Hybrid solar panel.

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid solar panel for the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module having a front face for receiving solar radiation and a rear face opposite said front face, - a heat exchanger adjacent to the rear face of the photovoltaic module for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, - an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for the heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with the exchanger, - at least one electrical junction box associated with the photovoltaic module, and in which: - the junction box is disposed between the photovoltaic module and the exchanger, against the rear face of said module, - the heat exchanger comprises at least one profile provided with internal channels for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which channels open at the terminal ends of said profile.- the profile is shaped to include at least one protruding portion passing over the junction box, the portions of said profile adjacent to said protruding portion being flat and in contact with the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

Description

Title of the invention: Hybrid solar panel. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid solar panel, as well as a method for manufacturing such a panel.

[0002] It relates to the technical field of solar panels integrating both a photovoltaic module (to produce electricity) and a heat exchanger (to produce heat). It relates more particularly to the design of such a heat exchanger. State of the art.

[0003] A hybrid solar panel usually comprises: - at least one photovoltaic module having a front face intended to receive sunlight and a rear face opposite the front face; - a heat exchanger adjacent to the rear face of the photovoltaic module for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid; - an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold of the heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with the exchanger; and - at least one electrical junction box associated with the photovoltaic module.

[0004] For the heat exchanger to have maximum efficiency, it is important that it covers the largest possible area of ​​the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0005] The photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells adapted to convert sunlight into electrical energy. These photovoltaic cells are interconnected to collect the electrical energy produced by each cell. An interconnection system allows several cells to be linked together to form a string, and these strings to be connected to each other. The electrical current thus flows from one cell to another and from one string to another via connectors located in one or more junction boxes. The junction box thus transmits the flow of electrical current generated by the cells, notably to the outside of the panel. The junction box is generally equipped for this purpose with terminals or connectors that allow easy connection to external devices such as inverters.The junction box also allows several photovoltaic modules to be connected together via interconnecting cables.

[0006] Various photovoltaic module technologies exist: amorphous, thin-film, multi-junction, and single-junction crystalline. In particular, for crystalline cells, which are the most common, there are modules of so-called "full-cell" or "full-cell" technology, and modules of so-called "shingle" technology, where standard cells are cut into Narrow strips are then overlapped (hence the English term "shingle"). In modules using so-called "half-cell" or "half-cut cell" technology, each standard photovoltaic cell is divided into two half-cells, typically by laser cutting. The half-cells are interconnected in series or parallel, depending on the requirements.

[0007] The implementation of heat exchangers in hybrid solar panels using "Half-Cut Cell" technology modules presents particular constraints.

[0008] Indeed, with "Full-Cell" or "Shingle" modules, the junction boxes are generally installed around the perimeter of the panel, for example in or on the frame of said panel, so that they leave the rear face of the module completely free. The heat exchanger can then extend over this entire rear face and be installed relatively simply.

[0009] In contrast, with "Half-Cut Cell" modules, the junction boxes are positioned directly against the rear face of the module, often in its center. This configuration therefore limits the surface area available for the heat exchanger, thus reducing its potential efficiency. Furthermore, the presence of these boxes in the center of the module makes installing the heat exchanger difficult or at least complicates its design, thereby increasing the associated costs.

[0010] The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention aims to achieve all or part of the following objectives: to facilitate the association of the heat exchanger with a photovoltaic module whose junction box is located against the rear face of said module, in particular with a "Half-Cut Cell" module; to maximize the contact area between the heat exchanger and the rear face of the photovoltaic module; to simplify the design and installation of the heat exchanger when junction boxes are located against the rear face of the module; to improve the efficiency of the panel in terms of heat transfer, in particular by minimizing the impact of the junction boxes; to reduce the manufacturing costs and time of the hybrid solar panel. Presentation of the invention.

[0011] The solution proposed by the invention is a hybrid solar panel for the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module comprising a front face intended to receive solar radiation and a rear face opposite said front face, - a heat exchanger adjacent to the rear face of the photovoltaic module for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, - an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for the heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with the heat exchanger, - at least one electrical junction box associated with the photovoltaic module, and in which: - the junction box is positioned between the photovoltaic module and the heat exchanger, against the rear face of said module, - the heat exchanger comprises at least one profile provided with internal channels for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which channels open at the terminal ends of said profile, - the profile is shaped to include at least one protruding portion passing over the junction box, the portions of said profile adjacent to said protruding portion being flat and in contact with the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0012] The specific shape of the heat exchanger profile allows it to be easily associated with a photovoltaic module whose junction box is placed against its rear face, and in particular with a "Half-Cut Cell" type module.

[0013] The protruding portion allows the junction box to be bypassed without having to cut or modify the profile. In fact, this protruding portion simply spans the box, thus eliminating the need for complex adjustments or cutouts that would be required to accommodate the junction box positioned against the rear face. Furthermore, these cutouts would create areas where the heat transfer fluid does not circulate, and therefore areas without heat exchange.

[0014] Furthermore, thanks to this design, the profile can remain in close contact with all or most of the rear face of the module. The flat sections of the profile ensure maximum contact for efficient heat transfer. The contact area between the heat exchanger and the module is thus maximized, while minimizing the negative impact of the junction box on the panel's thermal performance.

[0015] Also, the protruding part can serve as a guide and / or a keying device for installation, helping to correctly position the heat exchanger relative to the module. This limits errors and additional adjustments, thereby speeding up the installation process.

[0016] Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where applicable, to solving specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily participate. The following features may therefore be the subject, where applicable, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0017] According to one embodiment, the protruding part is spaced from the junction box so as to leave an air gap between said box and the profile.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the junctions between the prominent part and the adjacent flat parts of the profile are bent, which bends have a radius of curvature.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the ratio between the radius of curvature and the height of the channels is between 10 and 30.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the prominent part comprises an upper portion connected to the adjacent parts by sloping portions, the angle formed between said sloping portions and said adjacent parts being between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the collectors are offset in height from the plane defined by the rear face of the photovoltaic module; and the end parts of the profile are bent so that the terminal ends of said profile can connect to said collectors.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the profile is an extruded profile.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a plurality of fins protrude from the profile.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger is formed from a plurality of adjacent profiles placed side by side at their longitudinal edges.

[0025] According to one embodiment: - a rigid frame surrounds the photovoltaic module and the heat exchanger; - support elements are fixed on said frame; - elastic elements bear against said support elements and against the profile so as to exert a compressive force pressing said profile against the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the photovoltaic module is composed of photovoltaic cells cut into half-cells.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the profile is a one-piece profile produced by extrusion.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a panel hybrid solar system intended for the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, said panel comprising a photovoltaic module having a front face intended to receive sunlight and a rear face opposite the front face, said method comprising the following steps: - install a heat exchanger adjacent to the rear face of the photovoltaic module, for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, - install an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold in fluidic communication with the exchanger, - associate at least one electrical junction box with the photovoltaic module, said method further comprising the following steps: - Position the junction box between the photovoltaic module and the heat exchanger, against the rear face of said module, - to construct the heat exchanger in such a way that it includes at least one profile equipped with internal channels for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which channels open at the terminal ends of said profile, - conform the profile so that it includes at least one prominent part passing over the junction box, the parts of said profile adjacent to said prominent part being flat and in contact with the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the profile is produced using multi-pore extrusion technology.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the prominent part is shaped by forming or stamping the profile. Brief description of the figures.

[0031] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the attached drawings, made by way of indicative and non-limiting examples and on which: [Fig.1] is a rear view of a solar panel according to the invention. [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar panel according to the invention. [Fig.3A] is a cross-sectional view of an example of a profile forming the heat exchanger. [Fig.3B] is a cross-sectional view of another example of a profile forming the heat exchanger. [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger adapted to a solar panel according to the invention. [Fig.5] is a front view of the exchanger from [Fig.4]. [Fig.6] shows the exchanger of [Fig.5], and on which photovoltaic cells and junction boxes are schematically represented. [Fig.7] is an enlarged schematic view of detail DI of [Fig.2]. [Fig.8] is an enlarged schematic view of detail D2 of [Fig.2]. [Fig.9] illustrates the arrangement of a support element and an elastic element to constrain the heat exchanger against the photovoltaic module. [Fig. 10] shows a fitting for connecting the manifolds to other exchangers and / or to an external circuit. [Fig. 11 A] schematically represents a bent collector. [Fig. 1 IB] schematically shows an elbow fitting used to connect the manifolds to the heat exchanger. [Fig. 12] is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an alternative embodiment. Description of the implementation methods.

[0032] To possibly complete their current definition, the following clarifications are made to certain terms used in the claims and the description: - As used here, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in a given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or any other way. - Similarly, the use of adjectives "right / left", "front / back", "top / bottom", "lower / higher", etc., allows us to simply describe the position of an object in the configuration of the attached figures, but does not necessarily imply that in practice, similar objects are in the same position. - "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. - In general, it is appreciated that on the various attached drawings, the objects can be drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0033] The solar panel that is the subject of the invention is a hybrid panel, that is to say, it is capable of simultaneously producing electrical and thermal energy. It is intended to be used alone or in combination with other similar panels, so that the electrical and thermal energy it produces can be used, in particular by a dwelling or an energy system.

[0034] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the solar panel 1 comprises one or more photovoltaic modules 2 having a front face 20 and a rear face 21 opposite said front face. The front face 20 is left uncovered so that it can receive solar radiation. It may be covered with a transparent plate, such as a glass plate.

[0035] The module(s) 2 are installed inside a frame 7 bordering the panel 1. This frame 7 is rigid and can, for example, be made of aluminium or polymer, and formed of U-shaped profiles assembled together by welding or screwing.

[0036] Module 2 comprises several 200 photovoltaic cells placed in the same plane. These cells are electrically connected to each other, in series or in parallel, and are connected to one or more electrical junction boxes 4.

[0037] Module 2 is preferably a "Half-Cut Cell" type module. As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the cell strings 200 are connected at their center to the junction boxes 4 arranged in the middle of panel 1. This "Half-Cut Cell" technology has several advantages: dividing whole cells into half-cells reduces electrical resistance and decreases Joule effect losses in module 2, thus improving the efficiency of panel 1; the half-cells allow for better performance of panel 1 when some parts are shaded; the half-cells are more robust than whole cells.

[0038] However, the invention is not limited to a module 2 of the "Half-Cut Cell" type. It can very well be applied with one or more "Full-Cell" or "Shingle" modules, or even with thin-film, amorphous, or multilayer photovoltaic modules, arranged so that the junction boxes are positioned against the rear face 21 of said modules.

[0039] In practice, approximately 80% of the solar energy received is dissipated in the panel 1. The presence of a heat exchanger 3 makes it possible to recover the heat accumulated or dissipated in said module.

[0040] The heat exchanger 3 is adjacent to the rear face 21 of module 2, i.e., located beneath said module, so as not to obstruct solar radiation. Like module 2, the heat exchanger 3 is also framed by the frame 7.

[0041] A layer of electrically insulating material called a "backsheet" (for example a polyvinyl fluoride film or a glass plate) or a layer of glass (for example in the case of a so-called "bi-glass" or "glass-glass" photovoltaic module) can constitute the rear face 21 and form electrical insulation and a seal between the module 2 and the exchanger 3.

[0042] A heat transfer fluid (e.g., water, glycol water, water, halogenated fluid, carbon dioxide gas, etc.) circulates in the heat exchanger 3 to recover heat from module 2. The fluid is supplied via a feed circuit and circulates in the heat exchanger 3 from an inlet manifold 5 to an outlet manifold 6, with which the heat exchanger is in fluidic communication. The area of ​​the heat exchanger 3 between these two manifolds corresponds to the heat exchange zone. This exchange zone can, for example, represent 70% to 100%, preferably at least 85% or even at least 95%, of the surface area of ​​module 2.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the heat exchanger 3 comprises at least one profile 30 provided with internal channels 300 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. These channels open at the terminal ends of the profile 30.

[0044] In the embodiment of [Fig. 3A], the profile 30 has a substantially rectangular hollow cross-section. It has a parallel upper wall 301 and lower wall 302. One or the other of these walls is intended to be in contact with the rear face 21 of the module 2. Internal separating walls 303 located between the two upper and lower walls allow the channels 300 to be delimited, so that said channels are adjacent and parallel. The channels 300 can have a square, rectangular, circular, oval, or trapezoidal cross-section and are preferably straight. This type of profile is particularly lightweight, while providing good mechanical strength to the heat exchanger 3 and a certain degree of elasticity.

[0045] The thickness of the walls 301 and 302 is preferably between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. This small thickness allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the immediate vicinity of the rear face 21 of the module 2 to optimize heat exchange.

[0046] Fig. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment where the channels 300 are integral with the single wall 302, which wall is intended to be in contact with the rear face 21 of the module 2. For the same reasons as those mentioned previously, the thickness of the wall 302 is advantageously between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

[0047] The profile 30 is preferably an extruded profile designed to obtain homogeneous dimensions and mechanical and thermal characteristics along its entire length. The strength and rigidity of the profile 30 are thus uniform, ensuring that it can withstand the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected, making the heat exchanger 3 particularly robust. Furthermore, the homogeneity achieved means that the profile 30 has a constant thermal conductivity along its entire length. Heat transfer is therefore homogeneous across the entire surface of the profile 30, so that the efficiency of the heat exchanger is reliable, optimized, and stable over time.

[0048] The material used to make the profile 30 is a thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. It can also be made of a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene ether, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or any other material suitable to those skilled in the art. These materials provide long-term resistance to corrosion generated by the heat transfer fluid, as well as to temperatures up to 90°C.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile 30 is made of aluminum and produced using the multi-pore extrusion or MPE (Multi Pore Extrusion) technique. Other extrusion techniques are, however, possible. In addition to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, this material is not only rigid but also lightweight, which simplifies the assembly and installation of the heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, since aluminum is recyclable, the environmental impact of the panel 1 over its entire life cycle can be reduced.

[0050] MPE extrusion allows for optimized channel geometries 300 which can be adapted to maximize the exchange surface (by maximizing the number of channels) and the thermal performance of the exchanger 3 and / or to adapt to space constraints.

[0051] The profile 30 can have length and width dimensions corresponding to those of module 2. The exchanger 3 is in this case made of a single, one-piece, plate-shaped profile, the length of which can, for example, be between 150 cm and 400 cm. cm, the width between 50 cm and 700 cm, and the thickness between 1 mm and 50 mm.

[0052] However, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the heat exchanger 3 is formed from a plurality of adjacent profiles 30, placed side by side at their longitudinal edges. The profiles 30 advantageously extend along the length of the panel 1, but could also extend across its width. The profiles 30 can then be fixed to each other and / or to the panel 1 by welding, bonding, or screws. This embodiment offers modularity in the design of the heat exchanger 3 by allowing easy adaptation to different sizes and geometries of the module 2 and / or the panel 1. For example, the heat exchanger 3 can be made up of five to thirty profiles 30 with a width ranging from 5 cm to 50 cm and a length between 150 cm and 400 cm.

[0053] Regardless of the embodiment, the channels 300 advantageously have a length corresponding to that of the profile 30, a width between 1 mm and 10 mm, and a height between 1 mm and 10 mm. For heat transfer fluid flow rates of 100 L / h to 200 L / h and up to 400 L / h, the pressure losses generated in such channels 30 remain low.

[0054] As mentioned previously, the panel 1 comprises a heat exchanger 3 formed of one or more profiles 30, and one or more junction boxes 4 associated with one or more modules 2. For reasons of conciseness and clarity, but without being limiting, the following description refers only to a profile 30, and to an electrical junction box 4 associated with a module 2. With reference to Figures 2 and 7, the junction box 4 is arranged between the module 2 and the heat exchanger 3, against the rear face 21 of said module.

[0055] To bypass the housing 4, the profile 30 is shaped to include at least one protruding portion 340 passing over said housing. The portions 320 of the profile 30 that are adjacent to the protruding portion 340 are flat and in contact with the rear face 21 of the module 2 so as to maintain optimal heat transfer between said module and said profile. The heat exchanger 3 thus presents a sort of "wave," "undulation," or "bump" at the level of the housing 4, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 4.

[0056] The prominent portion 340 can have various elevation geometries, including, but not limited to, sinusoidal, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, circular arc shapes, etc. In practice, the chosen geometry is adapted to that of the housing 4. It can extend across the entire width of the panel 1 or be localized only at the housing 4.

[0057] In the attached figures, the prominent part 340 has a generally trapezoidal shape, and includes an upper portion 3400 connected to the adjacent parts 320 by sloping portions 3410. The upper portion 3400 and the sloping portions 3410 are preferably flat, but could be curved. To make the prominent part 340 as compact as possible, the length of the upper portion 3400 advantageously corresponds to the width of the casing 4 to within ±40%.

[0058] The protruding portion 340 can be formed separately and then welded to the adjacent portions 320. However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring welding, thereby increasing the risk of leakage and the manufacturing costs and time of the heat exchanger. For this reason, the protruding portion 340 is preferably formed by forming or stamping the profile 30, in particular by a bending technique using press brake equipment, the profile remaining a single, unbroken piece.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion 340 is spaced from the housing 4 so as to leave an air gap between the housing 4 and the profile 30. This air gap improves the electrical insulation between the two components, thereby limiting leakage currents between the housing and the profile. This air gap also allows air circulation, limiting the risk of overheating of the housing 4. The distance eSP separating the top of the housing 4 and the upper portion 3400 can, for example, be between 1 mm and 10 mm. This distance is preferably chosen so that the upper portion 3400 does not, however, extend beyond the frame 7, the protruding portion 340 thus remaining confined within the internal volume defined by said frame. In other words, the protruding portion 340 does not extend beyond the plane P defined by the lateral limits of the frame 7.This design protects the protruding part 340 against untimely external mechanical impacts that could compromise the physical integrity of the exchanger 3. Transport, storage and installation of the panel 1 are also facilitated since its overall dimensions, particularly its thickness, remain constant.

[0060] The junctions between the protruding portion 340 and the adjacent portions 320 are advantageously angled, with these junctions having a radius of curvature Rc. In [Fig. 7], these junctions are located at the junction between the adjacent portions 320 and the sloping portions 3410 of the protruding portion 340. These radii of curvature Rc limit the mechanical stresses on the profile 30 and prevent any rupture or pinching of the channels 300 that could impede the flow of the heat transfer fluid, thus limiting pressure losses. The best results in terms of pressure loss reduction are obtained when the ratio between the radius of curvature Rc and the height of the channels 300 is between 10 and 30. For the same reasons, these radii of curvature are also found at the junction between the upper portion 3400 and the sloping portions 3410.

[0061] To further reduce pressure losses in the channels 300, the angle formed between the sloping portions 3410 and the rear face 21 of the module 2 (or the flat parts 320) is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0062] In this configuration, it can be seen that the sloping portions 3410 are spaced from the housing 4, the air gap between these elements improving the air circulation around said housing so as to limit the risks of overheating said housing.

[0063] This inclination, however, implies that the adjacent parts 320 are separated from the housing 4 by a distance denoted wc in [Fig. 7]. This distance corresponds to an area of ​​the rear face 21 that is not covered by the profile 30, and is therefore not subjected to heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid, thus reducing the efficiency of the heat exchanger 3.

[0064] It therefore appeared advantageous to find the best compromise between: i) reducing pressure losses at the level of the prominent part 340, ii) limiting heating of the housing 4, and iii) maximizing the exchange surface at the level of the adjacent parts 320.

[0065] To do this, the angle a is preferably determined according to the following formula: tan a = [ eB + eP + eSP ] / wc where: - eB = height of box 4; - eP = profile thickness 30; - eSP = distance between the upper portion 3400 (or more generally, the highest point of the prominent part 340) and the housing 4, or in other words the thickness of the air gap between said upper portion and said housing; - wc = distance between the adjacent part 320 and the housing 4, such that: 0.5 x wB < wc < 1.5 x wB, with wB the width of the housing 4.

[0066] In figures 1 and 10, the manifolds 5, 6 are connected to fittings 50, 60 allowing circulation of the heat transfer fluid between several heat exchangers of different panels and / or to an external fluid circulation circuit (for example the primary circuit of a water-to-water heat pump or a water network of a dwelling). To facilitate inter-panel connections and / or connection to an external circuit, fittings 50 and 60 are generally placed on the upper edge of frame 7. Also, referring to Figures 2 and 8, manifolds 5 and 6 are advantageously offset vertically from the plane defined by the rear face 21 of module 2. And according to a preferred embodiment, manifolds 5 and 6 are located beyond plane P, i.e., they are not included in the internal volume defined by frame 7. This arrangement also allows manifolds 5 and 6 to be placed coaxially with fittings 50 and 60, which reduces pressure losses..

[0067] It can also be provided that the collectors 5, 6 do not protrude from the plane P, that is to say that they are included in the internal volume defined by the frame 7. This embodiment is visible in [Fig.llA].

[0068] Several design solutions allow the manifolds 5, 6 to be connected to the profile 30. In the embodiment of [Fig. IIA], the ends 500, 600 of each manifold 5, 6 are bent (or have a bent end) so as to connect said ends to the fitting 50, 60. This configuration prevents the profile 30 from being connected at the ends 500, 600, so that there is a gap in the profile at said ends. This gap corresponds to a surface of the rear face 21 that is not covered by the profile 30, and therefore is not subjected to heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid, thus reducing the efficiency of the heat exchanger 3.

[0069] When the collectors 5, 6 are offset vertically from the rear face 21, a solution illustrated in [Fig. 1 IB] consists of using elbow fittings 56 connecting the end ends 304 of the profile 30 to the collectors 5, 6. One end of the fitting 56 is welded to the corresponding end end 304, and the other end of the fitting is welded to the corresponding collector 5, 6. However, this solution requires the use of an additional part (the fitting 56), which can complicate the assembly of the panel 1 and necessitates several welds, increasing the risk of leakage and the manufacturing costs and time of the panel.

[0070] Therefore, another solution is preferred, illustrated in particular by [Fig. 8], which consists of bending the end portions 330 of the profile 30 so that the terminal ends 304 of said profile can connect to the manifolds 5, 6. Thus, it is now the shape of the profile 30 that allows it to be connected to the manifolds 5, 6, and no longer an added part. Furthermore, it is sufficient to provide a weld between the terminal end 304 and the respective manifold 5, 6, which reduces not only the risk of leakage, but also the manufacturing costs and time of the panel 1 compared to the first solution mentioned above. The end portions 330 are preferably shaped by forming or stamping the profile 30, in particular by a bending technique using press brake equipment.

[0071] To limit the mechanical stresses on the profile 30 and avoid any breakage or pinching of the channels 300 which could increase pressure losses, the junction between the end parts 330 and the flat parts 320 has a radius of curvature such that the ratio between said radius of curvature and the height of the channels 300 is between 10 and 30. To further reduce the pressure losses in the channels 300, the angle [3 formed between the end parts 330 and the flat parts 320 is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0072] The hydraulic diameter of the manifolds 5 and 6 is advantageously larger than that of the channels 300 so that the distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the channels 300 is as homogeneous as possible. Indeed, when the heat transfer fluid arrives in the inlet manifold 5, it will first fill the manifold before entering the channels. Similarly, the fluid will be able to flow freely into the outlet manifold 6. The fluid will thus circulate throughout all the channels 300 and throughout the entire heat exchange area.

[0073] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9], a device constrains the heat exchanger 3 against the rear face 21 of the module 2 so as to ensure effective and homogeneous surface contact between said heat exchanger and said rear face. This device is of the type described in patent application WO 2017 / 162993 and comprises one or more support elements 8 fixed to the frame 7. Elastic elements 9 (e.g., helical springs, leaf springs, etc.) bear against the support elements 8 and against the profile 30 so as to exert a compressive force pressing said profile against the rear face 21 of the module 2.

[0074] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 12], a plurality of fins 305 protrude from the profile 30. These fins 305 form a particularly efficient conduction heat sink, increasing the cooling of the panel 1. In one embodiment, the fins 305 extend perpendicularly (90° ± 15°) or substantially perpendicularly from the flat portions 320. The fins 305 can be obtained directly during the extrusion of the profile 30 and formed with it as a single piece. They can also be attached and fixed to the profile 30 by brazing, welding, bonding, mechanical assembly (screwing, riveting, etc.), or by any other technique suitable to those skilled in the art.

[0075] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular: - the profile 30 can be obtained by processes other than extrusion, such as machining or molding.

[0076] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

[0077] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0078] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Demands

1. A hybrid solar panel for the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (2) having a front face (20) for receiving solar radiation and a rear face (21) opposite said front face, - a heat exchanger (3) adjacent to the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2) for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, - an inlet manifold (5) and an outlet manifold (6) of the heat transfer fluid in fluidic communication with the exchanger (3), - at least one electrical junction box (4) associated with the photovoltaic module (2), characterized in that: - the junction box (4) is disposed between the photovoltaic module (2) and the exchanger, against the rear face (21) of said module, - the heat exchanger (3) comprises at least one rigid extruded profile (30) provided with internal channels (300) for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid,which channels open at the terminal ends (304) of said profile, - the profile (30) is shaped to include at least one protruding portion (340) passing over the junction box (4), the portions (320) of said profile adjacent to said protruding portion being flat and in contact with the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2).

2. Panel according to claim 1, wherein the profile (30) is made of aluminium produced by the multi-pore extrusion technique.

3. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding part (340) is spaced from the junction box (4) so ​​as to leave an air gap between said box and the profile (30).

4. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junctions between the prominent part (340) and the adjacent flat parts (320) of the profile (30) are bent, which bends have a radius of curvature (Rc).

5. Panel according to claim 4, wherein the ratio between the radius of curvature (Rc) and the height of the channels (300) is between 10 and 30.

6. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prominent part (340) comprises an upper portion (3400) connected to the adjacent parts (320) by sloping portions (3410), the angle (a) formed between said sloping portions and said adjacent parts being between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 50°.

7. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the collectors (5, 6) are offset in height from the plane defined by the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2), - the end parts (330) of the profile (30) are bent so that the terminal ends (304) of said profile can connect to said collectors.

8. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of fins (305) project from the profile (30).

9. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (3) is formed of a plurality of adjacent profiles (30) placed side by side at their longitudinal edges.

10. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: - a rigid frame (7) encloses the photovoltaic module (2) and the heat exchanger (3), - support elements (8) are fixed to said frame, - elastic elements (9) bear against said support elements and against the profile (30) so as to exert a compressive force pressing said profile against the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2).

11. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module (2) is composed of photovoltaic cells (200) cut into half-cells.

12. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (30) is a one-piece profile obtained by extrusion.

13. A method for manufacturing a hybrid solar panel (1) for the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, said panel comprising a photovoltaic module (2) having a front face (20) for receiving sunlight and a rear face (21) opposite the front face, said method comprising the following steps: - install a heat exchanger (3) adjacent to the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2), for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, - install an inlet manifold (5) and an outlet manifold (6) in fluidic communication with the heat exchanger (3), - associate at least one electrical junction box (4) with the photovoltaic module (2), characterized in that said method further comprises the following steps: - arrange the junction box (4) between the photovoltaic module (2) and the heat exchanger, against the rear face (21) of said module, - fabricate the heat exchanger (3) so that it comprises at least one rigid extruded profile (30) provided with internal channels (300) for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which channels open at the terminal ends (304) of said profile, - shape the profile (30) so that it includes at least one protruding part (340) passing over the junction box (4),the parts (320) of said profile adjacent to said protruding part being flat and in contact with the rear face (21) of the photovoltaic module (2).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the profile (30) is produced using multi-pore extrusion technology.

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the prominent part (340) is shaped by forming or stamping the profile (30).