatively low. Often less than 30% of a roof can be covered with solar panels.
Another disadvantage is that with the roof mounted solar panels 100 , the roof surface must be resurfaced every several years, and when that occurs, the solar panels have to be removed to permit the resurfacing activity. This involves a large amount of labor, lost energy generation, and the possibility of breakage of the solar panels.
The rooftop equipment 110 may comprise, for example, fans, air conditioners, exhaust scrubbers, electrical equipment, HVAC units, and/or the like.
With reference now to FIG. 2 , an example rooftop solar system is disclosed. The rooftop solar system may also be referred to herein as a solar/ shade structure 200 . In an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 provides shade to a roof 211 of a building 210 . The shade may be provided by panels 230 , preferably solar panels and/or shade panels laid out in an array supported by a solar array support structure 220 .
In this example, it is noted that the solar/ shade structure 200 covers a large percentage of the roof 211 of the building 210 . For example, the solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to cover 100% of the roof 211 of the building 210 . In various embodiments, the solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to extend beyond the vertical projection of the roof of the building. In other embodiments, the solar structure may be configured to cover 75%-100% of the roof of the building. Moreover, the solar structure may be configured to cover a large contiguous area over the roof of the building, regardless of the percentage of the building covered.
In an example embodiment, the solar array support structure comprises cantilevered portions projecting exterior to outermost vertical supports of the solar array support structure. For example, the cantilevered portions may be within a vertical projection of a roof area. In another example, the cantilevered portions may extend beyond the vertical projection of the roof area.
In particular, the solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to cover a contiguous area covering rooftop equipment without interruption of the array of solar panels supported by the solar structure. The solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to cover a contiguous area over the roof without aisles (service aisles or walk aisles) being located between the solar panels in the array of solar panels. Similarly, the solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to cover a contiguous area, over rooftop equipment and open spaces (service aisles, walk aisles, open space around the rooftop equipment, or other rooftop open space), with an array of solar panels that is uninterrupted by the rooftop equipment and/or open space. That said, a contiguous array of solar panels may nonetheless comprise openings for antennas, satellite dishes, exhaust stacks, movable/removable portions, and the like, and still be considered to cover a contiguous area. In an example embodiment, the solar structure may comprise an opening in a solar panel array that is sized and located as needed. The opening may accommodate tall equipment, such as cooling towers, antennas, exhaust stacks, or the like. In some embodiments, the manufacturer required vertical clearance above the equipment may necessitate an opening. For example, certain equipment or structures on the rooftop may be taller than the elevated solar panel array, or near enough in height to the height of the elevated solar panel array to lack the required clearance. In other example embodiments, a clear path to the sky may be advisable for antennas, exhaust stacks, cooling towers, and the like.
In another example embodiment, solar/ shade structure 200 may be configured to provide one or more patches of solar structures covering portions of the rooftop. For example, solar/ shade structure 200 may be at least 20 feet in length and at least 20 feet in width, in other example embodiments, the solar/ shade structure 200 may be at least 30 feet, 40 feet, 60 feet, or 90 feet in length and may be at least 30 feet, 40 feet, 60 feet, or 90 feet in width. Moreover, the solar structure can be very large, for example, over a million square feet. In another example embodiment, the solar structure covers substantially all the rooftop equipment. In another example embodiment, the solar structure covers multiple pieces of rooftop equipment. In another example embodiment, all of the roof top equipment can be covered by one or more solar structures.
Moreover, it is anticipated that in some instances, the size of the solar structure may be limited by the amount of power that can be used on site. In this example embodiment, the size of the solar structure may be reduced accordingly, or shade panels may be used in the place of solar panels, to provide the shade while still covering a large portion of the building roof and/or equipment.
In these embodiments, the solar array support structure 220 and the solar panels it supports are located high above the roof. For example, the array of solar panels and supporting beams may be supported at a height above the roof so as to have a clearance great enough to clear the rooftop equipment and/or people walking under the solar structure on the roof. This will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . Thus, the solar/ shade structure 200 takes up no space on the roof (with the possible exception of the vertical supports). In an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 is thus configured such that the roof can be resurfaced without removing the solar panels. In another example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 can eliminate the requirement to leave open space near the roof's parapets to avoid the parapet's shadow pattern. In another example embodiment, solar/ shade structure 200 allows natural airflow around the rooftop equipment. Thus, in an example embodiment, solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to cover a high percentage of a roof, or a large contiguous area of the roof, with solar panels for efficient energy generation that still allows easy access to all parts of the roof and to all rooftop equipment.
In an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 weight is supported directly by the building support structure. In this example embodiment, the roof does not support the weight of the solar/ shade structure 200 , or stated another way is a non-loaded roof from the perspective of the solar/ shade structure 200 . The weight of the solar/ shade structure 200 can be passed right through the building support structure to the ground. This is contrary to current practices that load the roof with the solar panel weight and often with additional ballast that holds the solar panels and structure to the roof.
In an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 is designed at the time the building support structure is designed. The solar structure is configured to reduce the uplift wind load forces imparted on the upper interior structure of the building. Therefore, in an example embodiment, the solar structure is configured to facilitate using lighter, less expensive components on the upper interior structure of the building, than would be used without the solar structure.
In this context, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 13A-13D , the uplift wind load forces on the roof of an example building are illustrated with and without an example solar structure.
FIG. 13A illustrates the estimated wind load uplift forces on the roof of an example building without a solar structure (with the wind moving in the X direction, against the short side of the structure, and the uplift in the Y direction). FIG. 13B illustrates the estimated wind load uplift forces on the same roof with an example solar structure over that roof. Similarly, FIG. 13C illustrates the estimated wind load uplift forces on the roof of an example building without a solar structure (with the wind moving in the Z direction, against the long side of the structure, and the uplift in the Y direction). FIG. 13D illustrates the estimated wind load uplift forces on the same roof of FIG. 13C with an example solar structure over that roof.
The differences in uplift load are illustrated numerically with reference to Table 1 below. Although the numbers will change for each structure, depending on the location of the structure, the dimensions of the structure, regional wind speeds, and the like, Table 1 illustrates that the average pressure (uplift forces) on the roof can be lower when a solar structure is installed. In this example, the average pressure (due to X-direction wind) is 9.803% lower for the building with the solar structure than without the solar structure. For the Z-direction wind it is a 3.911% lower average pressure for the building with the solar structure than without the solar structure.
TABLE 1
Tabulated Results from Wind Studies
Wind in X-Direction
Wind in Y-Direction
Max Pressure
Average Pressure
Force
Max Pressure
Average Pressure
Force
(psf)
(psf)
(lbf)
(psf)
(psf)
(lbf)
Structure
Building Structure
â14.545
â4.672
403,132
â17.022
â8.106
701,518
Roof Frame
Building Structure
â13.961
â4.214
364,329
â18.745
â7.789
674,674
with Solar Cover
Solar Roof
Percent Difference
4.015%
9.803%
9.625%
â10.122%
3.911%
3.827%
Frame
Solar Cover Only
â13.058
â1.88â
â46,709
â14.154
â2.019
â57,976
Wind loads, in some building designs, can drive the size of the structural members (e.g., steel beams and the like). Thus, in an example embodiment, where the uplift loads control the size of the structural member used in the internal structure of a building, and particularly for example the roof structural beams, a structural designer can reduce the size of the structural member by adding a solar structure to the roof of the building. The reduction in size is commensurate with size dictated by roof uplift forces for a roof without a solar structure compared to a roof with the solar structure. Stated another way, in an example embodiment, a method is disclosed for designing the interior support structure of a building by combining the interior support structure with a solar energy support structure above the roof consisting of columns and beams and solar panels to reduce the required strength of the support structure below the roof as compared to the required strength of the support structure below the roof without the solar energy support structure above the roof.
With reference now to FIG. 3 , which illustrates an exploded view of the solar structure of FIG. 2 , in accordance with an example embodiment, the building 210 may be a commercial building, a school, a warehouse, and/or any building suitable for adding a large solar panel array over the roof of the building. The building may further comprise rooftop gathering areas such as rooftop restaurants, pools, break area, patios and the like. The building 210 may further comprise rooftop equipment 215 . The rooftop equipment 215 may comprise, for example, fans, air conditioners, exhaust scrubbers, electrical equipment, HVAC units, and/or the like.
Rooftop equipment that is directly exposed to the sun, and thereby subjected to the at times intense heat from the sun's radiation, will typically degrade and/or perform at a sub-optimum level. This is particularly true with the rooftop equipment that is not shaded. For example, rooftop air conditioning units operate less efficiently and with shorter lives when exposed to direct sunlight. While one could theoretically erect another roof or shade over the equipment and first roof, this cannot be done efficiently, and so it has not been a practical answer to the problem. Doing so would be expensive and/or would limit the ability to remove and add equipment.
In accordance with an example embodiment, here the solar array 331 is configured to shade most or all of the rooftop equipment 215 from direct sunlight and therefore, the solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to improve the efficiency and product life of the rooftop equipment 215 by protecting it from most of the direct sunlight that would otherwise fall on the rooftop equipment 215 . Thus, solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to not only provide shade to the rooftop equipment 215 , but to generate electricity, thus economically covering the rooftop equipment 215 , such as air conditioning systems, to improve their efficiency and longevity.
In accordance with another example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to greatly reduce the amount of heat that enters the building 210 through its roof 211 . Increasingly, new buildings and existing buildings that are replacing the roof materials are subject to state and local âcool roofâ codes or standards that mandate solutions to reduce the heat entering the building through the roof. These standards often require the use of reflective materials to decrease radiant roof temperature (up to 50 degrees over non-reflective materials). One example is the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (Title 24, Part 6) which contains requirements for the thermal emittance, three-year aged reflectance, and Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of roofing materials used in new construction and re-roofing projects. These cool roofing standards are designed to: reduce building energy demand by reducing air conditioning needs, improve indoor comfort in spaces not served by air conditioning, extend roof life, and contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect by reducing local air temps. These cool roof codes are likely to make the most impact on buildings with a large roof area relative to building height, such as warehouses, which make ideal candidates for cool roofing, as the roof surface area is the main source of heat gain to such buildings.
In an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to eliminate the need to use reflective roofing materials, at least to the extent of coverage of the roof by the solar structure. The solar/ shade structure 200 may further be configured to extend the roof life by shading the roof material from the sun's rays and reducing the radiant roof temperature. The solar/ shade structure 200 may be further configured to reduce the solar radiation and heat load on the roof and thereby permit reduced R-value insulation to be specified for the roof than would otherwise be specified without the solar/ shade structure 200 . The solar/ shade structure 200 may further be configured to extend the life of equipment on the roof by reducing exposure to the sun's rays and reducing the radiant temperature of the equipment. The solar/ shade structure 200 may further be configured to allow sizing of smaller rooftop equipment (i.e., mechanical equipment such as air conditioning and evap. cooling equipment). The solar/ shade structure 200 may further be configured to reduce building energy demand by shading the entire surface area (or a significant portion thereof) while also converting the sun's rays, that otherwise would have been directed to the roof, to clean PV power, thus offsetting demand from the grid. The solar/ shade structure 200 may further be configured to reduce peak power demand during the hottest portions of the day by reducing energy demand and also producing maximum power output from the solar array during the hottest part of the day. Thus, the cool roof goals can be achieved better through the solar/ shade structure 200 than through changing the reflective materials. Thus, in an example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 is configured to efficiently shade the roof so less heat enters a building through the roof. With all these benefits, the solar structure can economically be installed over the roof of the building.
In another example embodiment, the solar/ shade structure 200 may cover all of or a portion of a rooftop dining area, a rooftop pool, a rooftop patio, rooftop bar or lounge, and or the like. The solar/ shade structure 200 is configured, in an example embodiment to provide shade to create an enjoyable environment under which people may be inclined to more comfortably gather and socialize.
The solar/ shade structure 200 may comprise solar panels 330 . A plurality of solar panels 330 may be laid out in an array to form a solar array 331 . In an example embodiment, the solar panels are at a fixed orientation relative to the solar/ shade structure 200 . In this example embodiment, the solar panels are not configured to track the sun. In this example embodiment, the solar panels can be fixed in position on purlins 321 that are supported by connecting beams 322 on top of vertical supports 324 . This fixed orientation is primarily discussed herein and has advantages over tracking solar panels. For example, tracking solar panels may require more space between the solar panels to avoid self-shading and this results in a lower panel density. However, in another example embodiment, the solar panels are tracking panels mounted in any suitable manner to change their orientation relative to the solar structure. The tracking panels will typically create less shade than the fixed panels described herein because the space between tracking panels must be greater than that which can be used with fixed panels to create optimal shade. Nevertheless, the panels can be tracking or fixed orientation panels, or a combination thereof, in various example embodiments.
Thus, in an example embodiment, rooftop equipment is shaded by covering the equipment with an elevated solar panel array. For example, the solar panel array may be configured to cover one or more pieces of rooftop equipment. In an example embodiment, the sides of the solar structure are left open to allow natural airflow around the roof and cool the rooftop equipment. In an example embodiment, the structure supporting the elevated solar panel array is integral to the building support structure.
In an example embodiment, the solar panels are supported by purlins 321 .
The purlins 321 may be supported by connecting beams 322 . And the connecting beams 322 are supported above the roof and equipment by vertical supports 324 . In an example embodiment, the connecting beams are attached to the upper portions of the vertical supports 324 . For example, the connecting beams 322 may span from a first vertical support to a second vertical support. The connecting beams may span for example 20-90 feet, 30-60 feet, or preferably about 30 feet, from one vertical support to another. However, the connecting beams can be of any suitable length. In an example embodiment, the connecting beams 322 form a planar assembly of beams supported by the vertical supports. The connecting beams 322 may comprise wide-flange beams, channel iron, C beams, trusses and/or the like. Moreover, the connecting beams 322 may comprise any suitable structural members that support the purlins 321 and/or solar panels 330 and that are in turn supported by the vertical supports.
The purlins 321 may comprise, for example, rust resistant materials or have rust resistant coatings and may comprise, for example, any shape of bar stock including C, L and Z channels. Moreover, the purlins 321 may comprise any suitable structural member(s) that support the solar panels on the connecting beams. In an example embodiment, the purlins 321 support the solar panels 330 . One or more purlins 321 may support one or more solar panels 330 . Thus, in an example embodiment, a plurality of <figure-callout id
CLAIMS
Claims ( 20 )
We claim:
1. A solar structure for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising:
a building support structure;
the roof coupled to the building support structure;
a plurality of vertical supports;
a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a height above a surface of the roof of the building;
a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building; and
a fixed section of the solar structure, wherein the fixed section of the solar structure comprises a first subset of the plurality of solar panels, and wherein the fixed section of the solar structure is fixed during operation;
wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple a load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure; and wherein the plurality of solar panels comprises an array of solar panels, wherein the solar structure supports the array of solar panels located over all or a portion of the roof of the building.
2. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports transfer the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure without adding the load to the roof.
3. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports are attached to, and in-line with, corresponding columns of the building support structure.
4. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports comprise a continuous column that is part of the building support structure and that extends from below the roof up to at least one of the plurality of connecting beams.
5. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports comprise a continuous column that is part of the building support structure and that extends from a foundation up to at least one of the plurality of connecting beams.
6. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports are attached to the building support structure, but offset from, corresponding columns of the building support structure.
7. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of vertical supports are attached directly to trusses of the building support structure.
8. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports are integral with the building support structure.
9. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of vertical supports are attached to at least one of the plurality of connecting beams at a first end and to the building support structure at a second end of each of the plurality of vertical supports.
10. The solar structure of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of vertical supports are each attached to the building support structure by one of the following techniques:
a vertical support, of the plurality of vertical supports, is attached to, and in-line with, corresponding columns of the building support structure;
the vertical support, of the plurality of vertical supports, comprises a continuous column that is part of the building support structure and that extends from below the roof up to at least one of the plurality of connecting beams; or
the vertical support, of the plurality of vertical supports, is attached directly to trusses of the building support structure.
11. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the solar structure further comprises a fixed portion, comprising some of the plurality of solar panels, and a movable portion, comprising others of the plurality of solar panels, wherein the movable portion is positioned over rooftop equipment and configured to move from a first position to a second position to facilitate passing the rooftop equipment from below the plurality of solar panels to above the plurality of solar panels.
12. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the height is four feet to twenty feet measured from a point between a highest and a lowest point of the roof to a bottom of the plurality of connecting beams.
13. The solar structure of claim 1 , further comprising:
a movable section of the solar structure, wherein the movable section of the solar structure comprises a second subset of the plurality of solar panels that is different from the first subset of the plurality of solar panels, wherein the movable section is movable from a closed position to an opened position, wherein the opened position opens an area of the solar structure to pass rooftop equipment through an opening formed by moving the movable section to the opened position; wherein the movable section comprises beams and purlins attached to the plurality of connecting beams; and wherein solar panels of the plurality of solar panels are attached to the purlins.
14. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the solar structure is a non-ballast system without bolt penetrations into the roof.
15. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the height of the plurality of connecting beams is selected such that coverage of the roof is not limited by avoidance of shading, at any time of day or year, from any rooftop equipment.
16. The solar structure of claim 1 , wherein the solar structure occupies no more space, at the surface of the roof and at least up to seven feet above the surface of the roof, than that occupied by the plurality of vertical supports.
17. A method of constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising:
extending a steel frame from a foundation to a height above a roof surface; and
supporting, via a support structure connected to the steel frame, an array of solar panels over a roof, wherein the array of solar panels comprise a fixed section including a first subset of the array of solar panels, wherein the fixed section is fixed during operation, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred to the steel frame structure of the building without loading the roof, and wherein at least portion of the support structure for the array of solar panels is integrated into the steel frame structure of the building.
18. A method of constructing a steel frame structure of a building comprising:
constructing a steel frame above a roof surface; and
supporting, via a support structure connected to the steel frame, an array of solar panels at a height above a roof, wherein the array of solar panels comprise a fixed section including a first subset of the array of solar panels, wherein the fixed section is fixed during operation, wherein a load from the array of solar panels is transferred directly from the array of solar panels over the roof to the steel frame structure of the building.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising covering both a rooftop equipment and access pathways to the rooftop equipment with the array of solar panels.
20. A solar structure for providing shade to a roof of a building, the solar structure comprising:
a building support structure;
the roof coupled to the building support structure;
a plurality of vertical supports;
a plurality of connecting beams, wherein the plurality of vertical supports are configured to support the plurality of connecting beams at a height above a surface of the roof of the building;
a plurality of solar panels supported by the plurality of connecting beams over the roof and configured to provide shade to the roof of the building; and
a fixed section of the solar structure, wherein the fixed section of the solar structure comprises a first subset of the plurality of solar panels, and wherein the fixed section of the solar structure is fixed during operation;
wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple a load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure; wherein the plurality of solar panels comprises an array of solar panels, and wherein the solar structure covers 75%-100% of the roof of the building.
US16/367,145
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2019-03-27
Rooftop solar shade structure
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