Integrated Solar Panel MPPT Cooling via Heat Sink Tiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels experience efficiency drops due to high temperatures, leading to energy losses and reduced service life, especially when MPPT and inverter devices are placed downstream, causing additional heat-related issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a solar panel with integrated MPPT and/or DC/AC inverter, heat sink tiles, and a heat exchanger with coolant chambers to efficiently cool the photovoltaic cells and electronic components, reducing temperature and enhancing energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If MPPT and inverter devices are placed downstream from solar panels, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature-related efficiency losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates MPPT and inverter devices directly onto the solar panel substrate, merging previously separate components into a unified structure. This integration places electronic components in close proximity to the photovoltaic cells, enabling direct thermal management through the heat exchanger system and eliminating energy losses associated with downstream placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger system with coolant channels as an intermediary thermal management component. This mediator actively removes heat from the integrated electronic components and photovoltaic cells, resolving the temperature-related efficiency losses that would otherwise result from component integration.
2Loss of energy
If cooling systems are added to reduce temperature, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the photovoltaic cells, cools the integrated MPPT and inverter electronics, and can be configured to provide both passive thermal management and active cooling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems for different components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase change materials and variable flow rate coolant systems that adapt thermal management parameters based on operating conditions. By changing thermal parameters dynamically rather than using fixed cooling capacity, the system achieves effective temperature control without requiring oversized or overly complex cooling infrastructure.
3Power
If photovoltaic cell temperature increases, then power output decreases, but cooling systems consume additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger system is designed to utilize the thermal energy removed from the photovoltaic cells and electronic components to pre-cool the coolant before it enters the cooling channels. This self-service approach recovers waste thermal energy and reduces the energy input required by the cooling system, thereby minimizing the energy consumption penalty while maintaining high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by photovoltaic cells and electronic components into a useful resource by using it to pre-heat coolant for domestic hot water systems or industrial processes. This conversion transforms harmful thermal energy into beneficial applications, reducing the net energy consumption of the cooling system while maintaining optimal operating temperatures for maximum power output.
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 reduces temperature-related losses, improves energy efficiency, and extends the service life of solar panel components by directly cooling the photovoltaic cells and electronic devices, resulting in increased power output and reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
each of said first heat sink tiles having a first side in direct thermal contact with a respective one of said photovoltaic cells and an opposite second side in contact with said first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger; wherein said first heat sink tiles are disposed between said solar panel and said first heat exchanger, and said first heat exchanger is connected to a circulation system which is adapted to allow coolant fluid to flow through said first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
said first heat exchanger having a plurality of first coolant chambers disposed adjacent to said first heat sink tile, and said first heat exchanger has at least one second coolant chamber disposed adjacent to said MPPT device and/or DC/AC inverter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating electricity comprises a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a MPPT device alone or in combination with a DC/AC inverter connected directly thereto, and a plurality of heat sink tiles and a heat exchanger. The heat sink tiles are disposed between the solar panel and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to a circulation system which allows coolant fluid to flow through the heat exchanger. Each of the heat sink tiles having a first side in direct thermal contact with a respective one of the photovoltaic cells and an opposite second side in contact with the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger having a plurality of coolant chambers disposed adjacent to the heat sink tiles. The first heat exchanger has at least one second coolant chamber disposed adjacent to said MPPT device and/or DC/AC inverter.