Heat Pipe Panel for Solar Panel Temperature Reduction and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels face efficiency losses due to heat buildup, as a significant portion of sunlight energy is converted to heat, which increases the temperature of the panels and reduces electric generation efficiency, with existing cooling solutions being inadequate to manage this heat effectively.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe panel comprising a conductive material block with channels, a working fluid, and a condensing bulb, designed to absorb infrared radiation, vaporize the fluid, and transfer heat to a manifold, utilizing a partial vacuum and metal-to-metal contact for efficient heat transfer, thereby capturing and redirecting heat energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing cooling solutions are used to manage heat from solar panels, then some heat removal is achieved, but the solutions are inadequate to effectively manage the heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat buildup into a beneficial resource by capturing the infrared radiation emitted by the solar panel and using it to heat a working fluid in the heat pipe panel, thereby cooling the panel while generating useful thermal energy
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe panel acts as an intermediary device between the solar panel and the cooling system, using a working fluid that absorbs heat through phase change in the evaporator section and transfers it to the condenser section, effectively mediating the heat transfer process
2Use of energy by moving object
If the outer surface absorbs more infrared radiation to capture heat, then heat capture efficiency improves, but the panel may overheat if heat is not efficiently transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid undergoes phase transitions (liquid to vapor in the evaporator, vapor to liquid in the condenser) which efficiently absorb and release large amounts of heat energy, enabling the panel to capture infrared radiation while maintaining temperature control through the latent heat of vaporization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different sections of the heat pipe panel: the outer surface has high infrared absorption capability, the evaporator section has high heat absorption capacity through phase change, and the condenser section has heat transfer capabilities to the surrounding fluid, creating localized functional zones
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 panel effectively captures and transfers heat energy from solar panels to a manifold, reducing temperature and enhancing electric output by up to 10%, while being durable and long-lasting, with the ability to operate for at least thirty years without significant distortion or fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
the outer surface is configured (e.g., via a coating) to absorb predetermined wavelengths of radiation and to not absorb other wavelengths of radiation. For example, the outer surface may be configured to only absorb infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
a conduit having sockets configured and dimensioned to receive the dry coupling such that heat transfer fluid within the conduit is capable of being heated by conduction from the conductive surface
Implementation Method 3
the heat gathered by the heat pipe panel is transferred to the working fluid in the heat pipe panel causing the working fluid to vaporize into a gas
Implementation Method 4
A heat pipe panel comprising a conductive material block with channels, a working fluid, and a condensing bulb, designed to absorb infrared radiation, vaporize the fluid, and transfer heat to a manifold
Implementation Method 5
the gas formed from the vaporization of the working fluid gathers additional heat energy as it flows up between the metal surfaces of the heat pipe panel and is drawn to the tube entrance by the condensing action of the bulb
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe panel comprising a conductive material block defining a plurality of channels or pathways disposed within the material block, fluid disposed within the plurality of channels or pathways, a dry coupling having a conductive outer surface and an interior chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of channels or pathways, a conduit having sockets configured and dimensioned to receive the dry coupling such that heat transfer fluid within the conduit is capable of being heated by conduction from the conductive surface.