Photovoltaic Module Fluid Cooling for Hot-Climate Heat Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of photovoltaic devices based on indirect bandgap materials like silicon decreases with increasing temperature, leading to reduced power output in hot climates due to inefficient heat dissipation in standard PV modules.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring a front bonding layer with photovoltaic cells attached to an open container filled with a dielectric heat transfer fluid, allowing direct contact between the fluid and the backside of the cells for efficient heat extraction, along with a lamination or sealing mechanism for secure assembly and enhanced heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard PV module design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates in hot climates
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into distinct functional layers: a front bonding layer for electrical connection, a separate open container for heat transfer fluid, and photovoltaic cells. This segmentation allows independent optimization of electrical and thermal management functions, enabling efficient heat dissipation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric heat transfer fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the photovoltaic cells and the environment. This fluid mediates heat transfer from the cell backside through the open container, enabling efficient thermal management while maintaining electrical isolation and allowing straightforward manufacturing processes.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation structures are added to PV modules, then operating temperature control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open container structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the dielectric heat transfer fluid for thermal management, provides structural support for the front bonding layer, and maintains electrical isolation. This multi-functionality enables effective temperature control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameter of the module by introducing a fluid-based heat transfer system with high thermal conductivity. The dielectric fluid's thermal properties are optimized to enhance heat dissipation from the cell backside, allowing better operating temperature control while keeping the structural additions minimal.
3Loss of energy
If direct fluid contact with photovoltaic cells is implemented, then heat extraction efficiency improves, but electrical safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric heat transfer fluid acts as an intermediary that enables direct thermal contact with the photovoltaic cell backside while maintaining electrical isolation. The fluid's dielectric properties prevent electrical conduction, allowing efficient heat extraction without compromising electrical safety or reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid creates an electrically inert environment between the conductive photovoltaic cells and any external elements. This inert thermal medium allows unrestricted heat transfer while inherently preventing electrical breakdown or short circuits, thus improving heat extraction efficiency without sacrificing electrical safety.
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 design effectively reduces operating temperatures and increases power output, especially in hot environments, while maintaining electrical safety and stability over the module's lifetime, and allows for efficient heat dissipation through a closed circuit with a heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric heat transfer fluid is directly in contact with the backside of the photovoltaic cells, allowing efficient heat extraction from the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 2
allows for efficient heat dissipation through a closed circuit with a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a front bonding layer to photovoltaic cells are attached, such that the front side of each photovoltaic cell is attached to the front bonding layer. The photovoltaic module further comprises an open container containing a dielectric heat transfer fluid. The container comprises a bottom wall and side walls wherein the front bonding layer is disposed on top of the open container in order to close the container such that at least part of the backside (6a) of each photovoltaic cell is in contact with the dielectric heat transfer fluid.