There is an increased interest in storage alternatives other than electrochemical batteries due to their longevity, efficiencies, and recyclability. Thermal technology factories are looking for a way to store energy from PV and other sources paired together. In the same string of events, Power Panel’s GEN20 integrated hybrid system is adding hot water to the energy storage equation.

PowerPanel is taking a unique approach by mixing advanced thermoplastic technology and architecture with simple, secure, and easy-to-manage hot water. This will eliminate the problems with traditional steel tanks and help avoid the dangers associated with newer as well as more complex thermal storage methods.

Solar system installers as well as designers traditionally used hot water heating in tanks to store extra electricity from solar panels. However, these schemes needed expensive plumbing between different tanks and systems.

Approach

The PowerPanel approach for GEN20 involves using Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam to replace steel, glass, and other materials. EPP is a molded material and compared to traditional materials is very lightweight.

It provides excellent insulation and costs only a fraction of traditional tank materials for energy storage. For instance, a Gen 20 Tank loses only about 2°C of heat over 24 hours. EPP also offers better impact and chemical resistance compared to other designs.

Highlights on GEN20

  • PowerPanel claims that the large PVT array at peak can generate 2.7 kilowatts (kW) of PV electricity and 12.7kW of thermal (hot water or another fluid) at the same time.
  • Both the hybrid PVT solar collector and foam storage tank are covered by different patents.
  • PowerPanel’s Gen 20 Tank system is designed to be easily handled by two people and set one up in a matter of minutes.
  • GEN20 are made from durable foam and their weight is just over 100 pounds. They can be installed, outdoors, indoors, or even buried in the ground.
  • Tanks can deal with a wide range of temperatures, from 200°F for hot storage down to -25°F for cold storage.
  • These materials are quite adaptable and depending on need can even be customized for different fluids.

Real Life Applications

  • Commercial uses – Winward Passage (a resort hotel in Saint Thomas) and BVQ Lofts (an apartment complex in Cleveland, Ohio).
  • Smaller system – Preferably used in relief efforts by NGOs, or for disaster relief in places like schools or hotels.
  • The large integrated system can provide enough solar thermal water to an average-sized hotel.
  • They can generate extra electricity and can be connected together. This can be great for places such as campuses, hospitals, and other facilities.

Benefits of Power Panel’s GEN20 Integrated Hybrid System

In the past,  PVT involved adding a thermal “catcher” to the back of a PV module. PowerPanel take a different approach by combining two renewable energy sources– photovoltaic and thermal heating (PVT).

  • PowerPanel’s Gen 20 thermal storage tank removes the concept of the long-used steel tank.
  • It replaces it with safe, stable, durable, and recyclable thermoplastics. This results in a light, secure, and quickly installable thermal solution that lasts for many years.
  • It uses special materials to create an enclosure where a PV insert is embedded into the thermal collector system or /circulatory architecture.
  • The system also cools the PV module, making it more efficient for generating electricity.
  • A PVT panel comes with an energy production ratio of nearly 1:4 for PV and thermal energy.
  • It leads to roughly 2x the decarbonization compared to using thermal or PV alone.
  • Because it harnesses solar energy from two energy sources, the PVT panel is able to capture more than 80% of the sun’s energy.
  • It produces both hot water and electricity.

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About the Company

PowePanel is located in Oxford, Michigan. Garth Schultz and Rob Kornahrens started this company in 2007 with the aim of introducing their PV/thermal technology to the market. Prior to this, Schultz worked on clean vehicle development projects involving GM, Chrysler, and Ford. He was also involved in clean agriculture initiatives in Canada.

Source: PowerPanel Announces Innovative Gen20 Portable

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Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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