Cooling Sheet for Photovoltaic Modules Using Super-Absorbent Polymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic modules face efficiency reduction due to increased power generation temperature, which existing cooling solutions like aluminum metal pins cannot effectively address without increasing material and installation costs.

Innovation Solution

A cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules incorporating a resin layer with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) containing a fluid, which absorbs heat through evaporation, thereby reducing the temperature of the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a separate cooling pin made of aluminum metal is mounted on the backsheet, then heat emission efficiency is improved, but material cost and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat emission efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial cost and installation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling function is merged into the backsheet itself by integrating a cooling layer containing phase change material and heat dissipation fins directly into the backsheet structure. This eliminates the need for separate cooling pins and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing material cost and installation complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backsheet is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, weather protection, and active cooling functions. The cooling layer with phase change material absorbs heat during phase transition, while the heat dissipation fins conduct and radiate heat away from the photovoltaic module, making the backsheet a universal solution for both protection and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If photovoltaic module absorbs great deal of sunlight, then power generation efficiency is improved, but power generation temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidpower generation temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The phase change material in the cooling layer is positioned to preemptively absorb heat as it accumulates during sunlight absorption. By utilizing the phase change transition (solid to liquid) of the material, heat is absorbed before it can significantly raise the temperature of the photovoltaic cells, thereby maintaining efficiency while allowing full sunlight absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling layer utilizes phase transition of the phase change material (e.g., from solid to liquid) as a heat absorption mechanism. During the phase transition, the material absorbs latent heat from the photovoltaic module without significant temperature increase, effectively decoupling heat absorption from temperature rise and allowing continuous high-efficiency power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

The cooling sheet effectively suppresses the increase in power generation temperature, improving photovoltaic module efficiency while reducing production costs by utilizing a simple and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

a resin layer with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) containing a fluid, which absorbs heat through evaporation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10355153B2Cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules, method of manufacturing the same and photovoltaic modules including the same
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 LG CHEM LTD
  • US10355153B2 patent drawing
  • US10355153B2 patent drawing
  • US10355153B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, a backsheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules which includes a resin layer can be prepared by coating or impregnating one surface of a porous substrate with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) containing a fluid. Here, the resin layer includes the fluid-containing SAP which is formed on one surface of the porous substrate or impregnated with the porous substrate. When the cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules is attached to the outside of the weather-resistant substrate to prepare the backsheet for photovoltaic modules, it is possible to suppress an increase in power generation temperature of a photoelectric cell by evaporation of the fluid, for example water, included in the SAP, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.