Staggered Photovoltaic Modules With Vanes for Wake-Region Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High photovoltaic module temperatures reduce efficiency due to inefficient wind distribution and trapping, leading to limited cooling effects in existing photovoltaic power generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least two photovoltaic modules with multiple vanes arranged to trap and guide wind efficiently, allowing for improved air velocity and cooling, with no need for changes in production lines or maintenance, and utilizing a staggering or alternating configuration to enhance wind capture from various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional photovoltaic module geometry is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates due to trapped heat in wake regions
Solution Approach 1:
The module geometry is segmented by adding multiple vanes (at least three) that divide the wake region into separate channels. These vanes create distinct flow paths for wind to traverse across the module surface, preventing heat accumulation in stagnant zones while maintaining overall module structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes extend in the thickness direction of the module, creating a three-dimensional structure that actively guides wind flow across the module surface. This dimensional addition transforms the conventional flat module geometry into a multi-layered structure that enhances convective heat transfer by directing air flow through and over the module surfaces.
2Temperature
If wind distribution is not optimized, then device simplicity is maintained, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to limited cooling effect in narrow wind direction ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The vanes are designed to perform multiple functions: they guide wind flow across the module surface, create turbulence to enhance heat transfer, and maintain effectiveness across a broad range of wind directions. The geometric configuration of the vanes allows them to function effectively whether wind arrives from the front, side, or rear of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes are arranged asymmetrically with different positions and orientations relative to the module surface. This asymmetric configuration ensures that wind flow is effectively redirected and turbulence is generated regardless of the incoming wind direction, allowing the module to maintain cooling efficiency across diverse environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple vanes are added to guide wind, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vanes are positioned at specific locations on the module surface where they can most effectively intercept and redirect wind flow. Rather than uniformly distributing complexity across the entire module, the vanes are strategically placed to create localized turbulence zones and flow channels that maximize cooling efficiency with minimal structural addition.
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 module temperatures and increases efficiency by optimizing wind distribution and cooling, ensuring easy installation and low costs, while being deployable in current photovoltaic power plants and suitable for bifacial modules.
Implementation Method 1
multiple vanes for trapping and guiding wind to the corresponding photovoltaic module... wind can be directed in a highly efficient manner to the photovoltaic modules, thereby especially reducing temperature
Implementation Method 2
Heat typically builds up on the frontside and/or the backside of the photovoltaic module, i.e., the wake region, where low wind velocities are normally experienced and where heat is usually trapped... wind can be directed in a highly efficient manner to the photovoltaic modules, thereby especially reducing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises at least two photovoltaic modules each comprising a respective module area being substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the corresponding photovoltaic module. Each of the at least two module areas comprises at least one of two first sides being substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the corresponding photovoltaic module and/or two second sides being substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the corresponding photovoltaic module. In this context, the at least two module areas are arranged in a substantially parallel manner with respect to each other and are shifted with respect to each other in an extension direction of the system. In addition to this, the at least two module areas are arranged in a staggering or alternating or ascending or descending manner with respect to an extension plane in the extension direction of the system.