GB2512883A - Solar energy device - Google Patents

Solar energy device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2512883A
GB2512883A GB1306467.0A GB201306467A GB2512883A GB 2512883 A GB2512883 A GB 2512883A GB 201306467 A GB201306467 A GB 201306467A GB 2512883 A GB2512883 A GB 2512883A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
solar energy
energy device
electrical generator
thermally conductive
conductive element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1306467.0A
Other versions
GB201306467D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Laidler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Original Assignee
NORTHERN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NORTHERN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS Ltd filed Critical NORTHERN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority to GB1306467.0A priority Critical patent/GB2512883A/en
Publication of GB201306467D0 publication Critical patent/GB201306467D0/en
Publication of GB2512883A publication Critical patent/GB2512883A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/40—Thermal components
    • H02S40/44—Means to utilise heat energy, e.g. hybrid systems producing warm water and electricity at the same time
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/052—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
    • H01L31/0521—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells using a gaseous or a liquid coolant, e.g. air flow ventilation, water circulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
    • H02S10/10—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power including a supplementary source of electric power, e.g. hybrid diesel-PV energy systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
    • F28F2013/005—Thermal joints
    • F28F2013/006—Heat conductive materials
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
    • F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
    • F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/60—Thermal-PV hybrids

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A solar energy device 1, 101 comprises: - an electrical generator 3, such as a photovoltaic panel for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; a thermally conductive element 5 disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator, characterized in that the thermally conductive element has a first surface 5a in thermal contact with the generator and a second surface 5b, opposing said first surface, which includes at a raised portion for eg. wave-like profile. Alternatively as shown in fig.2, a thermal transfer element 109 for transferring at least a portion of heat energy from the sun to a body, said thermal transfer element being disposed in use, below said thermally conductive element 105 and in thermal contact with said thermally conductive element, characterised in that said thermal transfer element and said thermally conductive element comprise aluminium or plastics material.

Description

Solar Energy Device The present invention relates to a solar energy device, and in particular a generator suitable for generating heat and/or electrical energy.
One type of existing solar energy device comprises a panel often referred to as a photovoltaic panel which is adapted to convert solar energy into electrical energy, which can be either stored in a suitable storage device and then used as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
Whilst photovoltaic panels are widely used, they suffer from a number of disadvantages, in particular a reduction in efficiency as their temperature increases. This problem has been addressed to an extent by the implementation of improved cooling systems such as cooling fans. However, such cooling systems can significantly increase the cost of the photovoltaic panel as a whole.
An aim of the present invention is to provide a solar energy device which overcomes or at least alleviates the problems associated with known solar energy devices.
In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a solar energy device which has an improved efficiency of energy conversion when compared with existing solar energy devices.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a solar energy device comprising: - (i} an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a thermally conductive element disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator, characterised in that the thermally conductive element has a first surface in thermal contact with said electrical generator, and a second surface opposite to said first surface, wherein said second surface comprises at least one raised portion.
It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that solar energy is comprised of heat energy and light energy.
Preferably, said second surface comprises at least one curvilinear portion.
In having the second surface comprise at least one raised portion, for example a curvilinear portion, this provides the advantage that a larger surface area is provided which helps to increase heat dissipation from the thermally conductive element, which in itself helps to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the electrical generator, by way of providing an improved cooling effect.
Preferably, said thermally conductive element comprises aluminium.
The thermally conductive element may be directly thermally connected to the electrical generator.
Preferably, the electrical generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell for converting at least a portion of light energy from the sun into electrical energy.
A photovoltaic cell works on the principle that a potential difference is created on account of exposure of the cell to light energy from the sun. In this way, a photovoltaic cell converts light energy into electrical energy.
Alternatively, the electrical generator may comprise at least one thermoelectric generator for converting at least a portion of heat energy from the sun into electrical energy.
Preferably, the thermoelectric generator comprises a Seeback device.
A Seeback device works on. the principle that a potential difference is created on account of differences in temperature between two junctions of dissimilar metals in the same circuit.
In this way, a Seeback device converts temperature differences across a circuit, into electrical energy.
Preferably, the second surface of said thermally conductive element comprises a plurality of curvilinear portions.
Preferably, the second surface of said thermally conductive element is organic in shape.
Preferable, said thermally conductive element has an organic profile.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar energy device comprising: - (i) an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a thermally conductive element disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator; and (Ui) a thermal transfer element for transferring at least a portion of heat energy from the sun to a body, said thermal transfer element being disposed in use, below said thermally conductive element and in thermal contact with said thermally conductive element, characterised in that said thermal transfer element and said thermally conductive element comprise aluminium.
In providing a thermal transfer element and a thermally conductive element, both comprising aluminium, this provides the advantage that the solar energy device is lightweight and recyclable, with low manufacturing costs, as well as providing good heat conductivity. Further, the use of aluminium in the device renders the device less attractive to thieves.
Said electrical generator may be a thermoelectric generator.
Said electrical generator may be a Seeback device.
Alternatively, said electrical generator may comprise at least one photovoltaic cell.
Preferably, the thermal transfer element comprises a hollow tubular arrangement.
Preferably, the thermal transfer element comprises a network of interconnected hollow tubes.
Preferably, the interconnected hollow tubes are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.
Preferably, the hollow tubular arrangement further comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, whereby a fluid enters the hollow tubular arrangement via the fluid inlet and leaves the hollow tubular arrangement via the fluid outlet.
In accordance with a third second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar energy device comprising: - (i) an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a thermal transfer element for transferring at least a portion of heat energy from the sun to a body, said thermal transfer element being disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator, characterised in that said thermal transfer element comprises plastics material.
This provides the advantage that the solar energy device is lightweight, and has low manufacturing costs, whilst still affording improved transfer of heat energy from the sun to the body.
Preferably, the electrical generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell.
Preferably, the electrical generator comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged on a panel.
Preferably, at least a portion of said panel comprises translucent material.
This provides the advantag&that the panel does not inhibit the transmission of light through the solar energy device, thereby allowing for better integration of the solar energy device into a building.
Alternatively, said electrical generator comprises a Seeback device.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a solar energy device in accordance with an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a solar energy device in accordance with an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a thermal transfer element of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a side view of an alternative electrical generator for use with any of the embodiments of the invention; and Figure 5 shows a side view of a solar energy device in accordance with an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention.
With reference to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a solar energy device is represented generally by reference numeral 1.
The solar energy device 1 is comprised of two main elements.
The first element is an electrical generator in the form of a photovoltaic panel 3 comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (not shown).
The second element is a thermally conductive elements having a first surface Sa in thermal contact with the photovoltaic panel 3 and a second surface Sb opposite to said first surface 5a, whereby the second surface Sb is curvilinear, having a wave-like profile. To elaborate, the thermally conductive element S has a substantially flat first surface Sa and an organically shaped second surface Sb.
As can be clearly seen from Figure 1, the thermally conductive element 5 is disposed underneath and in physical contact with the photovoltaic panel 3, in use.
The solar energy device 1 operates as follows: -Light energy from the sun impinges on the photovoltaic panel 3 and as a result, the light energy is converted into electrical energy, which is either stored in an external storage device such as a battery (not shown) to be utilised as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
The energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is reduced in the event that heat energy is not adequately dissipated. Conversely, if heat energy is adequately dissipated from a photovoltaic panel then the energy conversion efficiency is significantly improved.
Turning now to the role of the thermally conductive element 5, the heat energy from the sun which has directly impinged on the photovoltaic panel 3 is transferred to the thermally conductive element 5, from where it is dissipated to the surrounding air. The wave-like nature of the second surface Sb of the thermally conductive element S provides an increased surface area from which the heat may be dissipated. In this way, the wave-like nature of the second surface Sb of the thermally conductive element S helps to facilitate the dissipation of heat from the thermally conductive element 5 and hence the photovoltaic panel 3, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 3.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a second embodiment of a solar energy device is represented generally byreference numeral 101.
The solar energy device 101 is comprised of three main elements.
The first element is an electrical generator in the form of a photovoltaic panel 103 comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (not shown).
The second element is a thermally conductive element 105 made from aluminium. The thermally conductive element 105 has a planar first surface lOSa in thermal contact with the photovoltaic panel 103 and a planar second surface lOSb opposite to said first surface lOSa. As can be clearly seen froñi Figure 2 in particular, the thermally conductive element is disposed underneath and in physical contact with the photovoltaic panel 103, in use.
As can be clearly seen from Figure 3 in particular, the third element is a thermal transfer element in the form of a hollow tubular arrangement 109 mode from aluminium. The hollow tubular arrangement 109 is disposed underneath and in physical contact with the thermally conductive element 105. The hollow tubular arrangement 109 comprises a network of interconnected hollow tubes 109a, in this embodiment arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. The hollow tubular arrangement 109 further comprises a fluid inlet 120 and a fluid outlet 122, whereby a fluid such as water enters the hollow tubular arrangement 109 via the fluid inlet 120 and leaves the hollow tubular arrangement 109 via the fluid outlet 122, after circulating around the network of interconnected hollow tubes 109a.
The solar energy device 101 operates as follows: -Light energy from the sun impinges on the photovoltaic panel 103 and as a result, the light energy is converted into electrical energy, which is either stored in an external storage device such as a battery (not shown) to be utilised as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
The energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel 103 is reduced in the event that heat energy is not adequately dissipated. Conversely, if heat energy is adequately dissipated from a photovoltaic panel then the energy conversion efficiency is significantly improved.
Turning now to the role of the thermally conductive element 105 and the hollow tubular arrangement 109, the heat energy from the sun which has directly impinged on the photovoltaic panel 103 is transferred to the thermally conductive element 105, from where it is subsequently dissipated to the hollow tubular arrangement 109.
In view of the fact that water is flowing through the network of interconnected hollow tubes 109a, the water is heated as a result of the heat being conducted away from the photovoltaic panel 103, through the thermally conductive element 105 and then to the hollow tubular arrangement 109.
In this way, the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 103 is increased as a result of the heat energy from the sun being conducted away from it, with that heat energy being utilised to heat water flowing through the network of interconnected hollow tubes 109a, said heated water being utilised in heating systems for example.
It is to be appreciated that although in the above described embodiments, the electrical generator takes the form of a photovoltaic panel 3, 103, the electrical generator could alternatively be a Seeback device 230, which is shown in Figure 4, with the photovoltaic panel 3, 103 being replaced by the Seeback device 230.
The Seeback device 230 is comprised of an upper plate 230a and a lower plate 230b which are in physical contact with each other. In the event that heat energy impinges on the Upper plate 230a, the temperature of the upper plate 230a is elevated. In the event that the temperature of the lower plate 230b is simultaneously decreased, then the heat energy impinging on the device 230 is converted into electrical energy, which is either stored in an external storage device such as a battery (not shown) and then utilised as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
The Seeback device 230 may be disposed directly above the thermally conductive element 5, 105 in use, and is in thermal contact with the thermally conductive element 5, 105, in a similar fashion to the photovoltaic panel 3, 103 of Figures 1 and 2. In this way, heat energy from the sun directly impinges on the upper plate 230a of the Seeback device 230 which elevates the temperature of the upper plate 230a. Moreover, the presence of the thermally conductive element 5, 105 in physical contact with the lower plate 230b of the Seeback device decreases the temperature of the lower plate 230b, with the result that electrical energy is generated in the Seeback device 230, which is either stored in an external storage device such as a battery (not shown) and then utilised as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
With reference to Figure 5, a third embodiment of a solar energy device is represented generally by reference numeral 301.
The solar energy device 301 is comprised of two main elements.
The first element is an electrical generator in the form of a photovoltaic panel 303 comprising a plurality of photovàltaic cells (not shown) disposed over the surface of the photovoltaic panel 303-Those portions of the photovoltaic panel 303 are not covered by a photovoltaic cell comprise a translucent material; that is, a material which allows light energy from the sun to pass through the photovoltaic panel 303.
The second element is a thermal transfer element 309 for transferring at least a portion of heat energy from the sun to a body. As can be clearly seen from Figure 5, the thermal transfer element 309 is disposed in use, below the photovoltaic panel 303 and in thermal contact with the photovoltaic panel 303.
The thermal transfer element 309 is made from plastics material, and comprises a plurality of elongate channels 310.
The solar energy device 301 operates as follows: -Light energy from the sun impinges on the photovoltaic panel 303 and as a result, the light energy is converted into electrical energy, which is either stored in an external storage device such as a battery (not shown) to be utilised as required, or transferred to the national electricity network for example.
The energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is reduced in the event that heat energy is not adequately dissipated. Conversely, if heat energy is adequately dissipated from a photovoltaic panel then the energy conversion efficiency is significantly improved.
Turning now to the role of the thermal transfer element 309, heat energy from the sun which has directly impinged on the photovoltaic panel 303 is transferred to the thermal transfer element 309. In the event that water is flowing through the elongate channels 310, the water is heated as a result of the heat being conducted away from the photovoltaic panel 303, and to the thermal transferelement 309.
In this way, the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 303 is increased as a result of the heat energy from the sun being conducted away from it, with that heat energy being utilised to heat water flowing through the elongate channels 310, said heated water being utilised in heating systems for example.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

  1. Claims 1. A solar energy device comprising: - {iii) an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (iv) a thermally conductive element disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator, characterised in that the thermally conductive element has a first surface in thermal contact with said electrical generator, and a second surface opposite to said first surface, wherein said second surface comprises at least one raised portion.
  2. 2. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one raised portion is a curvilinear portion.
  3. 3. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said thermally conductive element comprises aluminium.
  4. 4. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the thermally conductive element is directly thermally connected to the electrical generator.
  5. 5. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the electrical generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell for converting at least a portion of light energy from the sun into electrical energy.
  6. 6. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical generator comprises at least one thermoelectric generator for converting at least a portion of heat energy from the sun into electrical energy.
  7. 7. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the thermoelectric generator comprises a Seeback device.
  8. 8. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the second surface of said thermally conductive element comprises a plurality of curvilinear portions.
  9. 9. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the second surface of said thermally conductive element is organic in shape.
  10. 10. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the thermally conductive element has an organic profile.
  11. 11. A solar energy device comprising: - (I) an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a thermally conductive element disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator; and (iii) a thermal transfer element for transferring at least a portion of heat energy -from the sun to a body, said thermal transfer element being disposed in use, below said thermally conductive element and in thermal contact with said thermally conductive element, characterised in that said thermal transfer element and said thermally conductive element comprise aluminium.
  12. 12. A-solar energy device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said electrical generator is a thermoelectric generator.
  13. 13. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said thermoelectric generator is a Seeback device.
  14. 14. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said electrical generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell.
  15. 15. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the thermal transfer element comprises a hollow tubular arrangement.
  16. 16. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the thermal transfer element comprises a network of interconnected hollow tubes.
  17. 17. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the interconnected hollow tubes are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.
  18. 18. A solar energy device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the hollow tubular arrangement further comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, whereby a fluid enters the hollow tubular arrangement via the fluid inlet and leaves the hollow tubular arrangement via the fluid outlet.
  19. 19. A solar energy device comprising: - (i) an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of incident solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a thermal transfer element for transferring at least a portion of heat energy from the sun to a body, said thermal transfer element being disposed in use, below said electrical generator and in thermal contact with said electrical generator, characterised in that said thermal transfer element comprises plastics material.
  20. 20. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the electrical generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell.
  21. 21. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electrical generator comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged on a panel.
  22. 22. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least a portion of said panel comprises translucent material.
  23. 23. A solar energy device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said electrical generator comprises a Seeback device.
  24. 24. A solar energy device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB1306467.0A 2013-04-10 2013-04-10 Solar energy device Withdrawn GB2512883A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1306467.0A GB2512883A (en) 2013-04-10 2013-04-10 Solar energy device

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1306467.0A GB2512883A (en) 2013-04-10 2013-04-10 Solar energy device

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GB201306467D0 GB201306467D0 (en) 2013-05-22
GB2512883A true GB2512883A (en) 2014-10-15

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1975922A1 (en) * 2007-03-28 2008-10-01 HONDA MOTOR CO., Ltd. Vehicular active noise control system
DE102008026505A1 (en) * 2008-05-26 2010-02-18 Würth Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG Solar module, particularly for roof covering of building roof, and for solar surface of solar system, has photovoltaic active layer for transformation of solar radiation into electrical energy
US20100288333A1 (en) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-18 Marina Temchenko Heat dissipating protective sheets and encapsulant for photovoltaic modules
US20100319752A1 (en) * 2008-01-07 2010-12-23 Atomic Energy Council - Institute Of Nuclear Energy Research Radiating apparatus for solar cell
CN202363497U (en) * 2011-11-18 2012-08-01 江苏爱康太阳能科技股份有限公司 Aluminium profile frame of solar panel
US8537554B1 (en) * 2009-05-15 2013-09-17 Energy Related Devices, Inc. Structured relief dielectric heat sink for planar photovoltaic cells and semiconductor devices

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1975922A1 (en) * 2007-03-28 2008-10-01 HONDA MOTOR CO., Ltd. Vehicular active noise control system
US20100319752A1 (en) * 2008-01-07 2010-12-23 Atomic Energy Council - Institute Of Nuclear Energy Research Radiating apparatus for solar cell
DE102008026505A1 (en) * 2008-05-26 2010-02-18 Würth Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG Solar module, particularly for roof covering of building roof, and for solar surface of solar system, has photovoltaic active layer for transformation of solar radiation into electrical energy
US20100288333A1 (en) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-18 Marina Temchenko Heat dissipating protective sheets and encapsulant for photovoltaic modules
US8537554B1 (en) * 2009-05-15 2013-09-17 Energy Related Devices, Inc. Structured relief dielectric heat sink for planar photovoltaic cells and semiconductor devices
CN202363497U (en) * 2011-11-18 2012-08-01 江苏爱康太阳能科技股份有限公司 Aluminium profile frame of solar panel

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