Cogeneration system with integrated thermal management and water production

Abstract

This invention relates to an ultracooling patch designed for photovoltaic panels, which improves power generation efficiency and simultaneously produces fresh water through advanced thermal management. The ultracooling patch features a flexible adhesive structure comprising an atmospheric water collector, a thermal conditioning layer, and an adhesive layer. The ultracooling patch reduces the photovoltaic panel temperature by approximately 30°C, thereby significantly increasing power density by more than 28%. Its lightweight, scalable, and easy-to-install design ensures compatibility with a wide range of photovoltaic panel systems, thus sustainably addressing global energy and water challenges.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 986,685, filed December 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to at least the fields of solar energy technology, photovoltaic systems, thermal management, and passive cooling technology. Background Technology

[0003] Solar power generation offers a sustainable solution to the global energy and water shortage problem. Among solar technologies, photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most widely used to convert solar energy into electricity. However, PV cells typically convert only a small portion of the solar spectrum (e.g., 300 to 1100 nm for silicon cells), resulting in the loss of over 70% of the incident energy as heat. This excess heat increases the temperature of the PV panels, thereby reducing their power output and lifespan. Studies show that efficiency decreases by 0.4% to 0.5% for every degree Celsius increase in temperature.

[0004] Recent research has focused on passive thermal management technologies for PV cooling, which offer benefits such as no energy input required, low maintenance costs, and simplicity. However, existing designs often fail to optimize the energy interaction between cooling components and the PV system or evaporator, limiting cooling effectiveness. Furthermore, the complexity of their installation and removal hinders large-scale deployment.

[0005] Therefore, a simple, efficient, and scalable passive cooling technology is needed to significantly improve the performance and lifespan of PV systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the challenges mentioned above, the present invention provides a combined electricity and water system with integrated thermal management and water production functions, comprising a PV panel for converting sunlight into electricity and an ultracooling patch (UCP) attached to the PV panel. An atmospheric water collector (AWH) layer captures moisture from the air at night, the PV panel improves moisture absorption efficiency, and during the day, excess heat from the PV panel is used to evaporate water within the UCP, and the latent heat of evaporation helps cool the PV panel.

[0007] The UCP comprises: an AWH layer having arranged channels; a thermal conditioning layer configured to dissipate heat through latent heat evaporation and enhanced thermal conduction; and an adhesive layer that enables the UCP to be firmly and reversibly attached to the PV panel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the AWH layer comprises a hydrogel material crosslinked with a moisture-absorbing material to capture and store moisture.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hydrogel material comprises polyurethane, melamine, cellulose, alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide, and the hygroscopic material comprises LiCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, ZnCl2, Mofs, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In one embodiment, the AWH layer contains pores interconnected with low-torsivity channels for rapid mass and heat transfer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal conditioning layer is formed of a highly thermally conductive material selected from graphite, aluminum, or copper.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises a silicone-based material, acrylic acid, sec-butyl acetate, or a combination thereof.

[0013] In one embodiment, the silicone-based material comprises polydimethylsiloxane, silicone elastomer, silicone adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, the PV panel comprises a rigid PV panel and a flexible PV panel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the thickness of the UCP ranges from 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0016] In one embodiment, the UCP reduces the operating temperature of the PV panel by at least 15°C under typical solar radiation, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency of the PV panel by at least 8%.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thermal regulation layer maintains at least 400 W / m under high solar radiation intensity conditions. 2 Cooling power density.

[0018] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer enables the UCP to withstand at least 50 attachment and detachment cycles without losing its adhesiveness.

[0019] In one embodiment, the UCP achieves nearly 700W m- 2 It boasts ultra-high cooling power and can recover more than 70% of solar waste heat for the production of fresh water.

[0020] In another embodiment, the UCP is further configured as a finned structure, referred to as a folded UCP (FUCP), with its surface area increased by at least 30% to improve the cooling rate. This modification causes a significant drop in the temperature of the PV panel by approximately 30°C, thereby resulting in a significant increase in maximum power density, exceeding 28%.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving the performance of a photovoltaic panel and generating fresh water, comprising: attaching the UCP to the PV panel; collecting moisture from ambient air via the AWH layer at night; dissipating heat via the thermal regulation layer during the day to reduce the temperature of the PV panel; and converting the steam generated by the UCP into fresh water. The method improves power generation efficiency by maintaining the PV panel at an optimal operating temperature while simultaneously generating fresh water.

[0022] In one embodiment, the hydrogel material is crosslinked using a 30% by weight calcium chloride solution.

[0023] In another embodiment, the method further includes reshaping the UCP into a folded configuration to improve heat transfer efficiency.

[0024] In one embodiment, the moisture captured by the AWH layer is stored in a condensation chamber for subsequent use in irrigation or drinking.

[0025] Lowering the temperature optimizes solar energy conversion efficiency, alleviates the thermal degradation problem commonly faced by photovoltaic systems, and thus unlocks the full power generation potential of existing PV facilities.

[0026] In addition to its cooling capabilities, UCP offers several advantages due to its flexibility and adhesion. The patch is easy to deploy, with a simple and cost-effective installation process that requires no special tools or complex operations. Its flexible design allows for compatibility with both rigid and flexible PV panels, making it suitable for a wide range of PV systems.

[0027] This dual-purpose system offers several significant advantages:

[0028] 1. The system enables the simultaneous production of electricity and fresh water, addressing two critical needs in many regions, particularly in arid or water-scarce areas.

[0029] 2. By keeping the PV panels relatively cool through UCP, the system can improve the overall power generation efficiency, which is a key factor in maximizing the effectiveness of the solar system.

[0030] 3. This method reduces reliance on separate energy and water systems, optimizing resources and operating costs.

[0031] 4. The system has good scalability and is suitable for a variety of scenarios, from small residential applications to large commercial and industrial installations. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the UCP according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a UCP used for cooling flexible PV.

[0035] Figure 3A The illustration shows a remodeled UCP designed to passively enhance heat transfer from the PV panel. Figure 3B The PV / FUCP system with TRL-AWH large interface and AWH-air large interface is showcased.

[0036] Figure 4 This section compares the volume changes of sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels and polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels. Dotted areas represent 10 x 10 mm regions.

[0037] Figure 5 The preparation process of the SA hydrogel framework is demonstrated.

[0038] Figure 6 Scanning electron microscope images showing the arrangement of channels in a hydrogel sponge.

[0039] Figure 7 The isotherm of water adsorption-desorption of hygroscopic salt at 25°C and 60% relative humidity is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 The water adsorption performance of AWH with arranged channels and random channels is demonstrated. The illustration shows the mechanism of rapid adsorption by the arranged channels.

[0041] Figure 9 Demonstrates the peel adhesion strength of adhesive layers on different substrates.

[0042] Figure 10 Optical images showing patch adhesives on different materials.

[0043] Figure 11 This demonstrates the peel-bond test of UCP under repeated bonding and detachment cycles on a silicon wafer.

[0044] Figure 12 This demonstrates the effect of UCP thickness on cooling performance.

[0045] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the combined electricity and water production process, which captures moisture from the air at night and generates electricity through solar radiation during the day.

[0046] Figure 14 The power-voltage curves of PV and PV-UCP are shown under irradiation with one solar constant at ambient temperatures of approximately 35°C and 40°C, respectively.

[0047] Figure 15The power-voltage curves of the original flexible PV and the flexible PV-UCP are shown.

[0048] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of FUCP used to improve cooling efficiency is shown.

[0049] Figure 17 Show the temperature changes of the original PV panel, PV-UCP, and PV-FUCP.

[0050] Figure 18 The calculated energy flows of the original PV, PV-UCP, and PV-FUCP are displayed.

[0051] Figure 19 The demonstration compares the charging capacity of a smartwatch under 10 minutes of continuous exposure to 1 solar constant using a raw PV panel with that using PV-FUCP.

[0052] Figure 20 A photograph of a fabricated PV-FUCP cell is shown, the fabricated PV-FUCP cell having dimensions of 1270 mm × 760 mm.

[0053] Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing the water-cooled condensation chamber.

[0054] Figure 22 A schematic diagram illustrating rapid mass / heat transfer in AWH. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely used to generate electricity from solar energy. However, the heat generated by the photothermal effect in PV panels can adversely affect their energy conversion efficiency and overall lifespan.

[0056] Therefore, this invention introduces a flexible adhesive ultracooling patch (UCP) that provides efficient thermal management for PV panels while also offering a way to extract moisture from the air and generate fresh water. This not only enhances the power generation performance of existing 1500GW PV facilities but also promotes fresh water production.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the UCP comprises three distinct layers: an AWH layer, a thermal conditioning layer, and an adhesive layer.

[0058] AWH is composed of a hydrogel material with an ordered network of channels and an interconnected pore structure. This structure enhances the material's ability to rapidly absorb moisture from the air. When a hygroscopic material is introduced into the hydrogel, efficient moisture absorption can be achieved through low-resistance channels, enabling the system to collect moisture from ambient humidity.

[0059] In one embodiment, the hydrogel material may comprise polyurethane, melamine, cellulose, alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyacrylamide. The hygroscopic material may comprise LiCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, ZnCl2, Mofs, or combinations thereof.

[0060] This thermal regulation layer is designed to control the thermal conduction behavior of the UCP. It provides a rapid heat dissipation path, helping to maintain the optimal operating temperature of the underlying systems, such as photovoltaic panels, preventing overheating and improving operational efficiency.

[0061] In one embodiment, the thermal conditioning layer is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity may include graphite, aluminum, or copper.

[0062] The adhesive layer enables the UCP to adhere firmly to a variety of substrates, ensuring a tight and reversible bond. This layer allows the UCP to be mounted on a variety of surfaces without causing permanent alteration or damage to the substrate, thus giving the system excellent adaptability and ease of implementation.

[0063] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer may comprise a silicone-based material, acrylic acid, sec-butyl acetate, or a combination thereof.

[0064] The key advantage of the UCP lies in its dual functionality, which addresses both the energy and water crises. The UCP is designed to operate efficiently in two main modes: (1) extracting water at night; and (2) dissipating heat during the day.

[0065] For (1), at night, the UCP is able to rapidly absorb and extract moisture from the air. This is achieved through the synergistic design of materials and structure, designed to maximize surface area and moisture retention capacity. The UCP structure takes advantage of the lower temperatures and higher humidity at night, using hygroscopic salts to capture moisture and store it in the AWH. The stored moisture can be evaporated and collected for use as a freshwater resource.

[0066] For (2), during the day, when the PV panel is exposed to direct sunlight, the UCP acts as a passive cooling system. By dissipating waste heat through evaporation, the UCP prevents the PV panel from overheating, thereby maintaining its efficiency and extending its lifespan. The system utilizes the heat absorbed from the PV panel to drive the evaporation process, thus ensuring continuous energy exchange between the UCP and the PV panel, even under high-intensity solar conditions.

[0067] UCP's unique combination of flexibility and adhesion allows for easy installation on various PV panel surfaces. Examples of these PV panels include rigid and flexible PV panels. The back adhesive layer ensures a secure fit without compromising the structural integrity or performance of the photovoltaic module. For flexible PV panels ( Figure 2The UCP can be seamlessly integrated to conform to the shape of the panel without causing mechanical stress or damage.

[0068] The integration of the UCP with the PV panel significantly reduces the temperature by approximately 30°C, achieved through passive cooling during periods of high solar radiation. This temperature reduction is crucial to prevent the PV panel from operating at excessively high temperatures, which would reduce its efficiency and potentially shorten its lifespan. Furthermore, the UCP's cooling capabilities significantly increase the maximum power density of the PV panel. Specifically, thanks to the reduced operating temperature, the PV panel's power density can increase by over 28%, resulting in higher power generation throughout its entire lifespan.

[0069] In terms of thermal management, UCP can provide more than 400W m- 2 Its passive cooling power provides excellent cooling efficiency and allows for continuous and stable operation in typical outdoor environments. This ensures that the PV panels maintain their optimal operating temperature throughout the day, even under strong sunlight, thereby improving overall system performance.

[0070] Furthermore, a key feature of the UCP is its finned structure, which enhances energy interaction between the UCP and the photovoltaic system while significantly increasing the effective surface area for heat exchange. This increased surface area contributes to improved passive cooling, allowing heat from the PV panel to be dissipated more efficiently to the surrounding environment. When the UCP is reconfigured into a FUCP form, its heat transfer path is optimized, further enhancing the heat exchange between the PV panel and the UCP. Figures 3A to 3B Therefore, the system achieves ultra-high cooling power density and improves performance in power generation and water production.

[0071] The UCP's significant cooling efficiency is attributed to three main factors: i) efficient mass transfer within the AWH arrangement channels, where low tortuosity reduces diffusion resistance, thereby enabling faster adsorption and evaporation rates; ii) the thermal regulation layer has high thermal conductivity and a large interfacial contact area with the AWH, allowing heat from the photovoltaic panel to be quickly conducted to the UCP; and iii) the large interfacial area between the AWH and the air promotes the release of water vapor, facilitates latent heat evaporation, and further enhances the cooling effect on the PV panel.

[0072] In addition, increasing the thickness and thermal conductivity of the thermal regulation layer can improve the heat transfer capacity of FUCP, thereby promoting heat dissipation and reducing the temperature of the photovoltaic panel.

[0073] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for generating fresh water, comprising converting the vapor generated by the ultracooled patch into fresh water. By capturing and storing moisture from the air overnight, the system facilitates the generation of fresh water, which is particularly valuable in water-scarce regions. Combined with PV energy generation, the UCP provides a sustainable dual-use solution that provides renewable energy and clean water, making the UCP an efficient tool for addressing global energy and water challenges.

[0074] Example

[0075] Example 1

[0076] Synthesis and characterization of UCP

[0077] first, Figure 4 The volume changes of two hydrogels, SA hydrogel and PAM hydrogel, were compared. The results showed that SA hydrogel experienced negligible shrinkage during the hydration-dehydration cycle, while PAM hydrogel shrank by nearly half. The superior stability of SA hydrogel ensures better performance of UCPs, as it maintains its structural morphology and adheres continuously to the PV panel surface throughout its service life.

[0078] To manufacture the AWH (Autohydrate-Water Harvesting) system, hygroscopic salts were selected as the functional component due to their excellent water absorption properties, while SA hydrogels were used as the matrix material to support these salts. First, 3% sodium alginate by weight was dissolved in DI (diluted water) and stirred for 24 hours. Next, the solution was poured into a custom-made copper mold for directional freezing. Finally, the evaporator was freeze-dried at -55°C and 0.01 mbar vacuum for 48 hours. The combination of SA hydrogels and hygroscopic salts not only achieves highly efficient water harvesting capabilities but also maintains the dimensional stability required for UCP (Unified Energy Processing) in energy-water co-generation applications, thus ensuring stable operation. Furthermore, the porous structure of the hydrogel can be used to store the captured water and prevent salt particle aggregation during the adsorption / desorption cycle. The vertically arranged porous structure of the SA hydrogel framework was obtained through directional freeze casting, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The prepared SA ink was stirred for over 24 hours and then rapidly frozen on a copper substrate at -80°C to promote directional ice crystallization. Once the ice crystals were removed, oriented channels and layered pores were formed. Figure 6 Bubbles within the ink interconnect channels to facilitate rapid mass transfer. This is then achieved by crosslinking the SA backbone by immersing it in a 30% (w / w) CaCl2 solution. See also Figure 7 The excellent water absorption properties of CaCl2 (>3g g) -1 It promotes the rapid capture of moisture from the air.

[0079] See Figure 8The paper demonstrates the water adsorption performance of AWHs with different pore structures. AWHs with an arranged channel pore structure exhibit faster adsorption kinetics, absorbing water more quickly compared to those with a random pore structure. This performance improvement is attributed to the low tortuosity of the arranged channels, which reduces mass transfer resistance during water vapor transport.

[0080] The thermal conditioning layer is usually sourced from the market. Different metal films containing aluminum and copper can be used, with thicknesses ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0081] To create the adhesive layer, a silicone-based material was used, in which Sylgard 184 and SE 1700 were mixed in a 1:1 mass ratio to achieve stable viscosity and reliable adhesion. This adhesive mixture was first coated onto the AWH surface, followed by a 150-micron copper sheet coated on both sides with the adhesive ink. Finally, the sample was cured at 50–80°C.

[0082] The adhesive strength of UCP was evaluated on various substrates using a peel test. Figure 9 For example, UCP can firmly bond to polymers, metals, ceramics, and glass. Figure 10 Furthermore, after 50 cycles of adhesion and detachment, the UCP maintained strong adhesion to the silicon wafer, demonstrating its excellent reversibility. Figure 11 ).

[0083] Figure 12 The impact of UCP thickness on cooling performance was demonstrated. The unmodified photovoltaic panel maintained a significantly higher temperature compared to PV-UCP, highlighting the highly efficient passive cooling provided by UCP. During the first hour of exposure to one solar constant, all three PV-UCP systems exhibited similar cooling effects. However, as exposure time increased, the temperature of the 2 mm thick PV-UCP rose slightly, while the temperatures of the 5 mm and 10 mm thick PV-UCP remained stable. This behavior can be attributed to the increased potential cooling capacity of the thicker UCP. As the evaporation process continued, the 2 mm thick PV-UCP experienced a rapid decrease in water content, leading to a reduction in cooling efficiency. In contrast, the 5 mm and 10 mm thick UCPs maintained sufficient water content, sustaining constant and stable cooling performance.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] Manufacturing of PV-UCP Cogeneration System

[0086] To manufacture a PV-UCP combined power and water system, the process begins with selecting a suitable photovoltaic panel, typically a commercially available monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon panel, chosen based on energy demand and environmental factors. According to Example 1, the UCP is manufactured comprising: an atmospheric water collector made of a hydrogel infused with a moisture-absorbing material (e.g., calcium chloride or silica gel) to absorb moisture; a thermal regulation layer using a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., graphite or aluminum) to dissipate heat; and an adhesive layer that allows the UCP to be firmly and reversibly attached to the PV panel.

[0087] Figure 13 This demonstrates the mechanism of a PV-UCP combined electricity and water system. At night, the UCP absorbs moisture from the air, where the arrangement of channels within the UCP and the radiative cooling effect of the PV panels improve moisture absorption efficiency. During the day, the PV panels generate electricity and heat when exposed to sunlight. Excess heat is used to evaporate water within the UCP, and the latent heat from evaporation helps cool the PV panels. This dual process enables the simultaneous production of fresh water and increased power generation.

[0088] Figure 14 The power-voltage curves of PV and PV-UCP under irradiation with one solar constant at ambient temperatures of approximately 35°C and 40°C are presented. As the ambient temperature increases from 35°C to 40°C, the maximum power density of the unmodified PV panel decreases significantly from 0.717W to 0.661W. In contrast, the maximum power density of the PV-UCP decreases by only 0.008W, further highlighting the effective cooling performance of the UCP. These results demonstrate that the passive cooling strategy employed by the UCP maintains good performance even under high-temperature operating conditions.

[0089] In addition, when using flexible PV panels (such as...) Figure 2 When replacing the standard PV panel (as shown), Figure 15 The power generation performance of flexible PV panels and flexible PV-UCPs was compared. The results show that the maximum power density of the flexible PV-UCP is increased by approximately 72% compared to that of a standalone flexible PV panel, which can be attributed to the cooling effect provided by the UCP.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] Enhanced power generation efficiency by employing FUCP to improve the cooling performance of photovoltaic panels.

[0092] Figure 16This demonstrates the effectiveness of reshaping the UCP morphology to improve cooling performance, a process that fully leverages its flexibility and adhesion properties. By folding the UCP into a FUCP, the contact area between the thermal regulation layer and the AWH (airflow shield), as well as between the AWH and the air, is significantly increased. This increased surface area facilitates the transfer of more heat from the photovoltaic panel to the FUCP, thereby improving overall heat exchange efficiency and enhancing cooling performance. As a result, the FUCP reduces the PV panel temperature by 29.5°C, which is nearly 5°C lower than the cooling performance achieved by the UCP. Figure 17 Thanks to the ultra-high cooling efficiency of FUCP, the power generation performance of PV is significantly enhanced.

[0093] Figure 18 The calculated energy flows for the original PV, PV-UCP, and PV-FUCP are shown. For the unmodified PV panel, over 80% of the incident solar energy (8.49 W) is converted into heat, which is subsequently dissipated into the surrounding environment. In contrast, the PV-UCP effectively removes a significant amount of heat (5.83 W) through moisture evaporation, accounting for 69% of all waste heat. After remodeling the UCP into a FUCP, its passive cooling performance is significantly improved, with a 0.95 W increase in latent heat removal capacity, ultimately achieving up to 692 W / m². 2 Its ultra-high cooling power. This cooling performance is significantly higher than advanced radiative cooling methods (40 to 140 W / m²). 2 Atmospheric water adsorption-evaporative cooling (295W / m) 2 ) and other emerging evaporation-based cooling solutions (180 to 400 W / m 2 ( ) cooling performance.

[0094] See Figure 19 To illustrate the improvement in power generation capacity achieved by the FUCP design, two smartwatches (Huawei Band 8) were individually charged under 1 solar constant irradiation using PV-FUCP and PV-UCP. After 10 minutes of charging, the smartwatch connected to PV-FUCP had a 19% battery charge, while PV-UCP only increased the battery capacity by 15%. This comparison clearly demonstrates the significant improvement in power generation efficiency achieved by the passive ultracooling strategy, highlighting its practical application potential.

[0095] Example 4

[0096] Large-scale solar energy applications

[0097] UCP and 1m 2Commercial-grade PV panel integration, located in typical outdoor environments. The UCP is mounted directly to the surface of the PV panel using a specially designed adhesive layer that allows for a secure attachment without compromising the performance or integrity of the PV module. This installation is carefully monitored throughout its operational lifespan to assess its impact on the energy generation efficiency of the PV panel.

[0098] Through its innovative cooling design, the UCP effectively reduces the operating temperature of PV panels by up to 10°C compared to standard uncooled PV systems. This reduction prevents overheating, a common problem that can lead to reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan of PV panels. By maintaining the UCP within its optimal operating temperature range, it ensures that the PV panels operate at peak efficiency, thereby increasing overall energy output. Furthermore, the UCP significantly improves absorption across the entire solar energy spectrum, including visible and infrared light, thus converting solar radiation into electricity more efficiently.

[0099] For large-scale applications, the UCP is optimized and scaled up to form a PV-FUCP system. The PV-FUCP is designed to provide efficient cooling on larger PV panels. The 2000mm x 1000mm UCP is flexible and easy to roll up for storage and transport. The UCP is securely attached to the back of a commercial PV panel (1270mm x 760mm) to form the PV-FUCP system. Figure 20 In addition to its cooling function, the system integrates a condensation chamber located behind the PV panel to collect over 2.2 kg of water. Pipes connect to the condensation chamber for water collection. The water can be used for domestic purposes, such as irrigation or drinking, or for the self-cleaning of the PV panel. Figure 21 At night, the rear panel of the condenser chamber is opened to facilitate moisture capture. In contrast, during the day, the rear panel is closed to allow steam condensation and water collection.

[0100] This multifunctional system not only improves energy efficiency by maintaining optimal operating temperature, but also provides a sustainable water management solution, making it an ideal choice for large-scale solar installations in various environmental conditions.

[0101] Example 5

[0102] Dual function of UCP for simultaneous power generation and freshwater production

[0103] In this example, the UCP is coupled to a PV panel to simultaneously generate electricity and produce fresh water. The PV panel generates electricity by converting sunlight into electricity. Excess heat energy from the PV panel that would otherwise be wasted is captured by the UCP.

[0104] See Figure 22The moisture capture process comprises three steps: i) water molecules are transported from the air to the surface of the AWH (Adsorption Surface). ii) water molecules diffuse within the AWH through oriented microchannels and micropores. iii) water molecules are captured by adsorption sites of the adsorbent. During this multi-step adsorption process, heat and mass transfer efficiency are primarily determined by three types of transport resistance:

[0105] (1) Surface resistance

[0106] (2) Diffusion resistance

[0107] (3) Reaction resistance

[0108] A represents the interfacial area between the nanocomposite material and air. ext δ is the outer surface area of ​​the nanocomposite material. h is the surface transport coefficient, which is affected by the airflow rate. sorb This refers to the transport depth. Dp is the diffusivity of water vapor in the pores, ε is the porosity, and τ represents the tortuosity. K r The reaction rate coefficient can be represented by K. r =1 / τ r , τ r It refers to the characteristic reaction time.

[0109] The key to rapid moisture capture research lies in reducing diffusion resistance, which can be controlled by adjusting the diffusion depth and tortuosity. The low tortuosity of the prepared AWH minimizes mass transfer resistance, thereby resulting in faster adsorption and evaporation kinetics.

[0110] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and is not intended to exhaustively describe the invention or limit it to the specific forms disclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention, and all such modifications and variations should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0111] The above embodiments were selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that those skilled in the art can understand the various implementations of the present invention and make appropriate modifications according to specific needs to suit the intended specific purpose.

[0112] definition

[0113] Throughout this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprise” or variations thereof, such as “comprises” or “comprising”, should be understood to imply inclusion of the stated whole or group of wholes, but not to exclude any other whole or group of wholes. It should also be noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and / or paragraphs, terms such as “comprises,” “comprised,” and “comprising” may have the meaning given to them under U.S. patent law; for example, they may permit elements not expressly stated, but exclude elements found in the prior art or affecting the essential or novel features of the invention.

[0114] Furthermore, throughout the specification and claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including” should be understood to imply inclusion of the stated whole or group of wholes, but not to exclude any other whole or group of wholes.

[0115] References to "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that, whether explicitly described or not, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0116] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “basically,” “substantially,” and “about” are used to describe and explain small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the terms can refer to the exact occurrence of the event or situation as well as the approximate occurrence of the event or situation. As used herein with respect to a given value or range, the term “about” generally means within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. A range may be indicated herein as from one endpoint to another or between two endpoints. Unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed in this disclosure include endpoints. When referring to the same numerical value or characteristic, the term can refer to a value within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the average value.

[0117] In the preparation methods described herein, steps may be performed in any order without departing from the principles of the invention, except where the timing or order of operations is explicitly stated. A statement in a claim that implies performing a step first, followed by several other steps, should be interpreted as meaning that the first step is performed before any other steps, but the other steps may be performed in any suitable order unless the order is further stated in the other steps. For example, a claim element stating "step A, step B, step C, step D, and step E" should be interpreted as meaning that step A is performed first, and step E is performed last, and steps B, C, and D may be performed in any order between steps A and E, and such order still falls within the literal scope of the claimed process. A given step or a subset of steps may also be repeated. Furthermore, unless the steps specified in the explicit claim language are performed individually, the specified steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0118] The term "ultra-cooled patch" refers to a flexible, bonded thermal management device designed to dissipate heat from photovoltaic panels, thereby reducing their operating temperature and improving power generation efficiency.

[0119] The term "atmospheric water collector" refers to a component of UCP that uses hygroscopic materials and hydrogel structures to capture moisture from ambient air for the purpose of producing water.

[0120] The term "thermal conditioning layer" refers to a layer within the UCP that is designed to manage heat transfer, enabling efficient dissipation of heat energy from the photovoltaic panel.

[0121] The term "adhesive layer" refers to the underlayer of UCP, which provides a strong, reversible attachment to a variety of substrates without damaging the surface.

[0122] The term "hygroscopic material" refers to a substance that readily absorbs moisture from the air and is often used in combination with hydrogels to enhance its water-collecting properties.

[0123] The term "passive cooling" refers to methods of reducing temperature without using active energy input, which typically rely on natural processes such as evaporation or radiation.

[0124] The term "power density" refers to the amount of electricity generated per unit area of ​​a photovoltaic panel, typically expressed in watts per square meter (W / m²). 2 It is expressed as ) . The term "cooling power density" refers to the rate of heat dissipation per unit area of ​​a cooling system.

[0125] The term "directional cryo-casting" refers to the manufacturing process that creates an array of porous structures in a hydrogel by controlling the direction of ice crystal growth during freezing.

[0126] Other definitions of the selected terms used herein can be found in the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Industrial applicability:

[0127] The ultracooling patch of this invention provides a sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective solution for improving photovoltaic panel performance while addressing global challenges such as energy generation and freshwater scarcity. Its combination of flexible installation, efficient cooling, and moisture extraction makes it a promising technology for both commercial and residential applications. Furthermore, the ultracooling patch demonstrates practical potential for charging commercial smartwatches and can be easily scaled up to larger PV systems.

Claims

1. A combined power and water production system with integrated thermal management and water production functions, characterized in that, The combined power and water system includes: Photovoltaic panels are used to convert sunlight into electricity; An ultra-cooling patch attached to the photovoltaic panel, the ultra-cooling patch comprising: An atmospheric water collector layer having arranged channels, wherein the atmospheric water collector layer comprises a hydrogel material crosslinked with a hygroscopic material to capture and store moisture; A thermal regulation layer, configured to dissipate heat through latent heat evaporation and enhanced heat conduction; and An adhesive layer enables the ultracooling patch to be firmly and reversibly attached to the photovoltaic panel, wherein at night, the atmospheric water collector layer captures moisture from the air, the photovoltaic panel improves moisture absorption efficiency, and during the day, excess heat from the photovoltaic panel is used to evaporate water within the ultracooling patch, and the latent heat of evaporation helps to cool the photovoltaic panel.

2. The combined power generation and water production system according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel material comprises polyurethane, melamine, cellulose, alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide, and the hygroscopic material comprises LiCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, ZnCl2, Mofs, or a combination thereof.

3. The combined power and water system according to claim 2, wherein the atmospheric water collector layer includes pores interconnected with low-torsivity channels for rapid mass and heat transfer.

4. The combined power and water system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conditioning layer is formed of a highly thermally conductive material selected from graphite, aluminum or copper.

5. The combined power and water production system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an organosilicon-based material, acrylic acid, sec-butyl acetate, or a combination thereof.

6. The combined power and water production system according to claim 1, wherein the organosilicon-based material comprises polydimethylsiloxane, organosilicon elastomer, organosilicon adhesive, or a combination thereof.

7. The combined power and water system according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic panel includes a rigid photovoltaic panel and a flexible photovoltaic panel.

8. The combined power and water system according to claim 1, wherein the supercooling patch is further configured as a fin-like structure, and the surface area of ​​the supercooling patch having the fin-like structure is increased by at least 30% to improve the cooling rate.

9. The combined power and water system according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the supercooling patch ranges from 1 mm to 15 mm.

10. The combined power and water system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal regulation layer maintains a strength of at least 400 W / m² under high solar radiation conditions. 2 Cooling power density.

11. The combined power and water system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer enables the supercooling patch to withstand at least 50 attachment and detachment cycles without losing its adhesiveness.

12. The combined power and water system of claim 1, wherein the supercooling patch reduces the operating temperature of the photovoltaic panel by at least 15°C under typical solar radiation, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic panel by at least 8%.

13. A method for improving the performance of photovoltaic panels and generating fresh water, characterized in that, include: An ultra-cooling patch is attached to a photovoltaic panel, wherein the ultra-cooling patch comprises: An atmospheric water collector layer having arranged channels, wherein the atmospheric water collector layer comprises a hydrogel material crosslinked with a hygroscopic material for capturing and storing moisture; A thermal conditioning layer configured to dissipate heat through latent heat evaporation and enhanced thermal conduction; as well as An adhesive layer that enables the ultracooling patch to be firmly and reversibly attached to the photovoltaic panel; as well as At night, the moisture is collected from the ambient air via the atmospheric water collector layer, and during the day, the heat dissipation is carried out via the thermal regulation layer to reduce the temperature of the photovoltaic panel. The steam generated by the ultracooling patch is converted into fresh water. The method described therein improves power generation efficiency by maintaining the photovoltaic panel at an optimal operating temperature, while simultaneously generating fresh water.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the hydrogel material is crosslinked using a calcium chloride solution of 30% by weight.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising reshaping the ultracooling patch into a folded configuration to improve heat transfer efficiency.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the water captured by the atmospheric water collector layer is stored in a condensation chamber for subsequent use in irrigation or drinking.

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