Thermodynamic solar panels

Photovoltaic panel

A photovoltaic panel has an efficiency of between 14 and 18%. This means that, if 100 is the total irradiation that hits the panel, 14-18% is converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect; the remaining 82-86% is heat. Managed by our system, this heat, which under normal conditions would be released in the environment, is largely recovered and used to supplement a heat pump air conditioning system for both winter heating and summer cooling. Even when they do not reach the optimal temperature, the heat, which will still be produced by them, is part of the integrated system idea. The system works even in the absence of the sun by recovering energy from the wind and the outside temperature. A solar thermodynamicinstallation is normally used to produce domestic hot water. The solar thermodynamic system combines the technologies of the heat pump and solar thermal collector, enhancing only their strengths. The roof panel receives heat not only from the air, but also from the sun shining on it or the rain falling on it. All the heat taken from the environment is fed into the heat pump’s operating cycle, increasing its performance. This configuration also eliminates periodic defrosting cycles, reducing electricity consumption and maintenance, while compared to normal solar thermal panels, the system operates 24 hours a day, whether the sun shines or not. The thermodynamic system must be well dimensioned considering the surface area, the number of inhabitants/users, their needs, the insulation of the house or building, and the exposure of the panels.