Development of Vipertex EHT Solar Surfaces for Enhanced Energy Transfer Applications

Abstract

Solar energy production is an important source of green energy that utilizes various thermal designs. Development and modeling of enhanced photovoltaic–thermal solar surfaces is the subject of this study. Design criteria include maximization of the overall energy transfer; minimization of material; and a minimization of any friction increases that might occur in the flowing fluid; and all of these are required while at the same time a structurally superior surface is necessary. Most current designs involve the transfer of energy across a flat and unenhanced solar surface. Current surfaces utilize old technology, making them prime candidates for redesign and improved process performance. Previously developed Vipertex EHT series solar surfaces were tested and found to provide an enhanced energy exchange surface, increased heat exchange surface area, lighter structure, and structural rigidity that exceeds current surfaces using the same amount of material. Vipertex solar surfaces that meet those requirements are produced through material surface modifications and result in additional heat transfer surface area, increased energy absorption, increased fluid turbulence, generation of secondary fluid flow patterns, and produces a disruption of the thermal boundary layer. These enhanced surfaces provide important changes to solar surface design that allow the advancement of thermal solar devices.