eBlade Custom System - Advanced Design Capabilities

Basics of the Custom System

Designing advanced eBlade installations starts with understanding what exactly we're working with. Unlike standard photovoltaic systems, where we are dealing with rigid dimensions and limited mounting possibilities, the Custom system gives us much more flexibility - but within a precisely defined framework.

Available components and their limitations

It is best to start working with the Custom system by understanding the available elements:

Active lamellas (with PV modules):

• Type L: 240mm width, 26 Wp/mb
• Type M: 165mm wide, 22 Wp/mb
• S type: 130mm wide, 15 Wp/mb

For each type of lamella, there is an inactive counterpart with identical dimensions, which allows to maintain visual consistency in places where energy production is inefficient (e.g. north side) or impossible (shading).

Structural profiles:

• Bollards 100x100mm - for structures requiring increased strength
• Bollards 100x50mm - for standard applications
• Adaptive profiles - for integration with existing building elements

Rules for connecting components

In the Custom system, it is essential to adhere to several fundamental principles:

1. Dimensional consistency - within one installation we use lamellas of the same type (L, M or S). Mixing different sizes disturbs aesthetics and complicates assembly.
2. Active-inactive sequence - we can freely intertwine active and inactive lamellas of the same type, which is especially useful for:
   • Creating visual gradients
   • Cost optimization of installation
   • Adaptation to local sunlight conditions
3. Dimensional constraints:
   • Maximum length of single lamella: 2000mm
   • Maximum spacing of mounting points: 2000mm
   • Minimum spacing between lamellas depending on the mounting angle

Maximum dimensions and loads

When designing a Custom system, we must take into account the design constraints:

Wind Loads:

• Up to 600 Pa: standard mounting spacing
• 600-800 Pa: reduced mounting spacing by 10%
• 800-1250 Pa: reduced mounting distances by 20%
• Above 1250 Pa: individual design analysis required

Maximum cantilever overhangs:

• Lamels L: up to 400mm
• Lamels M: up to 300mm
• Lamels S: up to 250mm

These limitations are not arbitrary - they arise from accurate calculations and strength tests. Their observance guarantees not only the safety of the installation, but also its long-term functionality and aesthetics.

Let's also remember the minimum installation power - 700 Wp for a single microinverter. In practice, this means that even the smallest Custom installation must have the right surface area to reach this threshold. For example, when using L lamellae, we need a minimum of 14 running meters of active lamellae.

Design of complex layouts

Once we have mastered the basics of the Custom system, we can move on to designing more advanced installations. It is in complex layouts that the eBlade system shows its true versatility.

Multi-level and cascade installations

The design of multi-level installations requires special attention when planning the gaps between the slats in order to avoid mutual shading. In practice, we apply the following principles:

For vertical systems, it is necessary to maintain a minimum gap between the rows of lamellas equal to their width plus 100mm. For example, for L-type lamellas (240mm) the minimum row spacing should be 340mm. This interval not only ensures optimal sunlight, but also service access.

For cascading (stepped) systems, we can reduce the spacing, but we must take into account the angle of incidence of the sun's rays. The rule is useful here: each subsequent level should be set back by a distance equal to the height of the lamella multiplied by the tangent of the angle of incidence of the sun's rays in the worst case scenario (we usually take 15 degrees for winter).

Adaptation to irregular facades

When designing a system on irregularly shaped facades, the correct placement of attachment points is crucial. We have some proven solutions here:

1. Modular system with compensation:

• We install the main posts every 2000mm (maximum spacing)
• We fill the space between them with slats of standard length
• We can trim the last lamella in the section (inactive version only)

2. System with substructure:

• We create an additional leveling substructure
• We mount standard eBlade system components to it
• We maintain full functionality with the unusual geometry of the facade

Integration with existing building elements

A particular challenge is the integration of the eBlade system with existing architectural elements. In this case, we use the “three-zone” method:

Zone A - Immediate neighborhood:

• We maintain a minimum distance of 100mm from the existing elements
• We use adaptive profiles with adjustment
• We use lamellas inactive at the edges

Zone B - Transition zone:

• We introduce a gradual transition to the full system
• We can modify the angle of inclination of the lamellas
• We care about visual consistency

Zone C - Full System:

• Standard eBlade Solutions
• Optimal energy efficiency
• Maximum aesthetics

When designing complex layouts, it is worth remembering a few practical rules:

1. We always start by determining the minimum required installation power (700 Wp)
2. We design sections with the same insolation (we use power optimizers for each section)
3. We divide larger installations into independent fragments with their own wiring
4. We include service access to every part of the installation

This approach ensures not only energy efficiency, but also long-term functionality of the system.

Solutions for demanding locations

Some projects pose specific technical challenges. Let's take a look at how the eBlade Custom system performs in the most demanding locations.

Systems on arched facades

Installation of the eBlade system on arched facades requires a special approach. In practice, this is achieved through the use of a vertical lamella system, where the mounting profiles can be bent according to the curvature of the building. However, there are a few key rules to keep in mind:

The minimum curvature of the arch is 2 meters - this is the value due to the properties of aluminum profiles and ensures safe installation. With smaller radii of curvature, we must use segmentation of the installation.

For arched facades, the correct layout of the wiring is especially important. We always run the wires vertically, parallel to the slats, which eliminates the problems with the differences in the length of the routes on the arc. We use special cable holders with compensation, which allow small wire movements with temperature changes.

Installations on high-rise buildings

The height of the building introduces additional challenges related to wind load and service access. In such cases, we use advanced design solutions:

Reinforced profiles:

• Bollards 100x100mm with additional holders
• Double mounting anchor system
• Thickened attachment points (every 1500mm instead of standard 2000mm)

We divide the system into independent assembly sections, each no larger than 3 floors. Between the sections we do not need to stack expansion gaps, as the lamellas fit together.

Projects in areas with high wind load

In locations where there are significant wind loads (above 800 Pa), the eBlade system requires a special configuration:

1. Spacing Modification:

• We reduce the maximum length of the slats to 1500mm
• We compact the attachment points
• We use additional transverse stiffeners

2. Angle Adjustment:

• In strong winds, the optimal angle of installation of lamellas is 45 degrees
• We use a system of position locks
• We introduce additional support points

3. Structural reinforcements:

• Double Chemical Anchors
• Profiles with increased wall thickness
• Special corner reinforcements

In such cases, it is especially important to carry out accurate load calculations and computer simulations before starting the assembly. Each project requires an individual analysis taking into account:

• Local wind conditions
• Mounting height
• Landform
• Neighbourhood of other buildings

The results of these analyses often lead to modifications of standard solutions, but always within the limits of the capabilities of the system and maintaining its basic technical parameters. Remember that the safety of the installation is a priority - it is better to use stronger profiles or denser fasteners than to risk the stability of the system.

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