Multi-functional multi-purpose tile and plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar water heaters and solar photovoltaic systems require separate installations and cannot be integrated with buildings, leading to limitations in solar energy collection, high costs, and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional multi-purpose tile or plate with integrated heat conduction chambers, light and heat absorption layers, and photovoltaic layers, connected via horizontal tube connectors and flexible tubes, allowing for efficient solar energy collection and conversion while being easily integrated into building structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If solar water heaters and solar photovoltaic cells are installed separately, then each system can function independently, but the solar energy collection area is limited and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar water heating and photovoltaic electricity generation into a single integrated tile system. The tile includes both a solar energy absorbing layer for thermal conversion and photovoltaic cells for electricity generation, allowing both functions to coexist in one building component, thereby expanding total solar energy collection area while simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The tile is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a building wall covering, a solar thermal collector for water heating, and a photovoltaic generator for electricity production. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate installations of each system
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional solar water heaters are installed externally on buildings, then solar energy conversion is achieved, but the systems cannot be integrated with building structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar energy conversion functions directly into the building tile structure itself. The tile comprises an upper plate, lower plate, and connecting ribs forming heat conduction chambers, with solar absorbing layers and photovoltaic cells integrated within the tile matrix, enabling direct building integration without external mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The tile employs composite construction combining multiple functional layers: transparent upper plate, heat conduction chambers with solar absorbing coatings, photovoltaic cell layers, insulation materials, and metallic lower plates. This composite structure enables both building integration and dual solar energy conversion functions
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy vacuum glass pipes are installed on water storage tanks, then photo-thermal conversion is improved, but cost increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar energy collection function into discrete tile units that can be individually manufactured and then assembled into larger building surfaces. Each tile contains segmented heat conduction chambers and functional layers, allowing standardized production and simplified installation compared to large integrated vacuum pipe systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses planar tile structures that replicate the solar energy collection function of vacuum glass pipes but in a flattened, building-integrated form. The heat conduction chambers and absorbing layers copy the thermal conversion function of vacuum pipes while adapting to wall surface installations
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 high solar energy collection area, efficient photovoltaic conversion, simple and convenient installation, and excellent energy-saving and emission reduction functions, overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light and heat absorption layer 2, a photovoltaic layer or a thermal transmitting layer is provided on the upper plate 3
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic layer or a thermal transmitting layer is provided on the upper plate 3
Implementation Method 3
the insulation barrel, the first group of horizontal tube connectors 23, the tube cavity 24, the first connecting pipe hole 27 and the heat conduction chamber 6 are filled with thermal medium 26
Data Source
AI summary
A tile or plate, includes: an upper plate (3) and a lower plate (4); wherein a plurality of heat conducting cavities (6) are uniformly provided between the upper plate (3) and the lower plate (4) via connecting ribs (5). A solar collection layer is provided on an upper surface of the tile or the plate. Two ends of the tile or the plate are connected with each of the plurality of the heat conducting cavities (6) via transverse connecting pipes (23, 37, 42). The transverse connecting pipes (23, 37, 42) of two neighboring tiles are connected by a ferrule (17) or a hose (36) to form an integrated circulation system. The tile or plate has a large day-lighting area and a high energy conversion rate.