Flat Composite Solar Cable Integrating Fluid Ducts and Conductors

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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 inefficiencies.

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 flexibility and heat retention while minimizing shading and installation errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcable management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electric conductors and fluid ducts into a single integrated flat cable structure. The flat cable includes multiple conductors and ducts arranged in parallel within a common protective sheath, eliminating the need for separate management and positioning of conductors and ducts during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power transmission through conductors and fluid transport through integrated ducts. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshading reductionVSAvoidcable flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flat cable cross-section instead of a 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 while maintaining adequate flexibility through the flat structure's inherent bendability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conductors and ducts are pre-positioned and fixed within the flat cable structure during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures correct positioning and alignment are achieved before installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site adjustment and positioning while maintaining connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conductors and ducts are nested within the flat cable's protective sheath in a predetermined configuration. This nested structure maintains the relative positions of all components, ensuring accurate alignment during installation without requiring additional positioning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If flat cable configuration is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcable flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the flat cable, including the thickness and width ratios, to achieve an balance between installation simplicity and flexibility. The cable is designed with dimensions that allow it to be easily handled and installed while retaining sufficient flexibility for routing around obstacles and adapting to different installation configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9595370B2Electric cables for solar plants generating electrical and thermal energy, and plants comprising the electrical cables

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 PRYSMIAN SPA

AI summary

A composite flat cable, having in cross-section a major side, may include an outer sheath; two main electrical conductors; and two ducts for fluid circulation configured to circulate fluid. A composite flat cable may include two ducts configured to circulate fluid; a first main electrical conductor on a first side of the two ducts; a second main electrical conductor on a second side of the two ducts; and a sheath around the two ducts, the first main electrical conductor, and second main electrical conductor. A solar cogeneration plant may include at least one cell configured to produce electric current, connected to a plant for distribution of electrical energy and of heated fluid by a composite flat cable.