Facade Element Integrating PV Cells with Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies due to heat dissipation challenges, particularly in building-integrated systems, where reliable cooling is not consistently achieved, leading to reduced electrical yield and increased stress on modules, and current hybrid systems are complex and material-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A facade or roof element integrating photovoltaic solar cells with a thermally conductive layer for heat dissipation, combined with thermal insulation and a heat-transfer medium, which also serves as a support and fastening system, allowing for controlled cooling and reduced structural effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If natural or forced rear ventilation of photovoltaic modules is used to counteract falling efficiency at higher temperatures, then cooling effect is achieved, but structural complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal insulation layer with the cooling function by integrating a heat transfer plate within the insulation structure. The insulation layer serves dual purposes: providing thermal insulation for the building and facilitating heat dissipation from the photovoltaic module through the integrated heat transfer plate, thereby eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation for the building, serves as a support structure for the photovoltaic module, and incorporates a heat transfer plate that enables active cooling. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity and material usage.
2Reliability
If complex hybrid systems with active air cooling are implemented, then cooling reliability improves, but system costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing thermal insulation layer by integrating a heat transfer plate within it. This approach uses the insulation structure itself as the cooling medium carrier, eliminating the need for additional cooling materials and reducing overall material usage while maintaining reliable cooling through the building's heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the building's existing heating system to provide cooling for the photovoltaic module. The heat transfer plate integrated in the insulation layer allows the heating system to directly remove heat from the module, making the cooling function self-sufficient without requiring external cooling infrastructure or additional materials.
3Temperature
If photovoltaic modules are installed with gaps for natural convection cooling, then cooling is achieved, but electrical yield decreases due to reduced module temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical convection cooling (air gaps) with an active thermal management system using a heat transfer plate integrated in the insulation layer. This system provides controlled heat removal through the building's heating system, ensuring consistent temperature control that maintains high electrical yield without relying on variable natural convection.
4Use of energy by moving object
If existing hybrid systems with large-area heat extraction are used, then heat utilization improves, but panel construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat extraction and thermal insulation functions into a single integrated system. The heat transfer plate is embedded within the thermal insulation layer, allowing heat to be extracted from the photovoltaic module while simultaneously providing insulation for the building. This integration simplifies panel construction by eliminating separate cooling panels and insulation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation layer serves multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation for the building, supports the photovoltaic module, and contains the heat transfer plate for heat extraction. This multi-functional design improves heat utilization while reducing construction complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated structure.
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 enhances electrical efficiency by up to 10% and thermal yield by 12-15% annually, while reducing material usage and system costs, and allows for easier module replacement and integration with building structures, improving comfort and reducing heat input into buildings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermally conductive layer (5), such as a heat transfer plate, which is thermally conductively connected to the solar cell or cells
Implementation Method 2
means for supplying or dissipating heat in or out of the heat-conducting layer are provided in or on the heat-conducting layer or layers, such as a heat-transfer medium
Implementation Method 3
Thermal insulation is arranged on the surface of the heat-conducting layer opposite the solar cell
Implementation Method 4
In the photovoltaic cell, as much energy as possible from the photons is converted directly into an electrical energy stream
Implementation Method 5
with which the building insulation is integrally enclosed in the facade or roof element
Data Source
AI summary
A façade element or roof element (1) has one or more photovoltaic solar cells (31, 32, 33) which are connected to one or more heat-conducting layers (5) in a heat-conducting manner, and at least one heat insulation element (3) which is arranged on the surface of the heat-conducting layers remote from the solar cells.