PV/T Receiver Surface Layout for Heat Loss and Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PV/T receivers for solar energy systems face challenges in achieving high heat exchange while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as they require complex insulation to minimize heat losses, which increases manufacturing costs and can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design incorporating solar cells and optically selective surfaces, where a greater portion of the surface exposed to concentrated sunlight is covered with solar cells and the remaining surface is coated with an optically selective material that absorbs visible light but reflects infrared radiation, reducing energy losses through radiation and conduction, thus eliminating the need for insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the receiver is filled with insulating material to reduce heat losses, then heat loss reduction is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the insulating material from the receiver structure entirely. Instead of filling the receiver with insulation to reduce heat losses, the design extracts this component and replaces it with an optically selective surface that inherently reduces radiative heat loss through its optical properties, thereby simplifying the receiver structure while maintaining thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the receiver surface by applying an optically selective coating. This coating has specific optical properties (high solar absorptance, low thermal emittance) that fundamentally alter how the receiver interacts with thermal radiation, replacing the need for physical insulation with optical parameter optimization
2Loss of energy
If the receiver is filled with insulating material to reduce heat losses, then heat loss reduction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the insulating material from the receiver structure entirely. Instead of filling the receiver with insulation to reduce heat losses, the design extracts this component and replaces it with an optically selective surface that inherently reduces radiative heat loss through its optical properties, thereby simplifying the receiver structure while maintaining thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the receiver surface by applying an optically selective coating. This coating has specific optical properties (high solar absorptance, low thermal emittance) that fundamentally alter how the receiver interacts with thermal radiation, replacing the need for physical insulation with optical parameter optimization
3Power
If a greater portion of the receiver surface is covered with solar cells, then electricity production is improved, but heat exchange capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different surface treatments to different portions of the receiver surface. Solar cells are applied to areas where concentrated sunlight strikes (for electricity generation), while optically selective surfaces are applied to areas exposed to direct sunlight (for heat exchange). This spatial differentiation of surface properties allows simultaneous optimization of both electricity production and heat exchange capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver surface is designed to perform multiple functions through different zones: solar cell-covered areas generate electricity from concentrated sunlight, while optically selective surface areas exchange heat with the environment. This multi-functional surface design allows the same receiver structure to simultaneously optimize both power generation and thermal 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
This design enhances heat exchange and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the production process, eliminating the need for insulation, and allowing for efficient heat production, with the selective surface contributing to thermal balance and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver has at least one surface covered with solar cells for production of electricity
Implementation Method 2
at least one optically selective surface, wherein a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to concentrated sunlight is covered with solar cells, while a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to direct sunlight is covered with an optically selective surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a receiver for production of electricity and heat in solar energy systems comprising focussing optical components wherein, the receiver has at least one surface covered with solar cells for production of electricity and at least one optically selective surface, wherein a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to concentrated sunlight is covered with solar cells, while a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to direct sunlight is covered with an optically selective surface.