Heat Pipe Cooling for Photovoltaic Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operating temperatures of solar cells in photovoltaic modules increase during energy conversion, leading to decreased performance, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed in the context of automotive vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe cooling system is integrated into the photovoltaic module, featuring an evaporation section proximate the solar cell and a condenser section proximate a heatsink, utilizing a working medium that moves via gravity or capillary forces to dissipate heat passively, with optional thermal conductors like thermally conductive sheets or greases to enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic modules are used to convert solar energy into electricity, then energy generation is achieved, but operating temperature increases leading to decreased performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts heat from the solar cell by introducing a heat pipe that contacts the rear surface of the solar cell. The heat pipe removes thermal energy from the solar cell, transferring it to a heat sink, thereby maintaining the solar cell at a lower operating temperature and improving energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal conductor to transfer heat from the solar cell, serves as a structural component mounted on the rear surface, and functions as part of the overall cooling system that includes the heat sink. This multi-functionality addresses temperature management while maintaining structural integrity.
2Temperature
If active cooling systems are used to reduce solar cell temperature, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe cooling system operates passively without requiring external power input. The phase change mechanism within the heat pipe (evaporation and condensation of working fluid) automatically transfers heat from the solar cell to the heat sink, utilizing the temperature difference itself as the driving force rather than requiring powered fans or pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe utilizes phase transitions of a working fluid (evaporation at the evaporator section and condensation at the condenser section) to transfer heat efficiently. This phase change mechanism enables passive cooling by converting thermal energy into phase change energy and back, eliminating the need for powered cooling components.
3Temperature
If heat dissipation structures are added to photovoltaic modules, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe and heat sink are integrated into a unified cooling assembly that is mounted on the rear surface of the solar cell. The heat pipe serves as both a heat transfer component and a structural element, while the heat sink is positioned to utilize ambient air flow, combining multiple cooling functions into a single integrated system rather than separate components.
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 heat pipe cooling system effectively maintains the solar cells within a desired operating temperature range, improving the energy conversion efficiency and performance of the photovoltaic module without consuming power, thus enhancing the energy efficiency of vehicles equipped with solar panels.
Implementation Method 1
A heat pipe cooling system is integrated into the photovoltaic module, featuring an evaporation section proximate the solar cell and a condenser section proximate a heatsink
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a working medium that moves via gravity or capillary forces to dissipate heat passively
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a working medium that moves via gravity or capillary forces
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a working medium that moves via gravity or capillary forces
Implementation Method 5
with optional thermal conductors like thermally conductive sheets or greases to enhance heat transfer
Implementation Method 6
a heatsink, and the heat pipe extends between the solar cell and the heatsink
Implementation Method 7
a heatsink, and the heat pipe extends between the solar cell and the heatsink
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a photovoltaic module including a solar cell and a cooling system including a heat pipe adapted to dissipate heat from the solar cell. A method includes dissipating heat from the solar cell using the heat pipe. The photovoltaic module may be disposed on a vehicle to convert solar energy into electricity.