Building component

Abstract

A building component is shown having a substantially rigid support frame ( 201 ). In addition, the component has a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet ( 301 ) and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet ( 302 ) attached to frame ( 201 ) to define an inflatable element. At least one region ( 203 ) of the flexible photo-voltaic laminate material is secured to one of the flexible sheets ( 301 ) such that when inflated and when constructed the photo-voltaic material ( 203 ) generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.

1 . Apparatus forming a building component, comprising a substantially rigid support frame; 
 a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said support frame and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said frame to define an inflatable element; and    at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate material positioned over one of said flexible sheets such that when inflated and when constructed said photo-voltaic material generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first sheet is an outer sheet having an upper external surface and an internal surface, wherein said photo-voltaic laminate is positioned over said upper surface.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said photo-voltaic laminate is secured directly to said upper surface.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said photo-voltaic laminate is secured directly by an adhesive.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said photo-voltaic laminate is attached to said upper surface by an additional sheet, said additional sheet is larger than the laminate so as to present overhanging edges and said overhanging edges are secured to the upper surface.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said additional sheet is secured to the laminate.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the additional sheet is not secured to the laminate and said laminate is held in position in a pocket-like manner, such that said laminate is allowed a degree of movement over the upper surface.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a third transparent or translucent flexible sheet is positioned over the laminate and said third sheet is attached to said support frame.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first flexible sheet is an outer sheet when constructed having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein a first photo-voltaic laminate is secured to said outer surface; and 
 an intermediate substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet is attached to said support frame between said first sheet and said second sheet, wherein a second photo-voltaic laminate is secured to said intermediate sheet.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said sheets includes a gland to facilitate the passing of electrical cables for carrying power generated by said laminate.  
     
     
         11 . A method of constructing a building component, comprising the steps of: 
 defining two or more substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheets;    applying at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate to at least one of said sheets; and    attaching edges of said sheets to a substantially rigid support frame to form an inflatable element.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first sheet is an outer sheet having an upper external surface and an internal surface and the photo-voltaic laminate is positioned over said upper surface.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the photo-voltaic laminate is attached to said upper surface by an additional sheet, said additional sheet is larger than the laminates so as to present overhanging edges and said overhanging edges are secured to the upper surface.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the additional sheet is not secured to the laminate and said laminate is held in position in a pocket-like manner, such that said laminate is allowed a degree of movement over the upper surface.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a third transparent or translucent flexible sheet is positioned over the laminate and said third sheet is attached to said support frame.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first flexible sheet is an outer sheet when constructed having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein a first photo-voltaic laminate is secured to said outer surface and an intermediate substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet is attached to said support frame between said first sheet and said second sheet, wherein a second photo-voltaic laminate is secured to said intermediate sheet.  
     
     
         17 . A building, atrium or façade, having a main load-bearing structure configured to support a plurality of elements, wherein each of said elements comprises: 
 a substantially rigid support frame;    a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said support frame and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said frame to define an inflatable element; and    at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate material positioned over one of said flexible sheets such that when inflated and constructed said photo-voltaic material generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.    
     
     
         18 . A building according to  claim 17 , wherein said load bearing structure includes interface devices for receiving cables configured to convey power generated by said laminate material.  
     
     
         19 . A building according to  claim 17 , including a source of compressed air for maintaining said elements inflated.  
     
     
         20 . A building according to  claim 19 , wherein said source of compressed air includes an adjustment device for adjusting the degree of shading provided by the photo-voltaic laminates.