Electric cable for solar plant generating electrical energy and thermal energy and plant comprising it

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Solution Overview

Problem

The management of electric conductors and fluid ducts in solar cogeneration systems is complex, leading to longer installation times and higher costs due to the need for precise positioning and avoidance of shading, which can result in incorrect connections and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A composite flat cable design with two main electric conductors and at least two ducts for fluid circulation, arranged in a rectangular cross-section with the conductors at the ends and ducts alongside, surrounded by a flame-retardant outer sheath, optimizing installation and reducing shading effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate management of electric conductors and fluid ducts is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electric conductors and fluid ducts into a single integrated flat cable assembly. The flat cable contains both electrical conductors and fluid circulation ducts in the same structure, eliminating the need to manage them separately during installation. This merging directly resolves the contradiction by improving installation productivity while reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power transmission and fluid transportation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate management of multiple components, thereby speeding up installation and reducing complexity.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional circular cable is used, then flexibility is good, but shading area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshading effectVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flat cable cross-section instead of a traditional circular one. This asymmetric shape reduces the cable's profile in one dimension, minimizing the shading area when the cable is installed on or near solar panels. The flat geometry allows the cable to be positioned with minimal obstruction to sunlight while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The transition from a circular cross-section to a flat cross-section represents a dimensional change that optimizes the cable's spatial characteristics. By flattening the cable profile, the shading area is reduced in the dimension critical for solar radiation reception, while the cable retains flexibility for installation through its elongated form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If precise positioning of conductors and tubes is required, then connection accuracy improves, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flat cable is pre-assembled with electric conductors and fluid ducts positioned in their correct relative configurations during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the cable is installed, the components are already in their proper positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site positioning adjustments while maintaining connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating multiple conductors and ducts into a single flat cable assembly with fixed internal geometry, the patent ensures precise relative positioning is maintained throughout installation. The merged structure prevents misalignment issues that would arise from separate installation, thereby ensuring connection reliability without increasing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 flat cable design simplifies installation, reduces shading, and improves safety and efficiency by allowing easier management and connection of components, while maintaining heat retention for fluid circulation, thus enhancing the overall performance of solar cogeneration plants.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid of the circulation system of the present invention heats up and substantially retains the heat acquired along the entire extension of the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a cable covering made of a polymer material resistant to UV rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV resistance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2731112B1Electric cable for solar plant generating electrical energy and thermal energy and plant comprising it
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 PRYSMIAN SPA
  • EP2731112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2731112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2731112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

What is described is an electric cable, in particular for a solar plant for generating electrical energy and thermal energy. The cable is a composite flat cable having, in cross section, a major side. The cable comprises an outer sheath, two main electric conductors and two ducts for fluid circulation. Preferably, the main electric conductors are arranged in proximity of one end of the major side of the composite cable. What is also described is a solar cogeneration plant comprising a stretch of composite flat cable of the aforementioned type.