Hybrid photovoltaic thermal system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid photovoltaic thermal system (30) for generating electrical and thermal energy, comprising a photovoltaic module (32) having a first side (32a) and a second side (32b), which is situated opposite the first side, wherein the first side (32a) of the photovoltaic module (32) is designed to receive solar energy and to convert this solar energy into electrical energy; a cooling structure, wherein the cooling structure is arranged on the second side (32b) of the photovoltaic module (32) and is designed to receive a cooling fluid for cooling the photovoltaic module (32); an inlet for introducing the cooling fluid into the cooling structure and an outlet for leading the cooling fluid out of the cooling structure.

Description

[0001] Hybrid photovoltaic thermal system

[0002] The present invention relates to a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system for generating electrical and thermal energy.

[0003] Photovoltaic systems are widely known and used to convert light energy into electricity. They make an important contribution to the medium-term goal of eliminating fossil fuels and reducing CO2 emissions.

[0004] In a further development of traditional photovoltaic systems, also known as a hybrid photovoltaic thermal system or PVT system (photovoltaic thermal system), not only is solar energy converted and used into electricity, but the thermal energy generated by photovoltaic modules is also utilized, for example, for hot water production. This is particularly efficient because a photovoltaic module typically converts more than 70% of the absorbed solar energy into heat, while only approximately 20% of the absorbed solar energy can be converted into electricity.

[0005] Some PVT systems are already known from the prior art. WO 2022 / 255861 A1 describes a heating and / or cooling module for a photovoltaic module. DE 20 2015 008919 U1 discloses a cooling module for a photovoltaic unit. CN 114 978 032 A describes a PVT system with a heating unit, a storage battery, and a pump. WO 2009 / 046352 A2 describes another PVT system. DE 10 2007 001206 A1 discloses a photovoltaic module with an integrated cooling system. DE 10 2013 008957 A1 describes a PVT system with two flow connections and two return connections.

[0006] A typical structure of a PVT system known from the prior art is depicted in Fig. 1. The PVT system 10 shown here has a frame 12, which is typically made of aluminum. A glass plate 14 is arranged in the frame 12 and covers a photovoltaic module 16, protecting it from rain, dust, and dirt. An electrical insulator 18 is provided beneath the photovoltaic module 16. The electrical insulator 18 separates the photovoltaic module 16 from a tube 20, which is arranged beneath the photovoltaic module 16. The tube 20 is typically made of a metal, although aluminum, copper, or steel can preferably be used. The metal tube 20 has a meandering shape and has an inlet 22 and an outlet 24. A cooling fluid is introduced into the metal tube 20 through the inlet 22.The cooling fluid flows through the metal pipe 20 and heats up due to the increased temperature of the photovoltaic module 16. The heated fluid then flows out of the metal pipe 20 through the outlet 24. The heated fluid can then be used, for example, to heat a radiator or a swimming pool. Finally, in the PVC system shown in Fig. 1, a heat insulator 26 is provided below the metal pipe 20 to ensure that as little of the heat stored in the metal pipe 20 as possible is lost.

[0007] The state-of-the-art PVT systems described above offer the advantage of harnessing some of the heat energy generated by solar radiation in photovoltaic modules, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic system. An additional advantage of the PVT systems described in the state-of-the-art is that the photovoltaic modules used are simultaneously cooled by the cooling fluid, thereby increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic modules, as the efficiency of most photovoltaic modules is known to decrease with increasing temperature.

[0008] However, the PVT systems described in the prior art also have some disadvantages. On the one hand, the systems described are relatively expensive, as the cooling tube described is complex to manufacture and the metal used in the cooling tube is relatively expensive. Another disadvantage of the PVT systems known from the prior art is that the cooling of the photovoltaic modules is not particularly homogeneous or efficient.

[0009] Based on the disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a PVT system (also referred to as a hybrid photovoltaic thermal system in the context of the present invention) that enables particularly homogeneous and efficient cooling of the photovoltaic modules and is also particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention proposes a hybrid photovoltaic thermal system (PVT system) for generating electrical and thermal energy, wherein the PVT system comprises the following: a photovoltaic module having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the photovoltaic module is designed to absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy; a cooling structure, wherein the cooling structure is arranged on the second side of the photovoltaic module and is designed to receive a cooling fluid for cooling the photovoltaic module; an inlet for introducing the cooling fluid into the cooling structure and an outlet for leading the cooling fluid out of the cooling structure.

[0011] The cooling structure can have one or more chambers that can accommodate the cooling fluid. The cooling structure can in particular be cuboid-shaped and flat, wherein the length and width of the cooling structure l_KS, b_KS can correspond to the length and width of the photovoltaic module l_PM, b_PM. For example, it can be provided that the width of the cooling structure b_KS is at least 80% or 90% of the width of the photovoltaic module b_PM, while the length of the cooling structure l_KS is at least 80% or 90% of the length of the photovoltaic module l_PM. Furthermore, the thickness of the cooling structure can be d_KS < 0.1 x l_KS, and preferably d_KS < 0.05 l_KS. In other words, the cooling structure can be particularly flat.

[0012] The use of a cooling structure on the back of the photovoltaic module offers the advantage that the incoming light rays are not impaired or attenuated by the cooling structure, but rather that the full light intensity can reach the corresponding photovoltaic module. Compared to the use of a meandering metal tube, the use of a flat cooling structure also offers the advantage of enabling particularly homogeneous cooling of the photovoltaic module. The heat from the photovoltaic module can be dissipated particularly efficiently because the cooling structure and the photovoltaic module have a large-area contact area, and ideally, the cooling structure contacts the entire back of the photovoltaic module.This allows a large portion of the available thermal energy to be dissipated and reused, for example, to heat a radiator, a swimming pool, a hot water tank, or a buffer tank. Furthermore, the production of a cuboid-shaped cooling structure is significantly simpler and cheaper than the manufacture of a meandering metal pipe.

[0013] Preferably, it can be provided that the cooling structure has a flat first chamber, wherein the first chamber has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and the first side of the first chamber is arranged on the second side of the photovoltaic module. The first chamber can in particular be cuboid-shaped, wherein the first chamber has a length I_K1, a width b_Kl and a thickness d_Kl and d_Kl < 0.1 I_K1, and in particular d_Kl < 0.05 I_K1. According to this embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the inlet and the outlet are directly connected to the first chamber and that the cooling fluid can therefore be introduced directly into the first chamber through the inlet.Furthermore, it can be provided that the cooling structure has a second chamber which is arranged on the second side of the first chamber and which is connected to the first chamber via an opening, wherein the opening can in particular be slot-shaped or circular. According to this embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the inlet is connected to the second chamber and that the inlet is designed to introduce the cooling fluid indirectly via the second chamber into the first chamber. The second chamber has a length l_K2, a width b_K2 and a thickness d_K2, wherein the ratio is preferably 0.5 < d_K2 / b_K2 < 1.5. In other words, the second chamber is preferably not flat, but has an almost square cross-sectional area. As a result, a relatively large amount of cooling fluid can be temporarily stored in the second chamber before it is introduced into the preferably flat first chamber.This additional reservoir allows the cooling of the photovoltaic module to be made particularly efficient.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the first chamber is formed from a first layer and a second layer opposite the first layer, as well as side walls which extend from the first layer to the second layer, wherein the second layer is arranged on the second side of the photovoltaic module. The layers can be designed as robust plates or as flexible layers. This can ensure a particularly simple construction of the first chamber. In addition, the cooling structure with the first chamber described above offers the advantage that it has a flat contact element for contacting the second side of the photovoltaic module and thus allows particularly efficient cooling of the photovoltaic module.

[0015] According to the present invention, it can also be provided that the first chamber is formed by the first layer, the photovoltaic module, and side walls extending from the first layer to the second side of the photovoltaic module. In this way, a particularly simple and cost-effective cooling structure can be provided.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention can provide for the first layer or the second layer to have a surface structure, or alternatively for both layers to have a surface structure. In this case, the surface structure can be groove-shaped, in particular, or the surface structure can provide channel walls that run parallel or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first layer and / or the second layer and define individual channels within the first chamber. Thus, various channels that determine the flow direction of the cooling fluid can be formed in the first chamber. The channels within the first chamber can be particularly elongated. The surface structure can be produced by an abrasive process or by an applied process.For example, a mechanical removal process or a laser ablation process can be used to create the aforementioned groove-shaped surface structure on the surface of a layer. It can also be provided that a 3D printing process is used to apply the channel walls described above to one of the layers.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the channel walls run continuously from one side of the first chamber to the opposite side of the first chamber. The channels can run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the photovoltaic module or the first chamber or else orthogonal to this longitudinal axis. This allows numerous channels to be arranged next to one another, whereby a particularly large amount of cooling fluid can flow through the first chamber. Due to the individually designable surface structure, the amount of cooling fluid that can be conducted through the cooling chamber and the flow direction can be individually designed depending on the area of ​​application. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can also be provided that at least one channel wall has at least one interruption, with at least one interruption preferably being provided in the middle of a channel wall.A continuous channel wall that extends from one side of the first chamber to the opposite side of the first chamber has the advantage that the flow direction of the cooling fluid within the entire channel is clearly defined and the flow of the cooling fluid is easy to calculate. However, in some applications it may be advantageous not to design the channel wall continuously, but to provide interruptions within the channel wall. The deliberate implementation of these interruptions in the channel wall makes it possible for the cooling fluid to escape even in the event of a blocked channel and flow through one or more adjacent channels. In other words, these interruptions in the channel wall provide alternative flow paths within the first chamber through which the cooling fluid can flow in the event of a blocked channel.This advantageously significantly reduces the risk of insufficient cooling in the event of blocked channels. According to some embodiments of the present invention, all channel walls may have interruptions, wherein the interruptions may preferably be provided in the center of the channel walls.

[0018] According to the present invention, it can also be provided that the first chamber is designed as a continuous chamber. According to this embodiment, the first chamber therefore has no channel walls which would divide the first chamber into individual channels. This provides a first chamber which is completely free of any channel walls, as a result of which a particularly large amount of cooling fluid can flow through the first chamber. This enables particularly efficient cooling of the photovoltaic module and, at the same time, efficient use of the thermal energy. According to the present invention, it can be provided that the first chamber is made of a plastic material, in particular of polycarbonate or of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It can also be provided that the first chamber is made of a light metal (for example aluminum, magnesium or titanium) or of glass. This allows the first chamber orThe cooling structure can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. At the same time, the overall weight of the PVT system can be kept low. The first chamber can be made of either a transparent or a non-transparent material. The use of a transparent material offers the advantage that the first chamber can be connected to adjacent components via a welding process.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention can provide for spacers to be arranged between the first layer and the second layer, which spacers define the thickness of the first chamber. The spacers, which according to some embodiments of the present invention are designed as separate components, can in particular be glued to the first layer and / or to the second layer. Alternatively, the spacers can be welded to the first layer and / or to the second layer. Furthermore, it can be provided for the spacers to be formed integrally with the first layer and / or the second layer. On the one hand, the spacers contribute to the distance between the first layer and the second layer being able to be determined in a simple manner and, moreover, enable particularly simple assembly of the first chamber. In addition, the spacers contribute to the mechanical stability of the first chamber.This is particularly advantageous when the first chamber has one or two layers made of plastic or glass. The use of spacers offers the additional advantage that the first chamber can be easily adjusted depending on the requirements of a specific application by exchanging spacers. The spacers can be made of a plastic material, a light metal, or glass or fiberglass. However, the spacers are not limited to the materials mentioned above.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it can also be provided that the spacers have a circular, annular, rectangular, or triangular cross-section and a thickness that is less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, and particularly preferably less than 5 mm. The maximum dimension of the spacers (ie, the diameter of a circular structure, the outer diameter of an annular structure, the longer side of a rectangular structure, or the longest side of a triangular structure) can, according to some expressions, be a maximum of 10 cm, a maximum of 5 cm, or a maximum of 2 cm.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first layer and / or the second layer have a plurality of receiving structures designed to receive the spacers. For example, the receiving structures can be designed as receiving grooves that are configured depending on the shape of the provided spacers. The receiving grooves can therefore be circular, rectangular, or triangular. The receiving structures or the receiving grooves offer the advantage that the receiving structures can be received quickly and easily by inserting them into the receiving structures and, if necessary, clamping them into the receiving structures. According to this embodiment, gluing or welding the spacers is therefore not necessary. Consequently, one and the same chamber can be used for different applications by adding or removing several spacers.Furthermore, it can be provided that the receiving structures are arranged equidistantly on the first layer and / or on the second layer. It can also be provided that an adhesive or an adhesive material or a composite material is used as a spacer. This enables particularly simple application of the required spacers to the first layer and / or the second layer. Overall, this can significantly simplify and accelerate the manufacturing process.

[0022] Preferably, the spacers are made of plastic. This allows the overall weight of the PVT system to be kept low, while plastic materials ensure the mechanical stability required for the PVT systems according to the invention. Furthermore, the use of plastic spacers is particularly advantageous when the first or second layer is made of glass. In this case, plastic spacers offer particularly advantageous mechanical stability and reduce the risk of potential glass breakage.

[0023] According to the present invention, the cooling structure can further comprise a third layer, wherein the second layer is arranged between the first layer and the third layer. This allows for the provision of a first chamber formed between the first layer and the second layer, as well as a third chamber formed between the second layer and the third layer.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the cooling structure has a first chamber and a third chamber, wherein the first chamber can be formed between the photovoltaic module and the first layer and the third chamber can be formed between the first layer and the second layer. As a result, a total of only two layers (and corresponding side walls) are necessary to provide two separate chambers. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can be provided that the cooling structure has a first chamber and a third chamber, wherein the first chamber is formed between a first layer and a second layer and the third chamber is formed between the second layer and the third layer. Spacers can also be provided between the first layer and the second layer and between the second layer and the third layer.Alternatively, the second layer may have a surface structure on each of its sides opposite the first layer and the third layer, defining a plurality of channels. The surface structures may be continuous or may also have interruptions (as described above).

[0025] In the case where two layers are used to provide two separate chambers, the spacers can be arranged between the photovoltaic module and the first layer, as well as between the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the first layer, which is arranged between the photovoltaic module and the second layer, can have a surface structure, specifically on one side or on both sides facing the photovoltaic module or the second layer.

[0026] Finally, in the system according to the invention, it can be provided that the photovoltaic module is designed as a bifacial photovoltaic module with two photoelectrically active sides, and that the first chamber of the cooling structure is arranged between the two active sides of the bifacial photovoltaic module. This makes it possible to provide particularly efficient cooling of the bifacial photovoltaic module. A single chamber can be used, which simultaneously cools both photoelectrically active sides of the bifacial photovoltaic module, or two chambers, each of which is designed to cool a photoelectrically active side of the bifacial photovoltaic module, can be used. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0027] The figures show the following:

[0028] Fig. 1 a PVT system according to the prior art,

[0029] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the PVT system according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the PVT system according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a PVT system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0032] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4, showing a possible design of the cooling structure,

[0033] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention with continuous channel walls,

[0034] Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention with interrupted channel walls,

[0035] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention,

[0036] Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention,

[0037] Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention, and

[0038] Fig. 11 shows another initial example of the first chamber according to the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a PVT system 10 according to the prior art and has already been discussed in the introductory part of the description.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the PVT system 30 according to the invention. The PVT system 30 has a photovoltaic module 32, as is known from the prior art. The photovoltaic module has a first side 32a and a second side 32b, which is opposite the first side 32a. The first side 32a of the photovoltaic module 32 is designed to absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. The PVT system 30 also has a first layer 34, which is arranged on the second side 32b of the photovoltaic module 32. The first layer 34, together with the photovoltaic module 32 and the side wall 36, which extends from the first layer 34 to the photovoltaic module 32, forms a first chamber 38.The PVT system 30 shown in Fig. 2 has a cooling structure with a chamber ("first chamber 38") designed to evenly cool the photovoltaic module 32 and thereby dissipate the heat energy generated by the photovoltaic module 32. The dissipated heat energy can then be used, for example, to heat a radiator or a swimming pool. The use of the cooling structure therefore achieves two effects simultaneously: firstly, the absorption of the heat energy for subsequent use, and secondly, the cooling of the photovoltaic module 32 to increase its energy efficiency. As shown in Fig. 2, the illustrated PVT system 30 also includes an inlet 40 designed to introduce a cooling fluid into the first chamber 38. The cooling fluid heated in the first chamber 38 by the heated photovoltaic module 32 can then be discharged via an outlet (in Fig.2 not shown) can be led out of the chamber and used to heat a radiator or a swimming pool.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the PVT system 30 according to the invention. The PVT system 30 shown in this figure additionally has a frame 42, which can be made, for example, from aluminum or a plastic material. The frame 42 has a first holding structure 44, which is designed to receive the photovoltaic module 32. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the first holding structure 44 has a receiving groove 46 by means of which the solar module 32 can be held stably. In addition, the frame 42 has a second holding structure 48, which is designed to receive the first layer 34. The second holding structure 48 can be designed, for example, as a receiving groove (similar to the first holding structure 44) or as a receiving step (as shown in Fig. 3). In addition, the PVT system 30 shown in Fig. 3 has a second chamber 50, which borders the first chamber 38.The first chamber 38 and the second chamber 50 are connected to one another via an opening. The opening can, for example, be circular or slot-shaped. According to the PVT system 30 shown in Fig. 3, the inlet 40 is designed to first introduce a cooling fluid into the second chamber 50, from where the cooling fluid is then guided via the aforementioned opening into the first chamber 38. The use of the previously described frame 42 is advantageous, on the one hand, because it allows the photovoltaic module 32 and the first layer 34 to be held stably, and on the other hand because the second chamber 50 provides a reservoir in which the cooling fluid can be temporarily stored before it is introduced into the first chamber 38. This ensures particularly efficient cooling of the photovoltaic module 32.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a PVT system 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in this figure, the PVT system 30 has a flat photovoltaic module 32 that has a length and a width that are each significantly greater than the thickness of the photovoltaic module 32. Furthermore, it can be seen in this figure that a cooling structure with a first chamber 38 is provided below the photovoltaic module 32, through which a cooling fluid can flow, whereby the photovoltaic module 32 can be cooled over its entire surface and therefore in a homogeneous manner. As can also be seen from Fig. 4, the first chamber 38 or the cooling structure that the first chamber has can be designed such that its surface covers almost the entire back of the photovoltaic module 32. This enables particularly efficient cooling of the photovoltaic module 32. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the cooling structure shown in Fig.4, wherein this figure illustrates a possible design of the cooling structure. The cooling structure shown in this figure has a first chamber 38 and a second chamber 50, which are connected to one another via an opening. In the embodiment shown here, the first chamber is delimited by a first layer 34 and a second layer 60. The cooling fluid is introduced into the second chamber 50 through the inlet 40, wherein the cooling fluid then passes from the second chamber 50 into the first chamber 38.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the first chamber 38 of the PVT system 30. In this embodiment, the first chamber 38 is delimited by a first layer 34 and a second layer 60. The first layer 34 has a surface structure 52. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the surface structure 52 is in the form of continuous channel walls 54 that extend from one side of the first layer 34 to the opposite side of the first layer 34 and run parallel to one another. The channel walls 54 therefore define a plurality of parallel channels 56 through which the cooling fluid can flow. In this way, a relatively large amount of cooling fluid can flow through the first chamber 38, wherein the flow direction of the cooling fluid within the first chamber 38 can be individually adjusted. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the channels 56 run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first chamber 38 orthe first layer 34 and the photovoltaic module 32. Alternatively, the channel walls 54 and the channels 56 defined by the channel walls 54 can also run orthogonal to the aforementioned longitudinal axis of the first chamber 38. According to some embodiments of the present invention, it can be provided that the width of the channels 56 is at least 3x, 5x or at least 10x the width of the channel walls 54. In this way, a particularly large amount of cooling fluid can flow through the first chamber, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the photovoltaic module 32. Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the first chamber 38 of the PVT system 30 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the channel walls 54 are no longer continuous, as was the case in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.Instead, the channel walls 54 each have an interruption 58 provided approximately in the middle of the channel walls 54. The interrupted design of the channel walls 54 makes it possible to direct the cooling fluid through one or more adjacent channels 56 in the event of a blocked channel 56. This significantly reduces the risk of inefficient cooling of the photovoltaic module 32, which can otherwise occur in the event of individual blocked channels 56.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the first chamber, wherein the first chamber is defined by the first layer 34, the solar module 32, and the side walls 36. Individual channel walls 54 are provided within the first chamber, defining the individual channels 56 that run parallel to one another. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the use of a second layer is not necessary, since the first chamber is defined at the top by the rear side of the photovoltaic module (also referred to above as the "second side 32b of the photovoltaic module").

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the cooling structure has a first chamber defined by the first layer 34 and the second layer 60, as well as by side walls extending from the first layer 34 to the second layer 60. The first chamber is divided into individual channels 56 by individual channel walls 54. The channels 56 run parallel to one another and have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The first chamber according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 can be designed in the form of a polycarbonate sheet. Such polycarbonate sheets are commercially available and inexpensive to manufacture, and are also used in greenhouses.

[0046] Furthermore, Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of the first chamber according to the present invention. Unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the first chamber in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 is defined by the first layer 34 and the second layer 60. This has the advantage that the cooling structure has a self-contained shape, thereby reducing the risk of the cooling fluid escaping from the first chamber and coming into contact with the photovoltaic module 32.

[0047] Finally, Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of the first chamber 38 of the PVT system 30 according to the present invention. As in some of the embodiments described above, the first chamber 38 in the embodiment according to Fig. 11 is also defined by the first layer 34 and the second layer 60. In the embodiment shown here, spacers 62 are additionally provided, which are arranged on the first layer 34. The spacers 62 are preferably glued to the first layer 34 or welded to the first layer 34. In this way, a particularly simple construction of the first chamber is enabled, which allows the first chamber to be customized depending on the area of ​​application. For example, the spacers 62 can be arranged at a short distance from one another if a particularly high mechanical stability of the first chamber is desired.On the other hand, the number of spacers 62 can be reduced and the spacers 62 can be arranged at a greater distance from one another if the stability of the first chamber 38 or the cooling structure is considered less critical and instead the greatest possible amount of cooling fluid is to be transported through the first chamber 38. It can also be provided that the first layer 34 has receiving structures, which are designed in particular as receiving grooves. This allows the spacers to be arranged on the first layer 34 particularly easily and quickly and depending on the specific application, whereby the chamber can be adapted to the requirements of a specific application particularly easily and quickly. Furthermore, a cooling structure that was previously designed for a specific application can be adapted to the specific application by adding or removing spacers.

[0048] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0049] State-of-the-art PVT system

[0050] Frame

[0051] glass plate

[0052] Photovoltaic module electrical insulator

[0053] Pipe

[0054] inlet

[0055] Outlet

[0056] Thermal insulator inventive PVT system

[0057] Photovoltaic module a first side of the photovoltaic module b second side of the photovoltaic module first layer

[0058] Side wall first chamber

[0059] inlet

[0060] Frame first support structure

[0061] Receiving groove second holding structure second chamber

[0062] Surface structure

[0063] Canal wall

[0064] channel

[0065] Interruption of second layer

[0066] spacers

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system (30) for generating electrical and thermal energy, comprising a photovoltaic module (32) with a first side (32a) and a second side (32b) opposite the first side, wherein the first side (32a) of the photovoltaic module (32) is designed to absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy; a cooling structure with at least one first chamber (38), wherein the cooling structure is arranged on the second side (32b) of the photovoltaic module (32) and the first chamber (38) is designed to receive a cooling fluid for cooling the photovoltaic module (32); an inlet (40) for introducing the cooling fluid into the first chamber (38) and an outlet for removing the cooling fluid from the first chamber (38).

2. System (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling structure has a flat first chamber (38), wherein the first chamber (38) has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and the first side of the first chamber (38) is arranged on the second side (32b) of the photovoltaic module (32).

3. System (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the cooling structure has a second chamber (50) which is arranged on the second side of the first chamber (38) and which is connected to the first chamber (38) via an opening, wherein the opening is in particular slit-shaped or circular.

4. System (30) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first chamber (38) consists of a first layer (34) and one of the first layer (34) opposite second layer (60), and side walls (36) arranged between the layers, wherein the second layer (60) is arranged on the second side of the photovoltaic module (32).

5. System (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first layer (34) or the second layer (60) has a surface structure (52), or alternatively both layers have a surface structure (52); wherein the surface structure (52) can in particular be groove-shaped or channel walls (54) are provided by the surface structure (52) which run parallel or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first layer (34) and / or the second layer (60) and define individual channels (56) within the first chamber (38).

6. System (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that the channel walls (54) extend continuously from one side of the first chamber (38) to the opposite side of the first chamber (38).

7. System (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one channel wall (54) has at least one interruption (58), wherein at least one interruption (58) is preferably provided in the middle of a channel wall (54).

8. System (30) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the first chamber (38) is designed as a continuous chamber 9. System (30) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the first chamber (38) is made of a plastic material, in particular of polycarbonate or of polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA.

10. System (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that spacers (62) are provided between the first layer (34) and the second layer (60), which spacers define the thickness of the first chamber (38).

11. System (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that the spacers (62) have a circular, an annular, a rectangular or a triangular cross-section and in particular a thickness which is less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, and particularly preferably less than 5 mm.

12. System (30) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the spacers (62) are made of plastic.

13. System (30) according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the cooling structure has a third layer, wherein the second layer (60) is arranged between the first layer (34) and the third layer.

14. System (30) according to claim 13, characterized in that spacers (62) are provided between the first layer (34) and the second layer (60) and between the second layer (60) and the third layer, or in that the second layer (60) has on its sides opposite the first layer (34) and the third layer in each case a surface structure (52) which defines a plurality of fluid channels (56).

15. System (30) according to one of claims 13 or two 14, characterized in that the photovoltaic module (32) is designed as a bifacial photovoltaic module with two photoelectrically active sides and that the first chamber (38) of the cooling structure is arranged between the two active sides of the bifacial photovoltaic module (32).

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