Hybrid Solar Power Panel With Segmented Liquid Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy technologies do not provide an economical source of both thermal and electrical energy that can be efficiently utilized in households, as they either focus on thermal energy or electrical energy separately, lacking a comprehensive solution for simultaneous energy production.
Innovation Solution
A power panel design that incorporates a synthetic molded enclosure with a solar radiation surface, a transparent panel for insulation, and a photovoltaic panel for electrical energy generation, allowing for both thermal and electrical energy production from solar radiation, with the option to be used individually or linked together for increased energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate solar panels are used for thermal energy and electrical energy, then each panel can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and space requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photovoltaic cells for electrical energy generation with a thermal collection system in a single integrated panel. The photovoltaic cells are mounted on a support structure within the panel enclosure, while thermal collection tubes are positioned to capture heat from the same solar radiation that the photovoltaic cells convert to electricity. This merging allows simultaneous production of both electrical and thermal energy from a single panel, reducing system complexity and space requirements compared to using separate panels for each energy type.
2Area of stationary object
If a single panel produces both thermal and electrical energy, then space and system complexity are reduced, but the panel design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into distinct functional zones: photovoltaic cells mounted on a support structure for electrical energy generation, thermal collection tubes for heat capture, and designated spaces for fluid circulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being part of an integrated system. The support structure for the photovoltaic cells is specifically designed to allow fluid flow underneath, creating separate but coordinated pathways for electrical and thermal energy collection within the same panel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the enclosure provides structural support and housing for both photovoltaic cells and thermal collection tubes, the support structure mounts electrical components while allowing thermal fluid flow, and the transparent cover protects all components while allowing solar radiation to reach both the photovoltaic cells and thermal collection surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures for each energy collection system.
3Loss of energy
If water is circulated through the panel for thermal energy collection, then thermal energy is captured efficiently, but the panel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal collection tubes are nested within the panel structure, with the photovoltaic cell support structure positioned above the fluid circulation pathways. The support structure for the photovoltaic cells is designed to allow fluid flow underneath, creating a nested arrangement where thermal collection occurs in the lower layer while electrical energy generation occurs in the upper layer. This nesting allows efficient thermal energy capture through water circulation while integrating the thermal system within the overall panel structure rather than adding external complexity.
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 power panel efficiently generates both thermal and electrical energy, reducing energy loss and costs, and can be scaled up by linking units, providing a cost-effective solution for households by utilizing automotive-style manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent panel disposed on the synthetic molded enclosure... adapted to insulate the thermal energy contained within the power panel enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic panel for generating electrical power disposed between the synthetic molded enclosure and the transparent panel
Implementation Method 3
The top surface of the enclosure is adapted to maximize the capture of solar radiation... segmented partitions adapted to form liquid pathways for channeling a liquid through the pathways
Implementation Method 4
a synthetic molded enclosure having a solar radiation top surface... adapted to maximize the capture of solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A power panel designed to incorporate a means of both thermal energy production and electrical energy production from the solar energy produced by the sun. The power panel comprises: a synthetic molded enclosure comprising a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface and sidewalls; and a transparent panel disposed on said synthetic molded enclosure. The transparent panel is adapted to insulate the thermal energy captured by the liquid circulating in the enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of segmented partitions adapted to form liquid pathways for channeling a liquid through the enclosure when the transparent panel is disposed on the segmented partitions thereby forming a liquid boundary in proximate contact with the segmented partitions and with the liquid in said enclosure. The power panel can also generate electrical power by incorporating a solar panel disposed between the enclosure and the transparent panel, wherein the solar panel forms a liquid boundary for the liquid circulating in the synthetic enclosure.