Solar Collector Heat Pipe Decoupling for Overheating Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar collectors face challenges in decoupling heat pipes from the collector without compromising heat transfer efficiency, particularly in preventing overheating and improving operational flexibility.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a temperature-dependent actuating element that partially or completely disconnects the wire strands from the condenser, creating an air gap for insulation, utilizing materials like bimetal or memory metal that change shape with temperature, and pressings on the collector to enhance heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the wire strands are firmly pressed onto the condenser to ensure good heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the ability to decouple the heat pipe from the collector is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidability to decouple heat pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the wire strands and condenser dynamically adjustable rather than statically fixed. The system transitions between two states: a first state where clamping elements firmly press the wire strands onto the condenser for optimal heat transfer, and a second state where the same clamping elements release to allow decoupling. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both efficient heat transfer and adaptability to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the heat pipe is continuously coupled to the collector, then heat transfer is maintained, but overheating risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer continuityVSAvoidoverheating risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling the system to change its thermal coupling parameter between two distinct states. In the first state, the physical parameter of thermal contact is maximized through firm pressing of wire strands onto the condenser. In the second state, the same parameter is minimized by releasing the clamping elements to create separation. This parameter switching allows the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and prevent overheating while maintaining heat transfer efficiency when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If metal clips are used to press wire strands firmly onto condensers, then heat transfer is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer from condenserVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the clamping function directly into the wire strand assembly structure itself, rather than using separate metal clips as additional components. The wire strands are designed with inherent clamping capability through their arrangement and interaction with the condenser, allowing them to perform both the electrical/thermal conduction function and the mechanical clamping function. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate clamping components while maintaining effective heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for controlled reduction or elimination of heat transfer between the condenser and collector, preventing overheating and improving operational flexibility by using temperature-dependent actuating elements to create an air gap, thereby enhancing the solar collector's performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one temperature-dependent actuating element 5 is provided on the collector for detaching at least one of the strands of wire from the condenser as required

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent shape change: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the actuating element according to the invention moves the strands of wire apart from a (pre)determined temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

which then acts as insulation between these two components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

pressings 8 (dents, indentations or the like) are provided on the collector, in particular in the area of ​​the capacitor 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2772701B1Solar collector
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 VIESSMANN GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2772701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a solar collector comprising at least one heat pipe (1) with a condenser (2) which is arranged between two strands of wire (3, 4) of a collector. According to the invention, a temperature-dependent actuating element (5) is provided on the collector for detaching at least one of the cable strands (3, 4) from the condenser (2) as required.