DEVICE FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for generating electrical energy, comprising a photovoltaic cell (PV) which is connected to a carrier plate (BA) through which fluid can flow in a heat-conducting manner.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. A device for generating electrical energy comprising: a photovoltaic cell connected heat-conductively to a carrier plate through which fluid can flow.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the carrier plate through which fluid can flow comprises at least one thermoelectric generator, which is thermally coupled to a flow channel of the carrier plate.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the carrier plate through which fluid can flow comprises a circuit board, wherein electrical conductor tracks of the circuit board are electrically connected to the at least one thermoelectric generator.

18. The device according to claim 15, wherein the photovoltaic cell is provided as part of a unitary circuit board, and at least one flow channel is formed in the unitary circuit board.

19. The device according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of flow channels are formed in the carrier plate and are provided in accordance with a Tichelmann principle with a constant fluid resistance, wherein an intake line, a feed line, or both and a return line, a discharge, or both include a channel geometry, a channel cavity, a length of a flow channel, a shape of a passage opening of the flow channel, an inner surface structure of the flow channel, or any combination thereof formed in a tailored manner.

20. The device according to claim 16, comprising a thermally conductive inlay embedded in the carrier plate, wherein the thermally conductive inlay extends between the thermoelectric generator and the flow channel or between the thermoelectric generator and the photovoltaic cell.

21. The device according to claim 15, wherein the carrier plate comprises a flow channel that is configured to connect to a connection line using a line connection via a printed circuit board (PCB) fitting connected sealingly to the carrier plate.

22. The device according to claim 15, wherein the carrier plate comprises a flow channel, and a nanoparticle-containing fluid is received in the flow channel.

23. The device according to claim 15, comprising a frequency control system configured to introduce the fluid into the carrier plate in a frequency-controlled manner.

24. The device according to claim 15, comprising a vortex tube connected to the carrier plate.

25. The device according to claim 16, comprising at least one adhesively bonded connection between the carrier plate and the thermoelectric generator, between the thermoelectric generator and the photovoltaic cell, between the carrier plate and photovoltaic cell, or any combination thereof.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the adhesively bonded connection contains nanoparticles.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein the adhesively bonded connection is produced from an adhesive consisting of: component A comprising aliphatic isocyanate, mixtures including aliphatic isocyanate, or any combinations thereof; and component B comprising a binder configured to be cross-linked with component A, the component B consisting in weight % of: 50 to 98% binder based on a hydroxyl-group-containing aminofunctional reaction partner, an aminofunctional reaction partner, or any combinations thereof; 0 to 20% IR-absorbing pigments, a comparable substance, or any combination thereof; 0 to 40% carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanohorns, or any combination thereof; 0 to 40% nanoparticles formed from semi-precious metals, ceramic substances with high thermal conductivity, or any combination thereof; 0 to 7% stabilizers; and 0 to 3% auxiliaries.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein a layer thickness of an adhesive layer forming the adhesively bonded connection is 10 m to 70 m.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] Preferred embodiments are presented in the description and drawings and serve to explain the present invention with reference to examples. The examples are not limiting.

[0099] In the drawings:

[0100] FIG. 1 is a schematic section through a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for generating electrical energy;

[0101] FIG. 1a is a schematic sectional view according to FIG. 1 for a second embodiment;

[0102] FIG. 1b is a schematic sectional view according to FIGS. 1a and 1 for a third embodiment;

[0103] FIG. 2 is a graph explaining the power losses;

[0104] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a fitting for fluidic connection of the carrier plate through which a fluid flows;

[0105] FIG. 3A to C show alternatives to the fitting according to FIG. 3; and

[0106] FIGS. 3D and 3E are schematic illustrations of the flow path and connection.

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for generating electrical energy in the form of a thermophotovoltaic system. As shown by the sectional drawing, this system comprises a photovoltaic cell PV, which is connected by means of a heat-conducting two-component adhesive KL to a carrier plate BA. The connection is established here with intermediate positioning of a layer of thermoelectric generators PE. These thermoelectric generators PE are on the one hand adhesively bonded to the photovoltaic cell PV and on the other hand adhesively bonded to the carrier plate BA formed as a circuit board. The carrier plate BA itself has capillaries KAP, which serve for throughflow and therefore for heat dissipation of the circuit. In the present case, multiple thermoelectric generators PE are provided on the rear side of the photovoltaic cell PV and are each electrically conductively connected by means of their electrical connections to conductor tracks of the circuit board BA. The power produced by the thermoelectric generators PE is discharged accordingly via the circuit board BA.

[0108] Webs made of a thermally insulating material, such as plastics material, ceramic, or plastic foam or ceramic foam are provided between the individual thermoelectric generators PE. A fluid can flow through said webs, which are fluidly connected to the capillaries KAP of the carrier plate BA.

[0109] The fluid can be kept in flow movement by natural convection within the channels KAP. In the meantime, a plurality of units, for example according to FIG. 1, are preferably connected to form a system, wherein the individual flow channels of the individual units can communicate with one another. A system of this kind can comprise a pump, which brings about a forced flow through the individual capillaries KAP.

[0110] When actually in use, solar energy SO radiates onto the surface OB of the photovoltaic cell PV, and power is then generated in the conventional manner from the solar energy SO. Here, the photovoltaic cell PV heats up internally. This heating is used in order to generate further electrical energy by means of the thermoelectric generators PE, said further electrical energy being dissipated via the conductor tracks of the carrier plate BA.

[0111] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can also be used without the intermediate layer comprising the thermoelectric generators PE, wherein the carrier plate BA comprising the capillaries KAP is directly glued onto the rear side of the photovoltaic cell PV. The carrier plate BA, through which fluid can flow, can thus be used merely as a cooling element for the photovoltaic cell PV. Here as well, the connection between the carrier plate BA and the photovoltaic cell PV is preferably established by means of an adhesive bond.

[0112] In a further particular embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 1A, the thermoelectric generator (PE) is partially filled on the hot side, i.e. on the side facing towards the solar energy, with an electrically non-conductive and/or thermally insulating material FU, in particular to between 10 and 50% of the height of the space between the carrier plate BA and the photovoltaic cell PV at the height of the thermoelectric generator PE. The remaining height range of approximately 50 to 90% is formed as capillary KAP and is filled with a fluid for cooling KA and/or heating. This embodiment offers the advantage that the circuit board electrically connected to the thermoelectric generator PE does not itself have to be provided with capillaries, and therefore a fluid cannot flow through it.

[0113] FIG. 1, however, indicates the possibility of forming a carrier plate BA provided on the side facing away from the photovoltaic cell PV as a circuit board through which fluid flows. In the embodiment shown, further capillaries KAP are provided in a further layer of the carrier plate BA between the layer of the thermoelectric generators PE and the photovoltaic cell PV. The various layers are adhesively bonded to one another. Individual capillaries in each layer and/or in the various layers of the carrier plate BA can be thermally connected in series or in parallel.

[0114] In a further particular embodiment, the Seebeck effect is converted into the Peltier effect, for example by reversing the polarity of the current direction, with energy of a specific direction being fed to the system in order to generate cold and/or heat: here, cold and heat are generated on opposite surfaces, with the advantage that the optimal temperature of the system as a whole is generated by means of energy, for example the collectors heat up and, in particular in the event of ice and snow on the solar collectors, automatically rid themselves of snow, by means of temperature.

[0115] FIG. 1B shows a further embodiment with a significantly thickened adhesive layer KL. In this embodiment the molten adhesive comprises a filler proportion, which improves the ability of the adhesive layer KL to store heat. In the embodiment shown, nanoparticles having a weight-average volume proportion of from 0.1 to 5% are added as fillers of this kind. Due to this improved storage capacity of the adhesive layer adjacently to the thermoelectric generators PE, the heat and/or cold transport in the thickness direction is slowed by the embodiment. The particular adhesive layer KL in this case has a thickness of between 0.01 to 3 mm, preferably of between 0.2 and 1 mm.

[0116] FIG. 2 shows the possible power losses on account of the cell temperature, wherein, at the reference point temperature of 25 degrees Celsius in a photovoltaic system (PV), a temperature decrease of 10 degrees Kelvin leads to an electrical energy gain of the photovoltaic system (PV) of approximately 5%, and with a temperature rise of 10 degrees Kelvin leads to a loss of the photovoltaic system (PV) of 5%. A particular adhesive thickness is less than 1 mm, in particular also in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 mm.

[0117] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a fitting for connection of the carrier plate, through which fluid can flow, to a line system. The fitting comprises a nut 1 and a screw 2. The screw 2 has a threaded shank 3, which is in threaded engagement with an internal thread 4 of the nut 1. The threaded shank 3 is tubular and has an inner bore 5, which communicates with a cross bore 6, which is omitted in the threaded shank 3 and opens towards the gap between the nut 1 and the screw 2. A protrusion 8 is provided between the opening of the cross bore 6 and a lower contact face 7 formed by the screw 2. A further protrusion 9 is formed by the nut 1. The further protrusion 9 protrudes in the direction of a base of the screw 2 from an upper contact face 10 of the nut 1. Peripheral annular grooves are formed in the lower contact face 7 and the upper contact face 10, with ring seals 11, 12 inserted into each of said grooves.

[0118] The nut 1 also has a connection thread 13 with a thread diameter of inch for connection of a pipeline system to the fitting shown in FIG. 3.

[0119] For connection of the capillaries KAP of the carrier plate, this carrier plate is fitted onto the threaded shank 3 by means of a bore adapted to the outer diameter of the threaded shank 3. The nut 1 is then screwed onto the internal thread 4 of the threaded shank 3. The bore in the carrier plate is centred by the protrusions 8, 9. As the nut 1 is tightened, the ring seals 11, 12 bear against the opposite surfaces of the carrier plate and clamp these in a fluid-tight manner, so that a fluidically tight connection is established between the inner bore 5 and the capillary or capillaries KAP.

[0120] FIG. 3A shows a modification of the PCB fitting shown in FIG. 3 for circuit boards for connection of warm and/or cold fluids. Like component parts are provided with like reference signs. Only the differences will be discussed. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the screw 2, which can leave a clearance of approximately 3.2 mm between the two contact faces 7, 10, has a material application R1, which is arranged downstream of the cross bore 6 in the flow direction, and in the axial direction of the connection thread 13 has a recess R2 running around in the peripheral direction, so as to swirl fluid exiting from the cross bore 6 as best as possible. This effect is achieved on account of the peripheral design of the recess R2, regardless of the particular angular position of the cross bore 6.

[0121] FIG. 3B shows the PCB fitting in its simplest embodiment as a hollow screw with radial exit, in particular as a convection brake (R1), wherein here a defined tapering of the fluid passage opening of less than 10%, in particular between (0.5 and 4)% is advantageous. A possible additional recess (R5), in particular with the function of a vortex chamber, in particular as a generator, is also advantageous.

[0122] FIG. 3C shows the PCB fitting in its simplest embodiment, with the shaping as a vortex tube, by means of a hollow screw with radial exit, in particular as convection brake (R1), wherein a defined tapering of the fluid passage opening of less than 10%, in particular between (0.5 and 4)% is advantageous. A possible additional recess (R5) in particular with the function of a vortex chamber, is also provided, wherein this can also be provided in particular in the form of a recess offset at right angles, wherein the recess in a particular embodiment, in particular can have different recess shapes and/or different diameters, for example can be conical, spherical, and can have complex structures, with the function of swirling the inflowing fluid. In a further particular embodiment, the diameter of the bore can be larger than or the same size as the recess on the opposite side, and vice versa. The advantageous effect is a possible vortex tube effect. In a particular embodiment, the PCB fitting can provide the function of a vortex tube, by extension of the tube (R6) and an adjustment means (R7) for controlling the cold (KA) at the other end of the tube (KA) and/or for controlling the heat (WA) at the other end of the tube (WA). FIG. 3C also shows the PCB fitting in a vortex tube design. The vortex tube generates a differentiated material flow, which separates hot and cold particles of a substance from one another. By defined guidance of the substance flows in accordance with the vortex tube effect, a cold fluid can be provided at one end (KA), and at the other end a hot fluid (WA) with a difference of more than 40 Kelvin. The vortex tube, also referred to as a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube, is a device without moving parts, with which in particular gaseous fluids can be divided into a hot and a cold flow. Depending on the construction and gas pressure, a temperature difference of more than (20 to 45) Kelvin is produced. A pressurised fluid, in particular gas, is blown tangentially into a vortex chamber, in so doing is set in rotation on account of the geometry of the interior, advantageously at a rate of more than 1,000,000 rpm, and leaves the chamber through an axial air outlet (KA, WA) of different design. Cooled fluid (KA), in particular air, exits by means of a constriction (R1), in particular through the narrow bore, and hot fluid (WA) in particular air, exits through the opposite bore of significantly larger diameter. The temperature difference is dependent on the construction and gas pressure. The geometrical embodiment of the PCB fitting ensures the directed use of the material flow exiting from the vortex tube.

[0123] In an embodiment that is not shown, the acoustic sound produced at the tube end (WA), in particular of 3 kHz with a volume of less than 120 dB, can for example be optimised by means of acoustic electrical energy conversion, by means of at least one acoustic sensor, in particular a membrane and/or piezoelement, to a frequency used to pulsate the fluid, and/or used for electrical energy generation by means of at least one acoustic sensor, in particular a piezolelement, disposed in and/or on the connection tube and/or in and/or on the PCB fitting. The arising acoustics occurring during cold/heat generation thus additionally contributes advantageously to the energy supply (energy harvesting). This energy can be fed by means of a control system into the energy generation. It is also advantageous to use the piezoelement as an energy absorber, here for electrical energy generation and/or as an energy transmitter, here for energy delivery and/or conversion of the electrical energy into movement energy at the fluid, thus generating a pulsating fluid. Here, the piezoelements can be in particular piezoelectric actuators, in particular ceramic multi-layer components with precious metal inner electrodes, but also resonantly operated piezoactuators, in particular for generating ultrasound. Here, energy can be obtained, more specifically currents of from 20 A to 40 mA, with voltage peaks above 15 volts. The piezoelement reacts to pressure by releasing a specific voltage, wherein this piezoeffect can be reversed, i.e. by applying a voltage the shape of such an element changes, i.e., by applying a voltage, the piezoelement disposed for example in and/or on the capillary line and/or in and/or on the PCB fitting deforms. In a particular embodiment, the piezoelement is the surface of the capillary line. This change in shape generates an overpressure, which leads to the extension of the capillary (KA). If the voltage is switched off, the piezoelement and thus the surface of the capillary (KA) reassumes its original shape and the fluid resistance is thus low again and fluid flows on. This has the advantage that the service life of the piezoelements is practically unlimited and there is no mechanical wear, nor any acoustics.

[0124] It can be seen in FIG. 3D that the PCT fitting here has a passive function for universal coupling of the vortex tube system and for example a thermal hybrid transmitter system for simultaneous supply with cold and warm fluid by means of the vortex tube and/or another source.

[0125] It can be seen in FIG. 3E that the PCT fitting here has a passive and active functionality for universal coupling of the systems with vortex tube functionality and for example a thermal hybrid transmitter system for simultaneously supplying a cold fluid (KA) and warm (WA) fluid, by means of at least one vortex tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0126] A preferred embodiment is one which in which at least one circuit board, through which fluid flows, can be employed and/or used purely as a cooling element in particular for solar modules, in particular for subsequent installation, wherein the circuit board through which fluid flows is equipped internally with capillaries in particular in accordance with the Tichelmann principle, wherein the shapes of the structured capillaries can be freely variable, and in particular including associated fluid connection elements (PCB fittings) for the circuit board for connection in particular of warm and cold fluids and the circuit board through which fluid flows, which is equipped with inlays for assembly of the components and thus ensures at least one functionality, in particular functional optimal heat transfer to the capillary system of the circuit board, and the circuit board through which fluid flows is formed for example purely as a cooling element for solar modules, in particular for subsequent installation and comprising at least one two-component adhesive, in particular having the function of a thermal accumulator, which for example is equipped with nanoparticles, which in particular at least increases a heat transfer and/or mechanical strength and/or improves the electrical property and/or reduces the electrical conductivity between the system components, and in particular consists of a two-component coating material, which comprises: component A: aliphatic isocyanate and/or mixtures thereof; and

component B: binder which can be cross-linked with component A, consisting of: (50 to 98)% binder based on a hydroxyl-group-containing and/or aminofunctional reaction partner and/or mixtures thereof; (0 to 20)% IR-absorbing pigments and/or a comparable material;
and (0 to 5)% nanoparticles, in particular carbon tubes and/or carbon nanohorns and mixtures thereof; and/or (0 to 40)% nanoparticles formed from semi-precious metals and/or ceramic substances having a high thermal conductivity; and/or (0 to 7)% stabilisers; and/or (0 to 3)% auxiliaries.

[0127] The PCB fitting, according to the drawing, can be used for circuit boards for the connection of warm and cold fluids and comprises at least one nut (SW17) and a screw (SW 17) with a peripheral radial recess, of a height for example of 3.2 mm, and an O-ring (FPM) on the screw side and an opposite O-ring (FPM) on at least one nut (SW17), with the advantage of a uniform, frictionally engaged pressing against the circuit board (not shown).

[0128] Further materials, in particular nanoparticles, can be inter alia also bone ash or spodium. A salt mixture obtained from animal bone comprising the following constituents: calcium phosphate in an amount of (73-84)%, calcium carbonate in an amount of (9.4-10)%, magnesium phosphate in an amount of (2-3)%, and calcium fluids in an amount of less than or equal to 4%, in particular ground to a powder, is used particularly advantageously, in particular with the advantage that bone ash cannot be wetted by liquids, in particular liquid metals.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS, ABBREVIATIONS

[0129] BA base element, PCB, carrier material, circuit board, static material for receiving modules [0130] CAD computer-aided design [0131] CNF carbon nanofibres [0132] CNH carbon nanohorn, single-walled carbon nanohorn (SWNH) [0133] CNT carbon nanotubes [0134] DR fluid, for example, compressed air, compressed fluid, compressed pressurised air [0135] EMC electromagnetic compatibility [0136] FPM O-ring [0137] FU filler material, for example plastics material, ceramic, cavity with vacuum, insulator [0138] KA cold in Kelvin, degrees Celsius for example for fluid [0139] KA in FIG. 3D line for cold fluid [0140] KAP capillary, line for example for fluid [0141] KL adhesive layer with different thickness, thermal accumulator, adhesive [0142] PCB printed circuit board, PC board, board, circuit board, printed board, printed circuit, carrier material [0143] PE thermoelectric generator, Peltier element, Seebeck element, PE module [0144] PTFE polyimide, Teflon [0145] PV photovoltaic cell, PV solar cells, PV module [0146] R radius of curvature of the PCB fitting, here with the diameter 3 of mean height 4.6 [0147] R1 bore, area, material, for example for convection brake, tapering of the diameter [0148] R2 recess with a depth, shape, geometry [0149] R4, R5 recess with a depth, shape, geometry [0150] R6 vortex tube, for example vortex tube chamber, warm side (WA) [0151] R7 control valve, for example vortex tube [0152] SW17 nut, screw [0153] S insulating web [0154] SO sun, radiation heat, IR radiation [0155] TPV thermophotovoltaic system [0156] OB surface, visible face [0157] WA heat in Kelvin, degrees Celsius for example for fluid [0158] WA in FIG. 3D conduction of warm fluid [0159] 1 nut [0160] 2 screw [0161] 3 threaded shank [0162] 4 internal thread [0163] 5 inner bore [0164] 6 cross bore [0165] 7 lower contact face [0166] 8 protrusion [0167] 9 further protrusion [0168] 10 upper stop face [0169] 11 ring seal [0170] 12 ring seal [0171] 13 connection thread