Bifacial PV Cooling Layout With Dual Solar Concentrators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power installations with bifacial photovoltaic modules suffer from significant power output reduction due to heating, as the temperature of the PV modules exceeds operational limits, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially when using parabolic concentrators which require small PV cell sizes and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A solar power installation featuring bifacial PV modules with a liquid cooling system, a flat mirror concentrator, a parabolic mirror concentrator, a heat exchanger, and unidirectional valves, where the cooling system is divided into two sections: one for cooling the PV modules and another for additional heating of the coolant within the parabolic concentrator, optimizing temperature control and energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural cooling is used in flat mirror concentrator SPI, then device complexity is reduced, but PV module temperature exceeds operational limits causing power output decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful thermal energy accumulated in PV modules into useful thermal energy by implementing a liquid cooling system that circulates coolant through the PV module backside. The heated coolant then passes through a parabolic concentrator to generate additional thermal energy, transforming the waste heat into a beneficial resource for heating water or other fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two functional systems into one integrated installation: the PV electricity generation system and the thermal energy generation system. The liquid cooling system serves dual purposes - cooling the PV modules to maintain efficient electricity generation while simultaneously heating the coolant to provide thermal energy through the parabolic concentrator.
2Power
If parabolic concentrator is used, then thermal energy generation is improved, but PV cell size must be small reducing manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the solar energy utilization into two distinct functional zones: flat mirror concentrators that illuminate the front side of bifacial PV modules for electricity generation, and a parabolic concentrator that illuminates the coolant flow path for thermal energy generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances electrical energy production by minimizing thermal losses, allows for larger PV module sizes with high specific peak power, and maintains efficient operation within temperature limits, while also utilizing thermal energy for additional heating, thus improving overall energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit section having a passage located over surfaces of the panel with the bifacial PV cells for cooling the surfaces of the panel with the bifacial PV cells when a coolant passes therein
Implementation Method 2
a flat mirror concentrator for concentrating light on the panel
Implementation Method 3
a parabolic mirror concentrator, wherein the liquid cooling system comprises a closed circulation circuit having: a second circuit section located such that coolant passes through a focus of the parabolic mirror concentrator for additional heating of the coolant passing therein
Implementation Method 4
bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module having: bifacial PV cells
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger with a fluid circulation system in fluid communication with the liquid cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power installation having cooled bifacial photovoltaic solar modules for converting solar energy into electrical and thermal energy. The installation comprises a bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module having a liquid cooling system, a panel including bifacial PV cells, and a flat mirror concentrator for concentrating light on the panel. The installation also comprises a heat exchanger; a solar tracking system; and a parabolic mirror concentrator. The liquid cooling system has a closed circulation circuit. A first circuit section has a passage located over surfaces of the panel with the bifacial PV cells for cooling the surfaces of the panel. A second circuit section is located such that coolant passes through a focus of the parabolic mirror concentrator for additional heating of the coolant passing therein prior to entering the heat exchanger.