Solar thermal collecting system
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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, especially when using noble gases like Argon and Krypton, which are necessary for superior thermal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy module design 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 adjust the gas volume and maintain pressure within structurally tolerable limits, along with a thermally insulating element and an absorbing surface for efficient heat capture and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar module is sealed with a fixed volume enclosure to isolate internal components and enable use of noble gases, then thermal performance is improved, but pressure buildup and risk of catastrophic breakdown increase due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed volume enclosure to a variable volume enclosure. The sealable enclosure includes an expandable membrane or flexible wall that can dynamically adjust its volume in response to pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations. This dynamic adaptation allows the enclosure to maintain structural integrity while preserving the thermal performance benefits of sealed noble gas fillings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the volume parameter of the enclosure to vary rather than remaining fixed. The expandable membrane or flexible wall enables the enclosure volume to change in response to temperature and pressure conditions, thereby preventing catastrophic breakdown while maintaining the sealed environment necessary for superior thermal characteristics of noble gases.
2Productivity
If the solar module volume is increased to include transparent insulating panel, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but pressure build up risk is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing an enclosure that can dynamically expand or contract based on internal pressure conditions. The expandable membrane or flexible wall allows the larger volume necessary for transparent insulating panels to be accommodated while preventing dangerous pressure buildup through controlled volume adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating an expandable membrane or flexible wall that anticipates and prevents catastrophic pressure buildup. This compensatory mechanism is built into the enclosure design to handle pressure fluctuations before they reach dangerous levels, cushioning against potential failure.
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 manages pressure fluctuations and maintains structural integrity by allowing the gas volume to adjust with temperature changes, ensuring efficient energy conversion and extended module lifetime while enabling the use of superior thermal gases.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation
Implementation Method 2
having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation
Implementation Method 3
an absorbing element for absorbing the solar radiation
Implementation Method 4
Solar radiation penetrates the thermally insulating element and is absorbed by the absorbing element. As a result, the enclosed gas is heated
Implementation Method 5
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
Implementation Method 6
Thus pressure of enclosed gas is kept within structurally tolerable limits and can in principle enable pressure equilibration with the external environment
Implementation Method 7
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
Data Source
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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.