The brine from a heat pump flows through the specially developed heat exchangers. By using an air duct and two fans along the top edge, a vacuum is created underneath the solar system and the air is actively drawn through the heat exchangers.
Generator is actively cooled in summer
Combinations of solar power systems and brine heat pumps are nothing new. However, this idea has two decisive advantages: The heat pump receives a better heat source, while the solar modules are actively cooled at the same time. Conversely, the modules can be defrosted in winter. This increases the efficiency of both systems.
See also: Solar heat pump system with PVT technology
Defrosting the snow cover in winter
In winter, cold air flows through the lower heat exchanger and heats up on its way upwards below the modules. The heat it contains is then absorbed in the upper heat exchanger and utilised in the house via the heat pump. Another advantage: if the photovoltaic system is covered in snow during the winter months, the lower heat exchanger can be used to defrost the snow cover without further ado.
Also interesting: A package for an almost fully solar-powered house
250 watts per square metre
Compared to conventional PVT systems, which combine the principle of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy in each module, the new approach involves a structural separation of the electrical and hydraulic components. This minimises the installation effort. At the same time, the maintainability and service life of the system are significantly improved. ‘We call our product DWT-250,’ says Monika Padeller from Maustronik. (nhp/mfo)
