混合式光電光熱收集器Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector
混合式光電光熱收集器Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal Collector
The invention is a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collector that converts solar energy to electrical energy and thermal energy by using photovoltaic cells and thermal energy collector respectively. This solar collector comprises a layer of photovoltaic (PV) cells laminated to the surface of a thermal collector. The thermal collector consists of an extruded box structure installed with multiple adjacent channels extending in a longitudinal direction, and which are interconnected by a pair of transverse tubes provided at respective opposite ends of the longitudinal channels. Its smooth front surface allows easy lamination of PV modules. The modular design also allows collectors of various sizes to be conveniently assembled. It is compatible with a wide range of buildings, in particular residential buildings. Such a hybrid design is able to shorten the payback period of a common PV panel from more than 50 years to around 10 years.
The hybrid concept is inspired by the fact that a commercial solar cell only converts 6-15% of the incoming solar radiation into electricity. More than 85% of the solar energy is either reflected or converted into heat. Prolonged operation will undermine the cell efficiency, owing to the elevated operating temperature, and that the heat may also lead to structural damages. By cooling the solar cells with a fluid stream such as air or water, the electrical output can be improved.
29/06/2004
200410063405.6
香港
