Photovoltaic Cooling Element with Heat Conduction Plates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic module cooling solutions are expensive, complex, and unsuitable for upgrading standard modules without altering their installation, and they fail to efficiently manage heat dissipation and conversion for hybrid energy use.

Innovation Solution

A cooling element with a heat insulation mat and aluminium heat conduction plates, featuring pipe channels and a single pipe routed in loops, which fits under the photovoltaic module for efficient heat conductivity, using standard components from underfloor heating systems, and can be easily manufactured and attached using adhesion or clamping for direct contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If cooling devices are disposed at a distance from the photovoltaic module to absorb heat by convection and radiation, then the module structure is simpler, but the heat pickup efficiency is relatively low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule structureVSAvoidheat pickup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cooling element as an intermediary component that is attached directly to the underside of the photovoltaic module. This cooling element includes a heat conduction plate in direct thermal contact with the module and a coolant channel system that acts as a mediator to efficiently transport heat away from the module surface, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and heat pickup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the natural convection and radiation heat transfer mechanisms with a forced convection system using pumped coolant flow through channels. This substitution of passive thermal mechanisms with an active fluid-based thermal management system dramatically improves heat pickup efficiency while maintaining relatively simple module structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If cooling pipes are embedded in the photovoltaic module substructure, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidpiping arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cooling system into a separate, modular cooling element that can be attached to the module rather than embedding complex piping within the module substructure. This segmentation allows for simpler module manufacturing while maintaining efficient heat dissipation through the modular cooling component with its integrated channel system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling element serves multiple functions: it provides thermal contact with the module underside, contains the coolant channels for heat transport, and acts as a structural component that can be attached to various module types. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to specialized embedded piping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If thin cooling pipes are incorporated in the photovoltaic module back and covered with metal foils and insulation material, then heat dissipation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to foil tearing risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidfoil integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible heat conduction plate instead of thin metal foils that are prone to tearing. The heat conduction plate is designed to be sufficiently thick and rigid to maintain structural integrity while still providing effective thermal contact with the module underside, eliminating the reliability issues associated with thin foil coverings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling element design incorporates sufficient material thickness and structural reinforcement in the heat conduction plate to prevent damage during installation and operation. This beforehand cushioning through proper material selection and design prevents the foil tearing problems that occur in thinner constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If photovoltaic modules are upgraded with cooling elements, then efficiency and heat recovery capability are improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidupgrading process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling element is designed as a pre-assembled unit with all cooling channels, heat conduction plates, and insulation materials already integrated before attachment to the module. This preliminary assembly simplifies the upgrading process, as installers only need to attach the complete cooling element to the module underside rather than assembling multiple components during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling element is designed to be self-contained with integrated mounting features that allow for straightforward attachment to various module types without requiring complex customization or alteration of the original module structure. This self-service design enables easy upgrading across different module platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution allows for cost-effective upgrading of photovoltaic modules with enhanced heat dissipation and conversion, enabling improved efficiency and dual-use of recovered heat for heating purposes, such as hot water or pool heating, while maintaining module integrity and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

A cooling element with a fastening device for upgrading any standard, commercially available photovoltaic module... heat insulation mat with an upper surface in which pipe channels are created... heat conduction plates, which are preferably aluminium plates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

enabling improved efficiency and dual-use of recovered heat for heating purposes, such as hot water or pool heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11595001B2Cooling element for upgrading a photovoltaic module and method for upgrading the same

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 ATS ADVANCED THERMO SOLUTIONS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to cooling element (5) having a fastening device (16) for upgrading any standard, commercially available photovoltaic module (1) for increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic module (1). According to the invention, it comprises a heat insulation mat (6) having an upper surface (7), in which pipe channels (8) aligned parallel with each other are created, wherein the borders of the pipe channels (8) and the upper surface (7) of the heat insulation mat (6) are constructed with heat conduction plates (9), preferably aluminium plates. It further comprises a pipe (10) that is routed in loops (11) in all of the pipe channels (8) constructed with the heat conduction plates (9). The invention also relates to a method for attaching a cooling element (5) according to the invention to a photovoltaic module (1).