Efficiency restoration in a photovoltaic cell
US9515215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/60
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The electrical output efficiency of a photovoltaic thermal system can be restored from degradation due to light exposure by annealing a photovoltaic thermal cell at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature at the photovoltaic thermal cell can be provided by redirecting the flow of a heat exchange fluid to bypass a heat exchanger unit. A boiler unit may be employed to provide additional heating of the heat exchange fluid during the anneal. Further, a variable configuration lid can be provided over a front surface of the photovoltaic thermal cell to control ventilation over the front surface. During the anneal, the position of the variable configuration lid can be set so as to trap heat above the front surface and to elevate the anneal temperature further.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.