Combined thermovoltaic/photovoltaic module and collector with ionic liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric generators (TEG) require high temperature differences to achieve significant energy yields and have complex, costly production processes, limiting their efficiency and practicality, especially when integrated with solar systems.
Innovation Solution
A module utilizing channels filled with special ionic liquids and electrodes made of conductive materials, which generates electrical voltage from temperature differences, allowing for series or parallel connections and integration with photovoltaic modules to enhance energy yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If classic TEG modules based on metals or semiconductors are used, then they can convert thermal energy to electrical energy, but they require relatively high temperature differences to achieve significant energy yields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals/semiconductors to ionic liquids, which have different thermoelectric properties that enable effective energy conversion at lower temperature differences. The ionic liquids' unique ionic conductivity and thermoelectric coefficients allow the system to operate efficiently with moderate temperature gradients typical of solar thermal applications.
2Power
If classic TEG modules based on metals or semiconductors are used, then they can generate electrical energy, but their production is quite complex leading to relatively high price
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ionic liquids that can be easily synthesized and replaced if needed, eliminating the complex manufacturing processes required for traditional semiconductor TEGs. The simple channel-based structure with conductive materials allows for straightforward fabrication, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining energy generation capability.
3Power
If solar modules are used to generate electrical energy through photovoltaic effect, then they can convert sunlight to electricity, but they cannot utilize the thermal energy from sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photovoltaic modules with thermovoltaic channels in an integrated hybrid system. The PV modules capture sunlight for electrical generation while the attached thermovoltaic channels capture the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, converting it to additional electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect in ionic liquids. This merging of functions maximizes overall energy utilization from solar radiation.
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 module achieves electrical energy generation from moderate temperature differences, simplifies manufacturing, and increases energy yield when combined with photovoltaic systems, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for thermal energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
If there is a temperature difference between the upper and lower sides of these channels, an electrical voltage is generated that can be tapped at the electrodes. The thermoelectric effect was discovered about 200 years ago by Johann Seebeck, which is why it is also called the Seebeck effect.
Implementation Method 2
The construction according to the invention can also be combined with photovoltaic modules or integrated directly into them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module which can be integrated into solar collectors and is capable of converting thermal energy directly into electrical energy. It is based on the thermoelectric effect of special ionic liquids which flow in ducts inside an electrical and thermal insulation layer. On the top side and underside of these ducts are electrodes which are made of an electrically and thermally conductive material and are in contact with the ionic liquid within the ducts. Any temperature difference between the top side and the underside of these ducts generates an electrical potential difference which can be tapped at the electrodes. The ducts have cross sections for example from the μm range to the mm range. They are arranged tightly packed in the modules and can be connected either in series or in parallel. If the modules are joined to form a collector, these modules can equally be connected to one another in series or in parallel. The invention describes both individual modules and also arrangements of modules, that is to say collectors for obtaining electrical energy directly from heat. Both the modules and the collectors can be combined with existing photovoltaic modules and collectors. The concept can also be integrated directly into these, leading to an increase in the energy yield. In specific cases, modules as described here can also be used to produce electronics components such as sensors or the like. The concept described in the invention can be used to produce various collectors for directly obtaining electrical energy from thermal energy. The modules or collectors described here can be part of various systems for producing energy.