Photovoltaic Module Frame Wind Tunnels for Panel Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photovoltaic modules suffer from reduced efficiency due to poor heat dissipation, with the frame's inability to effectively manage temperature, leading to a 5% efficiency decrease for every 10°C increase.

Innovation Solution

A frame for photovoltaic modules incorporating a wind tunnel structure with a larger cross-sectional area at the inlet than the outlet, accelerating airflow and enhancing heat dissipation by guiding airflow over the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional frame structure is used to hold the photovoltaic panel, then the frame provides structural support, but the heat dissipation ability is poor causing temperature to rise by 30-50°C above ambient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotovoltaic panel temperatureVSAvoidphotovoltaic module efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into functional segments: a holding part for structural support and an extending part with wind tunnel structures for heat dissipation. This segmentation allows the frame to simultaneously provide mechanical support and thermal management functions, addressing both structural integrity and temperature control requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extending part incorporates wind tunnel structures that utilize airflow (pneumatic principle) to enhance heat dissipation. The tunnel structures guide air flow through paths that maximize convective cooling, allowing the frame to actively manage thermal conditions without additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If the frame structure is extended to improve heat dissipation, then cooling performance improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extending part serves multiple functions: it extends the frame structure for structural purposes, incorporates wind tunnel structures for heat dissipation, and provides airflow guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves heat dissipation, maintaining photovoltaic module efficiency by reducing temperature, thereby enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first wind tunnel structure (300), in which the cross-sectional area of an inlet (310) of the first wind tunnel structure (300) is greater than the cross-sectional area of an outlet (320) of the first wind tunnel structure (300)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBernoulli effect: Bernoulli Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2610922B1Photovoltaic module and frame thereof

Publication Date: 2015.06.17 AU OPTRONICS CORP

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AI summary

A photovoltaic module and the frame thereof are provided. The frame includes a holding part and an extending part. The holding part is used to hold a photovoltaic panel. The extending part connects to the holding part and includes at least one first wind tunnel structure having an inlet and an outlet, in which the cross-sectional area of the inlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet.