Photovoltaic panel system assembly method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High solar irradiance increases the operating temperature of photovoltaic panels, leading to efficiency degradation and heat management challenges, particularly in areas with high solar energy potential, where conventional cooling methods like air and water cooling are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cooling system integrating micro flat heat pipes and thermoelectric generators with cooled water from an air conditioner's condensate, where the heat pipes absorb heat from the back plate of the photovoltaic panel and the thermoelectric generators convert this heat into additional electricity, while the cooled water from the air conditioner is used to maintain the system's efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air cooling or water cooling methods are used, then some heat removal is achieved, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient under very high irradiance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of working fluid within heat pipes (evaporation and condensation cycles) to achieve high-efficiency heat transfer. The heat pipes absorb excess heat from the photovoltaic panel by evaporating working fluid at the hot end and condensing it at the cold end, providing superior cooling effectiveness compared to conventional air or water cooling methods under high irradiance conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts heat from the photovoltaic panel using heat pipes and thermoelectric generators, separating the heat removal function from the electricity generation function. This allows the cooling system to operate independently and effectively remove excess heat without interfering with the photovoltaic cells' electricity generation process
2Loss of energy
If heat pipe cooling is implemented, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipes are passive devices that operate without external power or control systems. They automatically transfer heat from the photovoltaic panel to the cooling fluid through phase change, eliminating the need for pumps, fans, or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural thermodynamic properties of the working fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines heat pipe cooling with thermoelectric generators in an integrated assembly where both functions share the same thermal pathway. The heat pipes remove heat from the photovoltaic panel while thermoelectric generators convert some of this heat into additional electricity, merging cooling and power generation functions in a compact design
3Power
If thermoelectric generators are added to convert heat into electricity, then additional power generation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric generators perform multiple functions: they convert heat from the photovoltaic panel into additional electricity (power generation), simultaneously act as a thermal interface between the panel and heat pipes (heat transfer), and help maintain thermal management (cooling assistance). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
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 effectively reduces the temperature of the photovoltaic panel, enhances its efficiency by up to 45%, and generates additional power, demonstrating a significant increase in energy conversion efficiency and panel lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of micro flat heat pipes (HP), wherein each micro flat heat pipe is attached to the second side of at least one thermoelectric generator, each micro flat heat pipe having a hot end and a cold end
Implementation Method 2
Heat pipe cooling is a promising cooling technology due to its high heat transfer efficiency and uniform temperature distribution
Implementation Method 3
each thermoelectric generator is configured to generate electrical current when the first side is at a different temperature than the back side
Implementation Method 4
a cooling path which includes water from air conditioning condensate
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a photovoltaic panel including micro flat heat pipes (HP) integrated with thermoelectric generators (TEG) and a cooled water reservoir for cooling the working fluid in heat pipes. The cooled water in the reservoir is pumped from the condensate pan of an air conditioner. Experimental results show that cooling system reduced the average temperature of the panel by as much as 19° C. or 25%. Further, the output power of the photovoltaic panel increased by 44% when the photovoltaic panel was used in a very hot climate (30-40° C.). An additional two watts of power was generated by the TEGs.