A smart temperature control mechanism for flat-plate solar collectors, using NiTi Shape Memory Alloy thin wires

Patent

Temperature of flat-plate solar collectors with fixed legs can reach very high values, especially when there is low energy consumption or power fails. Therefore, flat-plate solar collectors may reach critical temperatures up to 200°C. Afterward, the heat transfer fluid would quickly rise or even boil. High temperatures in solar collector can also result in scalding temperatures, an eventual danger for users. In order to prevent the damaging effects of critical temperatures, a smart mechanism for controlling the temperature of solar collectors with the use of the Shape Memory Alloy thin wires is developed in the present work. An important advantage of the exerted design is that it operates automatically requiring no human intervention or external power supply. Also, the operation of the solar collector is not affected during non-critical conditions.

10.12.2012

89/A 008987