CN219677269U

CN219677269U - Solar panel, heat conducting protrusion and coolant jacket

Info

Publication number: CN219677269U
Application number: CN202190000184.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘福鸥
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-13
Filing date: 2021-01-12
Publication date: 2023-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-12
Also published as: AU2021107542A4; JP3241939U; WO2021143675A1; AU2021207960A1

Abstract

A solar panel, thermally conductive protrusions, and coolant jacket are provided. A water jacket (401) for cooling a solar panel (101) and an aluminum strip (501) for attachment to a back sheet (311) of the solar panel (101). The aluminum strips (501) effectively increase the surface area of the back sheet (311) of the solar panel (101), which allows for better dissipation or radiation of heat. A water jacket (401) is placed over the back plate (311) and the aluminum strips (501) such that water flowing inside the water jacket (401) can absorb heat dissipated from the back plate (311) and from the aluminum strips (501).

Description

Solar panel, heat conducting protrusion and coolant jacket

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to solar panels for converting sunlight into electricity. In particular, the present utility model relates to a method and apparatus for improving heat dissipation from a solar panel.

Background

Solar panels that were evaluated by their manufacturers to be able to produce a certain amount of electricity at optimal performance may in fact produce significantly less power due to the high operating temperatures. This is because manufacturers are required to characterize solar panels under ideal Standard Test Conditions (STC). The mandatory implementation of Standard Test Conditions (STC) allows for a comparison of the performance of solar panels. However, STC includes the requirement of a test temperature of 25 ℃ (for completeness, it is noted that other test conditions include a test temperature of 1000W/m ² Under solar irradiation by an atmospheric mass of 1.5 units). When employed in real life applications, photovoltaic cells in solar panels are rapidly heated to above 25 ℃ by direct sunlight. For every 10℃increase, a 5% yield drop was estimated. This means that STC data is only useful for comparing solar panels at standard temperatures, but not for characterizing their actual performance.

In European regions of the temperate zone, sunlight is estimated to be generated at STC in standard solar panels at approximately 1000W/m ² Is a power source of the power source. Standard solar panels have about 2m ² And thus should produce about 2000W. Typically, only 20% of the sunlight impinging on the solar panel is converted to electricity. 25% of the sunlight reaching the solar panel is simply reflected off. However, the remaining 55% is lost as heat dissipated to the surrounding environment. This 55% released sunlight could originally create another 1100W in a standard solar panel.

The problem of yield loss due to heat is self-aggravated (self-magging). The hot photovoltaic cells insufficiently convert sunlight into energy. Thus, the higher the temperature of the solar panel, the less efficient the photovoltaic cells in the solar panel will convert sunlight into electricity, and this in turn results in more sunlight being lost as heat, which heats the photovoltaic cells even further.

The photovoltaic cells are susceptible to heating due to their arrangement in a single layer encapsulated between two layers of transparent plastic, all covered by a layer of tempered glass. These transparent layers allow sunlight to pass through to reach the photovoltaic cells. However, the heat generated in the photovoltaic cell cannot escape through the transparent layer by radiation. Thus, the heat in the solar panel is dissipated to the surrounding air only by conduction, which is a relatively slow process.

Attempts have been made to provide self-cooling solar panels integrated with stainless steel tubing. The tubing is laid under the photovoltaic cells within the solar panel. Water is continuously fed into the metal tubing by a pump. The heat is thereby transferred into the tubing and carried away by the water within the tubing. However, this method is not satisfactory because stainless steel is expensive. Thus, the stainless steel tubing is sparse across the plane of the solar panel and not dense enough to effectively cool the solar panel. In addition, solar panels with stainless steel tubing inside become heavier and this increases the cost of transportation and installation. In addition, if the homeowner wishes to enjoy better electricity production, the existing rooftop solar panels must be replaced prematurely with such self-cooling solar panels.

It is therefore desirable to provide one or more methods that may improve the cooling of existing installed solar panels and that may alleviate problems found in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present utility model proposes a solar panel comprising: a back plate; the back plate has protrusions. In particular, the protrusion is adapted to conduct heat away from the back plate.

In one aspect, the protrusions decorate the outer surface of the back plate and break the flatness of the back plate. This creates a contoured surface on the back-sheet that increases the surface area of the back-sheet. The increase in surface area allows heat to be radiated or conducted away more quickly than a flat surface area. This is because a flat surface has a minimum area compared to an uneven or profiled or even curved surface of the same perimeter and two-dimensional dimensions.

In another aspect, the protrusion conducts heat from the back plate to a direction in which the protrusion extends. In the case where the protrusion protrudes downwardly from the installed solar panel, heat from the solar panel is conducted downwardly along the protrusion. While heat is conducted within the solid in every direction, ambient convection typically causes the heat to move upward. For example, air pockets trapped in the solar panel promote upward heat transfer in the solar panel. Furthermore, if the solar panel is mounted at an angle to the ground, the heat collected at the higher end of the solar panel may be more easily dissipated by movement of ambient air. This results in an upward movement of heat.

The downward facing back sheet on the back of the installed solar panel is the most convenient location for applying any cooling measures; the back sheet has no particular use other than as a support for a solar panel and has a flat and broad surface without any decoration. However, removing heat from the back sheet is inefficient because heat is not encouraged to move down into the back sheet from other portions of the solar panel. The protrusion mitigates this inefficiency. Because the protrusions extend downwardly from the back plate, heat can be conducted away from the back plate, allowing more heat to be moved into the back plate. This also allows coolant to be placed under the back plate to absorb heat from the protrusion. Thus, efficient removal of heat from the protrusions on the back sheet encourages heat to move from the solar panel into the back sheet.

Typically, the protrusions are made of a good thermal conductor, such as a metallic material. More preferably, the material is aluminum, as aluminum is light enough to be fixed to the back plate, aluminum is a good thermal conductor and is not prone to oxidation.

It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the protrusion need not be an integral extension of the back plate itself, but rather any ornament added to the surface of the back plate.

In some embodiments, the protrusions are in the form of strips, i.e., thin planar layers that can be laid flat onto the back plate. Even if slim, such a planar layer would provide a possibility of adequate heat dissipation by simply increasing the surface area on the back plate and by directing heat away from the back plate.

Optionally, the protrusions are radiating fins, which also improve heat dissipation by providing a significantly increased surface area.

Preferably, the coolant jacket is mounted to the backplate such that the protrusion is secured between the coolant jacket and the backplate. The coolant jacket is any device that can be placed against the back plate and absorb heat from the back plate. Typically, a coolant fluid is provided to flow within the coolant jacket, absorbing and removing heat from the coolant jacket.

Their co-operation improves heat removal more effectively than either of the coolant jacket and the protrusion working alone; the coolant jacket is able to more effectively absorb heat from the solar panel due to improved heat dissipation from the profiled back sheet by the protrusions.

Typically, the coolant jacket includes at least one recess into which the at least one protrusion may be inserted. Thus, the protrusion directs heat into the recess. This improves the efficiency of heat transfer into the water jacket, as it forces the heat to interact with the surface surrounding the sides of the protrusions.

Typically, the coolant jacket includes channels adapted for coolant fluid flow. Preferably, the coolant fluid is water. Water is a good thermal conductor under ambient conditions and is sufficient in populated areas where small solar panels are often used. Optionally, the coolant fluid is air or any compressed inert gas. Air is a good alternative where water or other coolant fluids are not readily available.

In a second aspect, the present utility model proposes a thermally conductive protrusion for being provided to a back sheet of a solar panel. Typically, the protrusion is adapted to direct heat away from the back plate. Thus, the protrusion provides the possibility to provide a cooling system to an existing installed solar panel, as it can be purchased and set onto the back plate of any solar panel. This may allow for expansion and modification of existing solar panels rather than being replaced.

Preferably, the heat conducting protrusions have a size that fits into corresponding recesses in a heat sink layer laid onto the back plate, wherein directing heat away from the back plate comprises directing heat into the heat sink layer. The coolant jacket is one example of a heat sink. Typically, the process is carried out in a single-stage process. The recess wraps around the protrusion with as much surface contact as possible between the recess and the protrusion.

In a further aspect, the present utility model provides a method of enhancing heat dissipation from a solar panel, comprising the steps of: protrusions are provided in contact with the back sheet of the solar panel for conducting heat away from the back sheet, in particular in the direction in which the protrusions extend.

Preferably, the protrusions are provided as planar metal pieces, such as planar pieces of metal strips. More preferably, the protrusion is an aluminum strip. Typically, the metal strip is adapted to fit into a corresponding recess in the heat sink layer so as to be wrapped by the recess. The protrusion being surrounded by the recess ensures that as much heat as possible emanating from the protrusion is directed into the surface of the wrapped heat sink.

In a further aspect, the utility model proposes a coolant jacket for a solar panel, comprising: at least one conduit for a coolant; wherein the coolant jacket can be disposed onto the back sheet of the solar panel such that heat is transferred from the back sheet into the coolant. The coolant jacket provides the possibility of existing solar panels being able to cool effectively when they are heated by sunlight, so that the performance and lifetime of these existing solar panels can be improved. The coolant jacket may be made of a lightweight plastic adapted to attach to hang down from the back panel of the solar panel.

Alternatively, new solar panels may be produced that have been integrated with the coolant jacket. Thus, a new generation of solar panels can be produced to which no separate coolant jacket needs to be secured.

Preferably, the surface of the coolant jacket to be applied to the back plate further comprises a recess for receiving a protrusion extending from the back plate of the solar panel. The protrusion transfers heat from the back plate into the coolant jacket.

Optionally, the recess is pre-embedded with the protrusion such that the protrusion can be placed in contact with the back plate, thereby becoming a protrusion extending from the back plate when the coolant jacket is laid onto the back plate. This frees the user from having to arrange protrusions such as aluminum strips to decorate the solar panel.

In a still further aspect, the present utility model proposes a water heater comprising the water jacket mentioned above for absorbing heat from a solar panel, wherein heat from the water jacket is supplied to a water source. Typically, the water heater can be used to heat domestic water.

Preferably, the water jacket contains a coolant for absorbing heat from the solar panel, the coolant being operable to provide heat to the heat exchanger to heat a supply of domestic water.

Optionally, the coolant jacket has a generally rectangular shape; and the conduit has an inlet and an outlet; the inlet is located near a first corner of the rectangular coolant jacket; and the outlet is located near a diagonally opposite corner from the first corner. This configuration allows a number of rectangular coolant jackets to be connected together, with the outlet of one coolant jacket being connectable to the inlet of the next coolant jacket using a relatively short length of coolant tubing, as compared to coolant jackets with inlets and outlets not positioned at diagonally opposite corners.

Drawings

It will be convenient to further describe the utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like integers refer to like parts, showing possible arrangements of the utility model. Other arrangements of the utility model are possible and thus the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the utility model.

FIG. 1 illustrates a solar panel to which embodiments of the present utility model may be applied;

FIG. 2 shows the solar panel of FIG. 1 in a rear view;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multiple layers in a typical solar panel, such as the solar panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a water jacket for use on the back side of a solar panel such as that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an aluminum strip for use with the water jacket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates how the water jacket of FIG. 4 and the aluminum strip of FIG. 5 may be used in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is another illustration of the water jacket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is another illustration of the water jacket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8a is a photograph of a prototype corresponding to FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is another illustration of the water jacket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9aa is a photograph of a prototype corresponding to FIG. 9;

FIG. 9a illustrates how three of the water jackets of FIG. 7 are arranged together;

fig. 9b illustrates a variation of the arrangement shown in fig. 9 a;

FIG. 9c illustrates a variation of the water jacket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9d illustrates how three water jackets of FIG. 9c are arranged together;

FIG. 9e further illustrates how the three water jackets of FIG. 9c are arranged together;

FIG. 9f illustrates how the heat obtained by the water jacket of FIG. 7 is utilized;

FIG. 9g is a side view of the water jacket of FIG. 4 and the aluminum strip of FIG. 5 assembled to the back sheet of the solar panel of FIG. 1;

fig. 10 shows an embodiment which is a modification of the embodiment of fig. 4, 5 and 6;

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 12 shows an embodiment which is a modification of the embodiment of fig. 11;

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of the present utility model; and

fig. 15 shows yet another embodiment of the present utility model.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a typical solar panel 101. Solar panel 101 is shown mounted on a support structure 103. The support structure 103 may be replaced by any other form of mounting for the solar panel 101 and this is not required to be elaborated further herein. Fig. 2 shows a corresponding rear or bottom view of the solar panel 101 of fig. 1.

A top view of solar panel 101, which is also a front view, is labeled with the letter "a" in the figures, while a rear or bottom view of solar panel 101 is labeled with the letter "B".

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the different layers that make up solar panel 101 (without support structure 103). The uppermost layer shown is an aluminum frame 301, the aluminum frame 301 holding the other layers together by their edges.

These other layers under the aluminum frame 301 include the following: a layer of tempered glass 303, a top plastic layer 305, a layer of photovoltaic cells 307 for converting sunlight into electricity, a further plastic layer 309 below the photovoltaic cells 307, and a backsheet 311 as the lowest layer. Below the back plate 311 is a set of connectors 313 for providing power generated by the photovoltaic cells into the cells (not shown). All of these other layers are stacked one on top of the other and inserted into the grooves of the aluminum frame 301 to be fixed, thereby being assembled into the solar panel 101. The aluminum frame 301 protects the edges of the layer and also provides a solid structure for mounting the solar panel 101, such as to the support structure 103 shown in fig. 1.

The tempered glass 303 and the top plastic layer 305 have a degree of transparency that allows sunlight of a wavelength through which the photovoltaic cells would generate electricity in response. Typically, the two plastic layers 305, 309 are made of highly transparent "ethylene ethyl acrylate" (EVA). The two plastic layers 305, 309 are encapsulated or encased around the layers of the photovoltaic cell 307 to protect the photovoltaic cell 307 from dust and impurities.

One of the reasons for the high temperature in the photovoltaic cell 307 is the heat converted by sunlight and this heat cannot escape from the encapsulation of the wrapped plastic layers 305, 309 and the tempered glass 303. Thus, the photovoltaic cell 307 tends to become very hot under the sun.

The layer of photovoltaic cells 307 is a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a plane. Photovoltaic cells are pure silicon crystals "doped" with different elements that provide electrons that move freely as a current when excited by light. Typically, each cell is very thin and measures about 100mm across its width and length. A large number of these photovoltaic cells can be turned on to form a layer of photovoltaic cells 307. The electrical connection strip is attached from the bottom of one cell to the top of the next cell. In this way, the cells are connected in series. The operation of photovoltaic cells is known to those skilled in the art and further details are not necessary herein.

The back sheet 311 is the rearmost or bottommost layer of the solar panel 101 and faces in the opposite direction from the tempered glass 303. The backsheet 311 acts as an additional protective layer for the solar panel 101, acting as a moisture barrier, a mechanical protective layer, and an electrical insulator. The back sheet 311 may be made of plastic glass such as PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PVF (polyvinyl fluoride).

Fig. 4 shows a coolant jacket for absorbing heat from the solar panel 101. In this example, the coolant jacket is a water jacket 401. The water jacket 401 is typically made of a polymeric material such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). A hollow water channel 403 or conduit is provided within the water jacket 401 for water flow to assist in cooling any surface to which the water jacket 401 is attached. In other embodiments, air or other fluid may be used as the coolant instead of water.

The left hand side of fig. 4 illustrates the front side of the water jacket 401 and is labeled "C" in the figure. On the front side of the water jacket 401, a water channel 403 is visible, rising from the base of the water jacket 401. The water channels 403 extend back and forth across the water jacket 401 to span as much of the water jacket 401 as possible. The denser the curvature of the transverse path in the region of the coolant jacket, the higher the resolution (resolution) of the coolant flow over that region.

The right hand side of fig. 4 shows the back side of the water jacket 401, which is labeled "D" in the figure. In use, the back of the water jacket 401 is placed flat against the back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101 to absorb heat from the back sheet 311. Thereby directing the water flow in the water channel 403 as much as possible through the water jacket 401 and meander, absorbing heat that has been transferred from the back plate 311 into the side walls of the water jacket 401. This increases the rate of heat transfer from the backsheet 311 into the water jacket 401, and thus the rate of heat transfer from the remainder of the solar panel 101, including the photovoltaic cells, to the backsheet 301 as the water removes heat from the water jacket 401. The resulting temperature drop of the photovoltaic cell provides the possibility of more efficient solar to electrical conversion. In this way, the water jacket 401 may be able to be applied to existing solar panels to increase the electricity generation rate.

Fig. 5 shows an optional feature of an embodiment, which is an aluminum strip 501 that may be used to improve heat transfer into the water jacket. The aluminum strip is a mere elongated and planar aluminum layer with a surface area covering only a portion of the backing plate 311. Accordingly, a plurality of aluminum strips 501 may be placed onto the backing plate 311, as shown in FIG. 6. When the water jacket 401 is laid onto the back plate 311, the aluminum strips 501 are sandwiched between the back plate 311 and the water jacket 401.

As shown in fig. 4 and 6, the back surface of the water jacket 401 is provided with a series of depressions 405. Each recess 405 is shaped to mate with an aluminum strip 501 at a corresponding location on the backplate 311. In this way, the water jacket 401 can be placed flat against the back plate 311 while accommodating the protruding aluminum strips 501 in the recesses 405. Preferably, the aluminum strips 501 are sized to be capable of being embedded into the recess 405 by an interference fit, such as a snap fit.

In actual products, the width and length of each aluminum strip 501 may depend on the size of the solar panel 101 on which the aluminum strip 501 is intended to be used. For use with the most common typical solar panel 101, the aluminum strips 501 are preferably 30mm wide, 500mm long, and 1.5mm thick. The thickness of the aluminum strips is effective in directing heat from the backing plate 311 to the water jacket 401 while not making the aluminum strips 501 too heavy to be secured to the backing plate 311 by adhesive. The depressions 405 on the back of the water jacket 401 have similar inner dimensions in order to firmly fix the corresponding aluminum strips 501.

When placed on the back sheet 311, the aluminum strips 501 effectively become part of the solar panel 101 by contact and act as protrusions extending from the surface of the back sheet 311. In this way, the aluminum strips 501 decorate the backplate 311 and form an uneven surface profile on the backplate 311 that is otherwise flat. This increases the overall surface area of the backplate 311 to improve heat dissipation. As known to those skilled in the art, the larger the surface area, the more heat can be dissipated from that area.

Since the aluminum strips 501 and the back plate 311 are all tightly covered by the water jacket 401, this results in a more efficient transfer of heat from the back plate 311 into the water jacket 401. In the case where the back plate 311 is laid with the aluminum strips 501, heat is transferred from the back plate 311 into the aluminum strips 501, and then from the aluminum strips 501 into the water jacket 401. Where there are no aluminum strips 501 on the back plate 311, heat is transferred directly from the back plate 311 into the water jacket 401. The running water in the water jacket 401 remains cooler than the temperature in the solar panel 101, which creates a temperature differential that draws heat from the back sheet 311 and the aluminum strips 501 into the cooler water.

Factors that affect the conduction of contact between two materials include contact pressure. As the contact pressure increases, the actual contact area increases and the contact conduction becomes better. Thus, the water jacket 401 is sized to be stretched over the back plate 311 and stretched over the back plate 311 in a taut manner to urge the aluminum strips 501 within the depressions 405 against the back plate 311. Alternatively, the contact between the aluminum strips 501 and the back side of the solar panel 101 is direct, without any adhesive between the aluminum strips 501 and the back sheet 311. This provides a convenient installation possibility since no adhesive need be applied between the aluminium strip 501 and the back plate 311. However, other factors affecting the heat conduction between the two materials include the interstitial filling in the microscopic air gaps between the two materialsA material. If there is a large microscopic level of air gap between the two materials, this can impede heat conduction. Therefore, it is preferable to apply an adhesive between the aluminum bar 501 and the back plate 311. The use of adhesive also ensures the location of the aluminum strips 501 in the backing plate 311. There are many adhesive types on the market, preferably an adhesive with good thermal conductivity is selected to promote heat transfer from the backing sheet 311 to the aluminum strips 501, such as Thermo Glue ^TM Or other hot glue.

Fig. 7 is a technical view of a water jacket 401, which shows the front of the water jacket 401 in which a water channel 403 can be seen. Fig. 7 shows an inlet 701 for introducing trickle water into the water jacket. The inlet 701 is provided at the beginning of the water channel 403. An outlet 703 is provided at the other end of the water channel 403 for water to drain from the water channel 403. The inlet 701 and outlet 703 are typical fittings that can be used to connect to a water line.

The water may be supplied from the inlet 701 of the tap water channel 403 or from a water reservoir and guided only by a motor pump, the outlet 703 of the water channel 403 may be connected to a warm water reservoir (not shown). As the coolant water flow is directed to move back and forth across the back plate 311 of the solar panel 101 in the water channel 403, heat from the solar panel 101 passes through the side walls of the water jacket 401 and into the relatively cooler water. As a result, the heat emitted from the back plate heats the running water.

Any unit of hot water discharged from the water jacket may be left to cool in the warm water reservoir before being re-drawn in by the pump to circulate through the water jacket. Optionally, water discharged from the water jacket is directly discharged into the sewer.

In countries where the temperature may drop below 0 c, antifreeze may be added to a reservoir of water specifically intended to be recycled in the water jacket 401.

Fig. 8 is a corresponding perspective view of the water jacket 401 from the front. Fig. 8a is a photograph of a prototype of a water jacket in which the water channel 403 is clearly seen to bulge from a flat plastic base. The inlet and outlet can also be seen clearly in fig. 8 a.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view from behind showing the water jacket 401, in which a recess 405 for accommodating an aluminum strip 501 can be seen. The raised water channels 403 on the other side of the water jacket 401 can be seen hidden from view on the bottom edge of the water jacket 401 in fig. 9. Fig. 9aa is a corresponding photograph of the turn-over of the water jacket prototype shown in fig. 8 a. In fig. 9aa a shallow recess 405 for placing an aluminium strip 501 can be seen.

A typical solar panel seen in home use has dimensions of 1900mm x 960 mm. However, for ease of handling, the preferred dimensions of the water jacket 401 are approximately 900mm 600mm. Thus, a typical solar panel 101 requires three water jackets 401 to be assembled together to cover a substantial portion of the entire back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101. Fig. 9a shows how three water jackets of fig. 7 are laid side by side to form the area of the back plate 311. The white arrows in fig. 9a illustrate how the inlet 701 on each water jacket 401 is supplied by a separate coolant water source and the outlet 703 of each water jacket 401 discharges heated water separately.

The water jacket 401 may be secured by a securing mechanism and use of Thermo Glue ^TM And to the back plate 311, such as clips that extend over the edges of the solar panel 101 and the edges of the water jacket 401.

Fig. 9b shows an alternative arrangement of fig. 9a, wherein coolant water is supplied into the inlet 701 of the water jacket 401 illustrated at the leftmost side. The water discharged from the outlet 703 of the leftmost water jacket 401 is supplied into the inlet 701 of the water jacket 401 at the middle position, and the water discharged from the outlet 703 of the water jacket 401 placed at the middle is supplied into the inlet 701 of the water jacket 401 placed at the rightmost position. The heated water is finally discharged from the outlet 703 of the rightmost water jacket 401. The movement of water within the three water jackets is indicated by the white arrows.

Since fig. 9b shows three water jackets 401 of fig. 7 connected in series, and since the outlet 703 and inlet 701 of the water jacket 401 in fig. 7 are arranged on the same side of the water jacket 401, a connecting tube (drawn as a thick black line) almost as long as the width of the water jacket 401 is required to connect the outlet 703 of the leftmost water jacket 401 to the inlet 701 of the water jacket 401 placed in the middle. Similarly, a connection pipe as long as the width of the water jacket 401 is required to connect the outlet 703 of the water jacket 401 placed in the middle to the inlet 701 of the rightmost water jacket 401.

Fig. 9c shows a variation of the water jacket 401 of fig. 7, wherein the water inlet 701 is located near a corner of the water jacket 401 and the water outlet 703 is located near a diagonally opposite corner.

Fig. 9d and 9e show how this configuration of the water jacket 401 allows the use of shorter connecting pipes to connect three water jackets 401. Fig. 9d shows how the outlet 703 of each water jacket 401 may be positioned adjacent to the inlet 701 of the next water jacket 401 in series. Fig. 9e is the view of fig. 9d showing the tube attached. Thus, placing the water inlet 701 and the water outlet 703 at diagonally opposite corners provides the possibility to use the shortest length of connecting tube to connect an odd number of water jackets 401 in series.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 9f, the heat in the warm water discharged from the water jacket 401 connected in series can be used to heat the domestic water in the conventional water supply and drainage via the heat exchanger 901. Those skilled in the art will note that in fig. 9f, the solar panel 101 is facing into the page and is obscured from view by the water jacket 401. In particular, fig. 9f shows how water from the cold water reservoir 903 is moved by the pump 905 into the inlet 701 of a first one 401 of the series of water jackets 401. The water flows in the water channels 403 in the three water jackets 401 until the heated water comes out of the outlet 703 of the last water jacket 401. In the heat exchanger 901, the connection pipe is staggered with a water pipe 907 for domestic water supply and drainage for domestic water (not shown). Heat is thereby transferred from the connection tube into the water tube, heating the domestic water which is then stored in the domestic warm water reservoir 909 for bathing or consumption.

In cold climates such as many european countries, more than 50% of the domestic energy use is for heating of water. Therefore, this embodiment provides a possibility of reducing power consumption by heating domestic water for home use using waste heat discharged from the solar panel 101. In other words, this embodiment provides the possibility of collecting both electrical energy and thermal energy. That is, hot water is generated while the heated solar panel 101 is cooled.

More importantly, providing the possibility of operating the solar panel 101 at lower temperatures allows for an increase in the lifetime of the solar panel 101, possibly even ten years or more.

Fig. 9g is a schematic side cross-sectional view of solar panel 101 assembled with water jacket 401. Along a line of sight to the right from the left side of the figure, the front side of the solar panel 101, view "a", will be seen. The solar panel 101 conceals the back of the water jacket 401, which would otherwise be visible as view "D". The back of the water jacket 401 is placed against the back plate 311. Along a line of sight looking to the left from the right side of the figure, the front side of the water jacket 401 will be seen, i.e. view "C". The water jacket 401 shields a substantial portion of the back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101 that would otherwise be visible as view "B". Fig. 9g shows a cross section of three aluminium strips 501, which aluminium strips 501 fit tightly into corresponding recesses 405 on the back side of the water jacket 401, and these aluminium strips 501 are sandwiched between the water jacket 401 and the back plate 311 of the solar panel 101. It can be seen that the inlet 701 and outlet 703 are connected to a water channel 403 that spans the plane of the water jacket 401. Water may be supplied by inlet 701, flow through water channel 403, and be discharged from water jacket 401 by outlet 703 (illustrated by the white arrows).

As the water flow in the water jacket 401 traverses the back plate 311 of the solar panel 101, the aluminum strips 501 placed against the back plate 311 absorb heat from the back plate 311, while only dissipating some of the heat into the recesses 405 of the water jacket 401. This heats the side wall of the water jacket 401 surrounding the aluminum strips 501 and this heat is eventually transferred from the side wall of the water jacket 401 into the water flowing in the water channels 403. Thus, in the installed solar panel 101 with the back panel 311 facing the ground, the aluminum strips 501 are able to guide the heat down in the back panel 311 and into the water jacket 401 to be absorbed by the running water.

In other words, the use of aluminum strips 501 on the backsheet 311 of the solar panel 101 not only provides a greater surface area on the backsheet 311 from which heat may be dissipated, but the aluminum strips 501 also direct heat from the backsheet 311 into the recess 405 of the water jacket 401, more effectively promoting heat flow into the water jacket 401. In contrast, without the aluminum strips 501, heat may move laterally along the back plate 311 without substantial transfer into the water jacket 401.

Fig. 10 shows a variation of the embodiment of fig. 4, which is a water jacket 401 with an aluminum strip 501 pre-embedded in the recess 405 on the back. The advantage of pre-embedding the aluminum strips 501 in the water jacket 401 is that the user does not have to laboriously arrange the aluminum strips 501 onto the back plate 311 or into the water jacket 401. The user need only lay and secure the water jacket 401 on the back plate 311.

Fig. 11 shows yet another embodiment in which the aluminum is not provided in the form of strips. Alternatively, aluminum is provided as spikes 1101 on back plate 311. Spike 1101 contacts back plate 311 through the base of each spike 1101. Heat is dissipated from the back plate through the spikes 1101 into the corresponding water jacket 401. The spikes 1101 effectively increase the surface area of the back plate 311 by providing the back plate 311 with an uneven surface profile. The recess 405 on the water jacket 401 shown in fig. 4 is now replaced by a receiving hole 1103, into which receiving hole 1103 the spike 1101 can be inserted tightly and tightly. The position of spike 1101 corresponds to the position of receiving hole 1103 in water jacket 401. An adhesive or grease may be provided between spike 1101 and back plate 311. Alternatively, spike 1101 may be held in direct contact with back plate 311 by the close proximity of water jacket 401. As the water flows in the water channel 403, heat dissipated from the back plate 311 having the deformed surface area is absorbed and carried away by the water flowing in the water channel 403.

Fig. 12 shows a variation of the embodiment of fig. 11, which is a water jacket 401 with aluminum spikes 1101 pre-embedded in holes provided in the water jacket 401. This embodiment can be sold to the user in such a way that the user does not have to expend effort in placing aluminum spike 1101 onto back plate 311.

Fig. 13 shows yet another embodiment, instead of aluminum strips 501 or aluminum spikes 1101, aluminum radiating fins 1301 are instead provided to the back plate 311. When the solar panel 101 is employed, the back panel 311 faces downward and the aluminum radiation fins 1301 extend toward the ground. Fins 1301 provide increased surface area for radiating heat from the solar panel down into the shadow of the solar panel. In this embodiment, the water jacket 401 is not applied over the fins 1301 because the large surface area of the fins 1301 allows the fins to be cooled by air. This embodiment is more suitable for use in warm, dry but windy areas such as deserts.

Fig. 14 shows yet another embodiment, wherein elongated aluminum protrusions 1401 are added to back plate 311 to allow heat to be dissipated from elongated protrusions 1401 and into the wind. A variation on this embodiment is to use long slim protrusions in the form of aluminum bristles.

Fig. 15 shows yet another example in which a planar aluminum sheet 1501 of a larger piece than those shown in the above-described embodiments is used instead of a plurality of smaller aluminum strips 501. As a convenient way of tailoring, "plate" is used herein to distinguish between aluminum plates having a larger surface area and planar aluminum "strips" having a smaller surface area. The larger piece of aluminum sheet 501 alone covers a large portion of the area of the back plate 311. The corresponding recess on the back of the water jacket is likewise single and enlarged. However, this configuration is not preferred because a single, large aluminum sheet 1501 suitable for covering a typical solar panel 101 or water jacket 401 of the above-described dimensions is more expensive than the smaller, separate strips 501 used in the embodiments of fig. 4 and 6. In addition, the larger piece of aluminum sheet 1501 is heavier and more difficult to secure to the backing plate 311 and to lay on the water jacket 401. The use of smaller pieces of aluminum strips 501 allows the back plate 311 to hang less weight while efficiently transferring heat from the back plate 311. This reduces the likelihood of the aluminum strip 501 falling off the backplate.

In general, the described embodiments are examples that illustrate that there are many ways to increase the surface area of the back sheet 311 of an existing solar panel 101 by adding appropriately shaped solid objects to alter the surface profile.

In some embodiments, the back plate 311 may be produced in a factory already provided with uneven surfaces. The corresponding water jacket 401 is provided with suitable recesses 405 for a tight fit on uneven surfaces so that the water jacket 401 is laid in direct contact with the back plate 311.

Accordingly, embodiments include a solar panel 101 comprising a back sheet 311; the back plate has protrusions such as aluminum strips 501. Further, embodiments include a thermally conductive protrusion, such as an aluminum bar 501, for placement onto the back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101 to direct heat away from the back sheet 311.

Moreover, embodiments include a method of enhancing heat dissipation from a solar panel 101, comprising the steps of: protrusions such as aluminum strips 501 are provided in contact with the back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101 to conduct heat from the back sheet 311 in a direction in which the protrusions extend from the back sheet 311.

Moreover, embodiments include a coolant jacket for a solar panel 101, such as the water jacket 401 mentioned above, comprising: at least one conduit 501 for coolant; wherein the coolant jacket 401 can be laid over the back sheet 311 of the solar panel 101 such that heat is transferred from the back sheet 311 into the coolant.

While in the foregoing description this utility model has been described with preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design, construction or operation may be made without departing from the scope of the present utility model as set forth in the following claims.

For example, while aluminum strips 501 have been described for providing a surface profile to the back plate 311, alternative shapes and forms of materials for altering the surface profile of the back plate 311 are possible. For example, steel, iron, copper, or any other material that is capable of sufficiently efficiently conducting heat for a given deployment location of solar panel 101 may be used. The material should preferably be stable and not prone to oxidation. For example, copper and cast iron are not the most suitable materials.

Claims

1. A solar panel, comprising:

a back plate; wherein the method comprises the steps of

The back plate has at least one protrusion for conducting heat away from the back plate,

a coolant jacket is mounted on the back plate such that the protrusions are secured between the coolant jacket and the back plate,

the coolant jacket includes at least one recess into which the at least one protrusion is inserted,

the at least one protrusion is sized to be embedded into the at least one recess by an interference fit.

2. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein

The protrusions are metallic.

3. The solar panel of claim 1 or 2, wherein

The protrusions are planar layers.

4. A solar panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein

The protrusions are radiating fins.

5. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein

The coolant jacket includes channels adapted for coolant fluid flow.

6. The solar panel of claim 5, wherein

The coolant fluid is water.

7. The solar panel of claim 5, wherein

The coolant fluid is air.

8. A heat conducting protrusion for being provided on a back plate of a solar panel and for guiding heat away from the back plate, the heat conducting protrusion having a size allowing the heat conducting protrusion to fit into a corresponding recess in a heat sink layer laid onto the back plate by an interference fit,

wherein directing heat away from the backsheet comprises directing heat into the heat sink layer.

9. A heat conductive protrusion for placement on a back sheet of a solar panel and for directing heat away from the back sheet as recited in claim 8 wherein

The heat sink includes a conduit capable of containing a coolant.

10. A coolant jacket for a solar panel, comprising:

at least one conduit for a coolant;

a recess for receiving a protrusion extending from the back sheet of the solar panel; wherein the method comprises the steps of

The coolant jacket can be disposed onto a back plate of the solar panel such that heat is transferred from the back plate into the coolant;

the recess is pre-inserted with the protrusion by an interference fit so that the protrusion can be disposed in contact with the back plate so as to be a protrusion extending from the back plate when the coolant jacket is laid onto the back plate.

11. The coolant jacket for a solar panel of claim 10, wherein

The coolant jacket has a generally rectangular shape;

the conduit having an inlet and an outlet;

the inlet is located near a first corner of the rectangular coolant jacket; and is also provided with

The outlet is located near a diagonally opposite corner from the first corner.