Solar Thermal Module Sealing for Internal Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sealing of solar energy modules with thermally insulating panels creates challenges related to pressure buildup and the risk of catastrophic breakdown due to temperature fluctuations, necessitating control of gas parameters and heat distribution for various building applications.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy module with a sealed enclosure featuring a variable portion, such as a stretchable sealing element, a fixed volume element with an expandable compartment, or a flexible compartment with a venting outlet, to manage pressure fluctuations and ensure structural integrity, combined with an air duct and heat storage system for efficient heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar energy module is sealed to isolate internal components from the ambient atmosphere, then the lifetime and performance of the module is extended, but pressure build-up and the risk of catastrophic breakdown occur due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the enclosure volume variable rather than fixed. The expandable compartment allows the gas volume to dynamically adjust in response to temperature changes, enabling pressure equilibration while maintaining the sealed environment. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the seal to remain intact (improving reliability) while accommodating pressure fluctuations through volume changes (reducing stress).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of enclosure volume from constant to variable. By allowing the volume to change in response to temperature, the system maintains pressure within tolerable limits while keeping the enclosure sealed. This parameter change enables both extended module lifetime and pressure control.
2Productivity
If the volume of the solar panel is increased to include transparent insulating panel, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the risk of catastrophic breakdown is exacerbated due to increased pressure build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable compartment provides a dynamic volume adjustment mechanism that scales with the increased panel volume. As the transparent insulating panel increases the enclosure size (improving energy conversion efficiency), the expandable compartment ensures pressure can still be regulated through volume changes, maintaining enclosure integrity despite the larger scale.
3Loss of energy
If noble gases such as Argon and Krypton are used to replace ambient gas, then thermal characteristics and energy efficiency are improved, but the cost and complexity of sealing and pressure control are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable compartment enables the system to self-regulate pressure in response to temperature changes, eliminating the need for complex active pressure control systems. This self-service mechanism works effectively with noble gases, allowing the system to maintain both superior thermal characteristics and simplified pressure 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
The solution effectively regulates gas pressure and enables efficient heat transfer to buildings, enhancing the longevity and performance of solar modules while providing a versatile heating system adaptable to different applications.
Implementation Method 1
Solar radiation penetrates the thermally insulating element and is absorbed by the absorbing element. As a result, the enclosed gas is heated
Implementation Method 2
As a result, the enclosed gas is heated and the variable portion varies to increase the available volume
Implementation Method 3
the variable portion is a stretchable sealing element connecting the thermally insulating element and the absorbing element. Stretching of the stretchable sealing element increases the volume available for the enclosed gas, compensating for thermally induced pressure fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a solar energy module for converting solar radiation to thermal energy. The module includes a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation, an absorbing element, a sealed enclosure, and a variable portion in the envelope of the sealed enclosure. This portion is adapted for varying the volume available to gas enclosed in the enclosure in accordance with changing temperature of the enclosed gas. Also, it is provided a solar energy module which includes a thermally insulating element, an absorbing surface and liquid pipes for absorbing the solar radiation, and an air duct thermally coupled thereof. The heated liquid and the heated air are usable for a variety of thermal applications. A heat storage may be thermally coupled to the absorbing surface and to the liquid pipes. The air duct has several air valves, and is associated with a controller for regulating air flow through the air duct. The controller may regulate heat flow in accordance with an optimization program, receiving inputs from several sources, like a sensor monitoring a building, a sensor monitoring the solar energy module, and an environment sensor.