Solar energy system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy systems with hybrid panels face inefficiencies in heat transfer and high installation costs due to extensive plumbing requirements, limiting their market growth and overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solar energy system incorporates thin, conductive plates with a photovoltaic cell matrix and a fluid channel design that enhances heat conduction and fluid flow, using header assemblies with integrated feeder pipes to reduce plumbing complexity and installation costs, while optimizing fluid flow for maximum electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If extensive plumbing is used for hybrid solar panels, then heat transfer efficiency can be maintained, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feeder pipe function into the header assembly by forming an integrated structure where the header serves dual purposes: distributing fluid to multiple panels and providing the feeder connection point. This eliminates the need for separate feeder pipes, reducing installation complexity while maintaining thermal efficiency through optimized fluid distribution.
2Device complexity
If feeder pipes are incorporated into header assemblies, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but fluid distribution uniformity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The header assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: fluid distribution to multiple panels, structural support, and integrated feeder pipe connection. The manifold structure with multiple outlets ensures uniform fluid distribution while the integrated feeder connection simplifies installation, achieving both goals simultaneously.
3Power
If fluid flow is optimized for maximum heat extraction, then electricity generation efficiency decreases, but if optimized for electricity generation, then heat extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes fluid flow parameters (flow rate, velocity, distribution pattern) to achieve the desired balance between electricity generation and heat extraction. By adjusting these parameters, the system can operate at different points on the efficiency curve depending on the primary objective, or achieve a satisfactory balance for dual-purpose operation.
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 results in increased annual electricity production by up to 6% compared to conventional systems and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of solar panels, making them more cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The panels comprise photovoltaic cells in conjunction with panels made up of a 'bladder' of thin plates of a conductive material
Implementation Method 2
Within the bladder, the fluid is heated as it passes through a channel formed between thin, planar plates. The plates may be formed from a heat conductive material, such as a metal or a polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.