High efficiency solar PVT trigeneration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PVT systems for trigeneration face challenges such as overheating of photovoltaic cells, increased costs and complexity, water consumption, and inefficiencies in cooling methods, particularly in high-intensity solar radiation and warm climates, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan of photovoltaic modules.
Innovation Solution
A trigeneration PVT system with a non-glazed PVT panel using radiative cooling connected to a dual hydraulic circuit with temperature-controlled water flow, allowing for efficient heat exchange and storage, reducing the need for additional components and minimizing installation costs by utilizing a control system that manages water flow based on temperature and solar radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional PVT systems use water circulation in a closed loop for cooling, then thermal energy production is improved, but photovoltaic cell temperature increases and electric efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into two separate circuits: a first circuit for thermal energy production and a second circuit for photovoltaic cell cooling. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently with optimized parameters, preventing the conflict between thermal energy extraction and cell temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary component between the two circuits. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the first circuit to the second circuit, enabling indirect cooling of the photovoltaic cells while maintaining thermal energy production in the first circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for trigeneration, then functional versatility is improved, but system complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves trigeneration (electricity, thermal energy, and cooling) using a unified PVT panel structure with integrated dual circuits. The same photovoltaic panel simultaneously generates electricity, produces thermal energy through its backside, and cools itself through the second circuit, eliminating the need for separate refrigeration machines and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the thermal energy production function within the same PVT panel structure. The dual hydraulic circuits are integrated into the panel's construction, allowing simultaneous thermal energy extraction and cell cooling without requiring external refrigeration equipment.
3Temperature
If flowing water is used for cooling photovoltaic cells, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and limestone deposits form
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ambient air as a free cooling resource through the second circuit's heat exchange with the environment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous water circulation, reducing water consumption to minimal levels while maintaining effective cell cooling through passive or active air-cooling mechanisms.
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 system enhances energy performance by minimizing additional components and costs, increasing thermal and electrical efficiency, and extending the lifespan of photovoltaic cells, while avoiding unwanted condensation and space requirements, achieving a 5% increase in thermal efficiency and 5% increase in electrical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a PVT panel with radiative cooling, for the production of electrical, thermal energy and cooling energy
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger, to release heat from the water heated in said PVT panel
Data Source
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AI summary
A trigeneration photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) system (16) for the simultaneous production of electrical, thermal and cooling energy and a method for controlling the operation of the same, in particular for the production of domestic hot water (DHW).