This Hybrid Solar System Captures Excess Heat From Solar Cells
Rahul Kalvapalle — October 6, 2015 — Eco
References: brunel.ac.uk & gizmag
A team of scientists, engineers and researchers at Brunel University London have come up with an intriguing hybrid solar system that is capable of converting and entire roof into a solar generator.
It's a common misconception that the more sunlight hits a solar panel, the better. But that's not necessarily the case and in fact, the opposite can sometimes be true because as photovoltaic cells heat up, their efficiency actually takes a hit. This hybrid system helps to capture the excess heat and still put it to good use.
This hybrid solar energy system brings together flat heat pipes with photovoltaic cells with the purpose of both heating water as well as generating usable electricity. The heat pipes can be used to transfer heat away from those surfaces where they are not needed in a variety of personal settings such as personal computers or perhaps even in outer space.
Solar energy is far from perfect, but technologies like this one enable better and more efficient exploitation of solar energy.
It's a common misconception that the more sunlight hits a solar panel, the better. But that's not necessarily the case and in fact, the opposite can sometimes be true because as photovoltaic cells heat up, their efficiency actually takes a hit. This hybrid system helps to capture the excess heat and still put it to good use.
This hybrid solar energy system brings together flat heat pipes with photovoltaic cells with the purpose of both heating water as well as generating usable electricity. The heat pipes can be used to transfer heat away from those surfaces where they are not needed in a variety of personal settings such as personal computers or perhaps even in outer space.
Solar energy is far from perfect, but technologies like this one enable better and more efficient exploitation of solar energy.
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Solar System - Opportunity to develop and market hybrid solar systems that combine photovoltaic cells with other technologies to optimize energy generation and heat capture.
2. Excess Heat Capture - Potential for creating innovative solutions that capture and utilize the excess heat from solar cells, improving overall energy efficiency.
3. Improved Solar Efficiency - Disruption opportunity in developing technologies that mitigate the efficiency loss of solar panels due to overheating, maximizing energy output.
Industry Implications
1. Solar Energy - Developing and evolving solar technologies to enhance efficiency and address challenges such as overheating to drive widespread adoption of solar energy.
2. Renewable Energy - Opportunity for renewable energy companies to invest in and develop hybrid solar systems that capture and optimize excess heat, improving overall energy generation.
3. Green Technology - Innovative green tech companies can explore and create solutions that increase the efficiency of solar energy systems, including heat capture and utilization.
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