Research and development are important for J.v.G. technology GmbH of Bavaria. As the leader in the industrial segment of constructing turnkey solar production units, we are now receiving grants for another highly enticing research project: the development of a passive ground-coupled heat exchanger meant to prevent temperature-related efficiency losses in solar panels.
Solar Research Project
A popular notion is that the more sunshine we have, the better it is for generating power. This is not fully correct, because if temperatures go up, the efficiency of the solar panels begins to drop gradually. Expressed in figures, this means: one degree more on the thermometer leads to a performance drop of 0.5%. This is due to an inherent property of Silicon.
On a hot summer day, the temperature in a panel may rise to as high as 70 °C. Is there a way to effectively counteract this? This is the question that the research team at J.v.G. technology has on its agenda. The basic idea is: if the temperature can be brought down to about 20 °C in the solar panels, it would mean, inversely, an efficiency increase of 20%, compared to their performance at 60 °C. And that would be the annual average.
How about using the ground as a buffer? We are seeking basic answers for an important problem!
There are, in fact, many promising starting points: at a depth of roughly three meters, the temperature is 10°C throughout the year. “Our aim is to utilize the ground as a heat exchanger,” explains Dr. Claudia Gemmel, manager of the R&D department at J.v.G. technology. The method implies that the surplus heat dissipates into the ground through pipes. However, there is one basic problem, which needs to be solved by the solar research project: “By nature, the ground is a bad thermal conductor. At cooling loads >4 W/m2, heat accumulates in the immediate surroundings, and this in turn prevents heat dissipating from the cooling cycle into the ground.” But the researchers at J.v.G. technology have found an encouraging solution, which Dr. Claudia Gemmel’s team now plans to develop further with the research grants from the Central Innovation Programme for Medium-Scale Enterprises (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand – ZIM).
Efforts for Sustainable Growth: ZIM
The ZIM programme is endorsed by the Ministry of Economics and Technology and designed to support medium-scale industries. The programme aims to promote talent and innovation within small- and medium-scale enterprises. The funds cover part of the expenses for the Solar Research Project and Development activities. In order to receive assistance, the basic requirement is that new products, processes or technical services are developed that clearly surpass existing technologies. The benchmark for this is international state-of-the-art technology.
Info: www.zim-bmwi.de
About J.v.G. technology GmbH
Based in Freystadt in the region of Oberpfalz, Germany, J.v.G. serves customers throughout Europe, America and Asia. The range of products and services from J.v.G. technology GmbH includes consultation in the field of solar power generation, implementation of solar factories, and the purchasing and sale of solar components. In addition to this, J.v.G. is also a consultant for major clients in Europe and Japan. We have more than 20 years of industry experience.
More Information About Our Nanotechnology:
Photovoltaic Technology
Desert Technology
Buy Second-Hand Top-Quality Equipment
This might also interest you: