PV Panel Heat Exchanger With U-Channels for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar photovoltaic panel electrical conversion efficiency decreases with increased temperature, as seen in a 250 W rated panel outputting only 170 W at 70° C, necessitating an effective temperature regulation method.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange unit comprising a backing plate with U-channeling, flexible tubing, and a rear panel with a reflective surface, positioned in thermal contact with the solar panel to facilitate heat exchange, utilizing pressurized flexible tubing and a metallic layer for enhanced thermal connection, and adjustable insulation to manage temperature and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solar photovoltaic panel operates at higher temperature, then the thermal energy capture increases, but the electrical conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange unit is divided into multiple U-channels depressed in the backing plate, with flexible tubing positioned in each channel. This segmentation allows heat to be extracted from multiple zones of the solar panel simultaneously, increasing thermal energy capture while maintaining electrical efficiency through distributed cooling
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible tubing carrying fluid acts as an intermediary between the solar panel and the heat exchange system. The tubing is positioned between the backing plate and the solar photovoltaic panel to facilitate heat exchange, transferring thermal energy from the panel to the fluid without direct mechanical contact
Solution Approach 3:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the solar panel by introducing a fluid with specific thermal properties through the flexible tubing. By controlling fluid flow rate, temperature, and pressure, the system optimizes heat extraction to maintain panel temperature at levels that preserve electrical efficiency while capturing thermal energy
2Reliability
If flexible tubing is pressurized to expand within U-channeling, then thermal connection between tubing and backing plate improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tubing is configured to be pressurized to expand within the U-channeling, dynamically adjusting the contact surface area between the tubing and the backing plate. This dynamic expansion ensures optimal thermal connection without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tubing self-adjusts its position and contact pressure with the backing plate through internal pressurization. The tubing expands autonomously to maximize thermal contact area, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures
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 heat exchange unit effectively regulates the solar panel temperature, increasing electrical energy conversion efficiency by up to 20% and allowing simultaneous thermal energy capture, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture and install.
Implementation Method 1
flexible tubing positioned within the U-channeling configured to carry fluid; wherein the heat exchange unit is configured to be positioned in thermal contact with a solar panel, with the flexible tubing between the backing plate and solar photovoltaic panel to facilitate heat exchange between the flexible tubing and the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
rear panel, the rear panel being positioned behind the backing plate, the rear panel having a reflective surface to reflect heat from the backing plate
Implementation Method 3
the flexible tubing is configured to be pressurised to expand the flexible tubing within the U-channeling to increase the contact surface area
Implementation Method 4
a metallic layer positioned across the flexible tubing, configured to be positioned between the flexible tubing and the solar photovoltaic panel when the heat exchange unit is affixed to a solar photovoltaic panel. Such embodiments contain the flexible tubing and avoid exposure of the flexible tubing. The metallic layer increases the thermal connection between the backing plate and the flexible tubing
Implementation Method 5
the heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of heat cells, the heat cells being defined by insulation positioned between the backing plate and the rear panel, the insulation being configured to limit airflow along the length of the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange unit for a solar photovoltaic panel comprising backing plate comprising U-channeling depressed in an upper surface thereof flexible tubing positioned within the U-channeling configured to carry fluid; and rear panel, the rear panel being positioned behind the backing plate, the rear panel having a reflective surface to reflect heat from the backing plate; wherein the heat exchange unit is configured to be positioned in thermal contact with a solar panel, with the flexible tubing between the backing plate and solar photovoltaic panel to facilitate heat exchange between the flexible tubing and the solar panel.