Hybrid Solar Collector With Switchable Heat Exchanger Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid solar energy converters that simultaneously convert solar energy into electricity and heat face efficiency issues due to photovoltaic elements overheating, leading to reduced electricity generation and potential degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy converter design featuring a photovoltaic element, a heat transfer element, a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger, and a heat transfer control element, where the secondary heat exchanger can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on temperature, utilizing a thermally conductive and insulating adhesive layer and a vacuum-sealed transparent tube to manage heat transfer and maintain efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic elements are used in hybrid solar energy converters to generate electricity, then electricity generation capability is improved, but the photovoltaic elements overheat leading to reduced efficiency and potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat from the photovoltaic elements by introducing a separate heat transfer element that is in thermal contact with the photovoltaic elements. This heat transfer element conducts heat away from the photovoltaic elements to a heat exchanger, effectively separating the heat removal function from the electricity generation function, thereby preventing overheating while maintaining electricity generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat transfer element as an intermediary between the photovoltaic elements and the heat exchanger. This intermediary component facilitates heat transfer from the photovoltaic elements without directly affecting the electricity generation process, allowing efficient heat removal while preserving the photovoltaic elements' performance
2Productivity
If heat is removed from photovoltaic elements to maintain efficiency, then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but additional heat transfer components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat transfer element with the heat exchanger system, creating an integrated thermal management solution. The heat transfer element is positioned to be in direct thermal contact with the photovoltaic elements, and the heat exchanger is coupled to the heat transfer element, combining multiple heat removal functions into a unified system that maintains efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger system is designed to serve multiple functions: it cools the photovoltaic elements to maintain electricity generation efficiency, and simultaneously captures the removed heat for potential thermal energy utilization. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by providing both electrical and thermal energy benefits from the same system
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 of electricity generation by effectively cooling the photovoltaic elements and managing heat transfer, thereby maintaining performance and extending the lifespan of the converter.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic arrays generally consist of semi-conductor materials appropriately encapsulated, and arranged to generate electricity when exposed to solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
A variety of thermal collection devices are known which absorb heat energy when exposed to solar radiation
Implementation Method 3
a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber
Implementation Method 4
the envelope is at least partially evacuated
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy converter comprising: a solar energy absorber, the solar energy absorber comprising a photovoltaic element; a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber; a primary heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heat transfer element; a secondary heat exchanger; and a heat transfer control element; wherein the heat transfer control element is arranged to selectively place the secondary heat exchanger either in thermal contact with the heat transfer element or out of thermal contact with the heat transfer element.