PV-Therm – an innovative solution to a physical problem
The lower the temperature of the photovoltaic modules, the higher their output. This is a problem, especially in summer when temperatures are high. When the solar cells heat up, it inevitably leads to loss in performance. What is therefore, more obvious than to cool the modules in order to increase efficiency? This is precisely the secret of the PV-Therm module: it is cooled using a heat transfer fluid - thus increasing output. But there is more: at the same time, the heat generated through the cooling process can also be used, e.g. for water heating or to support heating systems.
Two technologies in one module
The PV-Therm combined module successfully integrates the benefits of two previously separate systems: a thermal solar system and a photovoltaic system. A heat transfer fluid flows through an additionally installed heat exchanger to cool the solar cells. Using integrated connection elements, several PV-Therm modules can be connected together to create a closed loop. Through this system, the flow is evenly distributed between the modules, and their heat is absorbed and transferred. What’s remarkable here is that the heat that usually decreases the efficiency of the modules in this case actually helps to save energy and money.
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| PV-Therm Versuchsanlage |
Wärmebild PV-Therm ungekühlt |
Wärmebild PV-Therm gekühlt nach ca. 10 Min |
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An excellent idea from Germany
Experts have often complained that the two functions - solar heat and Photovoltaics - have too negative a mutual impact to allow adequate flow of energy and heat from the roof. This was a challenge for William Bihler from Solarzentrum Allgäu, who spent many years developing a combined module for WIOSUN GmbH & Co.KG that effectively combines the two technologies. In 2008, he was awarded the Bundespreis für hervorragende innovatorische Leistungen für das Handwerk (Federal award for outstanding innovation in industry and trade) for this development.
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Easy installation
The plug-in connections on the body of the PV-Therm module make it easy to connect the modules.
As both hydraulic and electrical knowledge is required for the planning and assembly, WIOSUN offers specific planning, sales and installation training. |
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