CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/365,062, filed on July 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/371,924, filed August 8, 2016, both of which are relied upon and incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to photovoltaic arrays, and more particularly to a structure and support member for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and associated hardware.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A photovoltaic (PV) installation typically includes a collection of photovoltaic modules combined and placed in a support structure that houses each of the photovoltaic components to form a photovoltaic array. Typically, photovoltaic arrays are placed in an outdoor location to be exposed to sunlight and wind conditions. To promote optimal collection of solar energy, PV modules are mostly installed with an angled/tilted orientation. Further, because PV modules may become damaged by extreme weather conditions, wind deflectors are routinely installed aside to prevent wind from penetrating underneath the PV array. Installing optimally oriented PV modules and associated wind deflection devices often requires a significant number of hardware components to effectively combine and secure the PV modules in a PV array. Installing a significant number of hardware components is often costly and time consuming.

[0004] Given the aforementioned challenges, it is desirable to have a single hardware component that may be used for combining PV modules and associated components in PV arrays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Photovoltaic (PV) arrays routinely require hardware to support construction and installation. Embodiments of the present invention provide a structure and support member for use with PV arrays and wind deflectors that reduces the cost and time associated with installation of both components.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, a structure and support member is provided. The structure and support member features attachment components and surface areas for securing multiple PV modules, wind deflectors and/or similar hardware in a PV array.

[0007] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention that together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a structure and support member for photovoltaic arrays according to aspects of the present invention.

[00010] FIG. 2 is perspective view of an assembly with a wind deflector installed on the structure and support member of FIG. 1 in the middle of a photovoltaic array according to aspects of the present invention.

[00011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a see-through wind deflector and the assembly of FIG. 2.

[00012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a PV array assembly with a wind deflector, the structure and support member of FIG. 1, and a single tilt photovoltaic module according to aspects of the present invention.

[00013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a PV array assembly with a wind deflector, the structure and support member of FIG. 1, and two tilted photovoltaic modules according to aspects of the present invention.

[00014] FIG. 6 is a profile view of a structure and support member for PV arrays according to an aspect of the present invention.

[00015] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the structure and support member of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00016] Embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[00017] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[00018] The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, is directed towards a structure and support member 100/300. The structure and support member 100/300 is configured to provide structure and support to components, including, but not limited to photovoltaic panels, racking components, wind deflectors, ballast pans, roof anchors, and the like commonly used in solar mounting systems. In an aspect, the structure and support member 100/300 can be constructed from aluminum extrusion. In another aspect, the member 100/300 could be constructed from welded aluminum, welded steel, laid- up fiberglass, injection molded plastic or any other suitable method and material know in the art that is durable and can prevent failing from exposure to natural elements.

[00019] In an aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the structure and support member 100 comprises a semi-rectangular frame formed from two side members 102 and 103 extending upward from a base 104 in a slightly angled fashion, as shown In FIG. 1. In an exemplary aspect, the side members 102 and 103 are oriented at an angle that corresponds to the lowest practical wind speeds as determined in wind tunnel testing with member 100. The base 104 provides a support surface for the member 100 when installed atop roofs or similar locations due to the weight/force of associated components (e.g. PV modules). In an aspect, the structure and support member 100 is secured to a mounting surface via the base 104. In an aspect, the structure and support member 100 can be ballasted in place with commonly available concrete blocks. In another aspect, the structure and support member 100 can be anchored to a roof using known fastening means, including, but not limited to, brackets, fasteners, bolts, and the like. The structure and support member 100 features stabilizers 104a and 104b that extend, respectively, from the left and right sides of the base 104. In an aspect, stabilizers 104a and 104b feature intersecting members 105a and 105b that are perpendicular to the stabilizers 104a and 104b. In an aspect, the intersecting members 105a and 105b can be used to attach railing components, mountings, racking components, ballast support, roof anchors, or any other similar hardware know in the art.

[00020] The top portion of member 100 features two equal length, angled inward, protrusions 106 and 107. Protrusions 106 and 107 both feature raised module interfaces 106a and 107a in their respective centers that run the length of the protrusions. The module interfaces 106a and 107a provide a surface area to which PV modules abut when combined into a PV array. The surface area helps to restrict movement of the PV modules and provide structural integrity to the overall construction of a PV array. In addition to the restriction, the surface area aids in locally stabilizing the array during installation before the modules are permanently attached. The module interfaces 106a and 107a each feature apertures 106b and 107b that are configured to receive fasteners used to secure the PV modules. The apertures 106b, 107b receive nuts or studs, or extruded features that are designed to interface with existing or future module clamps or other securing fasteners.

[00021] The angled protrusions 106 and 107 interact with a center structure 108 centered in the top portion of the member 100. In an aspect, the center structure 108 is V-shaped, forming a roof-like structure. The V-shaped center structure 108 is configured to hold wiring or cable management of hardware or trays. In other embodiments, the center structure 108 can feature any other shape suitable to enable desired orientation of PV modules, wind deflectors and/or associated components. In other embodiments, center structure 108 of the structure and support member 100 can have other shapes.

[00022] The center structure 108 features arms 108a and 108b that extend above the angled protrusions 106 and 107. In an aspect, one arm 108b features an angled, flat surface area 108c with a stud 108d extending from its center. In an aspect, the stud 108d can be a threaded stud 108d received by a hole (not shown) in the flat surface area 108c. In other aspects, the stud 108d can be an extruded feature into which a screw or snap-on fastener or connector is inserted. In other embodiments, arm 108a can also feature a flat surface area with a stud extending from the surface area. In an aspect, the stud 108d is centered in the middle of the surface area 108c; however, it can be oriented in a variety of locations as deemed desirable. The surface area (e.g. 108c) provides a contact area to which a wind deflector 200 (FIG. 2) may rest/abut while being held in place by the peg (e.g. 108d). The stud 108d is configured to mate with slot 200a (FIG. 2), or any similar structure typically found on wind deflectors or related components, such that the mating of the stud 180d and slot 200a, and in some cases another securing means, secures the wind deflector in place. In an aspect, the stud 108d can be threaded, with a nut bolt being used as the other securing means. In other embodiments, hitch pins, push-on fasteners, and the like can be used.

[00023] In an aspect, one of the side members 103 features a first extension 109. In an aspect, the first extension can be a rectangular flat-surface extension 109, the flat-surface extension 109 located approximately two-thirds the length of the side member 103 from the base 104. The rectangular flat-surface extension 109 extends from the side member 103 angled at a degree complimentary to the angled flat surface area 108c. The rectangular flat-surface extension 109 provides a contact area to support a wind deflector 200 as it rests/abuts the extension 109. In other embodiments, in order to provide a more versatile member 100, the side member 102 can also be configured to match the design of side member 102 such that either side member can support/interact similar components/hardware.

[00024] In an aspect, the side member 103 extending from the base 104 features a second extension 110 located approximately one-third the length from the bottom of the side member 103. The second extension 110 intersects perpendicularly with an angled support surface 111. In an aspect, the angled support surface 111 is approximately the same width of the side member 103. In an aspect, the angled flat surface 111 is co-planar to the angled flat surface area 108c. In an aspect, the location of the extension 110 with its angled support surface 111 and the flat surface area 108c are arranged to facilitate wind deflector stability by lowering the wind loads on the wind deflectors. The angled support surface 111 can include a peg 111a located at the center of the surface 111; however, the peg 111a can be oriented in a variety of locations as deemed desirable. The angled support surface 111 provides a contact area to which a wind deflector 200 (FIG. 2) can rest/abut while being held in place by a peg 111a, with the peg 111a mating with slot 200b (FIG. 2), or any similar structure typically found on wind deflectors or related components, such that the mating of the peg and slot secures the wind deflector in place.

[00025] FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a solar assembly 10 using a structure and support member 100 with a wind deflector 200 installed in the middle of PV array 210 according to aspects of the present invention. The PV array features three PV modules, 211, 212 and 213 interconnected by the structure and support member 100, with a wind deflector 200 installed in an angled fashion. The PV modules 211, 212, and 213 are supported by module interfaces 106a and 107a the angle protrusions 106 and 107 of the member 100. As discussed above, slots 200a, 200b of the wind deflector 200 can receive pegs 108d, 111a that secure the wind deflector 200 on the structure 100. Further, the angled, flat surface area 108c, the rectangular flat-surface extension 109, and the angled support surface 111 provide the support for the wind deflector 200.

[00026] FIG. 4 is a PV array assembly 20 with a member 100, a single tilt photovoltaic module 211 and a wind deflector 200 according to aspects of the present invention. The PV module 211 in a single tilt PV array is generally oriented such that the module 211 is south facing in the northern hemisphere east and west facing to promote optimal collection of sun radiation energy. As shown, the PV module 211 is supported by a module interface 106a of an angled protrusion 106 of the member 100. The wind deflector 200 is supported by the flat surface area 108c, the extension 109, and the angled support surface 111.

[00027] FIG. 5 is a PV array assembly with a member 100, two tilted photovoltaic modules 211 according to aspects of the present invention. The PV modules 211 in a dual tilt PV array 210 are generally oriented such that the modules are east and west facing in the northern hemisphere to promote optimal collection of sun radiation energy. Similar as shown in FIGS. 2- 3, the PV modules 211 are supported by the module interfaces 106a, 107a of the angles protrusions 106, 107 of the support member.

[00028] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate another structure and support member 300 according to an aspect of the present invention. The structure and support member 300 includes many of the same components of the structure and support member 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, including the co- planar angled flat surface area 308c and angled support surface 311 that is used to support a wind deflector. In addition, a securing flange 320 extends from a top located protrusion 307. The securing flange 320 can provide support for a PV module when attached, or help retain a wind deflector. In addition, interior tabs 330 can be used to hold other accessories.

[00029] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.