Installation comprising a connector for the fluid connection of a heat exchanger of at least one hybrid solar panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hybrid solar panels are complex, expensive, and cause significant pressure losses due to multiple pipe bends, with large sizes making installation difficult on compact panels, and often lead to sealing issues and protrusion problems with modern frames of reduced height.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector design featuring a tubular body with a single-piece tube providing fluid communication, where the tube fits into a hole in the heat exchanger's wall without fasteners, using a separate elastic fitting for holding and a seal for fluid-tight connection, allowing for easy installation and robust sealing even under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors with welded fittings, ringed fittings, threaded fittings, or compression fittings are used, then fluid connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (tubular body, tube, quick action coupling, locking elements) into an integrated connector assembly. The tube is directly installed on the external surface of the tubular body, eliminating the need for separate welded fittings, threaded fittings, or compression fittings. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid connection through the unified structure.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors with multiple pipe bends are used, then fluid connection is achieved, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs smooth curved transitions instead of sharp bends in the connector design. The tubular body and tube are configured with optimized curvature to guide fluid flow smoothly from the pipe to the heat exchanger, minimizing turbulence and pressure losses while maintaining reliable fluid connection.
3Reliability
If large-sized connectors are used, then fluid connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty of installation on compact panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into modular components that can be assembled in place. The tubular body, tube, and locking elements are designed as separate installable parts that can be configured on compact panels with limited space, making installation easier while ensuring reliable fluid connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed for modern frames with reduced height (30 mm), then adaptability to modern panels improves, but device complexity increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the connector geometry to exploit available space in three dimensions rather than requiring additional height. The tubular body and tube are configured to fit within the constrained vertical space of modern 30 mm frames, with components arranged to maximize utilization of lateral and depth dimensions, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
5Productivity
If quick action coupling with protruding tubular portion is used, then assembly speed improves, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to protrusion issues with reduced frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the quick action coupling within the tubular body structure rather than having it protrude externally. The coupling mechanism is integrated into the wall of the tubular body, allowing fast assembly while maintaining a compact profile that ensures sealing reliability with reduced-height frames.
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 solution provides a compact, easy-to-install connector that maintains optimal sealing and reduces pressure losses, suitable for panels with frames as low as 30 mm height, ensuring efficient fluid flow and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
the tube has a seal that makes the connection between said tube and hole sealed to fluids
Implementation Method 2
the tubular body is assembled on the heat exchanger by means of members configured to elastically fit said body on said exchanger
Implementation Method 3
Cooling fluid circulates in the exchanger to pick up the calories and cool the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 4
Cooling fluid circulates in the exchanger to pick up the calories and cool the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 5
Photovoltaic solar panels produce electrical energy from sunlight. They comprise several photovoltaic elements (cells or thin film) which operate according to the principle of the photoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
An installation including a pipe supplying or discharging a cooling fluid, at least one hybrid solar panel, the panel including: a photovoltaic module, a heat exchanger in which a cooling fluid flows, and a connector connecting the heat exchanger to the pipe. The connector includes a tubular body around the pipe, a tube on an external wall of the tubular body, which provides fluid communication between the pipe and the heat exchanger, the tube and external wall form a single piece, the heat exchanger has a wall in which a hole is made, wherein the tube fits freely into the hole, the tube has a seal that makes the connection between the tube and hole sealed to fluids, the tubular body is assembled by elastic fitting on the heat exchanger which fitting is carried out by means of members which are separate from the hole and fit the tube.