Passive-Cooled Solar Module Structure for PID-Safe Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar modules face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat, leading to increased temperatures that reduce electrical output and can cause potential-induced degradation (PID) effects, especially in building-integrated photovoltaic systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar module with a passive cooling structure that includes heat sinks made of materials with high thermal conductivity and low density, integrated into a glass/glass configuration with a high electrical insulation layer, to efficiently dissipate heat through convection while preventing PID effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar module operates without passive cooling, then the structure remains simple and lightweight, but the temperature increases leading to reduced electrical output and potential-induced degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The passive cooling structure utilizes natural convection and radiation to dissipate heat from the solar module without requiring external power sources or active control systems. The heat sinks are designed to automatically draw heat away from the solar cells through thermal conduction, while the surrounding air flow and radiative environment provide the cooling mechanism, making the system self-regulating and maintenance-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the solar module by introducing heat sinks with specific thermal conductivity, surface area, and geometric configurations. These parameter changes optimize the heat transfer coefficient and thermal resistance, enabling effective passive cooling while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The heat sink materials and designs are selected to achieve optimal thermal performance without excessive complexity.
2Temperature
If a passive cooling structure is added to the solar module, then heat dissipation improves and temperature decreases, but the weight of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly cooling the entire solar module, the passive cooling structure is strategically placed in specific locations where heat generation is most intense, such as near the solar cells and electrical contacts. The heat sinks are positioned to target critical thermal zones, providing effective cooling where needed most while minimizing the overall amount of cooling material required, thus reducing the weight penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive cooling structure employs composite material designs that combine high thermal conductivity materials for heat dissipation with lightweight structural materials. This allows the heat sinks to achieve optimal thermal performance while maintaining low density and minimal weight addition to the solar module.
3Loss of energy
If the passive cooling structure uses materials with high thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation efficiency increases, but the cost of materials and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive cooling structure uses materials and designs that provide sufficient thermal conductivity to achieve effective heat dissipation without over-engineering the system. The heat sinks are designed with adequate but not excessive thermal conductivity, balancing cooling performance with material cost. The structure provides more than enough cooling capability to manage typical operating conditions without requiring premium expensive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs cost-effective materials for the passive cooling structure that can be manufactured using standard, readily available processes. The heat sinks are designed to be produced through conventional manufacturing methods rather than requiring specialized or expensive fabrication techniques, making the overall system economically viable for widespread deployment in building-integrated photovoltaic applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If building-integrated solar modules are used, then architectural integration is achieved, but heat dissipation becomes problematic due to limited airflow and thermal insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The passive cooling structure is designed to function effectively in the constrained environments typical of building-integrated photovoltaic systems. The heat sinks are configured to maximize heat dissipation through conduction to the mounting structure and surrounding air, working within the limited space and airflow conditions of building facades and roofs. The design accommodates the dual requirements of architectural integration and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive cooling structure utilizes additional thermal pathways and dimensions for heat dissipation, such as conducting heat to the mounting structure, adjacent building components, and the surrounding environment through multiple directions. This multi-dimensional heat transfer approach compensates for the limited airflow and constrained space in building-integrated applications, enabling effective cooling without requiring large volumes of air flow.
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 passive cooling structure effectively reduces temperature-induced power losses and prevents PID effects, while maintaining a low weight and cost, allowing for efficient and reliable operation of solar modules in various installations.
Implementation Method 1
The heat generated by the solar module is passively released to the external environment through the passive cooling structure via convection
Implementation Method 2
The passive cooling structure has a contact surface at which the passive cooling structure is in thermal contact with the rear glass for heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present application provides a solar module, a method for producing the same and a use of the same. The solar module comprises a front glass and a rear glass, which are fixedly connected to one another by at least one intermediate layer, wherein a plurality of solar cells connected in series are arranged between the front glass and the rear glass, and a passive cooling structure with one or more heat sinks is arranged on a surface of the rear glass away from the plurality of solar cells, wherein the passive cooling structure has a contact surface at which the passive cooling structure is in thermal contact with the rear glass for heat transfer, wherein the contact surface (13) covers at least 90%of a photovoltaically active surface of the solar module (1); an area ratio of a surface of the cooling structure away from the rear glass and the contact surface is at least 3, and each of the one or more heat sinks is made of a material that has a ratio of thermal conductivity and density of at least 0.02 W·cm2/ (g·K); the passive cooling structure (7) has a mass area density that is a mass of the passive cooling structure (7) per contact area, and that is smaller than 0.6 g/cm2; a resistance area product of the passive cooling structure (7) that is a product of an electrical contact resistance and a contact area between the passive cooling structure (7) and the rear glass (3) is larger than 4×1011 ohm·cm2.