Photovoltaic thermal module

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic thermal module (100) comprising a plurality of solar cells (2) and a planar heat sink (10), the planar heat sink (10) being based on at least one inorganic material and comprising a plurality of cooling channels (10c); wherein the planar heat sink comprises two plates (10a, 10b), between which a cooling channel (10c) is formed; wherein a first panel (10a) of the panels facing the solar cells (2) is flat; wherein the cooling channel (10c) is defined by a second plate (10b) of the plates facing away from the solar cells (2); and wherein the second plate (10b) is arranged on the main surface (11) of the first plate (10a) such that the first region (12) of the first plate (10a) is covered by the second plate (10b) and the second region (13) of the first plate (10a) is free of the second plate (10b).

Description

[0001] A photovoltaic thermal module is disclosed.

[0002] The published document WO 2015 / 184402 relates to a photovoltaic module with an integrated liquid cooling system.

[0003] There is a desire to provide a photovoltaic thermal module that can be manufactured efficiently and operate economically.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a photovoltaic thermal module.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment, a photovoltaic thermal module (or simply referred to as a PVT module) includes a plurality of solar cells. The solar cells are based on, for example, silicon and / or germanium and / or compound semiconductor materials, such as CdTe or CuInGaS (abbreviated as CIGS) or CuInS (abbreviated as CIS). The solar cells can also be based on perovskite or at least one organic photoactive material. In thin-film modules, especially thin-film modules based on CdTe, CIGS, CIS, amorphous silicon, or perovskite, the photoactive layer is preferably arranged in strips, for example, with a width of at least 3 mm and / or at most 3 cm.

[0006] In a PVT module, multiple different types of solar cells or semiconductor materials can be combined to achieve higher efficiency. For example, each solar cell (such as a crystalline solar cell) has an average diameter of at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm and / or at most 50 cm. The average diameter D is calculated based on the area A of the solar cell, for example, D = (4A / π) 0，5 .

[0007] The cell can also be cut in half, into thirds, etc., or cut into strips. Thus, the crystalline solar cell is not square or quasi-square, but rectangular.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, the PVT module includes one or more planar heat sinks. The heat sink may be the only heat dissipation device present and can also be referred to as a cooling plate or a backside cooling unit. The planar heat sink is based on at least one inorganic material, such as glass or metal (such as aluminum). The term "based on at least one inorganic material" means, for example, that at least 80% (by weight), or at least 90% (by weight), or at least 98% (by weight) of the planar heat sink is formed by at least one inorganic material. This does not exclude small components of the planar heat sink, especially non-mechanical load-bearing components (such as seals or labels), from being formed by organic materials.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment, the planar heat sink includes a plurality of cooling channels. The cooling channels are designed to allow a coolant to flow through the cooling channels.

[0010] The planar heat sink extends continuously, for example, over a corresponding solar cell or a part of a solar cell. For example, all solar cells of a PVT module are coupled to a single common planar heat sink, which, for example, has no gaps or holes.

[0011] The planar heat sink includes at least two plates, and cooling channels are formed between the at least two plates. This enables the planar heat sink to be an independent sealed system suitable for coolant to flow through without any additional components. In particular, the cooling channels are completely defined by the plates, optionally together with connectors between the plates and / or for holding the plates together.

[0012] For example, each heat sink plate is formed by a metal plate (such as an aluminum plate). Alternatively, the heat sink plates are formed by glass plates so that the planar heat sink can be translucent. Plates made of plastic and / or foil can also be formed.

[0013] The first plate facing the solar cell is flat. The cooling channels are defined by the second plate facing away from the solar cell. Thus, the cooling channels can be formed in the second plate.

[0014] The second plate is disposed on the main surface of the first plate. Thus, a first region of the first plate is covered by the second plate. A second region of the first plate has no second plate. In particular, the edge region of the first plate has no second plate. For example, the first plate extends entirely over the solar cell. The second plate only partially extends over the solar cell. For example, the first plate is attached to at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% of the area of all the solar cells in the combination. The second plate is attached to a correspondingly smaller area of all the solar cells in the combination such that the edge region of the first plate remains exposed and uncovered by the second plate. For example, the first plate extends over a larger area than the second plate. For example, the second region includes a width of several millimeters (such as more than 5 mm, such as 5 mm to 15 mm, in particular, for example, about 10 mm).

[0015] Therefore, the second region can be configured to have no cooling channels. Thus, for example, mechanical attachment points can be configured on the second region of the planar heat sink, especially for connecting individual elements of the PVT module or for attaching additional elements such as fastening elements or clamping elements. Thus, damage to the cooling channels in the edge region can be avoided. However, a reliable connection can be designed between the two plates, and the cooling channels can extend over almost the entire surface of the second plate. In particular, the cooling channels can be designed up to the edge of the second plate such that, for example, at most 3 to 4 mm at the edge of the second plate is designed to have no cooling channels. This enables relatively simple production of the planar heat sink when connecting the two plates. Alternatively or additionally, this enables a reliable connection between the two plates. For example, the two plates are connected to each other by welding so that the second plate is reliably held on the first plate.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the second region completely surrounds the first plate around the second plate. Thus, the planar heat sink includes the second region in a frame-like manner. Accordingly, the second region without the second plate is formed on all four longitudinal sides of the rectangular planar heat sink. The second region may also be constructed only on some of the four longitudinal sides, for example, only on two opposite longitudinal sides.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the PVT module includes a support frame. The support frame is configured to mechanically support the PVT module. The support frame is in contact with the second region of the first plate. In particular, the support frame is also used to additionally support the bonding portion between the solar cell and the planar heat sink. In the second region where the cooling channels are not constructed, the support frame can be used to press the first plate and the solar cell together. Thus, the PVT module is clamped in the support frame. In particular, the smaller second plate is not in direct contact with the support frame. This prevents the cooling channels from being damaged or affected by the mechanical force of the support frame.

[0018] The support frame is particularly configured to clamp the solar cell and the first plate together. This also supports the connection between the solar cell and the planar heat sink. For example, the solar cell and the first plate are interconnected by a lamination film. This connection is also mechanically supported by the support frame.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the planar heat sink includes two plates, and cooling channels are formed between the two plates. The first plate of the plates faces the solar cell, and the second plate of the plates faces away from the solar cell. The cooling channels are defined by the second plate of the plates. The first plate includes a foil or a paint.

[0020] For example, the first plate is formed of a foil or a paint. For example, the first plate is formed of an inorganic foil, such as made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or other plastics. Alternatively or additionally, the first plate is formed of a paint (such as a varnish). For example, the paint is sprayed onto the solar cell.

[0021] The first plate made of a foil or a paint also serves as electrical insulation for the solar cell, for example, as electrical insulation of the second plate relative to the solar cell.

[0022] Compared with a planar heat sink made of two metal plates, this planar heat sink is relatively easy to manufacture and has a lighter weight. A reliable connection between the two plates can also be achieved without a welding process. In particular, the sizes of the two plates can also be made the same or almost the same, such that the two plates substantially cover the same area of the solar cell.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the foil and the second plate are interconnected by an adhesive bond. Thus, the planar heat sink includes, for example, a PET-aluminum adhesive bond. A second plate made of glass can also be provided, such that the planar heat sink includes, for example, a PET-glass adhesive bond. Alternatively or additionally, the planar heat sink includes a paint, such as a paint additionally provided in a composite material. Instead of the foil, a paint can also be provided, such that the planar heat sink includes a paint-aluminum composite material or a paint-glass composite material.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the foil is directly arranged on the solar cell. Thus, the foil serves both to enclose and seal the cooling channels and to attach the planar heat sink to the solar cell. Thus, the foil is in direct contact with the solar cell and the second plate.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, a paint can be used to embed the solar cell, such that the solar cell is held by the paint. In this case, the paint serves, for example, as a stabilizer and carrier for the solar cell and at the same time as a covering and connecting member for the second plate. In this design, no additional lamination film is required. During the production process, no lamination step is required anymore.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the PVT module includes a front coating, which is arranged on the side of the solar cell facing away from the planar heat sink and covers the solar cell. The front coating is formed by a foil or a paint. For example, the front coating replaces the front glass. The front coating faces the sun during operation and can transmit radiation. Compared with the front glass, the front coating is significantly lighter. For example, the front coating is formed by a paint embedding the solar cell. Different paints can also be used, for example, a first paint for embedding the solar cell and bonding to the second plate and another paint as the front coating.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the PVT module includes a layer stack. In the stacking direction, the layer stack includes: a second plate, which defines the cooling channels; a paint, which is configured as a layer and in which the solar cell is embedded; a front coating, which covers the paint. In particular, the layer stack does not include any other significant elements, in particular, no front glass on the side of the solar cell facing away from the second plate and no lamination film.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the PVT module comprises a planar heat sink having two plates between which a cooling channel is formed. A first plate of the plates faces the solar cell and a second plate of the plates faces away from the solar cell. The second plate of the plates defines the cooling channel. The first plate facing the solar cell is flat. The first plate and the second plate are each based on at least one inorganic material, such as glass or metal (such as aluminium). The PVT module comprises a paint layer in which the solar cell is embedded. The planar heat sink is attached to the paint layer. Optionally, a plastic film is arranged between the planar heat sink and the paint layer for electrical insulation. In particular, the PVT module comprises a front coating which is arranged on the side of the solar cell facing away from the planar heat sink and covers the solar cell, wherein the front coating is formed of foil or paint.

[0029] For example, the first plate is based on an inorganic material, in particular aluminium or glass. In addition to the inorganic material, the provided foil and / or paint is used in particular as an intermediate layer between the paint in which the solar cell is embedded and the inorganic plate of the planar heat sink. The first plate comprises a foil on the side facing away from the second plate. The foil (such as a PET foil) is attached to the paint. The foil serves as electrical insulation between the planar heat sink and the solar cell.

[0030] Further advantages, features and improvements will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same elements in the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale; for better understanding, individual elements may be shown exaggerated.

[0031] In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of a PVT module according to an embodiment is shown,

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic cross-section of a PVT module according to an embodiment is shown,

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic cross-section of a PVT module according to an embodiment is shown, and

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic cross-section of a PVT module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0036] The photovoltaic thermal module 100 (or simply referred to as the PVT module) combines a photovoltaic module for power generation with the use of waste heat from the module. Thus, the PVT module converts solar energy into electrical energy and the waste heat generated during the process can be utilized. In addition to electrical energy, such a PVT module also generates heat, for example in the form of hot water or other coolant. Figures 1 to 3 An example of such a PVT module is shown. Examples of the basic functions and application areas of the PVT module described herein are described in German patent application 10 2021123 000.4.

[0037] Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a photovoltaic thermal module 100 (also simply referred to as a PVT module). The PVT module 100 includes a front glass 1. A flat heat sink 10 is located on the opposite side of the front glass 1. A plurality of solar cells 2 (such as crystalline solar cells) are interconnected by cell connectors 3 and are arranged between the front glass 1 and the flat heat sink 10. In particular, the solar cells 2 together with the cell connectors 3 are embedded in a lamination film 4, such as an EVA film. The lamination film 4 is located on the front glass 1.

[0038] On the side of the lamination film 4 opposite to the front glass 1, there is a rear wall 6, in particular a rear wall film, such as a polyvinyl fluoride film (or simply referred to as a PVF film, such as a Tedlar film), or alternatively there is a rear glass. The flat heat sink is adhesively bonded or laminated to the rear wall 6, for example, by an adhesive layer 7. The adhesive layer 7 is formed, for example, by an adhesive or another EVA foil. Through the adhesive layer 7, the flat heat sink 10 is attached to a so-called PV module or PV laminate.

[0039] The PVT module 100 includes a frame 5. The frame 5 (such as made of aluminum) mechanically supports the PVT module 100, in particular the PV laminate and the flat heat sink 10.

[0040] The frame 5 has an upper bracket 5a and a lower bracket 5b, which, for example, each project horizontally. A clamping connection portion 5c is constructed by the upper bracket 5a and the lower bracket 5b. Through the clamping connection portion 5c, the layer stack 25 is compressed and clamped along the stacking direction 26. The layer stack 25 particularly includes the front glass 1 and the flat heat sink 10 and the layers arranged between them, which are arranged one above the other along the stacking direction 26.

[0041] The flat heat sink 10 particularly includes two thin aluminum plates 10a, 10b that are interconnected. For example, a channel structure having a plurality of cooling channels 10c is stamped in one of the two plates 10b by a stamping process. The channel structure consists of a plurality of branches and is optimized to dissipate heat as effectively as possible and achieve as low a pressure loss as possible.

[0042] The second plate 10b having the cooling channels 10c is connected to the first plate 10a using a welding process. The second plate 10b is arranged on the main surface 11 of the first plate 10a facing away from the solar cells 2. The main surface 11 includes a larger area compared to the side surface or edge surface of the first plate 10a, which is arranged transversely to the main surface.

[0043] The second plate 10b is arranged in the first region 12 of the first plate 10a. The first region 12 is in particular the central region of the first plate 10a. The first region 12 is laterally surrounded by a second region 13. The second region 13 is not covered by the second plate 10b. The second plate 10b is only arranged in the central first region 12 and is in particular spaced apart from the edge 15 of the layer stack 25.

[0044] Between the lateral edge 15 (extending in the stacking direction 26 in a sectional view) and the second plate 10b, the second region 13 is arranged transversely with respect to the stacking direction 26, at which second region the first plate 10a is in particular not covered. Thus, the second plate 10b includes a distance 14 which is measured transversely to the stacking direction 26 along the main surface 11. For example, the distance 14 is greater than 5 mm, up to 20 mm, in particular 7 mm to 15 mm, in particular 9 mm to 11 mm, for example 10 mm. The second plate 10b is arranged laterally at a distance 14 from the edge 15.

[0045] The first plate 10a flatly covers the solar cell 2 on the surface, in particular completely or almost completely covering the solar cell 2. In contrast, the second plate 10b is constructed to be smaller. In particular, the surface covered by the second plate 10b is smaller than the surface covered by the first plate 10a.

[0046] The frame 5 contacts the planar heat sink 10 in the second region 13. The frame 5 contacts the first plate 10a in the second region 13. The second plate 10b is not directly touched by the frame 5. A clamping connection 5c is formed between the first plate 10a and the front glass 1. The second plate is not affected by the mechanical load directly applied by the lower bracket 5b. For this purpose, the second plate 10b is smaller than the first plate 10a such that the second region 13 is formed. Thus, the clamping connection 5c is constructed with the first plate 10a which does not include any cooling channels 10c but is in particular constructed to be flat.

[0047] In the absence of the direct action of the clamping connection 5c, the second plate 10b including the cooling channels 10c can be attached to the first plate 10a. This enables a particularly reliable connection by solder between the first plate 10a and the second plate 10b. The cooling channels 10c can be distributed on the second plate 10b as required and in particular can also be guided close to the side edges, which is conducive to a reliable soldering connection. This helps to avoid damage to the cooling channels 10c by the clamping connection 5c (in particular the lower bracket 5b).

[0048] For example, the first plate 10a is approximately 10 mm larger around the second plate 10b. This allows the first plate 10a to be inserted into the gap between the upper bracket 5a and the lower bracket 5b of the frame 5. The second plate 10b does not conflict with and / or contact the frame 5. Due to the reliable welded connection between the two plates 10a, 10b, the non-insertion of the second plate 10b into the gap between the upper bracket 5a and the lower bracket 5b does not affect the stability.

[0049] In addition to the adhesive layer 7, clamping the first plate 10a in the gap of the frame 5 further strengthens the connection between the first plate 10a and the PV laminate. The PV laminate and the planar heat sink 10 are squeezed and compressed by the frame (especially the upper bracket 5a and the lower bracket 5b). The first plate 10 is squeezed by the lower bracket 5b towards the front glass 1. The planar heat sink 10 can have the first plate 10a inserted into the gap between the upper bracket 5a and the lower bracket 5b of the frame 5. This achieves an additional fixing process in addition to adhesion / lamination. The planar heat sink 10 is held better and more stably on the PV structure. Clamping the first plate 10a into the gap of the frame 5 achieves an additional resistant connection with the PV laminate.

[0050] The cooling channels are constructed in the second plate 10b and can in particular be constructed at a relatively small distance (e.g., a maximum distance of 3 to 4 mm) from the side edges of the second plate 10b. Despite the relatively small distance from the side edges of the second plate 10b, the cooling channels 10c are not damaged when the layer stack 25 is clamped in the frame 5 because the second plate 10b is constructed to retract relative to the first plate 10a. The first plate 10a laterally extends beyond the second plate 10b to form a contact area 12.

[0051] Therefore, according to Figure 1 the PVT module 100 of the embodiment includes a particularly resistant connection of the layers in the layer stack 25.

[0052] Figure 2 A PVT module 100 according to another embodiment is shown. The PVT module 100 according to Figure 2 basically originates from the PVT module 100 according to Figure 1 However, in particular, the construction of the planar heat sink 10 is different.

[0053] The first plate 10a in contact with the lamination film 4 of the solar cell 2 is not constructed of aluminum or glass. The first plate 10a includes the foil 21 or consists of the foil 21 or is formed by the foil 21. The foil 21 is in particular an inorganic foil, such as a plastic foil, especially a PET foil.

[0054] The foil 21 encloses the cooling channels 10c of the second plate 10b. In addition, the foil 21 connects the second plate 10b to the PV laminate, especially to the solar cell 2. In addition, the foil 21 contributes to the electrical insulation between the second plate 10b and the solar cell 2.

[0055] The foil 21 and the second plate 10b are connected to each other by an adhesive bond 22. Since there is no welding process for connecting the two plates 10a, 10b of the planar heat sink 10, Figure 1 unlike the embodiment of Figure 1 , the second plate 10b can extend to the edge 15 of the PVT module 100. The cooling channel 10c can be far enough away from the edge 15 to form the frame 5 and the clamping connection 5c so that the cooling channel 10c will not be damaged. The connection between the second plate 10b and the first plate 10a configured as the foil 21 is reliably achieved through the adhesive bond 22. Therefore, the planar heat sink 10 is composed of, for example, a PET-aluminum adhesive composite material. A second plate 10b made of glass can also be provided.

[0056] The adhesive bond 22 and the adhesive used are selected such that the second plate 10b is bonded to the foil 21 firmly enough, for example, to withstand an overpressure of 0.5 bar, under which the coolant usually flows through the cooling channel 10c. The foil 21 is configured and selected such that it is resistant to the coolant (such as an ethylene glycol-water mixture). The foil 21 is configured such that the foil serves as a moisture barrier and does not allow moisture to reach the solar cell 2.

[0057] In the manufacturing process, the planar heat sink 10 with the foil 21 can be directly laminated together with the solar cell 2 and the laminate film 4 in a single lamination process. In particular, this saves the back wall film 6 according to Figure 1 the embodiment of Figure 1 . Due to material savings and no longer requiring additional lamination steps and / or bonding processes during production, this saves costs.

[0058] The front glass 1 can also be replaced by a front coating 23. The front coating 23 consists of, for example, an additional foil or a transparent paint layer. The additional foil is a flexible transparent foil, such as a PET foil. The front coating 23 enables a lightweight PVT module 100. In addition, the PVT module 100 is easier to manufacture because there are no longer any different coefficients of expansion between the front glass 1 and the second plate 10b made of aluminum for compensation.

[0059] In the embodiment according to Figure 1 , a front coating 23 can also be provided to replace the front glass 1, and a planar heat sink 10 with a first plate 10a made of aluminum or glass can be provided. Therefore, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 different combinations of the embodiments of Figure 3 are feasible and are covered by the present disclosure.

[0060] The PVT module 100 having the foil 21 and the front coating 23 made of a single foil can be produced by a single lamination, in which the solar cell 2, the foil 23, the lamination film 4, and the foil 21 are connected to the second plate 10b in a single step. EVA is preferably used as the lamination film.

[0061] Figure 3 A photovoltaic thermal module 100 according to another embodiment is shown. Instead of the front glass 1, the PVT module 100 according to Figure 3 includes a front coating 23 made of varnish. Such varnish has sufficient stability against climate, ultraviolet radiation, and other effects throughout its service life and is known, for example, in the automotive industry.

[0062] The solar cell 2 is no longer embedded in the lamination film 4 but in the paint layer 24. The paint layer 24 surrounds and fixes the solar cell 2. The paint layer 24 is applied such that the irradiated side of the solar cell 2 is not covered by the paint layer 24 in particular. The paint layer 24 deforms the solar cell 2 and surrounds the solar cell 2 such that the solar cell is mechanically stable enough. In addition, the paint layer 24 serves as an adhesive or adhesive layer for bonding the second plate 10b. Thus, the paint layer 24 also serves as the first plate 10a. Therefore, the paint layer 24 realizes the functions of the lamination film 4 and the first plate 10a in the embodiment according to Figure 1 The embodiment.

[0063] The cooling channels 10c are formed in the second plate 10b, between the second plate 10b and the paint layer 24. The front coating 23 (especially varnish) is sprayed on the side of the solar cell 2 facing away from the second plate 10b.

[0064] Therefore, the embodiment of the PVT module 100 according to Figure 3 can be produced without a lamination step. In addition, costly materials such as lamination films and / or Tedlar films or tackifying films and layers can be saved. The production is significantly simplified, the production process steps are reduced, and thus the process chain is simplified. In production, the embedded paint layer 24 is applied to the second plate 10b. The solar cell 2 is embedded in the paint layer 24. The paint layer 24 hardens. Then the paint for the front coating 23 is applied. At this time, the PVT module 100 is completed. A glass front cover is not required. Its production saves a large amount of resources and energy. The PVT module 100 is very lightweight. The PVT module 100 is cost-effective.

[0065] Figure 4Fig. 0 shows a photovoltaic thermal module 100 according to another embodiment. The PVT module 100 includes a paint layer 24, which is attached to and surrounds the solar cell 2. The paint layer 24 is applied such that in particular the irradiated side of the solar cell 2 is not covered by the paint layer 24. The paint layer 24 is formed around and surrounds the solar cell 2 so that the solar cell is mechanically stable enough. Thus, the paint layer 24 in particular realizes the functionality of the laminate film 4. In addition, the PVT module 100 includes a varnish front coating 23.

[0066] The planar radiator 10 particularly includes two thin aluminum plates 10a, 10b interconnected (e.g., welded together). A channel structure with a plurality of cooling channels 10c is stamped into the second plate 10b by a stamping process. The first plate 10a is connected to the paint layer 24. The second plate 10b extends to the edge 15 of the PVT module 100, as Figure 2 and 3 shown in the embodiment. In a further embodiment, the second plate 10b is indented as in the Figure 1 embodiment shown, such that the second plate 10a is configured with a second region 13 that is not covered by the second plate 10b.

[0067] According to the Figure 4 embodiment shown, a foil 21 (in particular a PET foil) is provided between the first plate 10a and the paint layer 24. The foil 21 serves as electrical insulation between the planar radiator 10 and the solar cell 2. According to a further embodiment, in particular if the paint layer 24 itself is electrically insulating enough, the foil 21 can be omitted. In the present embodiment, the first plate 10a is directly attached to the paint layer 24.

[0068] Thus, the embodiment of the PVT module 100 according to Figure 4 can be produced without a lamination step. In addition, costly materials such as laminate film and / or Tedlar film or adhesion promoter film and layer can be saved. The glass front cover can be omitted. The PVT module 100 can be manufactured easily and reliably because there is no longer any different coefficient of thermal expansion between the front glass 1 and the aluminum planar radiator 10 to compensate for. The solar cell 2 can also be embedded in the laminate film 4, as described in connection with Figure 1 . The planar radiator 10 serves as mechanical support, while the front coating 23 made of varnish covers the solar cell 2 on top.

[0069] The PVT module 100 described herein can be used with various types of solar cells 2, such as crystalline or bifacial crystalline modules or thin film modules. In addition, the module 100 can consider the following application areas: roofs, industry, open spaces, low-temperature heating networks, floating systems, large open space solar parks, especially in hot regions such as the United States, India, Spain, Arabia, Australia, Chile, etc.

[0070] The PVT module 100 according to various embodiments can be produced relatively cost - effectively. The process time and manufacturing complexity can be reduced. This results in an improvement in the economic efficiency of the PVT module 100, especially compared to traditional PVT modules with copper tubes.

[0071] The PVT module 100 according to various embodiments is characterized in that, due to the double - joint connection by adhesion / lamination and clamping in the frame 5, the reliability and quality are improved. In addition, it can be significantly simplified during the production process. The use of expensive materials can be significantly reduced. Therefore, lower costs and higher economic efficiency are feasible.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 100 Photovoltaic thermal module (PVT module)

[0074] 1 Front glass

[0075] 2 Solar cell

[0076] 3 Cell connector

[0077] 4 Laminating film

[0078] 5 Frame

[0079] 5a Upper bracket

[0080] 5b Lower bracket

[0081] 5c Clamping connection part

[0082] 6 Rear wall

[0083] 7 Adhesive layer

[0084] 10 Planar radiator

[0085] 10a First plate facing the solar cell

[0086] 10b Second plate facing away from the solar cell

[0087] 10c Cooling channel

[0088] 11 Main surface

[0089] 12 First region

[0090] 13 Second region

[0091] 14 Distance

[0092] 21 Foil

[0093] 22 Adhesive bond

[0094] 23 Front coating

[0095] 24 Paint layer

[0096] 25 Layer stack

[0097] 26 Stacking direction

Claims

1. A photovoltaic thermal module (100), comprising: - a plurality of solar cells (2), and - a planar heat sink (10), wherein, the planar heat sink (10) is based on at least one inorganic material and comprises a plurality of cooling channels (10c), wherein the planar heat sink comprises two plates (10a, 10b), the cooling channels (10c) are formed between the two plates, wherein a first plate (10a) of the plates facing the solar cells (2) is flat, wherein the cooling channels (10c) are defined by a second plate (10b) of the plates facing away from the solar cells (2), and wherein the second plate (10b) is disposed on a main surface (11) of the first plate (10a) such that a first region (12) of the first plate (10a) is covered by the second plate (10b), while a second region (13) of the first plate (10a) is not covered by the second plate (10b).

2. The photovoltaic thermal module according to claim 1, wherein, the first plate (10a) extends over an area larger than that of the second plate (10b).

3. The photovoltaic thermal module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the second region (13) of the first plate (10a) is arranged to extend around the second plate (10b).

4. The photovoltaic thermal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a support frame (5) that mechanically supports the photovoltaic thermal module (100), wherein, the support frame (5) is in contact with the second region (13) of the first plate (10a).

5. The photovoltaic thermal module according to claim 4, wherein, the support frame (5) clamps the solar cells (2) and the first plate (10a) together.

6. A photovoltaic thermal module (100), comprising: - a plurality of solar cells (2), and - a planar heat sink (10), wherein, the planar heat sink (10) comprises a plurality of cooling channels (10c), wherein the planar heat sink comprises two plates (10a, 10b), the cooling channels (10c) are formed between the two plates, wherein a first plate (10a) of the plates faces the solar cells (2), and the cooling channels (10c) are defined by a second plate (10b) of the plates facing away from the solar cells (2), and wherein the first plate (10a) comprises a foil (21) and / or a paint (24).

7. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to claim 6, wherein, the foil (21) and / or the paint (24) are interconnected with the second plate (10b) by an adhesive bond (22).

8. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, the foil (21) and / or the paint (24) are directly disposed on the solar cells (2).

9. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to claims 6 to 8, wherein, the first plate (10a) is formed by the foil (21) and / or the paint (24).

10. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to claims 6 to 9, wherein, the solar cell (2) is embedded in the paint (24).

11. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising a front coating (23), the front coating being arranged on a side of the solar cell (2) facing away from the planar heat sink (10) and covering the solar cell (1), wherein, the front coating (23) is formed of a foil or paint.

12. The photovoltaic thermal module (100) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein, the photovoltaic thermal module (100) comprises a layer stack (25), the layer stack comprising in a stacking direction (26): - a second plate (10b) defining the cooling channel (10c), - a paint (24) configured as a layer and in which the solar cell (2) is embedded, - a front coating (23) covering the paint (24).

13. A photovoltaic thermal module (100) having: - a plurality of solar cells (2) embedded in a paint layer (24), and - a planar heat sink (10), wherein, the planar heat sink (10) is based on at least one inorganic material and comprises a plurality of cooling channels (10c), wherein the planar heat sink comprises two plates (10a, 10b), the cooling channels (10c) being formed between the two plates, wherein a first plate (10a) of the plates facing the solar cell (2) is flat, wherein the cooling channel (10c) is defined by a second plate (10b) of the plates facing away from the solar cell (2), and - the planar heat sink (10) is attached to the paint layer (24).

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