Development Stage: PCT Patent Application

Background:

The current socio-economic environment drives the search for renewable sources of energy.  The sun has the potential to provide an abundance of renewable power, but the efficiency of current solar panels, or photovoltaics (PV), is relatively low.  Heat dissipation from solar technology remains a leading factor in energy losses.  Currently, household systems are either photovoltaic energy converters, or solar-thermal systems for water heating.  Also, due to space limitations, the urban setting forces a choice as to the number and types of solar systems that can be used.  Hybrid solar technology provides an efficient solution.

Description of the Invention:

The technology is a newly designed and fully integrated system that maximizes the harvesting of solar energy.  This hybrid solar system integrates multiple technologies into a single product that will generate both electricity and hot water, and also perform water disinfection.  More specifically, the multifunctional solar energy conversion system: 

1. Uses the visible and infrared spectrum of sunlight to produce electricity and heat;

2. Utilizes water circulation to dissipate the heat and generate warm water (~50-60oC); 

3. Uses some of the collected sunlight for photocatalytic self-cleaning and to disinfect the heated water. 

This system will deliver ~3kW of electricity, and enough hot water for a family of 4-6.  It minimizes the risk of microbial buildup in the warm water tank. This technology makes full use of the entire solar spectrum, with a small footprint, to deliver a complete solution to homeowners. 

Potential Advantages/Applications:

• A single system that produces energy, hot water, and also conducts water disinfection

• Optimized to maximize solar power collection for generating both electric and thermal energy

• Self-cleaning surfaces eliminate soil buildup for improved solar energy conversion

• Easy maintenance is ensured by self-cleaning surfaces and antimicrobial properties

• Small footprint

Keywords:

Solar Energy, Photovoltaic, Thermal, Water, Electricity, Nanotechnology, Self-Cleaning, Photocatalytic, Disinfectant.