Use of microspheres in thermally insulating hybrid solar panels

Abstract

In this work the problem of thermally insulating a PhotoVoltaic Thermal (PVT) hybrid solar panel is investigated. In particular, a PVT panel designed to be laid on the ground like a tile is considered. Such a hybrid solar tile, previously presented, is resistant, walkable and can be used to cover places, terraces and roof. It consists in a core composed of a photovoltaic cell layer placed in contact with an aluminum heat sink which transfers heat from the cells to a water flow. This core is coated on the upper side with a transparent epoxy resin and on the lower and lateral sides with an opaque epoxy resin. To thermally insulate such a panel, the insertion of microspheres in the opaque resin is then considered. In particular, the maximum concentration of the microspheres acceptable with respect to the production process is evaluated. Moreover, the effect on the heat dispersed by the panel, which is produced by inserting microspheres in the opaque resin, is experimentally investigated. Some preliminary results are presented showing reductions in the dispersed heat.