HCPV Backplate Support for Passive Cooling and Lower Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) systems are more expensive than flat-plate PV systems due to the need for additional components like tracking systems and cooling systems, which increase capital, operational costs, weight, and size.
Innovation Solution
The HCPV system incorporates a design with a plurality of modules, inverted pyramids, solar cells, and a backplate array, where each module includes an optical component to concentrate light onto a solar cell, and the backplate array is designed to efficiently dissipate heat, reducing the need for additional cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If HCPV technology uses optical devices to concentrate sunlight onto a small area of PV cells, then the efficiency and power generation capability are improved, but the system becomes more expensive due to additional tracking and cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the backplate structure, merging thermal management into an existing structural component. The backplate serves dual purposes: mechanical support and heat dissipation, thereby reducing the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining the high concentration ratio required for efficient power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the optical components and PV cells, serves as a heat sink for thermal management, and acts as an electrical insulator. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If HCPV systems use tracking systems to concentrate sunlight, then the efficiency is improved, but the weight and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from a separate complex mechanism and integrates it into the structural support system. The backplate and mounting structure are designed to provide both mechanical support and directional control, eliminating the need for additional tracking components and reducing overall system weight
3Reliability
If HCPV systems use cooling systems to dissipate excess heat, then the operational stability is improved, but the capital and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the backplate structure, which serves as a passive heat sink. This integration eliminates the need for active cooling systems, reducing both capital and operational costs while maintaining thermal management effectiveness for stable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate structure provides self-service thermal management through its inherent thermal conductivity and surface area for heat dissipation. The system uses its own structural components to manage heat without requiring external cooling systems, thereby reducing complexity and costs
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 design enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the HCPV system by reducing the number of required components and improving heat management, leading to lower initial installation costs and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component that concentrates light onto a corresponding solar cell
Implementation Method 2
uses optical devices such as lenses or curved mirrors to concentrate a large amount of sunlight onto a small area of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells
Implementation Method 3
Solar energy may be converted into electrical energy using a photovoltaic (PV) system
Implementation Method 4
a backplate array... optimized for efficient heat dissipation
Implementation Method 5
a cooling system to dissipate excess heat resulting from the direct and high amount of illumination concentrated into a small solar cell area
Data Source
AI summary
The HCPV system includes a plurality of modules connected to an array, a casing, a plurality of inverted pyramids, a plurality of solar cells, and a backplate. Each module includes an optical component that concentrates light onto a single solar cell and a single inverted pyramid with solid lateral faces connects the optical component at a peripheral edge of a base of the pyramid to the single solar cell at an apex of the inverted pyramid. The casing has a top frame and a bottom frame. The top frame surrounds each optical component on the peripheral edge of the pyramid, and the bottom frame surrounds each solar cell on the apex of the pyramid. The top frame and bottom frame are separated by a plurality of supports. The backplate is a plurality of interconnected circular pads.