US20080264411A1 - Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane - Google Patents
Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080264411A1 US20080264411A1 US11/740,707 US74070707A US2008264411A1 US 20080264411 A1 US20080264411 A1 US 20080264411A1 US 74070707 A US74070707 A US 74070707A US 2008264411 A1 US2008264411 A1 US 2008264411A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- solar
- glass
- solar collector
- glass pane
- pane
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C17/00—Surface treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating
- C03C17/22—Surface treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with other inorganic material
- C03C17/23—Oxides
- C03C17/245—Oxides by deposition from the vapour phase
- C03C17/2456—Coating containing TiO2
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
- F24S40/20—Cleaning; Removing snow
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
- F24S80/50—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings
- F24S80/52—Elements for transmitting incoming solar rays and preventing outgoing heat radiation; Transparent coverings characterised by the material
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C2217/00—Coatings on glass
- C03C2217/20—Materials for coating a single layer on glass
- C03C2217/21—Oxides
- C03C2217/212—TiO2
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C2217/00—Coatings on glass
- C03C2217/70—Properties of coatings
- C03C2217/71—Photocatalytic coatings
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C2217/00—Coatings on glass
- C03C2217/70—Properties of coatings
- C03C2217/75—Hydrophilic and oleophilic coatings
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C2218/00—Methods for coating glass
- C03C2218/10—Deposition methods
- C03C2218/15—Deposition methods from the vapour phase
- C03C2218/154—Deposition methods from the vapour phase by sputtering
- C03C2218/156—Deposition methods from the vapour phase by sputtering by magnetron sputtering
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to solar energy devices in general, and more particularly to the protective glass coverings of such devices through which solar radiation enters.
- Solar radiation striking the earth's surface can be utilized in various fashions to provide for heating and electrical needs.
- Solar thermal collectors expose a working fluid to solar radiation, and then transport that liquid for use either directly or for heating some other fluid in a heat exchanger.
- Solar photovoltaic cells convert the solar radiation to electricity which is then either immediately used, stored in some fashion, or returned to the power grid.
- solar collectors encompasses both solar thermal collectors and solar photovoltaic cells.
- solar collectors typically solar collectors have a cover which allows solar radiation to pass through, but which blocks wind, precipitation, dust and debris from attaching to or degrading the solar device.
- a conventional solar device cover will comprise a sheet of glass.
- the glass may or may not be transparent in the visible spectrum, but should be substantially transparent in the wavelengths being used by the solar device. Because of the protective function of the solar device cover, it will be exposed to contamination which can gradually obstruct the glass covering, resulting in a diminution of the solar energy passing through the cover to the solar device. To restore the performance of the solar device it is then necessary to periodically clean the glass covers, something that may be cumbersome, time consuming, and costly and potentially unsafe.
- the solar collector of this invention comprises an array of solar cells or fluid containing heat absorbing channels which are illuminated by the sun through a glass panel wherein the glass panel is constructed of thin high transmissive low iron glass with a first surface coating of a magnetron sputter vapor deposition coating consisting primarily of titanium dioxide.
- the titanium dioxide coating achieves a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface.
- the hydrophilic surface has a contact angle of 25° or less, preferably 20° or less.
- the back surface is preferably not coated.
- FIG. 1 is side elevational cross-sectional view of a solar cell array module and glass cover of this invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a solar absorber and glass cover of this invention.
- the solar cell array module 20 comprises a plurality of solar cells 22 positioned beneath a glass pane 24 .
- the glass pane 24 together with an enclosure or box 26 protects the solar cells 22 from the environment.
- the glass pane 24 prevents rain, moisture and possibly corrosive elements from contacting the solar cells 22 which may corrode or short out in the presence of moisture.
- the glass pane is necessary in order to allow the sun's rays to reach the photoelectric surface 30 of the solar cells.
- the cost of solar cells, while continuing to decline, is still substantial. Therefore, to minimize the total cost and the number of solar cells needed it is important to maximize the amount of sunlight reaching the photoelectric surface 30 of the solar cells 22 .
- the module 20 may be fixed in place, to maximize the amount of sunlight falling on the solar cells the module 20 may be made be to track the sun, or may be adjusted seasonally.
- a solar cell array module located at 35 degrees north latitude such as in Albuquerque, N. Mex., will in the winter be oriented at an angle of about 60.5° from the horizontal and facing south. During the summer the optimum angle is closer to 8°. For latitudes at 45 North the optimal angle in the winter will be 67.5°, and 17° in the summer.
- Titanium dioxide coated windows have been developed which take advantage of the properties of titanium dioxide to achieve a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface.
- the titanium dioxide may be in the anatase form, and in some cases can be doped with carbon.
- windows employing such a titanium dioxide coating are exposed to ultraviolet light the surface becomes hydrophilic and photocatalytic so as to oxidize organic dirt, dust, and films which are in contact with the titanium dioxide coating.
- rain or wash water is applied to the windows they are readily washed clean.
- Windows with titanium dioxide coating are normally supplied with other coatings, particularly low-E coatings which block ultraviolet and infrared rays in order to produce a window with less heat loss and less heat gain which is normally desirable in a window. Because the low-E coatings may give the glass an undesirable color, additional coatings are added in order to achieve a neutral color for aesthetic reasons.
- the glass pane 24 is preferably thin tempered glass, having a thickness of about 3-6 mm (1 ⁇ 8 to 1 ⁇ 4 inches), and preferably of very clear glass such as can be achieved with a low iron content glass i.e., less than 0.1% iron oxide calculated on the basis of Fe 2 0 3 , such as is available, for example from Guardian Industries Corporation under the trademark Guardian UltraWhiteTM.
- a low iron content glass i.e., less than 0.1% iron oxide calculated on the basis of Fe 2 0 3
- Guardian UltraWhiteTM such as is available, for example from Guardian Industries Corporation under the trademark Guardian UltraWhiteTM.
- Such a glass has visible light transmittance of 91% to 90% and a solar energy transmittance of 89 to 86% for glass thicknesses of 3 mm, or 6 mm (1 ⁇ 8 or 1 ⁇ 4 inches) respectively.
- the glass is coated with a layer of less than 100 angstroms of titanium dioxide which is expected to reduce solar energy transmittance by less than 1% so that a suitable glass pane 24 , will transmit 89 to 90% of visible light and have a solar energy transmittance of 85% to 88%.
- the titanium dioxide coating is deposited with the Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process (also known as Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition) (for purposes of this application, Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition will be used to include Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition) which results in a smooth surface of controlled composition, which upon activation with ultraviolet light has a water droplet contact angle of 25° or less, preferably 20° or less, achieving even super hydrophilicity with a contact angle of near zero, i.e. less than 2-3°. This low contact angle allows rainwater or wash water to sheet off the titanium dioxide pane surface 32 .
- MSVD Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition
- a suitable coating may be obtained from Cardinal Glass Industries, for example the titanium dioxide coating sold under the trademark NeatTM glass. With this applied coating, there is little or no affect on the solar transmittance or the solar reflectance.
- Conventional Cardinal window glass with this coating is not suitable for use with solar collectors because of its relatively low light transmission i.e., in addition to the photoactive hydrophilic titanium dioxide coating, other coatings, namely silver-based low-E coatings, are used which reduce total energy transmission through the glass.
- silver-based low-E coated surfaces must be hermetically sealed to avoid oxidation, and thus are not suitable for the single pane of a solar collector.
- the glass pane of the present invention does not have low-E coatings.
- Cardinal Glass NeatTM coating which contains metallic and nonmetallic layers but consists primarily of titanium dioxide, if applied to a suitable glass with high light transmissive properties provides a suitable glass for application in solar collectors.
- the benefit of the photoactive hydrophilic and photocatalytic titanium dioxide coated glass is that more light reaches the solar cells over time, because the glass pane is less obscured by soiling, due to the self-cleaning properties of the photocatalytic surface.
- the cost of maintenance of solar panels is also reduced because of the speed and ease of cleaning, and the relative infrequency of cleaning.
- the Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process is distinct from pyrolytic hydrophilic coatings inasmuch as the surface coating is substantially less rough, see for example the comparison on page 2 of Cardinal glass technical bulletin CG 05 of June 2006 which is incorporated herein by reference, which shows surface variations of over 20 nanometers on a short scale for a pyrolytic hydrophilic coating whereas the MSVD coating has few and lower peaks.
- a thermal solar collector module 34 has an insulating box 36 with a glass pane 24 with a titanium dioxide outer surface 32 and an uncoated inner surface 38 .
- thermal collecting tubes 40 or passageways are arranged to allow a fluid 42 moving through the passageways to gather solar heat which enters through the glass pane 24 .
- the thermal solar collector module 34 employs the glass pane 24 to isolate and protect from the environment the solar collecting structures, such as the collecting tubes 40 and any light baffles and absorbers present.
- the glass panel acts to limit convective cooling of the interior of the insulated box 36 .
- the glass pane 24 provides over time greater solar incidence, and therefore greater solar energy because of the degrading of obscuring organic particles and film through the photocatalytic action of the titanium oxide coating.
- the photoactive hydrophilic properties allow the ready removal by rainwater or washing of all contaminants which obscure the glass pane 24 outer surface 32 .
- the glass pane 24 need not transmit images, the glass pane 24 may have a texture such that it is only translucent i.e., transmitting light but sufficiently diffuse as to prevent perception of distinct images, while still having the visible light transmittance and solar energy transmittance of clear glass.
- the glass pane 24 of the device of FIG. 1 is not laminated to or directly affixed to the solar cells 22 , but rather spaced a short distance from the solar cells, and that similarly in the device of FIG. 2 , the glass pane 24 is not laminated or directly affixed to the collecting tubes 40 .
- the visible light and solar energy transmittance is defined with respect to low iron content glass such as is available for example from Guardian Industries Corporation under the trademark Guardian UltraWhiteTM such that visible light transmittance of 91 to 90% and a solar energy transmittance of 89 to 86% pertain for glass thicknesses of 3 mm, or 6 mm (1 ⁇ 8 or 1 ⁇ 4 inches) respectively.
Abstract
A solar collector which is illuminated by the sun through a glass panel wherein the glass panel is constructed of glass without low-e coatings with a first surface coating of a magnetron sputtered vapor deposition coating consisting primarily of titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide achieves a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface to produce a solar collector which is self-cleaning for increased solar energy transmittance with less cleaning cost.
Description
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- The present invention relates to solar energy devices in general, and more particularly to the protective glass coverings of such devices through which solar radiation enters.
- Solar radiation striking the earth's surface can be utilized in various fashions to provide for heating and electrical needs. Solar thermal collectors expose a working fluid to solar radiation, and then transport that liquid for use either directly or for heating some other fluid in a heat exchanger. Solar photovoltaic cells convert the solar radiation to electricity which is then either immediately used, stored in some fashion, or returned to the power grid. For purposes of this application, “solar collectors” encompasses both solar thermal collectors and solar photovoltaic cells. Typically solar collectors have a cover which allows solar radiation to pass through, but which blocks wind, precipitation, dust and debris from attaching to or degrading the solar device.
- A conventional solar device cover will comprise a sheet of glass. The glass may or may not be transparent in the visible spectrum, but should be substantially transparent in the wavelengths being used by the solar device. Because of the protective function of the solar device cover, it will be exposed to contamination which can gradually obstruct the glass covering, resulting in a diminution of the solar energy passing through the cover to the solar device. To restore the performance of the solar device it is then necessary to periodically clean the glass covers, something that may be cumbersome, time consuming, and costly and potentially unsafe.
- Various coatings have been applied to glass panels to reduce the obstruction occurring over time due to exposure to the elements. What is needed is a glass panel for a solar collector cover which contributes to optimal transmission of solar energy and which addresses the problem of dirt build-up thereon.
- The solar collector of this invention comprises an array of solar cells or fluid containing heat absorbing channels which are illuminated by the sun through a glass panel wherein the glass panel is constructed of thin high transmissive low iron glass with a first surface coating of a magnetron sputter vapor deposition coating consisting primarily of titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide coating achieves a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface. The hydrophilic surface has a contact angle of 25° or less, preferably 20° or less. The back surface is preferably not coated.
- It is a feature of the present invention to provide a solar collector with improved collection efficiency in the face of obscuring dust or dirt on the collector's glass cover.
- It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a glass cover for a solar cell array or a solar absorption box with lower maintenance costs.
- Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is side elevational cross-sectional view of a solar cell array module and glass cover of this invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a solar absorber and glass cover of this invention. - Referring more particularly to
FIGS. 1-2 , where like numbers refer to similar parts, a solarcell array module 20 is shown inFIG. 1 . The solarcell array module 20 comprises a plurality ofsolar cells 22 positioned beneath aglass pane 24. Theglass pane 24 together with an enclosure orbox 26 protects thesolar cells 22 from the environment. Theglass pane 24 prevents rain, moisture and possibly corrosive elements from contacting thesolar cells 22 which may corrode or short out in the presence of moisture. However to function, that is to generate power from the sun's rays, the glass pane is necessary in order to allow the sun's rays to reach thephotoelectric surface 30 of the solar cells. The cost of solar cells, while continuing to decline, is still substantial. Therefore, to minimize the total cost and the number of solar cells needed it is important to maximize the amount of sunlight reaching thephotoelectric surface 30 of thesolar cells 22. - Although the
module 20 may be fixed in place, to maximize the amount of sunlight falling on the solar cells themodule 20 may be made be to track the sun, or may be adjusted seasonally. For example a solar cell array module located at 35 degrees north latitude such as in Albuquerque, N. Mex., will in the winter be oriented at an angle of about 60.5° from the horizontal and facing south. During the summer the optimum angle is closer to 8°. For latitudes at 45 North the optimal angle in the winter will be 67.5°, and 17° in the summer. Thus it is apparent that for solar collectors the orientation of the glass pane of themodule 20 with respect to horizontal will often be closer to horizontal than to vertical, with the result that atmospheric dust may build up on theglass pane 24 blocking sunlight from reaching thesolar cells 22 within theenclosure 26. Of course the build up of dust and dirt on theglass pane 24 of themodule 20 could be dealt with by frequent washing, however this can involve considerable expense, especially when it is considered that solar collectors are often located on the roof of buildings or other relatively inaccessible locations. - Titanium dioxide coated windows have been developed which take advantage of the properties of titanium dioxide to achieve a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface. The titanium dioxide may be in the anatase form, and in some cases can be doped with carbon. When windows employing such a titanium dioxide coating are exposed to ultraviolet light the surface becomes hydrophilic and photocatalytic so as to oxidize organic dirt, dust, and films which are in contact with the titanium dioxide coating. When rain or wash water is applied to the windows they are readily washed clean. Windows with titanium dioxide coating are normally supplied with other coatings, particularly low-E coatings which block ultraviolet and infrared rays in order to produce a window with less heat loss and less heat gain which is normally desirable in a window. Because the low-E coatings may give the glass an undesirable color, additional coatings are added in order to achieve a neutral color for aesthetic reasons.
- The
glass pane 24 is preferably thin tempered glass, having a thickness of about 3-6 mm (⅛ to ¼ inches), and preferably of very clear glass such as can be achieved with a low iron content glass i.e., less than 0.1% iron oxide calculated on the basis of Fe203, such as is available, for example from Guardian Industries Corporation under the trademark Guardian UltraWhite™. Such a glass has visible light transmittance of 91% to 90% and a solar energy transmittance of 89 to 86% for glass thicknesses of 3 mm, or 6 mm (⅛ or ¼ inches) respectively. The glass is coated with a layer of less than 100 angstroms of titanium dioxide which is expected to reduce solar energy transmittance by less than 1% so that asuitable glass pane 24, will transmit 89 to 90% of visible light and have a solar energy transmittance of 85% to 88%. The titanium dioxide coating is deposited with the Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process (also known as Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition) (for purposes of this application, Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition will be used to include Magnetron Sputter Vacuum Deposition) which results in a smooth surface of controlled composition, which upon activation with ultraviolet light has a water droplet contact angle of 25° or less, preferably 20° or less, achieving even super hydrophilicity with a contact angle of near zero, i.e. less than 2-3°. This low contact angle allows rainwater or wash water to sheet off the titaniumdioxide pane surface 32. - The photocatalytic properties result in a gradual destruction of organic materials in contact with the
titanium dioxide surface 32 in the presence of ultraviolet light. A suitable coating may be obtained from Cardinal Glass Industries, for example the titanium dioxide coating sold under the trademark Neat™ glass. With this applied coating, there is little or no affect on the solar transmittance or the solar reflectance. Conventional Cardinal window glass with this coating is not suitable for use with solar collectors because of its relatively low light transmission i.e., in addition to the photoactive hydrophilic titanium dioxide coating, other coatings, namely silver-based low-E coatings, are used which reduce total energy transmission through the glass. Moreover, silver-based low-E coated surfaces must be hermetically sealed to avoid oxidation, and thus are not suitable for the single pane of a solar collector. The glass pane of the present invention does not have low-E coatings. However the Cardinal Glass Neat™ coating, which contains metallic and nonmetallic layers but consists primarily of titanium dioxide, if applied to a suitable glass with high light transmissive properties provides a suitable glass for application in solar collectors. The benefit of the photoactive hydrophilic and photocatalytic titanium dioxide coated glass is that more light reaches the solar cells over time, because the glass pane is less obscured by soiling, due to the self-cleaning properties of the photocatalytic surface. The cost of maintenance of solar panels is also reduced because of the speed and ease of cleaning, and the relative infrequency of cleaning. - The Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process is distinct from pyrolytic hydrophilic coatings inasmuch as the surface coating is substantially less rough, see for example the comparison on page 2 of Cardinal glass technical bulletin CG 05 of June 2006 which is incorporated herein by reference, which shows surface variations of over 20 nanometers on a short scale for a pyrolytic hydrophilic coating whereas the MSVD coating has few and lower peaks.
- As shown in
FIG. 2 , a thermalsolar collector module 34 has aninsulating box 36 with aglass pane 24 with a titanium dioxideouter surface 32 and an uncoatedinner surface 38. Inside the insulatedbox 36,thermal collecting tubes 40 or passageways are arranged to allow afluid 42 moving through the passageways to gather solar heat which enters through theglass pane 24. As with the solarcell array module 20, the thermalsolar collector module 34 employs theglass pane 24 to isolate and protect from the environment the solar collecting structures, such as the collectingtubes 40 and any light baffles and absorbers present. Furthermore, the glass panel acts to limit convective cooling of the interior of theinsulated box 36. At the same time, theglass pane 24 provides over time greater solar incidence, and therefore greater solar energy because of the degrading of obscuring organic particles and film through the photocatalytic action of the titanium oxide coating. The photoactive hydrophilic properties allow the ready removal by rainwater or washing of all contaminants which obscure theglass pane 24outer surface 32. - It should be understood that because the
glass pane 24 need not transmit images, theglass pane 24 may have a texture such that it is only translucent i.e., transmitting light but sufficiently diffuse as to prevent perception of distinct images, while still having the visible light transmittance and solar energy transmittance of clear glass. - It should be understood that the
glass pane 24 of the device ofFIG. 1 is not laminated to or directly affixed to thesolar cells 22, but rather spaced a short distance from the solar cells, and that similarly in the device ofFIG. 2 , theglass pane 24 is not laminated or directly affixed to the collectingtubes 40. - It should be understood that the visible light and solar energy transmittance is defined with respect to low iron content glass such as is available for example from Guardian Industries Corporation under the trademark Guardian UltraWhite™ such that visible light transmittance of 91 to 90% and a solar energy transmittance of 89 to 86% pertain for glass thicknesses of 3 mm, or 6 mm (⅛ or ¼ inches) respectively.
- It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces all such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A solar collector comprising:
a box having a means for collecting and removing useful solar energy from the box, and an opening in the box arranged to receive solar radiation; and
a glass pane without a low-E coating with a pre-installation solar energy transmittance of greater than 85% and having an outer surface coated with a photoactive, photocatalytic titanium dioxide coating of less than 100 angstroms in thickness applied by Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition, the titanium dioxide coating of the type which when exposed to ultraviolet light activates the outer surface to a hydrophilicity to the extent of having a water droplet contact angle of 0-25°, and to be photocatalytic to degrade organic matter in contact with the outer surface, the glass pane covering the opening in the box.
2. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the means for removing solar energy from the box comprises collecting tubes containing a fluid.
3. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the means for removing solar energy from the box comprises an array of solar cells.
4. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the titanium dioxide coating is such that when activated by ultraviolet light the surface achieves a water droplet contact angle of less than 20°.
5. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the glass pane solar energy transmittance is greater than 88%.
6. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the glass pane solar energy transmittance is greater than 89%.
7. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the glass pane transmittance of visible light is greater than 89%.
8. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the glass pane is translucent tempered glass.
9. The solar collector of claim 1 wherein the glass pane is constructed of low iron glass of less than 0.1% iron oxide computed on Fe203.
10. A photovoltaic or thermal solar collector comprising:
an enclosure;
a solar cell or a thermal collecting tube arrangement within the enclosure; and
a protective glass cover pane overlying the enclosure, the cover pane having a Magnetron Sputter Vapor Deposition coating with a primary element of TiO2 less than 100 angstroms in thickness which is photocatalytic and super hydrophilic, the cover pane having a transmittance of greater than 85 percent.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/740,707 US20080264411A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2007-04-26 | Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane |
US12/109,504 US20090014048A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2008-04-25 | Solar collector with hydrophilic photocatalytic coated protective pane |
EP08746888A EP2153137A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2008-04-25 | Solar collector with hydrophilic photocatalytic coated protective pane |
PCT/US2008/061556 WO2008134502A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2008-04-25 | Solar collector with hydrophilic photocatalytic coated protective pane |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/740,707 US20080264411A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2007-04-26 | Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/109,504 Continuation-In-Part US20090014048A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2008-04-25 | Solar collector with hydrophilic photocatalytic coated protective pane |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080264411A1 true US20080264411A1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
Family
ID=39682521
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/740,707 Abandoned US20080264411A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2007-04-26 | Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080264411A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2153137A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008134502A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110108110A1 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2011-05-12 | Takahisa Kusuura | Variable light condensing lens apparatus and solar cell apparatus |
CN103277907A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-04 | 蒋科化 | Ceramic hollow flat-plate solar water heater |
CN103292489A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-11 | 林丽娟 | Closed airing type solar water heater with vacuum tubes |
CN103292504A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-11 | 林丽娟 | Total glass-vacuum tube type solar water heater |
CN103307792A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-18 | 林丽娟 | Heat pipe type vacuum pipe solar water heater |
CN103307791A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-18 | 林丽娟 | Pipe plate type solar water heater |
US9020636B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2015-04-28 | Saied Tadayon | Robot for solar farms |
US20180076758A1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Jesus Miranda | Three-Dimensional Elongated Photovoltaic Cell Assemblies |
Citations (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4106952A (en) * | 1977-09-09 | 1978-08-15 | Kravitz Jerome H | Solar panel unit |
US4205658A (en) * | 1977-10-06 | 1980-06-03 | Clark Peter C | Heat transfer panel |
USRE31151E (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1983-02-15 | Inexpensive solar cell and method therefor | |
US5344498A (en) * | 1991-10-08 | 1994-09-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module with improved weathering characteristics |
US5445177A (en) * | 1990-04-30 | 1995-08-29 | Laing; Johanes L. N. | Platform for the utilization of solar power |
US5482571A (en) * | 1993-06-14 | 1996-01-09 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module |
US5487792A (en) * | 1994-06-13 | 1996-01-30 | Midwest Research Institute | Molecular assemblies as protective barriers and adhesion promotion interlayer |
US5530264A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1996-06-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photoelectric conversion device and photoelectric conversion module each having a protective member comprised of fluorine-containing polymer resin |
US5578141A (en) * | 1993-07-01 | 1996-11-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having excellent weather resistance |
US5582653A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-12-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a surface protective member composed of a fluororesin containing an ultraviolet absorber dispersed therein |
US5596981A (en) * | 1993-07-19 | 1997-01-28 | Soucy; Paul B. | Solar device and method for assembly |
US5650019A (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1997-07-22 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a surface coating material of three-layered structure |
US5660645A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1997-08-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module |
US5681402A (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1997-10-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photovoltaic element |
US6130379A (en) * | 1995-07-19 | 2000-10-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Protective material for a semiconductor element, a semiconductor element provided with said protective material, and a semiconductor device provided with said semiconductor element |
US6191353B1 (en) * | 1996-01-10 | 2001-02-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a specific surface side cover excelling in moisture resistance and transparency |
US6204443B1 (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 2001-03-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a specific front side covering material and a process for the production of said solar cell module |
US6262850B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-07-17 | Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. | Heat-treatable dichroic mirrors |
US6292302B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-09-18 | Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. | Heat-treatable dichroic mirrors |
US6319596B1 (en) * | 1999-06-03 | 2001-11-20 | Madico, Inc. | Barrier laminate |
US6335479B1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2002-01-01 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module |
US6362121B1 (en) * | 1995-09-15 | 2002-03-26 | Rhodia Chimie | Substrate with a photocatalytic coating based on titanium dioxide and organic dispersions based on titanium dioxide |
US6407329B1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2002-06-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Backside covering member for solar battery, sealing film and solar battery |
US6440569B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2002-08-27 | Jsr Corporation | Method of making coating layers containing photocatalyst and a photocatalyst coating glass formed thereby |
US6441299B2 (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2002-08-27 | Bridgestone Corporation | Covering member for solar battery |
US6452091B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2002-09-17 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Method of producing thin-film single-crystal device, solar cell module and method of producing the same |
US6485838B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2002-11-26 | Jsr Corporation | Coating composition, and a coated film and glass each having a coating layer comprised thereof |
US20030010376A1 (en) * | 2001-04-12 | 2003-01-16 | Takanari Yamaguchi | Outer covering for solar battery |
US6521825B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2003-02-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Backside covering material for a solar cell module and its use |
US6580026B1 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2003-06-17 | Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd. | Photovoltaic cell |
US6653356B2 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2003-11-25 | Jonathan Sherman | Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide coatings, and processes for the production and use thereof |
US7087833B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2006-08-08 | Nanosys, Inc. | Nanostructure and nanocomposite based compositions and photovoltaic devices |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1584764A (en) * | 1977-05-27 | 1981-02-18 | Bfg Glassgroup | Solar collector |
US4850339A (en) * | 1988-11-29 | 1989-07-25 | Ghatak Ranen N | Solar oven |
BR9607868A (en) * | 1995-03-20 | 1998-06-30 | Toto Ltd | Mirror lens and transparent leaf member with anti-clogging composite with a hydrophilic surface anti-fog process to prevent a mirror, lens or transparent leaf member from becoming cloudy or cloudy with moisture condensate and / or water droplets adhering processes to make the surface of the water hydrophilic a substrate to clean a substrate to keep the surface of a substrate positioned outdoors clean to prevent the growth of adherent water droplets on a substrate and to prepare a mirror a lens and a transparent leaf member with fogging and a self-cleaning compound with a hydrophilic surface and anti-fog glass |
JPH09231819A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1997-09-05 | Toto Ltd | Cleaning method and dirt preventing method for lighting system for tunnel or road |
JP2002316837A (en) * | 2001-04-12 | 2002-10-31 | Nippon Sheet Glass Co Ltd | Glass sheet and solar battery using the same |
JP2005282882A (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2005-10-13 | Sohei Suzuki | Solar light collecting device |
GB0416574D0 (en) * | 2004-07-24 | 2004-08-25 | Cunningham Frank | Solar design |
US20070134501A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | Mcmaster Alan J | Self-cleaning coatings applied to solar thermal devices |
-
2007
- 2007-04-26 US US11/740,707 patent/US20080264411A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-04-25 WO PCT/US2008/061556 patent/WO2008134502A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-04-25 EP EP08746888A patent/EP2153137A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4106952A (en) * | 1977-09-09 | 1978-08-15 | Kravitz Jerome H | Solar panel unit |
US4205658A (en) * | 1977-10-06 | 1980-06-03 | Clark Peter C | Heat transfer panel |
USRE31151E (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1983-02-15 | Inexpensive solar cell and method therefor | |
US5445177A (en) * | 1990-04-30 | 1995-08-29 | Laing; Johanes L. N. | Platform for the utilization of solar power |
US5344498A (en) * | 1991-10-08 | 1994-09-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module with improved weathering characteristics |
US5527717A (en) * | 1991-10-08 | 1996-06-18 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Method of making solar cell module with improved weathering characteristics |
US5482571A (en) * | 1993-06-14 | 1996-01-09 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module |
US5718772A (en) * | 1993-07-01 | 1998-02-17 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell having excellent weather resistance |
US5578141A (en) * | 1993-07-01 | 1996-11-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having excellent weather resistance |
US5596981A (en) * | 1993-07-19 | 1997-01-28 | Soucy; Paul B. | Solar device and method for assembly |
US5530264A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1996-06-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photoelectric conversion device and photoelectric conversion module each having a protective member comprised of fluorine-containing polymer resin |
US5650019A (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1997-07-22 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a surface coating material of three-layered structure |
US5582653A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-12-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a surface protective member composed of a fluororesin containing an ultraviolet absorber dispersed therein |
US5660645A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1997-08-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module |
US5487792A (en) * | 1994-06-13 | 1996-01-30 | Midwest Research Institute | Molecular assemblies as protective barriers and adhesion promotion interlayer |
US5681402A (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1997-10-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photovoltaic element |
US6130379A (en) * | 1995-07-19 | 2000-10-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Protective material for a semiconductor element, a semiconductor element provided with said protective material, and a semiconductor device provided with said semiconductor element |
US6362121B1 (en) * | 1995-09-15 | 2002-03-26 | Rhodia Chimie | Substrate with a photocatalytic coating based on titanium dioxide and organic dispersions based on titanium dioxide |
US6191353B1 (en) * | 1996-01-10 | 2001-02-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a specific surface side cover excelling in moisture resistance and transparency |
US6204443B1 (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 2001-03-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar cell module having a specific front side covering material and a process for the production of said solar cell module |
US6335479B1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2002-01-01 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module |
US6262850B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-07-17 | Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. | Heat-treatable dichroic mirrors |
US6292302B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-09-18 | Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. | Heat-treatable dichroic mirrors |
US6441299B2 (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2002-08-27 | Bridgestone Corporation | Covering member for solar battery |
US6440569B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2002-08-27 | Jsr Corporation | Method of making coating layers containing photocatalyst and a photocatalyst coating glass formed thereby |
US6407329B1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2002-06-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Backside covering member for solar battery, sealing film and solar battery |
US6485838B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2002-11-26 | Jsr Corporation | Coating composition, and a coated film and glass each having a coating layer comprised thereof |
US6319596B1 (en) * | 1999-06-03 | 2001-11-20 | Madico, Inc. | Barrier laminate |
US6580026B1 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2003-06-17 | Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd. | Photovoltaic cell |
US6452091B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2002-09-17 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Method of producing thin-film single-crystal device, solar cell module and method of producing the same |
US6653356B2 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2003-11-25 | Jonathan Sherman | Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide coatings, and processes for the production and use thereof |
US6521825B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2003-02-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Backside covering material for a solar cell module and its use |
US20030010376A1 (en) * | 2001-04-12 | 2003-01-16 | Takanari Yamaguchi | Outer covering for solar battery |
US7087833B2 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2006-08-08 | Nanosys, Inc. | Nanostructure and nanocomposite based compositions and photovoltaic devices |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8058548B2 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2011-11-15 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Variable light condensing lens apparatus and solar cell apparatus |
US20120067401A1 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2012-03-22 | Takahisa Kusuura | Variable light condensing lens apparatus and solar cell apparatus |
US8404964B2 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2013-03-26 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Variable light condensing lens apparatus and solar cell apparatus |
US20110108110A1 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2011-05-12 | Takahisa Kusuura | Variable light condensing lens apparatus and solar cell apparatus |
DE112009004290B4 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2014-05-08 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Variable collective lens device and solar cell device |
US9457463B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2016-10-04 | Btpatent Llc | Robot for solar farms |
US11738448B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2023-08-29 | BT Patent LLC | Robot for solar farms |
US11345016B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2022-05-31 | Btpatent Llc | Robot for solar farms |
US10926401B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2021-02-23 | Btpatent Llc | Robot for solar farms |
US10232505B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2019-03-19 | Btpatent Llc | Robot for solar farms |
US9020636B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2015-04-28 | Saied Tadayon | Robot for solar farms |
CN103307791A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-18 | 林丽娟 | Pipe plate type solar water heater |
CN103307792A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-18 | 林丽娟 | Heat pipe type vacuum pipe solar water heater |
CN103292504A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-11 | 林丽娟 | Total glass-vacuum tube type solar water heater |
CN103292489A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-11 | 林丽娟 | Closed airing type solar water heater with vacuum tubes |
CN103277907A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2013-09-04 | 蒋科化 | Ceramic hollow flat-plate solar water heater |
US20180076758A1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Jesus Miranda | Three-Dimensional Elongated Photovoltaic Cell Assemblies |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2153137A1 (en) | 2010-02-17 |
WO2008134502A1 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080264411A1 (en) | Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane | |
Granqvist | Solar energy materials | |
Gorgolis et al. | Solar energy materials for glazing technologies | |
Giovannetti et al. | High transmittance, low emissivity glass covers for flat plate collectors: Applications and performance | |
JP4288172B2 (en) | Self-cleaning glazing sheet | |
CA1329344C (en) | Solar collectors | |
ES2692659T3 (en) | Sheet ceiling | |
US20130061542A1 (en) | Photovoltaic window assembly with solar control properties | |
US20150083195A1 (en) | Transparent solar energy collector | |
Ghosh | Fenestration integrated BIPV (FIPV): a review | |
US20130192661A1 (en) | Large area concentrator lens structure and method | |
US20110220097A1 (en) | Mirror | |
WO2011101682A2 (en) | Concentrating evacuated photovoltaic glazing panel | |
KR20140010370A (en) | Energy-shielding plastics film | |
US20220381524A1 (en) | Systems and Methods for Spectrally Selective Thermal Radiators with Partial Exposures to Both the Sky and the Terrestrial Environment | |
US20090014048A1 (en) | Solar collector with hydrophilic photocatalytic coated protective pane | |
EP3711100B1 (en) | Multifunctional glazing unit | |
JP2007264353A (en) | Wavelength selective thin film | |
WO2009148344A1 (en) | Quasi-stationary solar concentrators with vacuum tubes or fins and non stationary optics | |
JP2017085750A (en) | Window solar cell module and window | |
KR20200009552A (en) | Concealable solar cell module | |
Karasu et al. | Solar glass panels: a review | |
JP2009280464A (en) | Low radiation double glazing | |
Giovannetti et al. | Cellulose Triacetate Honeycomb Compounds for Improved Flat-Plate Collectors: Performance and Reliability | |
EP1194722A1 (en) | Solar collector system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BERANEK, GERALD D.;REEL/FRAME:020267/0448 Effective date: 20070426 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |