Breathing and desiccant regenerating cycle for reducing condensation in concentrator photovoltaic modules
US8894754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A concentrator photovoltaic apparatus for controlling internal condensation includes a light receiving module including one or more photovoltaic cells in a waterproof enclosure, at least one primary lens sealed to the waterproof enclosure for concentrating sunlight, a waterproof breather membrane regulating the pressure of the air located inside the enclosure, and a regenerative desiccant in a thermally decoupled dryer tube or thermally coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. Smaller breather membrane vents and/or positive time delays between the temperature of the desiccant and the temperature of the enclosure may prolong an adsorption phase of the desiccant, which may substantially contribute to efficiency, reliability, and autonomous control of condensation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.