Building integrated photovoltaic conversion system implemented in both vision and spandrel areas
First Claim
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1. A building integrated power generating system comprising:
- a plurality of unitized curtain wall elements adapted as part of an exterior shell for a building structure in both vision areas and spandrel areas;
wherein said unitized curtain wall elements are adapted to be hung from and situated in front of said building structure and span a vertical space that extends and covers both at least one vision area and one contiguous spandrel area;
a plurality of energy conversion devices integrated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements including a plurality of first energy conversion devices in said vision areas and a plurality of second energy conversion devices in said spandrel areas;
wherein said plurality of energy conversion devices are adapted to transform a first type of energy form into an electrical energy form;
wherein the power generating system is integrally incorporated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements spanning said vision areas and spandrel areas.
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Abstract
A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or facade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the facade including both in vision and spandrel areas.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A building integrated power generating system comprising:
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a plurality of unitized curtain wall elements adapted as part of an exterior shell for a building structure in both vision areas and spandrel areas; wherein said unitized curtain wall elements are adapted to be hung from and situated in front of said building structure and span a vertical space that extends and covers both at least one vision area and one contiguous spandrel area; a plurality of energy conversion devices integrated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements including a plurality of first energy conversion devices in said vision areas and a plurality of second energy conversion devices in said spandrel areas; wherein said plurality of energy conversion devices are adapted to transform a first type of energy form into an electrical energy form; wherein the power generating system is integrally incorporated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements spanning said vision areas and spandrel areas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A building integrated photovoltaic power generating system comprising:
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a plurality of unitized curtain wall elements adapted as part of an exterior shell for a building structure in both vision areas and spandrel areas; wherein said unitized curtain wall elements are adapted to be hung from and situated in front of said building structure and at least some of said unitized curtain wall elements span a vertical space that extends and covers both at least one vision area and one spandrel area contiguous to said vision area; a plurality of photovoltaic energy conversion devices integrated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements including a plurality of first photovoltaic energy conversion devices in said vision areas and a plurality of second photovoltaic energy conversion devices in said spandrel areas; wherein the photovoltaic power generating system is integrally incorporated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements spanning said vision areas and spandrel areas. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A building integrated photovoltaic power generating system comprising:
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a plurality of interconnected unitized curtain wall elements defining an exterior shell for a building structure in both vision areas and spandrel areas; wherein said unitized curtain wall elements are adapted to be hung from and situated in front of said building structure and at least some of said unitized curtain wall elements span a vertical space that extends and covers both at least one vision area and one spandrel area contiguous to said vision area; a plurality of photovoltaic energy conversion devices integrated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements including a plurality of first photovoltaic energy conversion devices in said vision areas and a plurality of second photovoltaic energy conversion devices in said spandrel areas; wherein only a first subset of said interconnected unitized curtain wall elements contain photovoltaic energy conversion devices while a second subset of said interconnected unitized curtain wall elements do not; said first subset of interconnected unitized curtain wall elements being further adapted with; a) a pocket region configured for receiving an edge connector for said photovoltaic energy conversion devices; b) a vertical conduit for routing wiring cables for said photovoltaic energy conversion devices; c) one or more isolation gaskets and/or sealant to isolate said photovoltaic energy conversion devices; d) a grounding element for grounding said curtain wall elements to a building structure; wherein the photovoltaic power generating system is integrally incorporated within said plurality of unitized curtain wall elements spanning both said vision areas and spandrel areas.
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Specification