Ventilated Double-Glazed Solar Collector for Moisture Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collectors face challenges in maintaining efficiency and durability for high-temperature applications, particularly in industrial/commercial settings, due to issues like heat loss through convection, moisture accumulation, and structural stress in double-glazed designs.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector design featuring non-hermetically sealed double glazing with ventilation channels between the glass panes, allowing for forced convection and airflow, which reduces moisture accumulation and structural stress while maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hermetically sealed double glazing is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but moisture accumulation and structural stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing parameter from hermetic to non-hermetic by introducing ventilation channels, allowing controlled air exchange that prevents moisture accumulation while maintaining thermal insulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channels act as intermediaries between the sealed glazing system and the external environment, enabling moisture removal without compromising the overall thermal insulation of the double glazing assembly
2Loss of energy
If hermetically sealed double glazing is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal expansion stress destroys the panes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing parameter from hermetic to non-hermetic, allowing the glass panes to expand and contract freely with temperature changes without building up destructive stresses, while still maintaining effective thermal insulation
3Loss of energy
If a transparent film is arranged between cover and absorber, then convection heat transport is interrupted, but the film tears and touches the absorber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic film element from the system and replaces it with a rigid frame structure that provides stable support for the transparent cover, eliminating the film tearing and contact issues while maintaining convection interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary between the transparent cover and the absorber, providing stable spacing and support that prevents the cover from contacting the absorber while effectively interrupting convection heat transport
4Reliability
If ventilation openings are provided, then moisture accumulation is prevented, but heat loss through convection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing ventilation only at specific locations (peripheral region) rather than throughout the entire glazing area, allowing moisture removal while minimizing the impact on thermal insulation in the central heat-critical regions
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 prevents moisture accumulation, reduces convection-related heat loss, and enhances structural integrity, making it suitable for high-temperature applications without the drawbacks of traditional double-glazed collectors.
Implementation Method 1
the space formed between the panes is not hermetically sealed; on the contrary: the panes are assembled (arranged) in such a way that air can flow through the space between the panes. This forced convection is desired.
Implementation Method 2
better thermal insulation is required for these collectors in order to reduce possible heat losses from the collector, particularly through convection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar collector, also known as a solar thermal collector or solar collector. Such a solar collector is used to convert solar energy into heat and in particular to generate hot water for private, commercial or industrial purposes. The invention is based on a solar collector with double glazing, in which there is air between the glass panes (14,16). The solar collector includes ventilation caps (30), whereby air can flow through the space between the panes in a targeted manner.