Photovoltaic Panel Mounting on Solar Thermal Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermosolar plants face inefficiencies in energy storage and metal cladding degradation due to excess solar radiation, leading to high investment costs and reduced plant lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A cogeneration system integrating photovoltaic panels over the piping system's thermal insulating system, connected to power storage batteries and heating means, which harvests and stores solar energy to heat the heat transfer fluid during low radiation periods, maintaining suitable temperatures for power island operation and protecting the metal cladding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If photovoltaic panels are placed over the piping system, then excess solar radiation is utilized and metal cladding is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system is enhanced with multiple functions: the outer metal cladding serves both as structural protection and as a support base for photovoltaic panels. The system simultaneously performs thermal insulation, radiation reflection/protection, and electrical energy generation, transforming a single-function component into a multi-functional integrated system that addresses both energy waste and cladding degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges previously separate systems (piping system for heat transfer and photovoltaic system for energy generation) into a single integrated structure. The photovoltaic panels are directly mounted on the existing piping system's metal cladding, combining thermal transport and electrical power generation functions in one unified configuration, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are installed to harvest solar energy, then energy production hours are enhanced, but investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system's outer metal cladding is repurposed as a mounting structure for photovoltaic panels, eliminating the need for separate support structures and foundations. This multi-functional approach allows the same structural element to provide both thermal protection and mechanical support for energy generation equipment, thereby reducing material costs and installation complexity while extending operational hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing piping system infrastructure serves dual purposes: it continues its primary function of heat transfer while simultaneously providing the structural platform for photovoltaic energy generation. The system essentially serves itself by utilizing its own components (metal cladding) to support additional functionality, reducing the need for external investments in separate support structures.
3Reliability
If heating means are added to maintain temperature during low radiation periods, then power island operation is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor acts as an intermediary between the heat transfer fluid and the heating means. The sensor continuously monitors the fluid temperature and provides feedback control signals to the heating device, enabling automatic activation only when temperature drops below the required threshold. This intermediary control mechanism maintains reliable operation during low radiation periods while minimizing unnecessary heating activation and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control loop where temperature sensors monitor the heat transfer fluid temperature and automatically activate heating means when temperature falls below operational requirements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the power island receives heat transfer fluid at the necessary temperature during periods of low solar radiation, maintaining operational reliability without requiring continuous or complex heating system management.
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
Enhances energy production hours, reduces investment costs, and extends the lifespan of thermosolar plants by utilizing excess solar radiation and protecting the metal cladding from damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least a photovoltaic panel placed over the piping system, connected to at least a power storage battery
Implementation Method 2
heating means placed at the piping system, which receive electric power from the battery and heat the heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
The piping system comprises at least a photovoltaic panel placed over the piping system... with a thermal insulating system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Cogeneration system for thermal and electric energy production from thermosolar energy, comprising a solar field connected to a power island by means of a piping system through which a heat transfer fluid (6) flows. The piping system comprises pipe collectors and a thermal insulating system (2). The system has at least a photovoltaic panel (3) placed over the piping system, connected to at least a battery (4) further connected to heating means (5) placed at the pipe collectors (1) configured to receive power from the battery (4) and to heat the heat transfer fluid (6) to a temperature suitable for the operation of the power island during periods of low or non-existent solar radiation. The invention further relates to a cogeneration method, which comprises harvesting solar energy by photovoltaic panels (3), storing the energy in batteries (4) and heating the heat transfer fluid (6) by means of heating means (5).