Multi-Layer Solar Converter With Integrated Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar energy conversion systems are complex and inefficient, with complicated tubes/pipes that are prone to failure in cold conditions and difficult to assemble, lacking a simple, reliable, and inexpensive solution for converting solar energy to both electric and thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy converter comprising a multi-layer assembly with channels for fluid streams and a manifold assembly that eliminates the need for internal piping, using a photovoltaic panel to generate electric energy and heat the fluid streams, with a detachable design for easy assembly and integration of a mounting frame for multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tubes and pipes are used for fluid circulation in solar panels, then heat transfer can be achieved, but the system becomes complicated to fabricate and maintain, and prone to failure in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional piping system from the solar panel assembly. Instead of using separate tubes and pipes for fluid circulation, the invention integrates fluid channels directly into the solar panel structure itself, eliminating the need for complex external piping that is difficult to fabricate and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fluid circulation function with the solar panel structure by integrating channels directly into the panel. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate piping systems and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining heat transfer capability
2Productivity
If water is circulated through tubes in solar panels for heat extraction, then thermal energy can be collected, but the pipes may freeze and burst in cold and icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the traditional piping system and replacing it with integrated channels, the invention eliminates the vulnerable pipe structures that are prone to freezing and bursting, while maintaining the ability to circulate fluid for thermal energy collection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical configuration of fluid pathways from external pipes to integrated internal channels, which alters how the system responds to cold temperatures and prevents the freezing damage that occurs in traditional pipe-based systems
3Reliability
If complicated tubes and pipes are used for solar energy conversion, then heat transfer can be achieved, but the system becomes difficult to assemble and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat transfer function with the solar panel structure by integrating channels directly into the panel. This eliminates the need for separate tube assemblies and complex piping, making the system much easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining effective heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting and removing the complicated piping system from the design, the invention simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while preserving the essential heat transfer capability through integrated channels
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
The solution provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective system for generating electric energy and heated fluid, reducing assembly complexity and fluid leakage risks, while allowing for easy expansion and efficient heat transfer, suitable for various applications including heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
the photovoltaic panel comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed on the top surface, for gathering solar energy and converting the incident solar energy into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
whereby the heating of the multi-layer assembly and the photovoltaic panel rises temperature of the fluid streams within each layer of the multi-layer assembly
Implementation Method 3
the bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel contacts the multi-layer assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The solar energy converter for generating electric energy and heated fluid comprises a multi-layer assembly, a photovoltaic panel and a manifold assembly. The multi-layer assembly is a casing and comprises N layers separated by at least one separator floor, each layer has at least one channel adapted to contain a fluid stream, and each layer has a first opening and a second opening. The photovoltaic panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel contacts the multi-layer assembly. The manifold assembly comprises N passages for containing the fluid streams, the Kth passage is adapted to distribute the fluid stream to be heated into the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding first opening and collect the heated fluid stream from the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding second opening, wherein N is a positive integer, K is a positive integer less than or equal to N.