PV module and PVT collector with frame

Abstract

PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with heat exchanger (2) on the rear side facing away from the sun for heating fluid in a heat exchanger structure with hydraulic connections (24), comprising a PV laminate (3) and several frame profiles (4) which are connected to a frame (5) which is connected to the edge regions of the PV laminate, characterized in that the frame (5) is provided with openings (6) for good air permeability, which open up at least 25% of the frame area which extends from the rear side of the PV laminate (3) in the direction facing away therefrom.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to photovoltaic modules ("PV modules") and, in particular, to photovoltaic thermal collectors ("PVT collectors") for combined electricity and heat generation. PVT collectors convert solar radiation into electrical energy, and the portion of the radiation converted into heat is utilized. PVT collectors are becoming increasingly popular for providing low-temperature heat, such as those used as heat and electricity sources for heat pumps to generate hot water and space heating, and for cooling buildings. Such PVT collectors typically consist of a PV laminate on the sun-facing front side and a heat exchanger on the back side for heating fluid in a heat exchanger structure with hydraulic connections.

[0002] In traditional PVT collectors, a flat heat exchanger is mounted on the back of the PV laminate, usually bonded to the PV laminate. The collectors are typically operated in conjunction with another low-temperature source, such as a geothermal probe, and can regenerate this second source in the summer.

[0003] New to the market in recent years are special PVT collectors, so-called PVT air-brine collectors, which are used as the sole efficient heat source for heat pumps. They not only utilize the solar radiation energy that the PV laminate does not convert into electrical energy, but also extract thermal energy from the air. This requires a powerful ambient air heat exchanger so that the heat transfer fluid can be heated to near the ambient air temperature in the absence of solar radiation. The term PVT air-brine collectors was adopted by the national DIN mirror committee NA 041 01 56 AA "Solar Systems (SpA CEN / TC 312 and ISO / TC 180)" for PVT collectors that utilize both solar radiation and the thermal energy of the ambient air as a heat source, e.g., for heat pumps.

[0004] An example of a PVT air-brine collector is described in EP 3 497 381 B1: A finned heat exchanger is located on the back of the PV module.

[0005] In general, all PVT collectors (including PVT air-brine collectors) used to provide low-temperature heat strive for good heat exchange with the ambient air. The same applies to pure PV modules, as they generate electricity more efficiently when cooled by the ambient air. The prerequisite for good heat transfer from the ambient air to the heat exchanger or the back of the PV module is good, as unobstructed as possible, airflow around the heat exchanger structure or the back of the PV module.

[0006] For this reason, the PVT collector described in EP 3 497 381 B1 does not have a surrounding frame, as is otherwise common with PV modules, see e.g. WO 2025 063459 A1.

[0007] The disadvantage of a frameless construction, at least in one dimension, is the reduced rigidity of the PV module or PVT collector. To achieve sufficient strength against pressure and suction forces, special mounting systems are used, such as those described in German utility model 20 2018 001 631. Such mounting systems have two main disadvantages: - the more or less increased assembly effort - the lack of compatibility with common mounting systems, which are particularly widespread on the market for PV modules.

[0008] A further disadvantage of a frameless construction in conjunction with a heat exchanger structure, in particular a finned heat exchanger as described in EP 3 497 381 B1, is the risk of damage to the heat exchanger structure and the risk of injury from sharp-edged fins or fins.

[0009] For PVT collectors, a metal frame is often required. This frame is installed on the sides of the PVT collectors to cover the connected pipes, or above and possibly below (in the case of an inclined installation), for aesthetic reasons, or to prevent snow from accumulating and blocking air circulation under the collectors. A disadvantage of a frameless design is that such metal frames cannot be securely connected to the collector on frameless sides.

[0010] PVT collectors with a surrounding frame, as is common with PV modules, are also known, as shown, for example, in FR3135516A1. However, the disadvantage here is that the frame impedes the airflow around and through the heat exchanger or the back of the PV laminate.

[0011] An additional special challenge with PVT collectors is the hydraulic connection. Many PVT collectors each have two connections, which are connected to a distribution or collector line, both of which are laid separately. In EP 3 497 381 B1, the distribution and collector lines are integrated into the PVT collectors, so the collectors have four connections. The collectors are hydraulically connected to each other by collector plug-in connectors, which are each pushed into the integrated distribution or collector pipes. At one end of a collector row, a connection hose for the inlet or outlet line is pushed in, and at the other end, a hydraulic closure (sealing plug) is inserted. The collector connectors, as well as the connecting hoses and sealing plugs, are each typically equipped with two O-rings, which fit tightly into the connections on the distribution and connecting pipes.The connections are shaped so that the collector connectors are pushed in all the way so that the sealing function is ensured by both O-rings.

[0012] This solution, which is advantageous compared to external distribution and collector pipes because it is easy to install, has three disadvantages: - In order to prevent the connecting hose or sealing plug from slipping out, a fixing clamp is required. To accommodate this clamp, the ends of the distribution and collector pipes must be given a special shape, which requires additional manufacturing effort. - The collectors must be mounted at precise distances from each other to ensure that the collector connectors are inserted at the correct depth in the distribution and collector pipes. Ensuring this requires additional installation effort. - If a PVT collector within a collector row needs to be replaced, the fixings of all collectors on one side of the collector to be replaced must be loosened and the collectors moved so that the inserted collector connectors can be pulled out of the distribution and collector pipe.

[0013] Another general disadvantage of conventional PV modules and PVT collectors is that when mounted on a sloped roof or mounting structure, they must be held in the correct position until the collector clamps are screwed tight. This increases installation effort and reduces installation accuracy.

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide PV modules and PVT collectors with frames as well as accessories that can be mounted on the frame and that meet the following requirements: - Minimal impact of ambient air on the flow around the PVT heat exchanger or the underside of the PV module - Compatibility with common PV mounting systems, especially mounting rails - Easy connection of external sheet metal edging - Fixing option for connecting hoses, fittings or sealing plugs and other elements inserted into the connections of the distribution and collector pipes - Ensuring the correct spacing of the PVT collectors and the correct fit of the inserted connection elements and collector connectors - Enabling the replacement of PVT collectors within a row without having to move the other collectors. - Locking of the PV module or collector during installation of the collector clamps.

[0015] The problem is solved with the features of claims 1 to 11. These provide a PV module 1a or a PVT collector 1b, respectively, which have a frame 5 provided with openings 6 for good air permeability in the z-direction (with frame extension in the x-direction) or in the x-direction (with frame extension in the z-direction). To ensure good air permeability, the openings should expose at least 25% of the lateral frame surface (xy-plane or zy-plane) below the PV laminate 3. Furthermore, with the same free cross-section, a few large openings have lower air resistance than many small ones. Therefore, the minimum extension of the openings, both in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2 (direction of the edge of the PV laminate 3) and perpendicular to it (y-direction), should be at least 50% of the height of the frame from the base to below the PV laminate.

[0016] In order to give the frame 2 a high level of stability and rigidity for absorbing forces perpendicular to the surface of the PV laminate despite the openings 6, the remaining areas of the lateral frame surface between the openings 6 are advantageously formed as webs in the form of a supporting structure: The webs 9 run obliquely in a zigzag shape from the upper part 7 to the lower part 8 of the frame profile 4 and meet at the upper part 7 or lower part 8.

[0017] Further increased stability of the frame profiles 4 against twisting or bending of the connecting webs 9 transversely to the longitudinal extent of the frame profile 4 can be achieved by the connecting webs 9 being shaped in a direction perpendicular to the plane spanned by the connecting webs (9) or openings (6). This can be beads embossed into the connecting webs 9 or the areas between the openings 6, surface areas formed at an angle or perpendicular to the hole surface at the edge of the openings 6, or a twisting of the connecting webs 9. In particular, the latter shape additionally ensures that air flowing past the frame profile 4 is directed into the area beneath the PV laminate 3.

[0018] To provide a simple connection option for external sheet metal enclosures, the frame 2 has, in an advantageous variant, a sheet metal receiving groove 13. A connecting sheet 14, for example, bent in a Z-shape, can be inserted there.

[0019] The frame 2 is advantageously intended to accommodate a number of accessory components. For this purpose, the outer side of the frame profile 4 has an upper and a lower profile projection 15, 16. The two profile projections form two opposing, mutually open grooves for receiving retaining structures 17 of accessory components that fit the grooves. The grooves are open at the respective ends of the frame profile 4, allowing accessory components to be pushed into the grooves from the outside. Such accessory components include: - Holder 18 for fixing connecting plates 14 - Spacer 27 of a hydraulic collector connector 25 - Clamp 30 for fixing a connecting hose or sealing plug - Anti-slip device 21 for locking the PV module or PVT collector during installation - Collector terminal 12

[0020] The frame profiles 4 can be made of aluminum, preferably by extrusion. The openings can be punched after extrusion.

[0021] The structure according to the invention can be achieved, inter alia, by the following, Fig. 1 to 16 can be realized using the concrete designs shown as examples.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a PV module 1a or a PVT collector 1b, consisting of four frame profiles 4 connected to form a frame 5, into which the PV laminate 3 is embedded. The frame 5 is provided with openings 6 for good air permeability. The PV module 1a or the PVT collector 1b rests on two mounting rails 11, to which it is fastened with collector clamps 12, as is usual for PV modules. The collector clamps 12 can either rest on top of the frame profile 4 and press the entire frame profile onto the mounting rail, as is usual for PV modules, or engage at the bottom of the profile projection 16, as is common in solar thermal collectors, whereby the frame profile 4 is subjected to less mechanical stress.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows the back of a PVT collector 1b with a possible embodiment of a heat exchanger 2 and four hydraulic connections 24.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the PVT collector 1b. The openings 6 in the frame profile 4 are formed by connecting webs 9 in the form of a supporting structure. Also visible is the opening 23 in the frame profile 4, behind which lies a hydraulic connection 24 of the PVT collector 1b. On the outer side of the frame profile 4, two opposing, mutually open grooves are formed by an upper and a lower profile projection 15, 16. The profile is not mitered at the outer edge, so the grooves are open to the outside.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows a section through the frame profile 4. It consists of the upper profile section 7 and the lower profile section 8 arranged parallel to it. At the top, the profile forms a hook-shaped sheet metal receiving groove 13. On the outside of the frame profile 4, the upper and lower profile projections 15, 16 described above can be seen.

[0026] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of the frame profile 4 with connecting webs 9. The connecting webs 9 are twisted, which increases air permeability and directs wind flowing along the frame profile 4 into the area beneath the PV laminate 3. Furthermore, the shape perpendicular to the plane spanned by the connecting webs 9 increases rigidity and, in particular, compressive strength.

[0027] Fig. Figure 6 shows two variants of a holder 18 for securing connecting parts 14, in particular metal sheets. The holder 18 includes a flat part, the holding structure 17, which can be pushed between the grooves formed by the profile projections 15 and 16. The holding structure has two opposing locking tongues 20 with a sawn profile, which hold the holding structure 17 in the mounted position. Furthermore, the holder 18 has a support 19.

[0028] Fig. Figure 7 shows the two holders 18 in the inserted state. On the underside of the holder 18, a slot 34 is visible, to which the connecting pipes 35 are fixed.

[0029] Fig. 8 shows the PV module 1a or the PVT collector 1b from the side, with the holder 18 inserted into the frame profile 4. A folded sheet 14 is pushed diagonally from above into the hook-shaped sheet receiving groove 13.

[0030] Fig. Figure 9 shows the sheet 14, which, in the assembled position, rests on the support 19 of the holder 18. The sheet receiving groove 13 overlaps the sheet 14, thus preventing it from lifting off in the y-direction. Furthermore, the sheet engages in the retaining lug 32 of the holder 18.

[0031] Fig. Figure 10 shows a possible design of a hydraulic collector connector 25 that can be inserted into the hydraulic connections 24 of two adjacent PVT collectors 1b. The collector connector 25 consists of a corrugated, flexible tubular connector 26 and a spacer 27. The spacer 27 is centrally and detachably attached to the connector 26 in the radial direction and secured against displacement in the axial direction by embossings that engage positively in the corrugation troughs of the connector.

[0032] Fig. Figure 11 shows the connector 26 inserted into the connection 24 of a PVT collector 1b. The spacer engages with two hooks 33 into the two profile projections 15, 16 of the frame. In this way, the connector is pushed into the hydraulic connection to a defined insertion depth without the need for a stop within the hydraulic connection.

[0033] Fig. 12 shows a section of two PVT collectors 1b, which are connected with the collector connector 25 inserted into both connections 24.

[0034] Fig. 13 shows the same section as Fig. 12. In this case, the spacer 27 is removed from the connector 26. The connector is pushed far enough into the hydraulic connection 24 of the PVT collector 1b located on the left that the PVT collector 1b located on the right can be removed without hindrance.

[0035] Fig. 14 shows a hydraulic connection hose 28 inserted into the hydraulic connection 24. The clamp 30, inserted between the profile projections 15, 16, fixes and secures the connection hose 28 or the closure 29 against slipping out by being positively connected to a groove 31 or a stop of the hydraulic connection piece 28, 29.

[0036] Fig. Figure 15 shows a slip-off protection 21 for locking the PV module 1a or the PVT collector 1b during installation, before the collector clamps 12 are firmly mounted. It is shaped in such a way that it can be pushed through the free space 22 (see Fig. 4) fits between the profile projections 15, 16. In Fig. 15, the anti-slip device 21 is in a position in which it is located when it is inserted into the groove between the profile projections 15, 16.

[0037] Fig. 16 shows the anti-slip device 21 in the downwardly pushed mounted position, whereby it engages in an opening 6 of the frame profile 4 and is additionally locked between the profile projections 15, 16.

[0038] The advantages of the invention are: - Good rear ventilation and thus cooling of the PV module or the PVT heat exchanger - Low weight due to the design of the frame as a supporting structure - Despite the air openness, compatibility with standard PV mounting rails - Clean, stable and simple connection of external sheet metal edgings by incorporating the sheet metal edging in the frame profile - Simple and versatile fixing option for accessory components - Possibility of replacing PVT collectors within a row without having to move the other collectors.

[0039] Instead of the described embodiments, other designs are also possible according to the invention: for example, the spacer can also be realized as a bent wire part instead of in the form shown. A variety of other shapes of the holder 18 or the anti-slip device 21 than those shown in the figures are also possible. Furthermore, in comparison to Fig. 5 a stronger or over the entire length of the webs 9 realized twisting 10 of the webs 9 is possible. List of reference symbols 1a PV module 1b PVT collector 2 heat exchangers of the PVT collector 3 PV laminate (= frameless PV module) 4 frame profiles of the PV module or PVT collector 5 Frame of the PV module or PVT collector 6 Opening in the frame profile 7 upper profile section of the frame profile 8 lower profile section of the frame profile 9 Connecting bar between upper and lower profile section of the frame profile 10 Twisting of the connecting bars 11 mounting rails 12 collector terminals 13 Sheet metal receiving groove 14 flat connecting part or plate 15 upper profile projection 16 lower profile projection 17 Support structure 18 holders 19 Support for the flat connecting part 20 locking tongue 21 Anti-slip protection 22 Clearance between upper and lower profile projection 23 openings for hydraulic connections 24 hydraulic connections 25 hydraulic collector connector 26 tubular connector (part of the collector connector) 27 Spacer (part of the collector connector) 28 hydraulic connection hose 29 hydraulic closure, sealing plug 30 brackets 31 Stop or groove of the hydraulic connection hose or closure ses 32 retaining lug 33 Hooks of the spacer 34 Slot in holder 18 35 connecting pipe QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 497 381 B1 [0004, 0006, 0008, 0011] WO 2025 063459 A1

[0006] FR 3135516A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with heat exchanger (2) on the rear side facing away from the sun for heating fluid in a heat exchanger structure with hydraulic connections (24), comprising a PV laminate (3) and several frame profiles (4) which are connected to a frame (5) which is connected to the edge regions of the PV laminate, characterized by that the frame (5) is provided with openings (6) for good air permeability, which expose at least 25% of the frame area extending from the back of the PV laminate (3) in the direction away from it. [2] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the openings (6) are designed such that an upper profile section (7) and a lower profile section (8) of the frame (5) arranged parallel thereto are connected by connecting webs (9) transversely to the longitudinal extent of the profile sections (7, 8) in the form of a supporting structure, so that the connecting webs (9) are arranged obliquely in a zigzag shape between the upper and lower profile sections (7, 8) of the frame profile (4) and meet there in each case. [3] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the connecting webs (9) between which the openings (6) are located have a shape perpendicular to the plane spanned by the connecting webs (9) or openings (6). [4] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to one of claims 1-3, characterized byin that the frame profile (4) on the outside of the PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) has an upper and a lower profile projection (15, 16), by means of which two opposite, mutually open grooves are formed for receiving holding structures (17) of accessory components that fit the grooves, wherein the profile projections (15, 16) overlap the mutually remote edge regions of the holding structures (17) in a U-shape, and wherein the grooves are open at the respective ends or corners of the frame (5) for inserting holding structures (17). [5] PV module (1 a) or PVT collector (1 b) with frame (5) according to claim 4, characterized by that the holding structure (17) has at least one locking tongue (20) with a saw profile, which holds the holding structure (17) in the mounted position. [6] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the holding structure (17) is a component of at least one holder (18) for fixing connecting parts (14) which, in the mounted position, rest on a support (19), wherein the holder (18) is optionally provided with fixing options for connecting pipes (35). [7] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the frame profile (4) has a profile section which forms a hook-shaped sheet metal receiving groove (13) for receiving flat connecting parts (14), in particular made of sheet metal, over which the sheet metal receiving groove (13) engages in such a way that the connecting parts (14) are secured against lifting off in the y-direction. [8] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with frame (5) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat an anti-slip device (21) for locking the PV module (1a) or the PVT collector (1b) which fits into the opposite grooves formed by the upper and lower profile projections (15, 16) is shaped in such a way that it fits through the free space (22) between the profile projections (15, 16) and, in the mounted position pushed upwards towards the upper profile section (7) or alternatively in the mounted position pushed downwards towards the lower profile section (8), engages in an opening (6) of the frame (5) and is locked between the profile projections (15, 16). [9] PVT collector (1b) with heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the frame has at least one opening (23) for a horizontally positioned hydraulic connection (24), into which a preferably flexible tubular connecting piece (26) is sealingly inserted in the mounted position, wherein two adjacent PVT collectors (1b) are hydraulically connected by at least one collector connector (25) which contains the tubular connecting piece (26), in that the connecting piece (26) is sealingly inserted in the mounted position into the connections (24) of both PVT collectors (1b), wherein the hydraulic collector connector (25) consists of the connecting piece (26) and the spacer (27), which can be detachably plugged onto the connecting piece (26) centrally in the radial direction and is positively secured against axial displacement in the axial direction and is shaped such that it can be inserted into one or both profile projections (15,16) and in this way defines the distance between the PVT collectors (1b) and the insertion depth of the connecting piece (26), furthermore, characterized by that the hydraulic connections (24) are shaped so that the insertion depth of the connecting piece without spacer (27) is so large that the dismantling of the adjacent PVT collector (1b) is not hindered by the fully inserted connecting piece (26). [10] PVT collector (1b) with heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by in that hydraulic connecting hoses (28) or closures (29) which are inserted into the hydraulic connections (24) in the mounted position are fixed and secured against slipping out by at least one clamp (30) which is placed between the profile projections (15, 16) in the mounted position and is also positively connected to a groove (31) or a stop of the hydraulic connecting piece (28, 29). [11] PV module (1a) or PVT collector (1b) with heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the frame profiles (4) are formed from extruded aluminum profiles with punched openings (6).

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