Enertopia says it has secured a USPTO patent for its heat recovery technology for solar PV panels
It can address the problem of overheating by collecting and retaining moisture at dew point temperatures, according to the company
This can facilitate and improve heat transfer from the PV panel thereby enhancing the panel’s life and performance
Canada-headquartered environmental solutions company Enertopia Corporation says it has been issued patent number 12224704 for its heat recovery technology or heat extractor for solar PV panels from the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO).
Enertopia says, “Our Heat Recovery System uniquely addresses a systematic problem in the solar industry; the overheating of panels, which leads to lower electrical output and shorter panel lifetimes.”
It explains that the optimal temperature for the face of a photovoltaic panel is 77°F, and for every degree above or below 77 degrees the current output of the panel is reduced by approximately 0.26%. Of the extra heat that is produced, half of it dissipates off the face of the panel, while the remaining half is transferred to the back of the panel, where temperatures can exceed 140°F.
According to the Canadian company, its heat recovery technology captures moisture from the air and retains it at dew point temperatures to improve the efficiency of solar panels. The moisture collection layer is positioned between the panel and the liquid transfer system to facilitate the rapid transfer of heat from the panel to the liquid transfer system.
In the absence of moisture not forming naturally, Enertopia’s heat recovery system can employ a controlled water emitting to ensure the saturation of the moisture collection layer.
In this way, explains Enertopia, its heat recovery system can facilitate and improve heat transfer from the PV panel thereby improving its efficiency, increasing its lifespan and reducing its degradation. It also helps prevent or limit thermal shock for the PV panels. This moisture collection layer may also feed an agricultural or drip system that allows for irrigation of plants in areas with water scarcity, it adds.
Assessed by a 3rd party, Thermal Energy System Specialists, Enertopia says its heat recovery system was found to have prompted up to 13.8%/year increase in energy generation, and up to 19.9% on a monthly basis.
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