Transverse Rear Heat Exchanger Layout for Icing-Resistant PVT Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules used as low-temperature heat sources for heat pumps face inefficiencies due to icing issues, suboptimal heat transfer, and reduced electrical conversion efficiency, primarily because of the thermal resistance and insulation gaps between the PV module and the heat exchanger, which hinder effective heat transfer and ambient air flow.
Innovation Solution
A PVT module design featuring a heat exchanger on the rear side of the PV module, oriented transversely to the PV module plane, with lines that allow direct thermal contact and ambient air flow, minimizing thermal stresses and icing by maintaining a small temperature difference and enhancing heat transfer between ambient air and the heat carrier fluid without covering the entire PV module surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a space is provided between the PV module and the heat exchanger for cold fluid flow, then icing effect is minimized, but heat transfer effectiveness is reduced due to thermal resistance of the air channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-conductive adhesive as an intermediary substance between the PV module and the heat exchanger. This adhesive serves as a thermal bridge that enables direct heat transfer from the PV module to the heat exchanger while still allowing the heat exchanger to be positioned at a distance from the PV module, thus preventing icing while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flow of cold fluid (heat carrier) through the heat exchanger lines as a hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism to remove heat from the PV module. The continuous flow of cold fluid absorbs thermal energy from the PV module through the heat-conductive adhesive, preventing ice formation while efficiently transferring heat away from the module.
2Loss of energy
If the heat exchanger is positioned close to the PV module for good thermal contact, then heat transfer is improved, but thermal stresses and icing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-conductive adhesive acts as a mediator that allows the heat exchanger to be positioned close to the PV module for effective heat transfer, while simultaneously providing thermal isolation that prevents excessive thermal stresses and icing on the PV module surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the interface between the PV module and heat exchanger by using a heat-conductive adhesive with specific thermal conductivity properties. This allows optimization of heat transfer coefficient while controlling the temperature distribution to prevent icing and reduce thermal stresses.
3Loss of energy
If the entire PV module surface is covered by the heat exchanger for maximum heat transfer, then heat transfer area is increased, but electrical conversion efficiency is reduced due to blocked air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the heat exchanger only to specific local areas of the PV module rather than covering the entire surface. The heat exchanger lines are positioned strategically to capture heat from the most thermally active regions while leaving other areas open for ambient air flow, thus maintaining electrical conversion efficiency while achieving effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial coverage of the PV module surface with the heat exchanger, applying heat extraction only where most needed. This partial action approach achieves sufficient heat transfer to prevent icing and recover energy without completely blocking ambient air flow across the entire module surface.
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 configuration achieves a high heat transfer coefficient, reduces thermal stresses, minimizes icing, and enhances electrical conversion efficiency by allowing better air flow and heat dissipation, making the module cost-effective and reliable for combined electricity and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
The lines are disposed in such a manner that they not only stand in good contact with the ambient air but are also connected with the PV module in thermally conductive manner
Implementation Method 2
the lines are disposed—possibly increased in size by heat exchanger surface areas in the surface toward the ambient air—in such a manner that they not only stand in good contact with the ambient air
Implementation Method 3
a photovoltaic module (2), which has a heat exchanger (3) on its rear side
Data Source
AI summary
The problem is solved as follows: the photovoltaic thermal module consists of a photovoltaic module, on the rear side of which facing away from the sun a heat exchanger is located. The heat exchanger consists of at least one conduit through which heat transfer fluid flows. The conduits (which are optionally enlarged by heat transfer surfaces) are disposed at a distance from the photovoltaic module such that they are in good contact with the ambient air and also thermally conductively connected to the photovoltaic module. The surface area and the amount of heat exchange to the ambient air are increased by the main orientation of the surfaces of the heat exchanger running transversely to the PV module. As a result, a good flow of ambient air around both the heat exchanger and the rear side of the PV module is made possible. The PVT module is used, in particular, in combination with heat pumps for supplying heat to and/or cooling buildings.