The problem is solved as follows: the photovoltaic thermal module consists of a photovoltaic module, on the rear side of which facing away from the sun a heat exchanger is located. The heat exchanger consists of at least one conduit through which heat transfer fluid flows. The conduits (which are optionally enlarged by heat transfer surfaces are disposed at a distance from the photovoltaic module such that they are in good contact with the ambient air and also thermally conductively connected to the photovoltaic module. The surface area and the amount of heat exchange to the ambient air are increased by the main orientation of the surfaces of the heat exchanger running transversely to the PV module. As a result, a good flow of ambient air around both the heat exchanger and the rear side of the PV module is made possible. The PVT module is used, in particular, in combination with heat pumps for supplying heat to and/or cooling buildings.

The problem is solved as follows: the photovoltaic thermal module consists of a photovoltaic module, on the rear side of which facing away from the sun a heat exchanger is located. The heat exchanger consists of at least one conduit through which heat transfer fluid flows. The conduits (which are optionally enlarged by heat transfer surfaces are disposed at a distance from the photovoltaic module such that they are in good contact with the ambient air and also thermally conductively connected to the photovoltaic module. The surface area and the amount of heat exchange to the ambient air are increased by the main orientation of the surfaces of the heat exchanger running transversely to the PV module. As a result, a good flow of ambient air around both the heat exchanger and the rear side of the PV module is made possible. The PVT module is used, in particular, in combination with heat pumps for supplying heat to and/or cooling buildings.

A cooling system for a photovoltaic panel including micro flat heat pipes (HP) integrated with thermoelectric generators (TEG) and a cooled water reservoir for cooling the working fluid in heat pipes. The cooled water in the reservoir is pumped from the condensate pan of an air conditioner. Experimental results show that cooling system reduced the average temperature of the panel by as much as 19 C. or 25%. Further, the output power of the photovoltaic panel increased by 44% when the photovoltaic panel was used in a very hot climate (30-40 C.). An additional two watts of power was generated by the TEGs.

A cooling system for a photovoltaic panel including micro flat heat pipes (HP) integrated with thermoelectric generators (TEG) and a cooled water reservoir for cooling the working fluid in heat pipes. The cooled water in the reservoir is pumped from the condensate pan of an air conditioner. Experimental results show that cooling system reduced the average temperature of the panel by as much as 19 C. or 25%. Further, the output power of the photovoltaic panel increased by 44% when the photovoltaic panel was used in a very hot climate (30-40 C.). An additional two watts of power was generated by the TEGs.

Dry cooling systems and methods are provided including at least one plastic elongated tube formed at least partially of a semi-rigid material and having a flat wall portion, a reflective material attached to said flat wall portion of the tube to reflect solar radiation, and at least one fluid channel in thermal communication with the reflective material, the fluid channel adapted to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid. Thermal power plants are provided which include a dry cooling system, one or more pipes in fluid communication with the dry cooling system, and at least one heat exchanger in fluid communication with the one or more pipes.

Dry cooling systems and methods are provided including at least one plastic elongated tube formed at least partially of a semi-rigid material and having a flat wall portion, a reflective material attached to said flat wall portion of the tube to reflect solar radiation, and at least one fluid channel in thermal communication with the reflective material, the fluid channel adapted to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid. Thermal power plants are provided which include a dry cooling system, one or more pipes in fluid communication with the dry cooling system, and at least one heat exchanger in fluid communication with the one or more pipes.

A modular solar air heater comprises an extruded metal frame having fingers operable to secure a glazing, an absorber, and an insulating back sheet to the frame. The heater may also operate as a cooler. The heater further comprises an active air circulation system, such as a fan, which may be coupled with an air inlet of the heater. The heater has an air outlet and may further include a bypass channel to direct the airflow alternatively through one or both the bypass channel and the air outlet. A heating element and a cooling element may be coupled with the air outlet to further heat and also cool the air through the air outlet, respectively. A photovoltaic panel may be included to provide electrical power to the heater.

A modular solar air heater comprises an extruded metal frame having fingers operable to secure a glazing, an absorber, and an insulating back sheet to the frame. The heater may also operate as a cooler. The heater further comprises an active air circulation system, such as a fan, which may be coupled with an air inlet of the heater. The heater has an air outlet and may further include a bypass channel to direct the airflow alternatively through one or both the bypass channel and the air outlet. A heating element and a cooling element may be coupled with the air outlet to further heat and also cool the air through the air outlet, respectively. A photovoltaic panel may be included to provide electrical power to the heater.

An optical heat exchanger and an associated system and method are provided to allow a vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle, a rocket or the like, to deliver more payload at a lower cost. The optical heat exchanger includes a support surface defining a plurality of tapered openings. Each tapered opening tapers from the first size proximate an outwardly facing end of the opening to a second smaller size proximate an inwardly facing end of the opening. The inwardly facing end of each tapered opening is in communication with the propellant. The optical heat exchanger also includes a plurality of lenses with each lens positioned proximate the outwardly facing end of a respective opening. Each lens is configured to receive an electromagnetic energy beam and concentrate the majority of the electromagnetic energy beam through the inwardly facing end of the respective tapered opening, thereby heating the propellant.

An optical heat exchanger and an associated system and method are provided to allow a vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle, a rocket or the like, to deliver more payload at a lower cost. The optical heat exchanger includes a support surface defining a plurality of tapered openings. Each tapered opening tapers from the first size proximate an outwardly facing end of the opening to a second smaller size proximate an inwardly facing end of the opening. The inwardly facing end of each tapered opening is in communication with the propellant. The optical heat exchanger also includes a plurality of lenses with each lens positioned proximate the outwardly facing end of a respective opening. Each lens is configured to receive an electromagnetic energy beam and concentrate the majority of the electromagnetic energy beam through the inwardly facing end of the respective tapered opening, thereby heating the propellant.