Multi-Fluid Solar Panel Assembly Without Freeze-Prone Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar energy conversion systems are complex and inefficient, with complicated tubes that can freeze and burst in cold conditions, and lack a simple, reliable, and inexpensive method for converting solar energy into both electrical and thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained solar energy converter system with a multi-layer assembly and manifold assembly that eliminates the need for complicated piping, using a photovoltaic panel and multiple fluid streams to generate both electric energy and heated fluid, allowing for efficient heat transfer and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional tubes and pipes are used for heat transfer in solar panels, then heat collection efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases due to freezing and bursting risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic tubes and pipes from the system entirely, replacing them with a tubeless heat transfer mechanism where the heat transfer medium flows through channels formed directly in the panel structure, eliminating the freezing and bursting risks associated with traditional piping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the heat transfer channels directly into the panel structure, merging the structural support function with the heat transfer function, thereby eliminating the need for separate piping systems while maintaining heat collection efficiency
2Loss of energy
If complicated tubes and pipes are used for heat transfer, then heat transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat transfer channels with the panel structure itself, creating an integrated component that is manufactured as a single unit rather than assembling separate tubes and pipes, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, mounting for photovoltaic cells, and heat transfer conduit, eliminating the need for dedicated piping systems and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
3Loss of energy
If water is circulated through tubes in cold conditions, then heat collection is improved, but the risk of freezing and pipe bursting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable piping system from the design, replacing it with an integrated channel structure that is inherently more resistant to freezing damage through its design and material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs materials and design features that provide inherent protection against freezing, such as using materials with lower freezing points or designs that accommodate expansion, thereby cushioning against the harmful effects of cold temperatures before they can cause damage
4Device complexity
If photovoltaic panels operate without cooling, then structural simplicity is maintained, but temperature rise reduces power output and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the panel structure multi-functional by integrating heat transfer channels directly into it, allowing the same structure to serve both structural and thermal management functions, thereby maintaining simplicity while enabling active cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function with the heat dissipation function in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining structural simplicity and reducing overall system 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 system provides a significant increase in energy production and thermal efficiency, extending the life of photovoltaic cells and allowing operation over a wider temperature range, with improved cooling that reduces hot spots and increases power output by up to 60% compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the photovoltaic panel comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed on the top surface, for gathering solar energy and converting the incident solar energy into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
whereby the heating of the multi-layer assembly and the photovoltaic panel rises temperature of the fluid streams within each layer of the multi-layer assembly
Implementation Method 3
each layer has at least one channel adapted to contain a fluid stream... the Kth passage is adapted to distribute the fluid stream to be heated into the channel of the Kth layer
Data Source
AI summary
The teachings generally relate to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy using a self-contained system having a plurality of channels for the heat transfer using a respective plurality of fluids.