Heat exchanger structure and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger structure (22) for exchanging heat with a liquid heat transfer medium, wherein the heat exchanger structure (22) comprises: a heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) carries a fluid line (16) for the liquid heat transfer medium, wherein the fluid line (16) extends along a guide direction (38), wherein, during operation of the heat exchanger structure (22), the heat transfer medium flows along the guide direction (38) through the fluid line (16), and wherein the heat-conducting profile furthermore comprises a coupling rail, which extends along the guide direction; a carrier (28), which extends perpendicularly to the guide direction (38) and is designed to carry the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), and a carrier element (26), which is designed for fastening to the carrier (28) and comprises a guide portion (36, 36a, 36b), which is designed to engage with the coupling rail (32) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) in order to hold the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) movably along the guide direction (38) over the carrier (28), wherein the carrier element (26) furthermore comprises a hook portion (40), which engages with the carrier (28) with a force fit and / or form fit.

Description

[0001] Heat exchanger design and process

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is in the technical field of heat exchangers in buildings, industrial plants and photothermal systems and particularly relates to a building-integrated photovoltaic and photothermal system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The energy incident on a building is usually sufficient to cover its energy needs, at least on average over the year. Photovoltaic modules can be used to generate electricity and photothermal systems can be used to produce hot water, and the energy generated can be fed to consumers within the building. While these systems can generally be installed side by side on a building, they are preferably combined to make more efficient use of the available collector area, such as the building area.

[0006] A range of combined photovoltaic and photothermal modules are available on the market. Typically, a heat exchanger with plastic pipes is mounted on the back of the photovoltaic modules, which can both cool the photovoltaic modules and provide heat energy for consumers. These combined modules can, for example, be mounted on supports on an existing roof and connected to the respective control elements in the building via power cables / hoses.

[0007] From the publication DE 10 2010 013 673 Ai a device for fastening photovoltaic modules is known, wherein profile rails of the device form channels for guiding a heat transfer medium.

[0008] From patent specification EP 2 253 024 Bi it is also known to couple roof tiles with integrated photovoltaic elements to pipes on a roof, which are connected to the roof structure via flanges.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] However, the current state of the art poses the problem of effectively conducting heat to the heat transfer lines without compromising the longevity of the combined devices. Supporting elements with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum sheets and supports, often also exhibit high thermal linear expansion. As a result, mechanical screw connections used to secure the supporting elements can be subjected to high mechanical stresses, which can be exacerbated by the thermal gradients in combined photovoltaic and photothermal systems. Therefore, in conventional photovoltaic and photothermal systems, the surface area of ​​the photovoltaic modules is often limited, and the support structure is composed of several sub-elements to keep mechanical stresses low.

[0011] In view of this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a heat exchanger construction with high thermal conductivity, which is simple in construction and at the same time can compensate for occurring thermal stresses.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by heat exchanger structures, a solar system, a roof and / or wall structure, in particular for combined power and heat generation, and a method according to the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a heat exchanger structure for exchanging heat with a liquid heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger structure comprises a heat-conducting profile, a support, and a support element. The heat-conducting profile supports a fluid line for the liquid heat transfer medium, wherein the fluid line extends along a guide direction, wherein the heat transfer medium flows through the fluid line along the guide direction during operation of the heat exchanger structure, and wherein the heat-conducting profile further comprises a coupling rail extending along the guide direction. The support extends perpendicular to the guide direction and is configured to support the heat-conducting profile.The support element is designed for attachment to the support and comprises a guide portion configured to engage with the coupling rail of the heat-conducting profile in order to hold the heat-conducting profile movably above the support along the guide direction. The support element further comprises a hook portion that engages the support in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0014] In the heat exchanger construction designed in this way, thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile can be achieved by the movable mounting of the heat-conducting profile above the support by means of the support element engaging in the coupling rail. This allows a comparatively large longitudinal expansion of the heat-conducting profile along the guide direction during operation of the heat exchanger construction, since large changes in length can be compensated for by the movable mounting of the heat-conducting profile. At the same time, heat can be conducted through the heat-conducting profile to the heat transfer medium in the fluid line. Preferably, the at least one heat-conducting profile has a thermal conductivity of more than approximately15 W / (m*K), and in particular a thermal conductivity of more than 50 W / (m*K), in particular more than 100 W / (m*K), preferably more than 150 W / (m*K), as in the case of aluminum, which may have a thermal conductivity between about 75 W / (m*K) and about 235 W / (m*K), or copper.

[0015] The heat-conducting profile can be easily mounted to the support by means of the support element, since the support element can be moved in the coupling rail along the guide direction to a desired support position and can engage with the support by means of the hook portion to fasten the support element to the support and form the heat exchanger structure. Preferably, the support element can engage with the support along the guide direction to form the force-locking and / or positive connection. The support can structurally support the heat-conducting profile directly or via the support element and can be designed to fasten the heat exchanger structure to a support structure.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the hook portion of the carrier element comprises a U-shaped receptacle for receiving the carrier, wherein the U-shaped receptacle receives the carrier in particular along the guide direction in order to mechanically couple the heat-conducting profile to the carrier.

[0017] Preferably, the heat exchanger structure additionally comprises a rigid support between the heat-conducting profile and a second support at a mounting position, wherein, upon thermal expansion or contraction, parts of the heat-conducting profile move along the guide direction relative to the rigid support. The second support, which is rigidly connected to the heat-conducting profile via the rigid support, such as a rigid connection by means of a screwed intermediate piece, can run parallel to the other support and be spaced apart from it along the guide direction.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, a relative movement of the heat-conducting profile along the guide direction can be limited by a securing element, e.g. a stop element in the coupling rail, which can be screwed to the heat-conducting profile in order to limit the maximum possible relative movement between the heat-conducting profile and the carrier. Furthermore, a stop element can be provided on one side of the heat-conducting profile, which can abut against one side of the heat-conducting profile along the guide direction. The heat exchanger structure can be formed from comparatively few heat-conducting profiles, which can be formed over a wide extent of the fluid line, such that the heat exchanger structure can have a comparatively small number of fluid connections. In particular, the fluid line and the heat-conducting profile can have essentially the same extent along the guide direction.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the fluid line is formed integrally with the heat-conducting profile.

[0020] For example, the heat-conducting profile can be a metallic profile in which channels are formed to provide fluid lines for the heat transfer medium. In some embodiments, the heat-conducting profile is made of aluminum, titanium zinc, steel, or copper. An aluminum profile with integrated fluid lines can be easily obtained, for example, by extrusion or impact molding.

[0021] A fluid line formed integrally with the heat-conducting profile allows for high thermal conductivity between the heat transfer medium in the fluid line and the heat-conducting profile. Alternatively or additionally, separate fluid lines can be coupled to the heat-conducting profile, e.g., metal pipes that are held positively and / or non-positively to the heat-conducting profile and can be thermally coupled to the heat-conducting profile using clamping forces.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile has a clamping section, wherein the clamping section engages with the fluid line in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner in order to support the fluid line.

[0023] The coupling rail is preferably formed by protruding sections of the heat-conducting profile, into which the carrier element can engage with the guide section and which extend along the guide direction to form a guide for the carrier element.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the coupling rail comprises a protruding hook portion that runs along the guide direction and protrudes perpendicular to the guide direction from the heat-conducting profile. The guide portion of the support element engages with the protruding hook portion of the coupling rail to hold the support element movably along the guide direction on the heat-conducting profile. The support element can support the heat-conducting profile, wherein an extension of the guide portion of the support element along an engagement direction is smaller than a corresponding dimension of the coupling rail of the heat-conducting profile, so that the heat-conducting profile can slide over the support element.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the guide section comprises a friction-reducing layer, wherein in particular a surface of the guide section is anodized.

[0026] For example, a surface of an aluminum support element can be anodized to provide a resilient guide section with a reduced coefficient of friction. Alternatively or additionally, a friction-reducing layer can be applied to a metallic support element by a material, force, and / or form fit to reduce the effective coefficient of friction between the coupling rail and the support element and / or increase the longevity of the support element.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, a cross section of the guide section along the guide direction has a round profile which engages with the coupling rail.

[0028] For example, the guide portion may comprise a rod-shaped segment at an engagement position for supporting and / or holding the heat-conducting profile, which extends along the guide direction in order to keep the heat-conducting profile movable.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the carrier element comprises an adapter shell which at least partially encloses the guide section and engages with the coupling rail.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the guide section is designed to be suspended in the coupling rail, wherein the suspension of the guide section in the coupling rail can preferably be effected by rotating the carrier element about an axis of rotation parallel to the guide direction.

[0031] For example, the support element may have a hook-shaped portion which can engage with a hook portion of the heat-conducting profile in the coupling rail, so that by laterally hanging the support element into the coupling rail and then rotating the support element into an orientation in which the support element protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the coupling rail, a positive engagement between the guide portion and the coupling rail can be established, which can prevent removal of the support element without rotation thereof.In preferred embodiments, the guide section comprises two coupling wings which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the guide direction, wherein the coupling wings engage with opposite sides of the coupling rail when the carrier element is suspended in the coupling rail, wherein the suspension of the guide section in the coupling rail can preferably be carried out by approaching the coupling wings of the carrier element, wherein an internal restoring force of the carrier element brings the coupling wings into engagement with the opposite sides of the coupling rail.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the carrier element further comprises a clamping wing portion protruding between the guide portion and the hook portion, wherein the clamping wing portion is configured to be elastically deformed upon engagement between the carrier, the heat-conducting profile and the carrier element in order to press the carrier against the heat-conducting profile.

[0033] For example, the carrier element may further comprise a clamping wing portion projecting in the direction of the guide portion in the region of the hook portion, which clamping wing portion can deflect along an extension direction of the connecting portion of the carrier element in order to exert a restoring force on the carrier.

[0034] The clamping wing section can extend at an angle relative to an extension direction of the connecting section and can be bent downwards when the carrier and the carrier element are brought into engagement in order to subsequently support contact between the carrier and the heat-conducting profile by a clamping force.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the carrier element further comprises a locking element which is configured to be elastically deformed when the carrier and the carrier element are brought into engagement in order to permit the engagement, and is further configured to strike against a flank of the carrier facing away from the connecting section when the carrier and the carrier element are engaged.

[0036] The locking element can also deflect along an extension direction of the connecting portion of the carrier element to allow engagement and then relax to form a positive lock for disengaging the carrier and the carrier element.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the support element further comprises a bulge and / or a groove section configured to positively engage a groove section or bulge of the support. The heat-conducting profile preferably has a large aspect ratio, with a long side extending along the guide direction and a short side running perpendicular thereto, so that absolute thermal expansion or contraction is greatest along the guide direction and can be at least partially compensated by the movable engagement between the support element and the heat-conducting profile.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile has a substantially rectangular basic shape, wherein the guide direction corresponds to a long side of the heat-conducting profile, and a direction perpendicular to the guide direction corresponds to a short side of the heat-conducting profile, wherein the short side is shorter than the long side and wherein a ratio of an extension of the long side and an extension of the short side is in particular at least two, preferably at least three and preferably at least four.

[0039] A substantially rectangular basic shape with a large aspect ratio can be formed by the heat-conducting profile having two perpendicular sides that differ in length by a factor greater than two. Those skilled in the art will understand that a rectangular basic shape, as defined in the Western sense, does not necessarily have to have completely continuous edges or right-angled corners, but may also have rounded or partially recessed sections without the heat-conducting profile deviating significantly from a substantially rectangular basic shape.

[0040] The heat-conducting profile can be a structural support element of the heat exchanger structure and can carry retaining elements for thermal coupling to a heat source.

[0041] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile is a heat-conducting hollow support with integrated channels for the liquid heat transfer medium.

[0042] The heat-conducting hollow beam can, for example, carry metallic sheets, such as aluminum sheets, to which photovoltaic modules can be coupled, or photovoltaic modules with a heat-conducting basic structure, such as an aluminum frame, can be attached to a plurality of parallel heat-conducting hollow beams.

[0043] Alternatively, the heat-conducting hollow beam may form a heat exchanger surface which is essentially defined by the long side and the short side and is opposite the coupling rail in order to directly absorb heat from a heat source, such as a photovoltaic module mounted on the heat-conducting profile.

[0044] The heat exchanger surface can be continuous and, for example, have a constant curvature to thermally couple to a corresponding surface of the heat source. For example, a composite heat exchanger surface can be formed by a plurality of heat-conducting profiles, which can be mounted adjacent to one another and each have a flat heat exchanger surface opposite the coupling rail. A flat heat exchanger surface can simplify thermal coupling to a typically flat photovoltaic module, whereby the photovoltaic module can overlap a plurality of heat-conducting profiles.

[0045] In the event of thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile, thermal stresses can be at least partially compensated by the movable mounting of the heat-conducting profile via the carrier element.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile comprises a first coupling section and a second coupling section on opposite sides, wherein the first coupling section is configured to engage non-positively and / or positively with the second coupling section of an adjacent heat-conducting profile, such that the first coupling section of the heat-conducting profile and the second coupling section of the adjacent heat-conducting profile form a continuous connection between the heat-conducting profiles.

[0047] The continuous connection is preferably watertight in order to be able to provide a continuous watertight heat exchanger surface using a plurality of connected heat-conducting profiles, e.g. for a building envelope with an integrated solar system.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the first coupling portion receives the second coupling portion, in particular to form a watertight connection.

[0049] The first coupling section can enclose the second coupling section, so that the second coupling section engages the first coupling section during assembly. The second coupling section can be held in the first coupling section in a form-fitting manner, with the first coupling section preferably holding the second coupling section in a force-fitting manner, thus creating a clamping connection.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the first coupling portion of the heat-conducting profile and the second coupling portion of the adjacent heat-conducting profile form a watertight groove between the heat-conducting profiles, wherein the watertight groove runs along the guide direction.

[0051] For example, the first coupling section and the second coupling section can be substantially U-shaped and engage with each other along a surface normal of the heat exchanger surface to form watertight bulges or grooves between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, which run along the guide direction and can protrude or be recessed along the surface normal of the heat exchanger surface. The watertight groove is preferably open toward the heat exchanger surface to allow for structural drainage of rain and / or to provide a screw channel for attaching components to the heat exchanger surface.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion have a U-shaped cross section along the guide direction, wherein the U-shaped cross section of the second coupling portion is received by the U-shaped cross section of the first coupling portion when the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are engaged.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the continuous connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles has a recessed portion such that a gap is formed between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, the gap exposing the recessed portion.

[0054] The recessed section may be open toward a top side of the heat-conducting profile, allowing the recessed section to form the watertight channel. The gap may allow for the compensation of thermal transverse expansion of the heat-conducting profiles relative to the guide direction, allowing a heat exchanger surface of the heat-conducting profiles to essentially retain its shape, particularly a flat shape, during temperature fluctuations.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, a groove element engages in the gap and connects the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, wherein the groove element in particular mechanically couples opposite projections of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, wherein the projections define the gap, and wherein the groove element is preferably configured to attach a component to a surface of the heat-conducting profiles

[0056] The groove element can firmly anchor the adjacent heat-conducting profiles to one another, creating a rigid connection between the heat-conducting profiles at specific points within the heat exchanger structure. This rigid connection can increase the structural rigidity of the heat exchanger structure. Furthermore, the groove element can provide a flexible mounting option for heat sources, such as solar modules, on the heat exchanger structure, eliminating the need to drill through the heat exchanger structure to attach external components. Thus, a building-integrated PVT system, in particular, can be formed from a plurality of preformed, heat-conducting standard profiles and manufactured with simple installation steps. The groove element can, for example, comprise a mounting section for attaching the external component to the heat exchanger structure.

[0057] Preferably, the first coupling section and the second coupling section engage with each other so that a positive clamping connection is established between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the second coupling portion comprises a groove for receiving an end portion of the first coupling portion, such that the first coupling portion is held force-fittingly and / or form-fittingly on the second coupling portion when the adjacent heat-conducting profiles are connected at a predetermined angle to each other by the coupling portions.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the first coupling portion comprises a groove for receiving an end portion of the second coupling portion, such that the first coupling portion is held force-fittingly and / or positively on the second coupling portion when the adjacent heat-conducting profiles are connected at a predetermined angle to each other by the coupling portions.

[0060] A force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles can allow mechanical stresses that may arise due to thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profiles to be compensated for by compressing or stretching the coupling sections. In particular, an effective elastic coefficient of the coupling sections can be lower than an effective elastic coefficient of a central section of the heat-conducting profiles in a plane of the heat exchanger surface to avoid deformation of the heat exchanger surface.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger structure comprises a plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles, which are laterally connected to one another by the engagement of the first coupling section and the second coupling section of adjacent heat-conducting profiles, wherein the continuous connection is designed to form an elastic connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, such that in the event of an expected thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles during operation of the heat exchanger structure, the elastic connection is compressed or stretched in order to compensate for the thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles. For example, the engagement of the coupling sections can cause a relative expansion or contraction.Allow contraction of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, which corresponds to 1%, in particular 3%, preferably 5%, of the extension of the short side of the heat-conducting profile.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile forms a heat exchanger surface for exchanging heat with a heat source, which is arranged on a side of the heat-conducting profile opposite the fluid line.

[0063] The heat exchanger surface can be adjusted depending on the application area of ​​the

[0064] The heat exchanger design can be different and especially adapted to the application. For example, an application of

[0065] Heat exchanger designs for the utilization of waste heat, e.g., in subway tunnels or industrial plants, may have protruding fins on the side opposite the fluid line to increase the effective surface area of ​​the heat exchanger. In subway tunnels, the heat exchanger surface may also be curved to allow adaptation to the geometry of the subway tunnel.

[0066] In combined photovoltaic and photothermal devices, the heat exchanger surface is preferably flat to allow a direct surface coupling of the heat-conducting profile to a corresponding rear surface of a photovoltaic module.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger surface forms a plane for the flat attachment of a corresponding surface of the heat source.

[0068] Preferably, surfaces of adjacent heat-conducting profiles define a continuous heat exchanger surface, wherein the surfaces of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles in particular form a flat heat exchanger surface for fastening a heat source on a plurality of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0069] A heat source can thus be attached to a plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles, so that the heat source, such as a photovoltaic module, does not have to be adapted to the dimensions of the heat-conducting profiles.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, the first aspect relates to a solar system for combined power and heat generation, in particular for a building roof or a building wall, which comprises the heat exchanger construction according to one of the preceding embodiments and at least one photovoltaic module arranged on a heat exchanger surface formed or supported by heat-conducting profiles of the heat exchanger construction, so that heat flows from the photovoltaic module through the heat-conducting profile to the fluid line.

[0071] The solar system can be part of a building envelope or mounted above it. However, the solar system can also be installed on an open space, a balcony, or a fence.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, the photovoltaic module is attached to the heat-conducting profiles, or a photoactive layer is vapor-deposited or glued onto the heat-conducting profiles.

[0073] The photovoltaic module can rest flat on the heat exchanger surface of the heat-conducting profile, allowing direct heat transfer between the heat-conducting profile and the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module can be attached to the heat-conducting profile via a metallic frame surface or can be applied directly to the heat-conducting profile, e.g., in the case of a glass-foil or glass-glass module. The photovoltaic module can be clamped against the heat-conducting profile and / or bonded to the photovoltaic module by an adhesive bond. In some embodiments, heat-conducting intermediate layers can be arranged between the solar module and the heat-conducting profile to compensate for different thermal expansion coefficients of the solar module and the heat-conducting profile.Alternatively, a photoactive layer can be evaporated or layered onto the heat-conducting profile so that the heat-conducting profile can form a combined photothermal and photovoltaic module.

[0074] In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger structure comprises a plurality of heat-conducting profiles arranged adjacent to one another to form a flat heat exchanger surface.

[0075] In preferred embodiments, the photovoltaic module overlaps a plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the first aspect relates to a wall and / or roof construction for a building with a heat exchanger construction or a solar system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a plurality of heat-conducting profiles form or support a building envelope of the building.

[0077] The heat-conducting profiles can, in particular, form covering elements of a roof structure or a wall structure to provide a building-integrated PVT system. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of heat-conducting profiles run perpendicular or parallel to the ridge line of the building.

[0078] In particular, the direction of the heat exchanger structure for a roof structure can be perpendicular to the ridge line, so that coupling sections of adjacent heat-conducting profiles run perpendicular to the ridge line and water can drain away from the roof structure along the coupling sections. For example, the heat-conducting profiles can run continuously between the ridge and eaves of a pitched roof, whereby the fluid line can be coupled to an inlet and outlet line in the ridge and eaves areas, respectively.

[0079] In a wall construction, the guide direction can run essentially along the direction of gravity in order to be able to drain water equally along connecting sections between adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0080] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for providing a device according to the first aspect. The method comprises providing a substructure with a plurality of supports, hooking the support element into the coupling rail of the heat-conducting profile, and fastening the support element to one of the supports by engaging the hook portion of the support element with the support.

[0081] In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises displacing the carrier element along the guide direction in order to move the carrier element towards a fastening position with respect to the carrier.

[0082] The carrier element can then be brought into force-locking and / or form-locking engagement with the carrier by forcing the hook portion of the carrier element into engagement with the carrier by external force.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a second heat-conducting profile to the heat-conducting profile via complementary lateral coupling sections of the heat-conducting profile and the second heat-conducting profile, wherein the coupling sections run on a longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profiles along the guide direction.

[0084] The heat-conducting profile and the second heat-conducting profile are preferably designed to be substantially uniform, wherein coupling sections on opposite longitudinal sides of the heat-conducting profiles are configured to engage with one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, wherein in particular a first coupling section of a heat-conducting profile on one longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profile is configured to receive a second coupling section on an opposite longitudinal side of a second heat-conducting profile of the same shape.

[0085] In preferred embodiments, attaching the second heat-conducting profile to the heat-conducting profile comprises engaging the complementary lateral coupling portions of the heat-conducting profile and the second heat-conducting profile, wherein an orientation of the heat-conducting profile and the second heat-conducting profile differs about the guide direction, and rotating the second heat-conducting profile about the guide direction such that the complementary lateral coupling portions of the heat-conducting profile and the second heat-conducting profile engage.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises fastening the heat-conducting profile to the substructure at a fastening point of the heat-conducting profile, so that a firm connection is established between the substructure and the heat-conducting profile, wherein the heat-conducting profile is thermally deformed during operation starting from the fastening position.

[0087] In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the fluid line to an inflow line and an outflow line for the liquid heat transfer medium at opposite ends of the heat-conducting profile.

[0088] In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a photovoltaic module to a heat exchanger surface of the heat-conducting profile.

[0089] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method for providing a roof and / or wall structure for combined power and heat generation. The method comprises attaching a substructure to a supporting roof and / or wall structure, wherein the substructure comprises a plurality of parallel heat-conducting profiles with fluid lines for a liquid heat transfer medium, which are attached to the supporting wall and / or roof structure via the supports. The fluid lines are coupled to fluid connections in order to introduce the heat transfer medium at a first end of the heat-conducting profiles and to discharge it at a second, opposite end of the heat-conducting profiles.

[0090] The heat-conducting profiles can form parts of the building envelope, in particular by connecting the majority of heat-conducting profiles together in a watertight manner to form a closed surface.

[0091] Alternatively, the heat-conducting profiles can be used to attach cover and / or support elements, which are mounted over the heat-conducting profiles and thermally coupled to them. The heat-conducting support elements can be heat-conducting sheets, e.g., made of aluminum, copper, titanium zinc, or steel, which can enclose a building envelope.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method comprises attaching a plurality of heat-conducting profiles to the substructure, and attaching heat-conducting sheets to the plurality of heat-conducting profiles to form a heat exchanger surface.

[0093] Photovoltaic modules can be mounted on the heat exchanger surface, thermally coupled to the fluid lines via heat-conducting profiles. Accordingly, the photovoltaic modules can be cooled via a heat transfer medium in the fluid lines, while the return flow can be used to supply consumers in the building.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method comprises connecting a fluid circuit to the fluid ports of the heat-conducting profiles for cooling the at least one heat-conducting cover element.

[0095] The connection of the fluid circuit to the fluid connections can be carried out in a separate step before or after the photovoltaic modules are mounted, e.g. by a heating engineer, whereby the fluid lines of the heat-conducting profiles are connected in a suitable manner to a heat transfer circuit and the roof or wall can be closed.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the ends of the fluid lines of a plurality of the heat-conducting profiles to a connecting line that runs perpendicular to the heat-conducting profiles.

[0097] In some embodiments, the roof structure defines a pitched roof and the plurality of parallel heat-conducting profiles are attached perpendicular to the ridge line thereof.

[0098] The roof structure can be understood as the supporting structure of a roof, while the roof covering protects against precipitation, wind, and sun, and on a pitched roof, it can structurally divert rain via the roof slope. The ridge line is a usually horizontal upper edge of the roof. Experts will recognize that with pitched roofs, such as monopitch, gable, sash, or hip roofs, not every roof surface needs to include heat-conducting profiles. Instead, it is possible to equip only one or more sun-facing roof surfaces with a roof structure featuring an integrated PVT module, while other roof surfaces can be covered with conventional (sheet metal) roof coverings. The fluid connections can be connected to a fluid circuit in the ridge / eaves area.

[0099] Preferably, the heat-conducting profiles provide substantially flat mounting surfaces and the photovoltaic modules are held on the flat mounting surfaces in physical contact with the heat-conducting profiles.

[0100] The above description provides various examples that allow the integration of a combined photovoltaic and photothermal system into a building envelope. However, in existing roof or wall structures, the invention can also be implemented by attaching the heat-conducting profiles outside the building envelope using support elements such as roof or wall hooks.

[0101] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a heat exchanger structure for exchanging heat with a liquid heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger structure comprises a plurality of heat-conducting profiles. The heat-conducting profiles carry a fluid line for the liquid heat transfer medium and are thermally coupled to the fluid line. The fluid line extends along a guide direction, and the heat transfer medium flows through the fluid line along the guide direction during operation of the heat exchanger structure.The heat-conducting profiles each comprise a first coupling section and a second coupling section on opposite sides, wherein the first coupling section is configured to engage non-positively and / or positively with the second coupling section of an adjacent heat-conducting profile, such that the coupling sections of adjacent heat-conducting profiles form an elastic connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles, such that in the event of an expected thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles during operation of the heat exchanger structure, the elastic connection is compressed or stretched in order to compensate for the thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0102] Each heat-conducting profile may carry and / or comprise a fluid conduit, and the heat exchanger construction may comprise any combination of the features of the first aspect.

[0103] In preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting profile further comprises a coupling rail extending along the guide direction. The heat exchanger structure further comprises a support extending perpendicular to the guide direction and configured to support the heat-conducting profile, and a support element configured for attachment to the support and comprising a guide portion configured to engage the coupling rail of the heat-conducting profile to hold the heat-conducting profile movable over the support along the guide direction.

[0104] In preferred embodiments, the first coupling section and the second coupling section are each arranged on a longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profiles, which extends along the guide direction of the respective heat-conducting profiles, wherein the longitudinal side is in particular longer than a short side of the heat-conducting profiles running perpendicular thereto.

[0105] In preferred embodiments, surfaces of adjacent heat-conducting profiles define a continuous heat exchanger surface, wherein the surfaces of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles form in particular a flat heat exchanger surface for fastening a heat source on a plurality of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles.

[0106] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0107] The features and advantages of the invention will be best understood from the preferred embodiments described below and illustrated by the drawings, in which:

[0108] Fig. i shows a plan view of an exemplary structure of a device for combined power and heat generation;

[0109] Fig. 2 shows an example of a heat exchanger construction with integrated fluid lines;

[0110] Fig. 3A-D show examples of a support element with a guide portion and a hook portion;

[0111] Fig. 4A shows another example of a heat exchanger construction;

[0112] Fig. 4B shows a side view of the heat exchanger construction of Fig. 4A along the guide direction;

[0113] Fig. 5 shows an example of a schematic mechanical simulation of a support element;

[0114] Fig. 6A shows another example of a support element;

[0115] Fig. 6B shows an example of a heat exchanger construction with the support element of Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A shows another example of a support element;

[0116] Fig. 7B shows an example of a heat exchanger construction with the support element from Fig. 7A according to a schematic side view;

[0117] Fig. 8A shows another example of a support element;

[0118] Fig. 8B shows an example of a heat exchanger construction with the support element from Fig. 8A according to a schematic side view;

[0119] Fig. 8C shows an example of a heat exchanger construction with the support element from Fig. 8A;

[0120] Fig. 9 shows a cross section of a heat-conducting profile according to an example;

[0121] Fig. 10 shows an example of adjacent heat-conducting profiles connected with a groove element;

[0122] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary method for providing a heat exchanger structure; and

[0123] Fig. 12A, B show another example of a heat exchanger construction 22.

[0124] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an exemplary structure 10 of a device for combined power and heat generation, for example as a roof structure for a pitched roof of a building and / or a wall structure for installation above a building wall. The structure 10 comprises at least one metallic, heat-conducting support element 12, which in Fig. 1 forms a continuous building envelope, such as a roof skin or a facade of a building, and supports a plurality of photovoltaic modules 14. In some embodiments, a plurality of adjacent support elements 12 can be connected to form a composite support element 12. The support elements 12 can allow for constructive drainage of rain along a vertical direction and can thus also replace a conventional roof covering or facade.

[0125] A plurality of fluid lines 16 extend beneath the support elements 12, carrying a heat transfer medium from an inlet line 18 to a drain line 20 and thermally coupled to the support elements 12 to receive heat from the support elements 12. The inlet line 18 and the drain line 20 may extend perpendicular to the fluid lines 16 and may be coupled to the fluid lines 16 at the respective opposite longitudinal ends of the fluid lines 16, so that the heat transfer medium can be conveyed from the inlet line 18 through the fluid lines 16 into the drain line 20.

[0126] The photovoltaic modules 14 are attached to the support elements 12 and thermally coupled to the support elements 12, so that heat can be conducted from the photovoltaic modules 14 through the support elements 12 to the fluid lines 16. The flow of the heat transfer medium through the fluid lines 16 can therefore cool the photovoltaic modules 14 and provide a heated heat transfer medium for use in the building.

[0127] The heat-conducting support elements 12 should preferably form a substantially flat, heat-conducting support surface for the photovoltaic modules 14, so that the photovoltaic modules 14 can rest flatly on the heat-conducting support elements 12. This flat rest can allow sufficient heat transfer from the photovoltaic modules 14 to the fluid lines 16.

[0128] To dissipate heat from the photovoltaic modules 14, the heat-conducting holding elements 12 can be formed from a metal with a comparatively high thermal conductivity, which is higher than the thermal conductivity of steel, for example more than approximately 15 W / (m*K), and in particular has a thermal conductivity of more than 50 W / (m*K), in particular more than 100 W / (m*K), preferably more than 150 W / (m*K), as in the case of aluminum, which can have a thermal conductivity between approximately 75 W / (m*K) and approximately 235 W / (m*K), or copper.

[0129] Furthermore, the fluid lines 16 can be integrated with the support elements 12, so that heat can be transferred directly from the support element 12 to the heat transfer medium. In such cases, it is advantageous to keep the number of connecting pieces between different fluid lines 16 to a minimum in order to minimize potential leakage points. For example, the support elements 12 can extend essentially from the ridge to the eaves of a pitched roof or run continuously along a vertical extension of a building wall, even across multiple floors of a building, so that fluid connections may only be necessary on opposite sides of the support elements 12.

[0130] However, with such a construction, thermal expansion or contraction of the metallic support elements 12 can lead to mechanical stress between the support elements 12 and a substructure on the building, which can be made of wood and / or concrete and can have a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the metallic support elements 12. Fig. 2 shows an example of a heat exchanger structure 22 with integrated fluid lines 16, which can be designed to support the photovoltaic modules 14. The heat exchanger structure 22 comprises a heat-conducting profile 24, which can be supported by a support 28 of a substructure via a support element 26.

[0131] The heat-conducting profile 24 carries a fluid line 16, which can be formed integrally with the heat-conducting profile 24, such as by jointly forming the heat-conducting profile 24 and the fluid line 16, for example by extrusion or impact molding of the heat-conducting profile 24 with integrated fluid line 16 made of aluminum.

[0132] The heat-conducting profile 24 can form or support the holding element 12, wherein a photovoltaic module 14 can rest flatly on a heat exchanger surface 30 of the heat-conducting profile 24, which preferably forms a flat plane with the surface normal N. The photovoltaic module 14 can be arranged on a first side of the heat-conducting profile 24, which is opposite a second side of the heat-conducting profile 24, on which side the heat-conducting profile 24 is connected to the carrier 28 via the carrier element 26.

[0133] The heat-conducting profile 24 has a coupling rail 32, which forms a receiving space for the support element 26 and comprises a hook portion 34, into which a guide portion 36 of the support element 26 engages in order to hold the support element 26 movably along a guide direction 38 of the coupling rail 32. The receiving space can have an undercut portion in order to hold the support element 26 in a form-fitting manner and, in particular, can have an FL-shaped cross-section, which can have hook portions 34 on both sides for the form-fitting holding of a support element 26.

[0134] The support element further comprises a hook portion 40 which engages force-fittingly with the support 28 and positively prevents a relative movement of the support 28 and the support element 26 along the surface normal N.

[0135] The hook portion 40 of the carrier element 26 can form a receptacle for the carrier 28, which holds the carrier 28 at a predetermined distance from the heat-conducting profile 24. Alternatively or additionally, the guide portion 36 of the carrier element 26 can be designed to engage with the coupling rail 32 in order to clamp the carrier 28 against an underside of the heat-conducting profile 24. Accordingly, the carrier 28 can be held force-fittingly between the hook portion 40 of the carrier element 26 and the underside of the heat-conducting profile 24, wherein the underside of the heat-conducting profile 24 can exert a clamping force on the carrier 28. Preferably, an intermediate layer (not shown) made of an elastic material, such as an insert made of a rubber material, e.g.Synthetic rubber which can be clamped between the carrier 28 and the hook portion 40, wherein the intermediate layer can increase friction between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28 and / or can partially compensate for manufacturing tolerances or thermal expansion of the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28.

[0136] The heat exchanger structure 22 can be provided by first attaching the support 28 to a support structure, such as a substructure or a rafter layer of a roof, and then bringing the underside of the heat-conducting profile 24 closer to the support 28. The support element 26 can engage the coupling rail 32 of the heat-conducting profile 24 and be guided along the guide direction 38 to the support 28, so that an open side of the hook portion 40 is opposite the support 28.

[0137] The support element 26 can then be engaged with the support 28 by applying external force, with the hook portion 40 being pushed over the support 28 to establish a force-locking connection between the support element 26 and the support 28. Preferably, the hook portion 40 has a projection (not shown) which additionally establishes a positive engagement between the support element 26 and the support 28. The support element 26 and the support 28 can be engaged, for example, by striking the support element 26 against the support 28 with a hammer.

[0138] Establishing the frictional connection between support element 26 and support 28 can elastically deform support element 26, and an internal restoring force of support element 26 can clamp support 28 via hook portion 40. In some embodiments, support element 26 is elastically deformed within heat exchanger structure 22 to frictionally hold support 28. Those skilled in the art will understand that, by appropriately selecting the geometry and / or material, they can provide a predetermined clamping force with which support 28 is held by support element 26.

[0139] Due to the movable guidance of the support element 26 in the coupling rail 32 of the heat-conducting profile 24, the heat exchanger structure 22 can not be limited to a predetermined geometric configuration between the support 28 and a fastening point on the heat-conducting profile 24. Instead, the heat exchanger structure 22 can, in principle, be used for any position of the support 28 and can thus be used in a variety of applications. The heat exchanger structure 22 should allow relative movement between the support element 26 and the heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38, so that thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38 can be compensated.

[0140] Preferably, an effective coefficient of friction between the heat-conducting profile 24 and the carrier element 26 is lower than a corresponding effective coefficient of friction between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28, so that the heat-conducting profile 24 is held substantially rigidly perpendicular to the guide direction 38. The different effective coefficients of friction can be achieved by a corresponding design of the hook portion 40 of the carrier element 26 and / or the carrier 28, e.g., by providing a friction-increasing insert between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28, as described above.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the guide portion 36 and / or the hook portion 34 may be configured to reduce effective friction between the carrier element 26 and the heat-conducting profile 24.

[0142] Fig. 3A-D show examples of a support element 26 with a guide section 36 and a hook section 40. Fig. 3A shows a side view of a support element 26, Fig. 3B shows a cross section of the support element 26 from Fig. 3A along the guide direction 38 and Fig. 3C, 3D show further possible embodiments of the support element 26 based on cross sections along the guide direction 38.

[0143] The support element 26 of Fig. 3A, 3B comprises a guide section 36 which, when used in the heat exchanger construction 22 of Fig. 2, extends along the guide direction 38 and can engage with the coupling rail 32.

[0144] The guide section 36 is hook-shaped so that it can engage with the hook section 34 of the coupling rail 32. The support element 26 can be inserted laterally into the coupling rail 32 and then rotated about a rotation axis along the guide direction 38 to engage the guide section 36 with the hook section 34. Alternatively, the support element 26 can also be inserted at one end of the heat-conducting profile 24 and moved along the guide direction 38 toward a fastening position.

[0145] The carrier element 26 further comprises a hook portion 40, which is configured for positive and / or non-positive engagement with the carrier 28. The hook portion 40 comprises a projection 42 with an inclined guide side 44. When the carrier element 26 is brought into engagement with the carrier 28 by the application of external force, the carrier 28 can be guided over the inclined guide side 44 to elastically deform the carrier element 26. Subsequently, a positive engagement can occur between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28, with a flank of the projection 42 preventing the opposite movement.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 3B, the guide portion 36 of the support member 26 may include a hook-shaped head portion 46 that engages the hook portion 34 of the coupling rail 32. The hook-shaped head portion 46 is connected to the hook portion 40 via a curved and / or angled connecting portion 48, such that the hook portion 40 is substantially opposite the guide portion 36 in the heat exchanger structure 22.

[0147] The guide section 36 may have a friction-reducing layer, in particular be anodized, in order to allow relative movement between the support element 26 and the heat-conducting profile 24.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Fig. 3C, the guide section 36 may have a round profile 50 which may be rod-shaped along the guide direction 38 in order to guide the support element 26 in the coupling rail 32 along the guide direction 38.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Fig. 3C, the guide portion 36 may comprise an adapter shell 52, which may be located between a structural core of the support element 26 and the coupling rail 32 of the heat-conducting profile 24 and which may reduce an effective coefficient of friction between the coupling rail 32 and the guide portion 36.

[0150] Fig. 4A shows another example of a heat exchanger structure 22 with a support 28, a heat-conducting profile 24, and a support element 26, similar to the support element 26 of Fig. 3A. Fig. 4B shows a side view of the heat exchanger structure 22 along the guide direction 38.

[0151] In Fig. 4A, 4B, the heat-conducting profile 24 comprises an integrated fluid line 16 and further an integrated clamping device 54, which is configured to engage with a cylindrical tube in order to couple an additional fluid line 16 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner to the heat-conducting profile 24. The heat-conducting profile 24 further comprises a coupling rail 32 with two opposing hook sections 34 for receiving a guide section 36 of the carrier element 26 and for holding it movable along the guide direction 38. The carrier element 26 is suspended in the coupling rail 32 via the guide section 36 and clamps the carrier 28 against an underside 56 of the heat-conducting profile 24 via the hook section 40. The hook section 40 can prevent relative movement between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28 by force-fitting engagement with the carrier 28.At the same time, the engagement of the guide portion 36 of the support element 26 with the coupling rail 32 of the heat-conducting profile 24 can allow a relative movement between the support 28 and the heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38, in particular to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile 24.

[0152] An elastic material (not shown) can be arranged between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26, which increases friction between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 in order to prevent displacement perpendicular thereto. For example, an insert made of a rubber material can be arranged between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26. In some embodiments, the shape of the engagement between the carrier element 26 and the coupling rail 32 can allow tilting about an axis that runs along the guide direction 38, so that friction between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 can be increased in order to prevent relative displacement between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26. A length of the guide section 34 can be greater than a height of the carrier element 26, so that at the same time a relative displacement along the guide direction 38 can be not inhibited or can be inhibited to a lesser extent.

[0153] In some embodiments, the hook portion 40 of the carrier element 26 is U-shaped in order to hold the carrier 28 between opposite flanks of the carrier element 26 in a force-fitting manner, in particular without the carrier 28 being clamped by the carrier element 26 against the underside 56 of the heat-conducting profile 24. In some embodiments, the engagement of the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28, and optionally the underside 56 of the heat-conducting profile 24, can allow a relative movement of the carrier 28 and the carrier element perpendicular to the guide direction 38, for example, when an internal or external force overcomes a friction-induced holding force between the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 (and optionally the underside 56).

[0154] Engaging the support element 26 and the support can comprise an elastic deformation of the support element 26, in particular a deformation of the hook portion 40, in order to receive the support 28 in a receptacle defined by the hook portion 40. Fig. 5 shows an example of a schematic mechanical simulation of a support element 26 in three different configurations (shown superimposed), wherein the hook portion 40 of the support element is bent away from the guide portion 36 of the support element in order to slide the support element 26 along the guide direction 38 over the support. The mechanical stress is illustrated by dashed profile lines on the support element 26 and shows a stress along the connecting portion 48 between the hook portion 40 and the guide portion 36.After the carrier element 26 has been pushed over the carrier 28, the carrier element 26 can partially relax to engage the carrier 28 in a form-fitting manner, whereby a remaining internal restoring force of the carrier element 26 can hold the carrier 28 in a force-fitting manner.

[0155] As in the example of Fig. 2, the support element 26 of Fig. 4A-5 can be suspended with the guide section 36 into the coupling rail 32 by rotating the support element about a rotation axis along the guide direction 38. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the support element 26 can also be movably coupled to the coupling rail 32 in other ways.

[0156] Fig. 6A shows another example of a support element 26 for a heat exchanger construction 22. Figure 6B shows an example of a heat exchanger construction 22 with the support element 26 from Figure 6A.

[0157] The support element 26 comprises two coupling wings 26a, 26b, each of which comprises guide sections 36a, 36b at a first end of the support element 26. At an opposite second end, the coupling wings 26a, 26b converge and form a hook section 40 with projections 42.

[0158] The guide sections 36a, 36b are spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction 38 and can be brought closer together against an internal restoring force of the support element 26 in order to insert the support element 26 into a coupling rail 32 of a heat-conducting profile 24. The internal restoring force of the support element 26 can then push the coupling wings 26a, 26b apart so that the guide sections 36a, 36b engage with the coupling rail 32, as shown in the example of Figure 6B. The person skilled in the art will understand that this mechanism can be supplemented by further elements, such as elastic elements (not shown) between the coupling wings 26a, 26b to increase the internal restoring force of the support element 26 and / or a locking element (not shown) which can be introduced between them to prevent the coupling wings 26a, 26b from approaching each other.During assembly, the heat-conducting profile 24 can be placed on the carrier 28. The carrier element 26 can be brought into engagement with the coupling rail 32 of the heat-conducting profile 24 via the guide sections 36a, 36b either from one end of the heat-conducting profile 24 or by pressing the coupling wings 26a, 26b together from below. The carrier element 26 can then be pushed against the carrier 28 along the guide direction 38, so that a force-fitting and / or form-fitting engagement can be established between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28 in order to movably couple the heat-conducting profile 24 to the carrier 28 via the carrier element 26 along the guide direction 38. In the example of Fig. 6B, the projection 42 of the carrier element 26 engages with a complementary recess 42c to provide a positive connection between the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28 along the guide direction 38.

[0159] Fig. 7A shows another example of a support element 26 with two coupling wings 26a, 26b for a heat exchanger construction 22. Figure 7B shows an example of a heat exchanger construction 22 with the support element 26 from Figure 7A in engagement with a heat-conducting profile 24 and a support 28.

[0160] The support element 26 comprises clamping wing sections 41, which are provided on the coupling wings 26a, 26b on a side of the hook section 40 facing the support 28. The clamping wing sections 41 each comprise a projection that is laterally angled with respect to the guide direction 38. In particular, the projections on the hook sections 40 of the coupling wings 26a, 26b can each protrude laterally in opposite directions, for example, facing away from the respective other coupling wing 26a, 26b. The projections on the coupling wings 26a, 26b are each configured to be elastically deformed upon engagement with a support 28, in particular to be bent away from the heat-conducting profile 24 or the support 28, and to exert a restoring force against an underside of the support 28 in the heat exchanger structure 22.

[0161] Preferably, the clamping wing sections 41 are formed in one piece with the carrier element 26 and a restoring force can result from the geometry of the clamping wing sections 41, wherein the geometry of the clamping wing sections 41 has an initial angle between an extension direction of the respective clamping wing section 41 and the connecting section 48 between 0° and approximately 90°, for example between 20° and 85°, preferably between 45 0 and 8o°.

[0162] When the carrier element 26 engages with the carrier 28 and the heat-conducting profile 24, the clamping wing sections 41 can be bent away from the carrier 28 to receive the carrier 28 in the hook section 40 and to clamp the carrier 28 via an internal - '2^ -

[0163] Restoring force of the clamping wing sections 41 against the heat-conducting profile 24. The restoring force exerted by the clamping wing sections 41 in the heat exchanger structure 22 can increase the stability of the heat exchanger structure and, in practice, can be easily adjusted by geometrically deforming the support element 26. When the support element 26 and the support 28 are engaged, an angle between an extension direction of the respective clamping wing section 41 and the connecting section 48 can be increased compared to the initial angle, for example, by 2°, by 5° 0 or at 5 0 or more, so that the carrier 28 is pressed against the heat-conducting profile 24 by engagement with the carrier element 26.

[0164] The support element 26 shown in Fig. 7A further comprises a locking element 43, which is configured to be elastically deformed when the support element 26 and the support are brought into engagement in order to push the support element 26 over the support 28, and, when the support 28 and the support element 26 are engaged, to abut against a flank of the support 28 along the guide direction 38 in order to positively prevent the support 28 and the support element 26 from being disengaged. In particular, the locking element 43 can deflect downward with respect to the support 28 or the heat-conducting profile 24 when brought into engagement, and can have an engagement side that is inclined along the guide direction 38 in order to guide a downward deflection movement of the locking element 43 when the support 28 and the support element 26 are brought into engagement.

[0165] Finally, the support element 26 comprises a reinforcement section 45 at a transition between the connecting section 48 and the hook section 40, which protrudes in the direction of the support 28 in the heat exchanger structure 22 and is designed to prevent the support element 26 from folding over or breaking under high lifting forces on the heat-conducting profile 24, for example, during a storm. Thus, the support element 26 can be designed with a lower dead weight while simultaneously ensuring the stability of the heat exchanger structure 22. The reinforcement section 45 can provide clearance between the support 28 and the support element 26.

[0166] Fig. 8A-8C shows a further example of a support element 26 with two coupling wings 26a, 26b for a heat exchanger construction 22, wherein Figures 8B, 8C each show a schematic side view and a perspective view of an exemplary heat exchanger construction 22 with the support element 26 from Fig. 8A.

[0167] Like the exemplary carrier element 26 from Fig. 7A, the carrier element 26 shown in Fig. 8A comprises locking elements 43 in the vicinity of the ends of the coupling wings 26a, 26b opposite the connecting section 48 in the hook section 40 of the carrier element 26. The locking elements 43 comprise oblique engagement sides in order to guide an evasive movement of the locking element downwards when a carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 are brought into engagement, and are designed to strike against a flank of the carrier 28 facing away from the connecting section 48 when the carrier element 26 and the carrier 28 are engaged in order to prevent the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 from becoming disengaged.

[0168] In the example shown in Fig. 8A, the locking elements 43 further comprise engagement projections 43e, which may protrude along the guide direction 38 in the direction of the connecting portion 48 and which may be configured to engage in corresponding grooves of the carrier 28 in order to positively couple the carrier 28 and the hook portion 40, as shown schematically in Fig. 8C.

[0169] Furthermore, the support element 26 shown in Fig. 8A comprises recessed groove sections 47 in the region of the hook section 40, which are configured to receive a bulge 49a of the support 28 to prevent relative displacement of the support 28 and the support element 26. In Fig. 8C, the bulge 49a of the profile of the support 28 is received between the groove section 47 and the locking element 43 to hold the support 28 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. However, the support element 26 can also have a groove section for receiving other bulges 49b of the support 28, for example a bulge 49b that abuts the connecting section 48 or is arranged adjacent to it.

[0170] 6A, 7A and 8A are exemplary and their respective features can be combined as desired to provide a support element 26. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art understands that elastically deformed or deformable projections, such as the clamping wing sections 41 or the locking elements 43, can also be implemented in connection with the examples from Figs. 2-5 in order to increase the stability of the heat exchanger structures 22, for example by providing a clamping force between the respective support elements 26 and the supports 28. For example, a single clamping wing section 41 or clamping wing sections 41 offset along the guide direction 38 can be provided on the hook sections 40 of the support elements 26 from Figs. 2-5. Furthermore, in the examples from Fig.7A, 8A, in principle only a single locking element 43 can be provided or a clamping force can be provided by a single clamping wing section 41, which can extend, for example, between the coupling wings 26a, 26b.

[0171] Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will understand that the support element 26 from the example in Fig. 6A, as in Figs. 7A, 8A, can also be coupled with an arcuate connection of the coupling wings 26a, 26b in the region of the hook portion 40, for example in order to reduce mechanical stresses during manufacture of the support elements 26.

[0172] As described in connection with Fig. 6A, 6B, the heat-conducting profile 24 can be placed on the carrier 28 for assembly and the carrier elements 26 from Fig. 7A, 8A can be hooked into the coupling rail 32 and then pushed against the carrier 28 to engage the carrier 28 and the carrier element 26 and to provide a heat exchanger structure 22.

[0173] The heat-conducting profile 24 can then be used to attach photovoltaic modules 14, wherein a photovoltaic module 14 can be attached to a flat surface of the heat-conducting profile 24 in order to absorb heat from the photovoltaic module 14 and dissipate it via the fluid line 16.

[0174] Preferably, the heat-conducting profile 24 can be coupled laterally, ie in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction 38, with further heat-conducting profiles 24 in order to form a composite heat exchanger surface 30.

[0175] Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of a heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38 (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) according to an example. The heat-conducting profile comprises a substantially planar heat exchanger surface 30 on an upper side 58 of the heat-conducting profile and a coupling rail 32 and a fluid line 16 on an underside 56 of the heat-conducting profile 24. In the example shown, the heat-conducting profile 24 additionally comprises an integrated clamping device 54, which is configured to engage a cylindrical tube in order to couple an additional fluid line 16 to the heat-conducting profile 24 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0176] The coupling rail 32 comprises opposing hook portions 34, each configured to engage a guide portion 36, 36a, 36b of a support element 26. The configuration of the coupling rail 32 with two opposing hook portions 34 can engage a support element 26 with a single guide portion 36, as shown in the example in Figs. 3A-5, or with a support element 26 with opposing guide portions 36a, 36b (as in the example of Figs. 6A-8C) and hold the support elements 26 movable along the guide direction 38 (perpendicular to the paper plane in Fig. 9).

[0177] The heat-conducting profile 24 further comprises, on opposite sides, a first coupling section 60 and a second coupling section 62, which are configured to engage, respectively, with the second coupling section 62 and the first coupling section 60 of an adjacent heat-conducting profile 24 (dashed in Fig. 9). The first coupling section 60 comprises a U-shaped hook section, which forms a receiving space 64 open to the top side 58 of the heat-conducting profile 24 and which is configured to receive a U-shaped hook section of the second coupling section 62 of an adjacent heat-conducting profile 24.Lateral dimensions of the receiving space 64 along a width direction W of the heat-conducting profile 24 can substantially correspond to the lateral dimensions of the second coupling section 62, so that opposite sides of the receiving space 64 simultaneously abut against lateral side surfaces of the second coupling section 62 when the second coupling section 62 is received by the first coupling section 60.

[0178] The first coupling section 60 of a heat-conducting profile 24 and the second coupling section 62 of an adjacent heat-conducting profile 24 can be engaged by rotating a first of the heat-conducting profiles 24 about the guide direction 38 and bringing it closer to the second heat-conducting profile 24, so that one end Ö2e of the second coupling section 62 of the first heat-conducting profile 24 is inserted into the receiving space 64 of the first coupling section 60 of the second heat-conducting profile 24, and then rotating the first (or the second) heat-conducting profile 24 about the guide direction 38.

[0179] Preferably, the first coupling portion 60 and / or the second coupling portion 62 have a groove 6on, Ö2n to engage with an end Ö2e, 6oe of the second or first coupling portion 62, 60.

[0180] The first coupling section 60 and the second coupling section 62 can be continuous over an extension of the heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38 in order to engage with each other over a length of the longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profile 24 and form a continuous connection. The engagement of the first coupling section 60 with the second coupling section 62 of an adjacent heat-conducting profile 24 can, as in the example from Fig. 9, form a structural seal against rain, wherein the connection of the heat-conducting profiles 24 can form a watertight gutter.

[0181] The positive and / or non-positive engagement of the first coupling section 60 and the second coupling section 62 can further form an elastic connection between adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24, so that the elastic connection can be compressed or stretched upon lateral thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile 24 along the width direction W. An engagement of complementary U-shaped hook sections of the first coupling section 60 and the second coupling section 62 can ensure that the connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24 remains substantially watertight even upon thermal expansion or contraction. Alternatively or additionally, the elastic connection with complementary U-shaped hook sections can compensate for mechanical stresses from thermal expansion or contraction.Contraction allows the coupling sections to deflect in the direction of the surface normal N of the heat exchanger surface 30, so that a heat exchanger surface 30, which can be formed jointly by upper sides 58 of the heat-conducting profiles 24, can remain substantially uniform. For example, as in Fig. 9, a free space can remain between the coupling sections 60, 62 on the underside of the second coupling section 62, so that the second coupling section 62 can be compressed.

[0182] When photovoltaic modules 14 are mounted over several adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24, an elastic connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24 can prevent thermal deformation of the heat-conducting profiles 24 from reducing heat exchange between the photovoltaic modules 14 and the heat-conducting profiles 24 to the same extent as if no elastic connection were provided.

[0183] Preferably, an expansion of the heat-conducting profiles 24 along the guide directions 38, ie the long side, is greatest, for example greater than 1 m or greater than 2 m, wherein a thermal expansion or contraction along the fluid line 16 can be compensated by the movable mounting of the heat-conducting profile 24 via the coupling rail 32.

[0184] The length of the short side of the heat-conducting profile 24 along the width direction W can be shorter by a factor of two or more than the length of the long side, so that the elastic connection between adjacent profiles 24 in a heat exchanger construction 22 can generally compensate for a smaller thermal expansion or contraction.

[0185] For example, a width dl of the short side can be approximately 150 mm and a width d2 of a substantially planar heat exchanger section on the upper side 58 of the heat-conducting profile 24 can be approximately 115 mm, wherein a gap with a width d3 of approximately 10 mm remains when adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24 engage. In the example from Fig. 9, the heat-conducting profile can have a thickness d4 of approximately 2 mm and can be cooled with a fluid line 16 with an inner diameter of approximately 10 mm. The dimensions of the coupling rail 32 can be matched to a corresponding support element 26, wherein, in the example shown, an opening of the coupling rail 32 on the underside 56 of the heat-conducting profile can have a width d5 ​​of approximately 10 mm. Those skilled in the art will understand that these dimensions are only examples and that the heat-conducting profiles 24 can, in principle, be scaled as desired.For example, a width di, d2 of the heat-conducting profiles 24 can be increased or shortened as desired, wherein additional fluid lines 16 and / or coupling rails 32 can be provided if necessary and the thickness D4 of the heat-conducting profile 24 can be adjusted if necessary.

[0186] Fig. 10 shows another example of adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b. A first heat-conducting profile 24a engages a second coupling section 62b of the adjacent second heat-conducting profile 24b via a first coupling section 60a, so that the upper sides 58 of the heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b lie in one plane and form a common heat exchanger surface 30. The first coupling section 60a and the second coupling section 62b are each U-shaped, with the first coupling section 60a receiving the second coupling section 62b, so that the heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b are connected to one another via a recessed section, leaving a gap between the upper sides 58 of the heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b.

[0187] In Fig. 10, a groove element 66 engages in the recessed section and connects projections 68a, 68b of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b. The sixth groove element 60 comprises a counterpart 70, which is received in a receiving space 64 of the coupling section of the 60a, 68b, and a clamping part 72, which lies opposite the counterpart 70. The counterpart 70 and the clamping part 72 clamp the projections 68a, 68b of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b between them, so that the heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b are connected to one another via the groove element 66. A fastening element 74 can protrude through the gap to the counterpart 70 and exert a clamping force on the projections 68a, 68b, for example, via intermeshing threaded sections.For example, the fastening element 74 may be a screw which engages in an internal threaded portion of the counterpart 70 in order to clamp the projections 68a, 68b of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b between the counterpart 70 and the clamping part 72.

[0188] The clamping part 72 and / or the fastening element 74 can allow additional components to be attached to the heat exchanger structure 22 at essentially any location along the continuous connection between adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b, without having to drill through the heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b. The clamping part 72 can be part of a component to be attached. Furthermore, the groove element 66 can allow a heat exchanger structure 22 with a plurality of interconnected heat-conducting profiles 24a, 24b to be stiffened at selected locations. In this case, the thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profiles 24 can be compensated for by a continuous connection between the remaining heat-conducting profiles 24, 24a, 24b and / or by a movable connection between the respective support elements 26 and the supports 28.

[0189] Connecting a heat-conducting profile 24 to an underlying support 28 to produce a heat exchanger structure 22 may involve permanently attaching the heat-conducting profile 24 to a support 28 using fasteners such as screws or rivets at a fastening point. Thermal expansion or contraction of the heat-conducting profile 24 along the guide direction 38 may then occur with respect to the fastening point.

[0190] Fig. 11 shows an exemplary method for providing a heat exchanger structure 22. The method comprises attaching (S10) a plurality of beams 28 to a support structure. The beams 28 can be distributed perpendicular to their direction of extension and run substantially parallel to one another. For example, the beams 28 can each be aligned along the ridge line and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity and attached to a rafter layer or wall structure of a building at a distance from one another. A first heat-conducting profile 24 can be placed over the plurality of beams 28 (S12) and rigidly connected to one of the beams 28 at an attachment point (S14). The first heat-conducting profile 24 can overlap several of the beams 28 and be connected to one of the beams 28 by means of screws or rivets.Subsequently, the method may comprise a movable coupling (S16) of the first heat-conducting profile 24 to a further carrier 28 of the plurality of carriers 28 via a carrier element 26.

[0191] The support element 26 can engage with a guide section 36 into a coupling rail 32 of the first heat-conducting profile 24 and be firmly connected to the further support 28 at an opposite end. For example, a support element 26 can be inserted into the coupling rail 32 of the first heat-conducting profile 24 and then moved along the guide direction 38 to the support 28, where it can engage with the support 28 by the application of force along the guide direction 38, for example by impact with a hammer, so that a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection is established between the support element 26 and the support 28. This step can be repeated as often as desired in order to movably couple the first heat-conducting profile 24 to a plurality of supports 28 along the guide direction 38 and to produce part of a heat exchanger structure 22.

[0192] Subsequently, a second heat-conducting profile 24 can be connected to the part of the heat exchanger construction 22 by laterally snapping the second heat-conducting profile into the first heat-conducting profile 24 (S18).

[0193] In particular, after securing the first heat-conducting profile, the second heat-conducting profile 24 can be vertically engaged with a U-shaped coupling section 60, 62 of the first heat-conducting profile 24 and then rotated by folding it onto the carrier 28 so that the U-shaped coupling sections 60, 62 engage with each other. This activates the click mechanism of the two U-shaped coupling sections 60, 62, creating a watertight, secure, and detachable connection. The connection can simultaneously form a mounting channel for photovoltaic modules 14, for example, by using a groove element 66.

[0194] Steps S14 and S16 can then be repeated for the second heat-conducting profile 24, so that the second heat-conducting profile 24 is also firmly connected to one of the supports 28 at a fastening point and can be coupled to the other supports 28 of the plurality of supports 28 so as to be movable relative to the fastening point along the guide direction 38. Those skilled in the art will understand that these steps can be repeated as often as desired to provide a heat exchanger structure 22 with a plurality of heat-conducting profiles 24.

[0195] At the opposite ends of the fluid line 16 of the heat-conducting profiles 24 along the guide direction 38, an inflow line 18 and an outflow line 20 can be connected to provide a heat exchanger structure 22 with a continuous heat exchanger surface 30.

[0196] The fluid lines 16 can run essentially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the supports 28, for example between a ridge line and an eave of a pitched roof or essentially perpendicular to a building wall, wherein a lateral connecting section, as in the example from Fig. 9 or 10, can drain liquid along the guide direction 38. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger surface 30 formed by the heat-conducting profiles 24 forms part of a building envelope, for example part of a roof covering. In preferred embodiments, photovoltaic modules 14 can be mounted above the heat exchanger structure 22, which can extend over several heat-conducting profiles 24, in particular if the heat-conducting profiles 24 together form a continuous and preferably essentially flat heat exchanger surface 30, so that the photovoltaic modules 14 can rest flatly on the heat exchanger surface 30.

[0197] The above steps S10-S18 can be performed by a roofer, so that a cooling roof or cooling wall can be created using the heat-conducting profiles 24, whereby the starting and end points of a cooling batten formed by the heat-conducting profiles 24 can remain open. The heat-conducting profiles 24 can form parts of a roof skin or a building facade and can provide structural sealing of the building against weather influences such as rain.

[0198] The fluid lines 16 can then be connected to a cooling circuit, for example, by connecting fluid connections in the region of the longitudinal ends of the heat-conducting profiles 24 to a building's internal cooling circuit. The fluid lines 16 are preferably connected in the region of the lateral ends of the roof, i.e., in the area of ​​the ridge and eaves, or at vertical ends of the facade below the roof and near the ground, in order to simplify maintenance of the fluid circuit and to allow for the structural drainage of rainwater via the connections between adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24.

[0199] The method may further comprise closing the roof, for example by attaching a ridge plate over the fluid connections of the heat-conducting profiles 24. In some embodiments, however, the roof may be closed before the fluid lines 16 are connected to the cooling circuit, for example if the heat-conducting profiles 24 are already connected to each other and / or if fluid connections are exposed even after the roof is closed.

[0200] The method may further include electrically connecting the photovoltaic modules 14 to a building's internal electrical circuit to complete the creation of a building-integrated photovoltaic and photothermal system. Connecting the photovoltaic modules 14 or installing the photovoltaic modules 14 may be performed separately from the other steps by an electrician.

[0201] Although the method shown as an example describes the connection of the photovoltaic modules 14 as the last step in an essentially conventional work process for producing a roof or facade structure, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the connection of the photovoltaic modules 14 can also be carried out before the roof is closed or before the fluid lines 16 are connected to the cooling circuit.

[0202] The person skilled in the art will further understand that the heat exchanger construction 22 with the heat-conducting profiles 24, which are movably coupled to a support 28, can be used advantageously in various other applications in addition to being used as a photothermal device as part of a facade cladding.

[0203] For example, the heat exchanger structure 22 can be used as part of an on-roof installation for a photothermal device or a combined photovoltaic and photothermal device (PVT), wherein the heat-conducting profiles 24 can form a support structure 24 for the photovoltaic modules 14. Furthermore, photovoltaic layers can be vapor-deposited or laminated onto the heat-conducting profiles 24 so that the heat-conducting profiles 24 can be mounted as combined PVT modules. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the heat exchanger structure 22 can be used continuously in other applications in addition to the preferred application in a PVT system. For example, the heat exchanger structure 22 can be part of an evaporator or condenser, or used as a heat exchanger in conjunction with chilled ceilings, walls, and / or floors, as well as as part of cold rooms or refrigerated furniture, such as refrigerators, refrigerated counters, buffets, or cutting tables.Furthermore, the heat exchanger structure 22 is suitable for absorbing ambient heat as part of tunnel linings for absorbing and / or recovering heat from underground railways, as a sunshade for dissipating heat, e.g., into the ground, as a heat recovery element for ventilation systems, or as a heat recovery element for recovering exhaust gases in chimneys, exhaust air systems, etc. In some of these applications, it may be advantageous to form the heat exchanger surface 30 with fins or projections to increase an effective heat exchanger surface 30 with a fluid or a gas, such as air.

[0204] The person skilled in the art will further understand that adjacent heat-conducting profiles 24 of a heat exchanger structure 22 do not necessarily have to be connected to one another.

[0205] Fig. 12A, 12B show another example of a heat exchanger structure 22, wherein Fig. 12A shows a top side 58 of the heat exchanger structure 22 and Fig. 12B shows a bottom side 56 of the heat exchanger structure 22.

[0206] The heat exchanger structure 22 comprises a plurality of supports 28, which run perpendicular to the guide direction 38 and are spaced apart from one another along this direction. A plurality of heat-conducting profiles 24 are arranged above the supports 28 as heat-conducting hollow supports, which include integrated fluid lines 16 for guiding a liquid heat transfer medium along the guide direction 38. The heat-conducting profiles 24 can be coupled to the supports 28 in the manner described above, wherein preferably one heat-conducting profile 24 is rigidly coupled to one support 28 and is movably coupled to the other supports 28 along the guide direction 38. The plurality of heat-conducting profiles 24 are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the guide direction 38.

[0207] Holding elements i2a-c are attached to the heat-conducting profiles 24 to conduct heat from the holding elements i2a-c to the fluid lines 16 in the heat-conducting profiles 24. The holding elements i2a-c can have fastening surfaces for supporting photovoltaic modules 14. In the example shown, the photovoltaic modules 14 are pressed against the holding elements i2a-c via clamping devices screwed to the holding elements i2a-c in order to improve heat exchange between the photovoltaic modules 14 and a preferably flat contact surface of the holding elements i2a-c. Those skilled in the art will understand that photovoltaic modules 14 can also be vapor-deposited, laminated, or adhesively bonded to the holding elements i2a-c.

[0208] The device shown in Fig. 12A, 12B is particularly suitable for open-air and roof-mounted PVT systems, but can in principle also be used for facade cladding, for example by means of overlapping holding elements i2a-c, for example by fastening the supports 28 to a rafter layer, a roof batten or to an anchorage on a building wall.

[0209] As in the previous examples, fluid connections to the fluid lines 16 of the heat-conducting profiles 24 may only be necessary in peripheral areas of the solar system, which can simplify maintenance and installation of the solar system. Such a solar system can also be advantageously used on flat roofs, since the spatial arrangement of the heat-conducting profiles 24 can be adjusted to an optimal solar radiation angle.

[0210] The heat-conducting profiles 24 preferably extend over a plurality of photovoltaic modules 14, so that fewer fluid connections are necessary, and are preferably present only in the peripheral areas of the solar system. In particular, in contrast to conventional combined PVT systems, the connection of the fluid circuits of sub-modules of the solar system can be largely dispensed with, since the heat-conducting profiles 24 can span and cool a plurality of photovoltaic modules 14. This ensures that all hydraulic connections can remain only at the edge of the roof or wall, or in the case of longer roofs / walls, in specific regions, and are thus accessible for repair. In particular, the number of fluid connections can be fewer than the number of photovoltaic modules 14. Accordingly, the risk of leaks in the cooling circuit can be reduced, and maintenance work can be simplified.

[0211] The foregoing description and drawings are intended merely to illustrate the invention and its advantages and are not to be construed as limiting. Rather, the scope of protection is to be determined by reference to the following claims.

[0212] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0213] 10 Structure

[0214] 12 Holding element i2a-c Holding elements

[0215] 14 photovoltaic modules

[0216] 16 fluid lines

[0217] 18 Influence line

[0218] 20 drain line

[0219] 22 Heat exchanger design

[0220] 24 heat-conducting profile

[0221] 26 support element

[0222] 28 carriers

[0223] 30 heat exchanger surface

[0224] 32 coupling rail

[0225] 34 Hook section of the coupling rail

[0226] 36 Guide Section

[0227] 38 Direction of guidance

[0228] 40 Hook section of the support element

[0229] 41 Clamping wing section

[0230] 42 projection 43 locking element

[0231] 44 inclined guide side

[0232] 45 reinforcement section

[0233] 46 hook-shaped head section

[0234] 47 Groove section

[0235] 48 connecting section

[0236] 49a, 49b Bulge of the support

[0237] 50 round profile

[0238] 52 adapter shell

[0239] 54 clamping device

[0240] 56 Bottom

[0241] 58 Top

[0242] 60, 60a, b first coupling section

[0243] 62, 62a, b second coupling section

[0244] 64 recording room

[0245] 66 groove element

[0246] 68a, 68b projections

[0247] 70 counterpart

[0248] 72 clamping part

[0249] 74 Fastening element

Claims

CLAIMS Heat exchanger construction (22) for exchanging heat with a liquid heat transfer medium, wherein the heat exchanger construction (22) comprises: a heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) carries a fluid line (16) for the liquid heat transfer medium, wherein the fluid line (16) extends along a guide direction (38), wherein the heat transfer medium flows through the fluid line (16) along the guide direction (38) during operation of the heat exchanger construction (22), and wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) further comprises a coupling rail (32) which extends along the guide direction (38); a support (28) which extends perpendicular to the guide direction (38) and is designed to carry the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), and a support element (26) which is designed to be fastened to the support (28) and comprises a guide section (36, 36a, 36b) which is designedto engage with the coupling rail (32) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) in order to hold the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) movably above the support (28) along the guide direction (38), wherein the support element (26) further comprises a hook portion (40) which engages with the support (28) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line (16) is formed integrally with the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b). The heat exchanger structure (22) according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) has a clamp portion (54), wherein the clamp portion (54) engages the fluid line (16) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner to support the fluid line (16). The heat exchanger structure (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling rail (32) comprises a projecting hook portion (34).which runs along the guide direction (38) and protrudes perpendicular to the guide direction (38) from the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the guide portion (36, 36a, 36b) of the support element (26) engages with the protruding hook portion (34) of the coupling rail (32) in order to hold the support element (26) movably along the guide direction (38) on the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b). - Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) comprises a friction-reducing layer, wherein in particular a surface of the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) is anodized. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) along the guide direction (38) has a round profile (50) which engages with the coupling rail (32), and / or wherein the support element (26) comprises an adapter shell (52) which at least partially encloses the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) and engages with the coupling rail (32).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) is configured to be suspended in the coupling rail (32), wherein the suspension of the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) in the coupling rail (32) can preferably be effected by rotating the support element (26) about an axis of rotation parallel to the guide direction (38).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) comprises two coupling wings (26a, 26b) which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the guide direction (38), wherein the coupling wings (26a, 26b) engage with opposite sides of the coupling rail (32) when the support element (26) is suspended in the coupling rail (32), wherein the suspension of the guide section (36, 36a, 36b) in the coupling rail (32) can preferably take place by bringing the coupling wings (26a, 26b) of the support element (26) closer together, wherein an internal restoring force of the support element (26) brings the coupling wings (26a, 26b) into engagement with the opposite sides of the coupling rail (32).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (26) further comprises a clamping wing portion (41) protruding between the guide portion (36) and the hook portion (40), wherein the clamping wing portion (41) is configured to be elastically deformed upon engagement between the support (28), the heat-conducting profile (24), and the support element (26) in order to press the support (28) against the heat-conducting profile (24). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (26) further comprises a locking element (43) which is configured to be elastically deformed upon engagement of the support (28) and the support element (26) in order to permit said engagement, and is further configured. to strike against a flank of the support (28) facing away from the connecting section (48) when the support (28) and the support element (26) are engaged. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (26) further comprises a bulge and / or a groove section (47) configured to positively engage a groove section or bulge (49a, 49b) of the support (26).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) has a substantially rectangular basic shape, wherein the guide direction (38) corresponds to a long side of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), and a direction perpendicular to the guide direction (38) corresponds to a short side of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the short side is shorter than the long side, and wherein a ratio of an extension of the long side to an extension of the short side is in particular at least two, preferably at least three, and preferably at least four. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) is a heat-conducting hollow support with integrated channels for the liquid heat transfer medium.Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) comprises on opposite sides in each case a first coupling section (60, 60a) and a second coupling section (62, 62b), wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) is configured to engage with the second coupling section (62, 62b) of an adjacent heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, so that the first coupling section (60, 60a) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) of the adjacent heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) form a continuous connection between the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 14, wherein the first coupling portion (60, 60a) receives the second coupling portion (62, 62b), in particular to form a watertight connection.Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 15, wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) have a U-shaped cross section along the guide direction (38), wherein the U-. shaped cross-section of the second coupling section (62, 62b) is received by the U-shaped cross-section of the first coupling section (60, 60a) when the first coupling section (60, 60a) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) are engaged. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) of the adjacent heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) form a watertight groove between the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), the watertight groove extending along the guide direction (38).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the continuous connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) has a recessed portion such that a gap is formed between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), the gap exposing the recessed portion. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 18, wherein a groove element (66) engages in the gap and connects the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the groove element (66) in particular mechanically couples opposite projections (68a, 68b) of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the projections (68a, 68b) define the gap, and wherein the groove element (66) is preferably configured to fasten a component to a surface (30) of the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the second Coupling portion (62, 62b) comprises a groove (62n) to receive an end portion (6oe) of the first coupling portion (60, 60a) so that the first Coupling section (60, 60a) is held non-positively and / or positively on the second coupling section (62, 62b) when the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) are connected at a predetermined angle to each other by the coupling sections (60, 62, 62a). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) comprises a groove (6on) to receive an end section (62e) of the second coupling section (62, 62b), so that the first coupling section (60, 60a) is held non-positively and / or positively on the second coupling section (62, 62b) when the adjacent heat-conducting Profiles (24, 24a, 24b) are connected at a predetermined angle to each other by the coupling sections (60, 62, 62a).Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the heat exchanger construction (22) comprises a plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), which are laterally connected to one another by the engagement of the first coupling section (60, 60a) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the continuous connection is designed to form an elastic connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), so that in the event of an expected thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) during operation of the heat exchanger construction (22), the elastic connection is compressed or stretched in order to compensate for the thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) to compensate.Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) forms a heat exchanger surface (30) for exchanging heat with a heat source (14). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 23, wherein the heat exchanger surface (30) is arranged on a side of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) that is opposite the fluid line (16). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the heat exchanger surface (30) forms a plane for the flat attachment of a corresponding surface of the heat source (14). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook portion (40) of the carrier element (26) comprises a U-shaped receptacle for receiving the carrier (28), wherein the U-shaped receptacle receives the carrier (28) in particular along the guide direction (38) in order to mechanically couple the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) to the carrier (28).Solar system (30) for combined power and heat generation, in particular for a building roof or a building wall, comprising the heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one photovoltaic module (14) which is arranged on a heat exchanger surface (30) which is formed or supported by heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) of the heat exchanger construction (22). such that heat flows from the photovoltaic module (14) through the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) to the fluid line (16). Solar system according to claim 27, wherein the photovoltaic module (14) is attached to the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), or wherein a photoactive layer is vapor-deposited or adhesively bonded to the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b). Solar system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the heat exchanger structure (22) comprises a plurality of heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) arranged adjacent to one another to form a planar heat exchanger surface (30). Solar system according to claim 29, wherein the photovoltaic module (14) overlaps a plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b).A wall and / or roof construction for a building with a heat exchanger structure (22) according to one of claims 1 to 26 and / or a solar system according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein a plurality of heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) form or support a building envelope of the building. A wall and / or roof construction according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) extend perpendicular or parallel to the ridge line of the building. A method for providing a device according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Providing a substructure with a plurality of supports (28), Hooking the support element (26) into the coupling rail (32) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), Attaching the support element (26) to one of the supports (28) by engaging the hook portion (40) of the support element (26) with the support (28). The method of claim 33, further comprising: Moving the support element (26) along the coupling rail (32) to move the support element (26) toward a mounting position relative to the support (28). The method of claim 33 or 34, further comprising: Attaching a second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) to the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) via complementary lateral coupling sections (60, 62, 62a) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the coupling sections (60, 62, 62a) extend along a longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) along the guide direction (38). The method according to claim 35, further comprising: Engaging the complementary lateral coupling sections (60, 62, 62a) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein an orientation of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) differs about the guide direction (38), and rotating the second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) about the guide direction (38) so that the complementary lateral coupling sections (60, 62, 62a) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) and the second heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) engage.The method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, further comprising: attaching the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) to the substructure at a fastening point of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) such that a firm connection is established between the substructure and the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) thermally deforms during operation from the fastening position. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 37, further comprising: connecting the fluid line (16) to an inflow line (18) and an outflow line (20) for the liquid heat transfer medium at opposite ends of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b). The method of any one of claims 33 to 38, further comprising: attaching a photovoltaic module (14) to a heat exchanger surface (30) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b).A method according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the method further comprises: attaching a plurality of heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) to the substructure, and. Attaching heat-conducting sheets to the plurality of heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) to form a heat exchanger surface (30). Heat exchanger construction (22) for exchanging heat with a liquid heat transfer medium, the heat exchanger construction (22) comprising: a plurality of heat-conducting profiles, the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) carrying a fluid line (16) for the liquid heat transfer medium and thermally connected to the Fluid line (16) are coupled, wherein the fluid line (16) extends along a guide direction (38), wherein the heat transfer medium flows through the fluid line (16) along the guide direction (38) during operation of the heat exchanger construction (22); wherein the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) each comprise a first coupling section (60, 60a) and a second coupling section (62, 62b) on opposite sides, wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) is configured to engage with the second coupling section (62, 62b) of an adjacent heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, such that the coupling sections (60, 62, 62a) of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) form an elastic connection between the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), such that in the event of an expected thermal expansion or contraction of the majority of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a,24b) during operation of the heat exchanger structure (22), the elastic connection is compressed or stretched to compensate for the thermal expansion or contraction of the plurality of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b). The heat exchanger structure (22) according to claim 41, wherein the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) further comprises a coupling rail (32) extending along the guide direction (38); wherein the heat exchanger construction (22) further comprises: a support (28) which extends perpendicular to the guide direction (38) and is designed to carry the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b), and a support element (26) which is designed to be fastened to the support (28) and comprises a guide section (36, 36a, 36b) which is designed to engage with the coupling rail (32) of the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a, 24b) in order to guide the heat-conducting profile (24, 24a,24b) along the guide direction (38) movable above the support (28). Heat exchanger construction (22) according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the first coupling section (60, 60a) and the second coupling section (62, 62b) are each arranged on a longitudinal side of the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) which extends along the guide direction (38) of the respective heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b), wherein the longitudinal side is in particular longer than a short side of the heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) extending perpendicular thereto. Heat exchanger construction (22) according to one of claims 41 to 43, wherein surfaces (30) of adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) have a continuous, Define a heat exchanger surface, wherein the surfaces of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b) form in particular a flat heat exchanger surface (30) for fastening a heat source (14) on a plurality of the adjacent heat-conducting profiles (24, 24a, 24b).

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