Phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

1 . A solar energy collection system, comprising:
 an enclosed solar collection structure having a light-transmissive surface;   a plurality of solar concentrators positioned within the enclosed solar collection structure to receive solar radiation passing into the solar collection structure;   at least one receiver positioned to receive solar radiation from at least one of the plurality of solar concentrators;   an electronics enclosure positioned within the solar collection structure;   an electronic component positioned at least partially within the electronics enclosure;   a phase change material within the solar collection structure, wherein the phase change material is spaced apart from the electronic component, and wherein the phase change material has a melting point below a target temperature of the electronic component;   an airflow path positioned between the phase change material and the electronic component;   an actuatable component in fluid communication with the airflow path and changeable to regulate a flow of air along the airflow path; and   a controller coupled to the actuatable component to adjust the actuatable component between a first configuration with the actuatable component allowing a first flow of air to pass along the airflow path, and a second configuration with the actuatable component allowing no airflow or a second flow of air less than the first flow of air to pass along the airflow path.   
     
     
         2 - 32 . (canceled)