EP2664011A1

EP2664011A1 - System and methods for transforming and collecting energy

Info

Publication number: EP2664011A1
Application number: EP12708585.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tamás SZACSVAY
Original assignee: 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG
Current assignee: 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2012-01-14
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Also published as: WO2012095824A4; WO2012095824A1; CN103503164A

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for transforming and collecting energy. The system, comprise atleast an energy conversion member and atleast a heat absorber member. A force that presses together the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member is distributed over a largest part of abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TRANSFORMING AND COLLECTING ENERGY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to transformation of energy, and more particularly, to systems and methods for transforming and collecting energy in an efficient, cost effective, secure, and environmental friendly manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Hybrid systems e.g., hybrid collectors, are used to produce both heat and electricity. The way to attach heat or thermal absorber to the solar panel in a thermally conducting manner is the major problem hybrid systems suffer from. The problem arises from the different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials used. Normally the solar module is covered by a glass plate. Since the glass is much thicker than the solar cells it determines the expansion of the solar panel. The encapsulant and back sheet are made of plastics that do not exert a large force under heat expansion.

[003] For a good heat transport, the absorber plate is normally made of a metal, such as aluminium, for the reason metal having a heat conduction coefficient. On the other side, metal has a much larger heat expansion coefficient than the glass. If the two layers are joined together rigidly, e.g., by adhering or laminating, this would lead to stresses if the system heats up. These stresses would delimit the live time of the hybrid collector since it exerts shear stress on the layers inside the laminate of the PV-module. Also the stresses can cause the module to warp, leading e.g. to undesired forces on the mountings and solar cells.

[004] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the conventional hybrid systems, there exists need for improved means capable of overcoming disadvantages inherent in conventional ways by transforming and collecting energy in a fast, robust, cost effective, secure, and environmental friendly manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility, to include the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. [006] In one aspect, the present invention provides improved means capable of overcoming disadvantages inherent in conventional ways to attach heat or thermal absorber to the solar panel in a thermally conducting manner by pressing the absorber plate to the back of a solar module in order to establish a good thermal contact, without compounding (e.g. by adhering or laminating) the absorber with the backside of the solar module over a significant fraction of the overalls surface in an efficient, cost effective, secure, and environmental friendly manner. The solar module may be any device suited for transforming solar radiation into electricity. It may as such not be suitable to be used, e.g. while not stiff enough or not water resistant enough, and only become usable in combination with parts associated with the present invention.

[007] In another aspect of the present invention, the thermal contact of the thermal absorber may be done by enabling the absorber plate to slide over the solar panel while maintaining the pressure. This enables a constant heat transfer while preventing stress in the system due to deformation of the system (wind load) or thermal expansion.

[008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for transforming and collecting energy. The system comprises: atleast an energy conversion member; and atleast a heat absorber member placed adjacent to the energy conversion member. The energy conversion member and the heat absorber member are connected directly or by a sealing member e.g. near a perimeter of a heat absorber member as to form an air tight cavity such that when an underpressure is created in the cavity the flexible sealing member may deform allowing the heat absorber member and the conversion member to remain pressed together.

[009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for transforming and collecting energy. The system comprises atleast an energy conversion member and atleast a heat absorber member. A force that presses together the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member is distributed over a largest part of abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for transforming and collecting energy. The method comprises the steps of: installing a system for producing and transporting the energy; creating an underpressure in a cavity; and maintaining atleast one of the under-pressure in the cavity and an charge. Atleast one of the underpressure and the charge may be maintained by constantly or intermittingly removing gaseous or liquid media from the cavity or recharging respectively during use, e.g. whenever the underpressure is outside the desired range or in regular time intervals. [0011] These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made in the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a system for transforming and collecting energy, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical connection of the energy conversion member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates evacuation ducts, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a compartment adapted to generate and maintain underpressure in the cavity, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates use of double sealing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates alternative solutions for a sealing member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a frame with an alternative solution for a sealing member that is mounted on the energy conversion member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] IG. 12 illustrates two plates for guiding a cooling fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0021] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the system with distributed flexible joints, according to an to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary chargeable member of the energy conversion member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an exemplary eductor-jet pump and a venturi pump; and

[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates a method for producing and transporting energy, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The exemplary embodiments described herein for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations, structure and design. It should be emphasized, however that the present invention is not limited to a particular system and methods to transforming and collecting energy as shown and described. Rather, the principles of the present invention can be used with a variety of energy transforming and collecting configurations and structural arrangements. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but the present invention is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of its claims.

[0027] In the following detail description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] As used herein, the terms 'a', 'an', 'atleast' do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item, the term 'a plurality' denotes the presence of more than one referenced items.

[0029] The PV device includes atleast any one of an individual waver, a solar cell (also referred to as 'cell') or any combination thereof. The terms 'heat absorber member' or 'absorber plate' or 'thermal collector' or 'hybrid collectors' or 'hybrid panel' may be used herein interchangeably. [0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an improved system and methods for producing and transforming energy. The system of the present invention is capable of overcoming disadvantages inherent in conventional ways to attach heat or thermal absorber to the solar panel in a thermally conducting manner by pressing the absorber plate to the back of a solar module in order to establish a good thermal contact, without compounding (e.g. by adhering or laminating) the absorber with the backside of the solar module over a significant fraction of the overall surface in an efficient, cost effective, secure, and environmental friendly manner. The system of the present invention may be mass produced inexpensively and provides the user an easy, robust, efficient, secure, cost effective, environment friendly and productive way of for transforming and collecting energy.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-5 which illustrate a system 100 (also referred to as 'hybrid panel') for transforming and collecting energy, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises atleast an energy conversion member 60 and atleast a heat absorber member 40. The conducts 50 may be used to transport a cooling fluid or gas that transports heat to a system where it is used.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a force that presses together the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 is distributed over a largest part of abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40. The force may be distributed substantially equally and substantially constantly over said largest part for a larger contact with the surfaces of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40. The aim being to achieve a substantially homogeneous force pressing the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40together and thus guaranteeing a homogenous heat transfer where the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 abut.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force may also act on larger than 50% of the surface of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40. The largest part of the abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 is larger than 50%.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the largest part of the abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 is preferably larger than 80%.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the largest part of the abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 is preferably about 100%. The force may act on all parts of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 that touch each other.

[0036] The force may be generated by electrically charging atleast one of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 with unequal charges. The charging may be done by power, for example, electrical power or voltage, from the energy conversion member 60, e.g. in the junction box 90. The electrical power or voltage from the conversion device may be transformed to a higher voltage to reach the desired charge density. An intermediate member may be places between the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 to electrically isolate them from each other. The heat absorber member 40 may be (partially) coated to isolate it from the energy conversion member 60 and protect user from being exposed to its electrostatic charge.

[0037] The energy includes one of heat energy, solar radiation, electricity or any combination thereof. The energy conversion member 60 includes atleast one of a solar module, a solar panel, a solar cell, a wafer, an absorber for solar radiation to generate heat, a heat absorber or any combination thereof. The energy conversion member 60 is capable of converting solar radiation into electricity and or heat. The energy conversion member 60 may be protected by a transparent member. The transparent member includes one of a glass, a plastic, a component of the skin of a building or any combination thereof. The heat absorber member 40 (also referred to as 'absorber plate' or 'thermal absorber') may include a cooling plate.

[0038] The energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 are connected directly or by a sealing member 30 near a perimeter of a heat absorber member 40 as to form an air tight cavity 70 such that the force is generated when an underpressure is created in the cavity 70, the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 are pressed together, possibly deforming the sealing member 30. The underpressure may be created and kept using a valve. The valve may include at least one of an upper check valve 94 and a lower check valve 96.

[0039] When the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 deform, the sealing member 30 deforms allowing for the deformation. Deformations may be the result of external forces, e.g., wind, gravity, person walking on the hybrid element, etc., or differences in thermal expansion coefficient of the materials used notably the glass plate and metal of the heat absorber member 40, or by temperature differences between the individual layers. [0040] The system 100 with the cavity 70 may be connected to pumping means for pumping out gaseous or liquid media of the cavity 70 during use whenever the underpressure is outside the desired range or in regular time intervals. The sealing member 30 may deform, thus not transmitting the shear stress to the energy conversion member 60, for example, in case of a laminated solar module. To further reduce shear stress, multiple separate heat absorber members placed one beside the other may be use in one system.

[0041] The energy conversion member 60 that in use is exposed to the sun light may includes one of a transparent member (glass or plastic), a component of the outer skin of a building (e.g. stone or glass), a construction element such as floor or roofing tile (form the roof, no additional cover needed), a panel used for covering a facade or any combination thereof. The energy conversion member 60 may also be one of a glass-glass solar module, a glass-plastic solar module, a standard solar module where the inventive absorber plate may be fitted to or any combination thereof.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion member 60 may be porous. The energy conversion member 60 may be coated as to render the cavity 70 formed by the energy conversion member 60, heat absorber member40 and the sealing member 30 air tight.

[0043] Thermal grease may be present between the energy conversion member 60 and heat absorber member 40 to transport the heat more readily to the heat absorber member 40 and or reduce friction between the two, thus decreasing shear stresses even further. As thermal grease oil may be used, but also non liquid materials may be used.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a substance may be inserted in the cavity 70 to reduce the friction between the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40. The substance may also be part of both and or be adhered thereto. The substance may be a fluid or a solid material e.g. containing a Teflon sheet, possibly being permeable for air, so that no air can get stuck underneath it.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 30 may be made thick enough to deform due to the tensions and not tear. Preferably the sealing member 30 may be flexible and thicker than 50%, 100% or 200% of the maximum displacement of the parts of the members is connects. [0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, away from the sealing member 30, a distance between the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 may be significantly smaller than the thickness of the sealing member 30. The heat absorber member 40 may be shaped to facilitate this.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, a central pumping system e.g., a single pumping unit, may be adapted wherein multiple cavities 70 may be connected to the pumping unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of individual pumping systems may be present, possibly one being integrated into each hybrid panel 100. Further, multiple systems may be connected to a central pumping or charging unit. A pumping unit may be integrated e.g. in the junction box 90 (also referred to as 'electrical connection'). The (electrical) power for the unit may be provided by the heat conversion member 60. When the force is applied electrostatically, the circuits needed for charging the chargeable member may be integrated in the modules as well, preferably in the junction box 90.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast a conduct for atleast one of the pumping unit, underpressure, charging may be integrated in atleast a conduct 50 used for the fluid, the gaseous or the liquid media.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast a conduct to the pumping unit may be combined with atleast an electrical conduct of the electrically active component of the hybrid panel.

[0050] The sealing member 30 may be any known seal e.g. such as used in double glazing and may contain silicon and/or butyl. The sealing member 30 may also be non sticky sealing materials, for example, a rubber like material. A pressing member, for example part of the housing, may be used to press atleast one of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorber member 40 onto the sealing member 30. The pressing member may includes a curved sealing member 31 or a frame 22 combined with a flexible sealing member 33.

[0051] An imprint may be provided for the sealing member 30 so that during the production, the sealing member 30 may always be placed on the right location and it does not move inwards (creep) over the years under influence of the underpressure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6 which illustrates an electrical connection 90 of the energy conversion member 60, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connection 90 may exit the energy conversion member 60 outside of the cavity 70. In this way the cavity 70 maybe not 'pierced' by the electrical connection 90. In this embodiment the sealing member 30 runs around a junction box 90. Underneath the junction box 90, a connection to a solar matrix pierces thru the back side (such as a back sheet or glass) of the module. Here it may not create a (potential leak) for the under pressure cavity 70.

[0053] The heat absorber member 40 may be made thin enough to deform under the underpressure and so adapt to irregularities in the energy conversion member 60. The heat absorber member 40 may be 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 or 0.2 mm thick. The heat absorber member 40 may also be made of anodized aluminum since this absorbs heat radiation easily. There may be small cavities between the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 (e.g. near the sealing or due to the unevenness of the energy conversion member 60). Heat is then in the first place conveyed by thermal radiation and convection in case of partial vacuum.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, which illustrates evacuation duct 80, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The heat absorber member 40 may be formed as to contain evacuation ducts 80 (also referred to as channels) that facilitate removal of air from the cavity 70 and creating of underpressure in the complete cavity 70. If no such channels 80 exist, air may get trapped between the energy conversion member 60 and decrease the heat transfer.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cycle of night and day/light and shade/hot and cold may be used for the pumping function. During the day, normally electrical energy is produced that may bring the system 100 into a first state. At night, as no electrical energy is produced, the system 100 may go into a second state. The difference between those states may be used to maintain the underpressure. Also the produced electrical power may automatically be partially used to evacuate the cavity 70.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates a compartment 98 adapted to atleast generate and maintain underpressure in the cavity 70, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. During the day air inside the compartment may be heated (resistance dissipating electrical energy and radiation absorbed but not converted to electrical power). The overpressure thus created may escape thru the upper check valve 94 from the compartment 98. At night the heater no longer heats. Now air inside the compartment 98 may cool down decreasing volume of the compartment 98. Now air may only enter thru the lower check valve 96 connecting the compartment 98 to the cavity 70 where the underpressure is desired. In this way each day, the underpressure in the cavity 70 may be decreased or kept low. [0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be used for solar photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors, without photovoltaic. In the solar thermal collectors system, for example, a flat shaped building (wall or roof) or floor element (e.g. glazing, metal, granite, limestone, marble, travertine, quartz-based stone (sandstone, quartzite) or slate) may form the outer surface (visible).

[0058] If the under pressure is lost, less heat may be removed from the energy conversion member 60. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the underpressure may thus be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the energy conversion member 60. If the energy conversion member 60 is the solar module, the electrical power produced by the solar module may be monitored. Comparing the temperatures of multiple modules over time may be used to monitor the underpressure.

[0059] The underpressure may also be monitored by directly measuring in the cavity 70 by a measuring device e.g., a manometer. Several cavities 70 of different elements may be connected e.g. by a hose or piping system to maintain and measure their underpressure.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if underpressure is lost, means may be provided for holding the heat absorber member 40 in place, e.g., the heat absorber member 40 may be connected to the building element in the centre. Since the difference in thermal expansion of the materials is negligible there, this may not lead to problematic stresses. Also, if a frame around the building element is present, for example, in case of PV modules, the frame may extend as to overlap atleast one of the heat absorber member 40 and sealing member 30, so that if pressure is lost, its weight and notably that of the cooling fluid and the pressure applied to the latter is basically supported by the frame. Instead of using a frame for holding the heat absorber member 40 when underpressure is lost, a curved sealing member 31 or a frame 22 combined with a sealing member 33, as shown respectively in FIG 10 and FIG 11, may be used to hold the heat absorber plate 40 in place.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat absorber member 40 may be used to hold the system. The holding of the system may be done in production where the system/module is transported while being held by the heat absorber member 40 or in use where mountings hold the heat absorber member 40.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 9 which illustrates use of double sealing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In case sealing member 30 does not function correctly, the second one still seals the cavity 70. Preferably first sealing 32 and second sealing 34 may be concentric and connected by cross seals 36 forming chambers. If both seals, i.e., first sealing 32 and the second sealing 34, are defective, the underpressure may no longer be held. If the cross seals 36 are provided and the first sealing 32 and the second sealing 34 are defective in places not belonging to one chamber (which is normally the case), the underpressure may still be maintained.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 10 which illustrates alternative solutions for the sealing member 30, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The curved sealing member 31 is mounted on the energy conversion member 60 and abuts on the heat absorber member 40. The complete sealing member 31 has to be flexible in order to allow for the heat absorber member 40 to expand.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 11 which illustrates a frame 22 with an alternative solution for a sealing member 30, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The frame 22 is mounted on the energy conversion member 60 and may be a non-flexible frame. A flexible sealing member 33 may extends between the frame 22 and the heat absorber member 40. The flexible sealing member 33 allows for the extension of the heat absorber member 40. The flexible sealing member 33 may be pressed onto the heat absorber member 40. The advantage of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is that in case of loss of underpressure or charge , the absorber member 40 does not disengage from the module while the sealing member 31 and the frame 22 respectively keep the absorber member 40 in place. In this way heat keeps being absorbed from the energy conversion member 60. In these as well as other embodiments, the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 may be joined permanently near their centers. Since the thermal expansion of both the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 is relatively small and comparable, the shear forces on the joint may remain small. In combination with the embodiments from FIGS. 10 and 11, especially for small modules, the heat transfer will be kept pretty much intact even if the underpressure is lost. This kind of modules may also be used without applying underpressure.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 12 which illustrates two plates according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cooling fluid may be guided between two plates, i.e, a first plate 42 and a second plate 44 instead of through piping. The first plate 42 laying in the heat conversion member 60 may need to have a good thermal coefficient and may, e.g. be made of metal. The second plate 44 may be isolating and may be of plastic or metal preferably with an isolation layer. Both the first and the second plates 42 and 44 may be joined together by means of welding, gluing, ultra sonic welding or any other means. [0066] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B which illustrate the system 100 with pattern of distributed flexible or elastic joints, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 with distributed flexible joints 35 located in indents in the heat absorber member 40, holding the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 together and generating an extended contact surface between the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60, while admitting dislocation of the heat absorber member 40 relative to the energy conversion member 60 caused by thermal expansion or mechanical impact. An advantage is that the cavity 70 may be made relatively large, facilitating the creation of the underpressure.

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention,, the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 may be additionally joined permanently near their centers, e.g. with an elastic joint being located in an indent in the heat absorber member 40 thus allowing for a certain thickness and elasticity of the joint. The center of the heat absorber member 40 may be the neutral zone with reference to thermal expansion of both the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60, and the shear forces on the joint may remain small. In combination with the embodiments from FIGS. 10 and 11, especially for small modules, the heat transfer may be kept pretty much intact even if the underpressure is lost. This approach may also be used with the embodiments from FIGS. 13A & 13B with a pattern of distributed, flexible or elastic joints 35, located in indents 37 in the heat absorber member 40, thus keeping the shear forces between the heat absorber member 40 and the energy conversion member 60 low. These kinds of modules may also be used without applying underpressure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 14 which illustrates an exemplary chargeable member 64 of the energy conversion member 60, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chargeable member 64 may be charged electro-statically by electrostatic charging means (not shown). An intermediate member 68 prevents the charge from flowing to the heat absorption member 40 or a chargeable member 64 thereof. The holding means, for example, the frame 22, may prevent the chargeable member 64 and thus the conversion member 60 from parting from the absorber member 40 when the charge of the chargeable member 64 become neutral (no attractive force) or become equal (repulsive force). The heat absorption member 40 and the conduct 50 may be covered with an isolating layer so that users cannot come into electric contact with the charges. Also the frame 22 (holding means) may be isolating for the similar reason. Chargeable member 64 or the heat absorption member 40 or an chargeable member thereof may both be charged or only one max be charged. In the latter case, it is beneficial that the member that is not charged is grounded to guarantee a defined charge difference. [0069] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B which illustrate an eductor-jet pump 55 and a venturi pump 65 respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The eductor-jet pump 55 and a venturi pump respectively 65 may be adapted for movement of the (cooling) liquid or fluid that may be used to create an underpressure. The eductor-jet pump 55 may have an input means, an output means and suction means. The energy may also be generated by a turbine driven with the (cooling) fluid. The power generated may drive a pump, for example the eductor-jet pump 55 and the venturi pump respectively 65, to create the underpressure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 16 which illustrates method 200 for transforming and collecting energy, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 comprises the steps of: installing a system 100 for producing and transporting energy at a step 210; creating an underpressure in a cavity 70 at a step 220; and maintaining atleast one of the under-pressure and an electrical charge atleast in the cavity 70 at a step 230. Atleast one of the underpressure and said charge may be maintained by constantly or intermittingly pumping out the gaseous or the liquid media of the cavity 70 or recharging respectively during use whenever the underpressure is outside the desired range or in regular time intervals. The method 200 may further comprise the step of charging electrically atleast one of the energy conversion member 60 and the heat absorption member 40.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast one of the underpressure and said charge may be monitored by one of monitoring the temperature of the energy conversion member 60, monitoring the temperature of the cooling fluid, measuring directly the underpressure by a manometer, measuring directly the charge, measuring a distance, measuring a deformation, for example, by means of induction, capacity or piezo-electric effect or by any combination thereof.

[0072] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the operations discussed herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1-16, may be implemented through computing devices such as hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof, which may be provided as a computer program product, e.g., including a machine-readable or computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions or software procedures used to program a computer to perform a process discussed herein. The machine -readable medium may include a storage device. For example, the operation of components of the system 100 of FIGS. 1-16 may be controlled by such machine -readable medium.

[0073] In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described herein so as not to obscure the particular embodiments of the present invention. Further, various aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be performed using various means, such as integrated semiconductor circuits, computer-readable instructions organized into one or more programs, or some combination of hardware and software.

[0074] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in sizes and dimensions, variances in terms of shape may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0075] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for transforming and collecting energy, comprising :

atleast an energy conversion member; and

atleast a heat absorber member,

wherein a force that presses together the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member is distributed over a largest part of abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member are connected by a sealing member as to form an air tight cavity such that when an underpressure is created in the cavity, the heat absorber member and the energy conversion member are pressed together.

3. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the energy conversion member, the heat absorber member, a sealing member or any combination thereof is made as to deform under the force.

4. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a pumping means is adapted for atleast pumping out gaseous or liquid media of the cavity.

5. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the force is generated by electrically charging atleast one of the energy conversion member, the heat absorber member or a member connected thereto with unequal charges.

6. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the movement of a cooling fluid or gas is used to create the underpressure or charge.

7. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein multiple systems are connected to atleast one of a central pumping unit and a charging unit.

8. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein a plurality of conducts for underpressure or for charging are integrated in the conducts used for the cooling fluid or gas.

9. The system according to any of the previous claims wherein the heat absorber member having evacuation ducts for facilitating the creation of the under pressure in the cavity.

10. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein atleast one of a double sealing member and a compartmented sealing member is adapted to seal the cavity.

11. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein means area adapted for facilitating relative movement of the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member, the means include one of an oil, a thermal grease, a Teflon sheet, an additional metal layer, a sandwich of such layers or combination thereof.

12. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the force is distributed over one of 80%, 100%, and more than 50% of the abutting surfaces of the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member.

13. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sealing member is located in indents in the heat absorber member.

14. A method for transforming and collecting energy, comprising the steps of:

installing a system for producing and transporting energy;

creating an underpressure in a cavity or a charge difference between the energy conversion member and the heat absorber member; and

maintaining atleast one of the under-pressure and an electrical charge,

wherein atleast one of the underpressure and the charge is maintained by constantly or intermittingly pumping out a gaseous or a liquid media of the cavity or recharging respectively during use.

15. The method of claims 14, wherein atleast one of the underpressure and the charge is monitored by one of monitoring the temperature of the energy conversion member, monitoring the temperature of the cooling fluid, measuring directly the underpressure, measuring directly the charge, measuring a distance, measuring a deformation or by any combination thereof.