System and method for selectively simultaneously utilizing solar radiation to generate and heat a fluid circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for harnessing solar radiation to generate electricity and heat face inefficiencies and require large refrigerant amounts, with limited flexibility in space usage and maintenance requirements, especially in roof installations.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating solar cell modules with an air-liquid heat exchanger in the roof ridge, where solar radiation heats air, which is then transferred through a heat exchanger to a liquid circuit, allowing for efficient heat transfer and storage without a compressor, using a buffer storage filled with water and antifreeze, and optionally heating a heat pump or surface heating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a heat pump with compressor circuit is used to heat the building, then heating efficiency is improved, but the system requires large quantities of refrigerant and complex installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the compressor from the heat pump system, creating a compressorless heat pump. The compression function is replaced by direct solar heating of the refrigerant in the evaporator, eliminating the need for large refrigerant quantities and complex compressor installation space while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector serves multiple functions: it acts as both the evaporator for refrigerant heating and the compression mechanism through direct solar energy conversion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compressor and evaporator components, reducing refrigerant quantity requirements.
2Power
If a traditional heat pump system is installed in the roof, then heating performance is improved, but installation space requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor, which is the most complex and maintenance-requiring component, is extracted from the system. The remaining components (evaporator, condenser, expansion device) are simplified and integrated into the roof structure, reducing installation complexity and maintenance requirements while preserving heating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector and heat pump components are merged into a single integrated system. The solar collector directly heats the refrigerant, combining solar thermal energy conversion with refrigerant circulation in one unit, thereby simplifying installation and reducing maintenance complexity.
3Loss of energy
If solar radiation is used to heat air in the cavity, then thermal energy is captured, but the heat transfer efficiency to the liquid circuit is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant acts as an intermediary medium between the solar-heated air and the liquid circuit. The refrigerant absorbs thermal energy directly from the solar collector surface and transfers it to the liquid circuit through heat exchange, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency compared to direct air-to-liquid heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant undergoes phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) as it absorbs and releases thermal energy. This phase change process enables highly efficient heat transfer from the solar-heated air to the liquid circuit, overcoming the limitations of direct convection heat transfer.
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 solution enables efficient, space-saving, and maintenance-free generation of both electricity and heat, reducing the need for refrigerants and allowing flexible installation, with the ability to store heat for later use, even in winter, while minimizing interior heating.
Implementation Method 1
solar radiation incident on the at least one solar cell module heats the air in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The warm air can then be drawn in through the integrated ridge vent and directed to the heat pump
Implementation Method 3
The system is configured to bring the air heated in the cavity into contact with an air-liquid heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
at least one solar cell module, together with at least one other element, forms a cavity
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for the targeted, simultaneous use of solar radiation for electricity generation and heating of a fluid circuit, as well as for reducing the heat gain in a building. The object of the invention is, in particular, to enable a more efficient, simpler, and especially more flexible use of the thermal energy of the heated air. This object is achieved by having at least one solar cell module, together with at least one other element, form a cavity on the rear side of the solar cell module, wherein air is arranged in the cavity, and in which solar radiation incident on the solar cell module heats the air in the cavity beneath the solar tiles.In this process, the air heated in the cavity is brought into contact with an air-liquid heat exchanger, wherein the air-liquid heat exchanger is part of a liquid circuit, designed for heating a refrigerant circuit, in particular a heat pump and/or for heating an evaporator, in particular a heat pump, and/or a buffer storage tank, in particular a water-filled buffer storage tank.