Solar generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar generator (10) comprising a number of solar modules (12) and a number of optical waveguides (20), wherein each solar module (12) has at least one solar cell (14) and at least one surface (16) for receiving sunlight (4), wherein each optical waveguide (20) has at least one first end (22) having a first end face (24) for receiving sunlight (4) and at least one second end (26) having a second end face (28) for giving off sunlight (4), wherein on each surface (16) of the number of solar modules (12) at least one second end face (28) of the number of optical waveguides (20) is arranged in front of or on the corresponding surface (16) in such a way that the sunlight (4) given off by the at least one second end face (28) impinges at least partially on the corresponding surface (16).

Description

[0001] Solar generator

[0002] The invention relates to a solar generator. The invention also relates to the use of a solar generator for generating electrical energy from sunlight.

[0003] The demand for renewable energy, especially solar power, is high. A disadvantage of conventional solar generators with solar modules is that the modules usually need to be arranged over a large area and oriented towards the sun. This is complex and sometimes considered unsightly. In densely populated areas, large-scale installations of solar modules are also limited. Depending on the weather, the solar modules require regular maintenance and cleaning. This can be very time-consuming, especially when the modules are mounted on a roof.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved solar generator that is particularly compact and can be maintained particularly easily.

[0005] The problem is solved by a solar generator according to the invention as described below.

[0006] The solar generator according to the invention comprises a number of solar modules and a number of optical waveguides, each solar module comprising at least one solar cell and at least one surface for receiving sunlight, each optical waveguide comprising at least one first end with a first end face for receiving sunlight and at least one second end with a second end face for emitting sunlight, wherein at least one second end face of the number of optical waveguides is arranged in front of or on the respective surface of each surface of the number of solar modules in such a way that sunlight emitted by the at least one second end face at least partially hits the respective surface.

[0007] The solar generator according to the invention has the advantage that the solar modules do not need to be aligned with the sun in a flat plane. The solar modules can be arranged in any configuration relative to each other, for example, stacked. The solar modules can also be arranged in a housing or in the interior of a building, where they are protected from the elements. For example, the solar modules can be located in a building basement. This reduces the maintenance requirements for the solar modules. According to the invention, sunlight is fed in via optical fibers, and the arrangement of the optical fibers according to the invention ensures that the sunlight is delivered to the solar modules with particular efficiency.

[0008] A solar cell within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a component designed to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. This allows for the generation of electricity. At least one solar cell can be, for example, a dye-sensitized solar cell, an organic solar cell, or a semiconductor solar cell. At least one solar cell can particularly preferably comprise silicon. This solar cell can, for example, be a thick-film or thin-film silicon cell.

[0009] Preferably, a solar module comprises a plurality of solar cells. The solar cells are preferably connected in series. The solar cells can be arranged in a flat pattern as solar panels within the solar module. The solar module can have an encapsulation for the solar cells.

[0010] At least one optical waveguide is preferably designed as a fiber optic cable. At least one optical waveguide preferably has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 4 mm. At least one optical waveguide particularly preferably has a diameter of 2 mm. Preferably, all optical waveguides of the solar generator according to the invention have the same diameter.

[0011] To protect against the elements, at least one optical fiber can have a sheath. Particularly preferably, a number of optical fibers arranged in a bundle have a common sheath, at least in sections.

[0012] The at least one second end face is preferably arranged essentially parallel to the respective surface of the solar module so that the end face is oriented directly, or frontally, to the surface in order to transmit sunlight to it particularly effectively. This is because the emitted sunlight thus strikes the surface directly and essentially frontally.

[0013] The at least one second end face is essentially orthogonal to a longitudinal center axis of the respective second end of the optical waveguide. Alternatively, the at least one second end face can be formed at an oblique angle to a longitudinal center axis of the respective second end of the optical waveguide in order to increase the surface area of ​​the second end face and to determine the exit angle of the emitted sunlight.

[0014] To achieve simple manufacturing, preferably at least one first end face and / or at least one second end face of the number of optical waveguides are formed flat.

[0015] To achieve a particularly wide angle of incidence, or a particularly wide scattering of the emitted sunlight, preferably at least one first end face and / or at least one second end face of the optical waveguides are convex. The at least one first end face and / or at least one second end face can, for example, be hemispherical.

[0016] The solar generator preferably comprises at least one reflector to direct sunlight to a surface for receiving sunlight from a solar module. In this way, unwanted absorption of sunlight by components other than the surface of a solar module can be avoided.

[0017] The solar generator preferably comprises at least one perforated cover plate with at least one through-opening, wherein at least one second end of the number of optical waveguides is at least partially arranged in the through-opening. The through-opening is, for example, designed as a bore.

[0018] The cover plate preferably has a plurality of through-openings. In order to achieve uniform illumination of the surface of a solar module, the through-openings are preferably arranged in a uniform grid on the cover plate.

[0019] The cover plate can have a through-opening that is arranged orthogonally to a surface of a solar module in order to align the respective second end of an optical waveguide arranged in the through-opening orthogonally to the surface.

[0020] The cover plate can have a through-opening that is angled relative to a surface of a solar module in order to align the respective second end of an optical fiber located in the through-opening with the surface at an oblique angle. This can be used, for example, to illuminate corners and / or edges of the surface of a solar module.

[0021] The cover plate can also serve as a support for at least one solar module. For example, the cover plate can be positioned on the back side of a solar module. The end(s) of the cover plate can then be aligned with the surface of an adjacent solar module. This adjacent solar module can, in turn, also have a cover plate as a support, which is positioned on its back side. The end(s) of this cover plate can then be aligned with the surface of yet another adjacent solar module, and so on. In this way, multiple solar modules can be stacked on top of each other. Cover plates can be used like shelf shelves to arrange multiple solar modules.

[0022] Alternatively, the cover plate can also be positioned over or on the surface of a solar module. The second end(s) located in the cover plate can then be oriented towards the surface of the solar module. This arrangement can be stacked multiple times. The cover plates can be used like shelves to which the solar modules are attached. Stacking adjacent solar modules side by side is also possible. For this purpose, the aforementioned arrangements are laid on their sides or rotated by 90°. Because the cover plate functions both as a guide or holder for at least one second end and as a support or holder for at least one solar module, a particularly simple and compact design is achievable, especially through stacking as described above.

[0023] The cover plate can include at least one spacer to provide a gap between the cover plate and the respective solar module. An optical fiber, for example, can be routed through this gap.

[0024] Preferably, at least one reflector is arranged on the cover plate of the solar generator. The cover plate can, for example, have a reflective film, coating, and / or paint. The reflector can particularly preferably comprise a mirrored surface. The reflector can comprise a metal.

[0025] To protect against the elements, the solar generator preferably has at least one cover for at least one first end of the number of optical fibers. The cover is particularly preferably at least partially translucent. The cover can, for example, be made at least partially of glass and / or plastic.

[0026] To protect against the elements, the solar generator can comprise at least one housing. The housing can preferably comprise a first housing part for at least one end face of an optical fiber and a second housing part for at least one second end face and at least one solar module. The housing parts can be designed separately. The housing can include cooling and / or ventilation. The housing can include at least one reflector. The reflector can be designed as described above as a film, paint, coating, and / or vapor deposition on an inner wall of the housing. The cover can be designed as a lid part of the housing, in particular of the first housing part.

[0027] The solar generator can include at least one mounting bracket for arranging at least one first end. The mounting bracket can also be designed as a perforated cover plate with at least one through-opening and preferably with a plurality of through-openings. A first end of an optical fiber, oriented towards the cover, can be arranged at least partially in the through-opening.

[0028] The cover may alternatively or additionally have at least one recess for receiving a first end face and part of a first end of an optical fiber. The recess may be designed as a bore.

[0029] The cover preferably comprises at least one lens for focusing the light. The lens can be formed integrally with the cover. For example, the cover can include a bulge, a concave section, and / or a dome. The lens can preferably extend over several first ends.

[0030] The cover can have at least one reflector. The reflector can be a reflective film, coating, and / or paint. The reflector can be located on the underside of the cover. The reflector can be spaced apart on the underside of the cover. The reflector can be located on the top of the aforementioned bracket. It is also conceivable that a reflector is located on the outside of the cover or housing, directing sunlight towards the cover.

[0031] The solar generator preferably comprises at least one means for aligning at least one first end of the number of optical fibers towards the sun. The means may include a motor. The motor may be operatively connected to one first end of the number of optical fibers.

[0032] The motor can be operatively connected to the aforementioned mounting of at least one first end of the number of optical fibers. The motor can be configured to tilt and / or rotate the mounting. Alternatively or additionally, the solar generator can include a motor that is operatively connected to a cover, a lens, a housing, and / or a reflector as described above. The solar generator can include at least one sensor for detecting the sun's position. Alternatively or additionally, the solar generator can include at least one control device that determines the sun's position, for example, using astronomical data. The sensor and / or the control device are preferably operatively connected to the aforementioned motor.By means of the sensor and / or the control device, an automated alignment of at least one first end of an optical fiber, a bracket, a cover, a housing, a lens and / or a reflector, as described above, can be carried out towards the sun.

[0033] Preferably, several optical fibers are arranged at least partially as a bundle in the solar generator to facilitate the assembly of the solar generator.

[0034] To protect against the elements, at least one optical fiber can have a sheath. Particularly preferably, a number of optical fibers arranged in a bundle have a common sheath, at least in sections.

[0035] For a particularly compact design, the solar generator can preferably have several solar modules arranged as at least one stack.

[0036] In the stack, at least two solar modules are arranged such that their surfaces are spaced apart to absorb sunlight. The solar modules are preferably arranged one above the other, but can also be arranged side by side by tilting the stack 90° to the side. The solar modules are preferably designed as flat components and have, for example, a rectangular or square base shape. This allows for easy stacking. Preferably, each solar module in a stack is also assigned a flat cover plate, which further preferably has essentially the same base shape as a solar module. The cover plate can act as a support for a solar module or be arranged above or on a solar module, preferably spaced apart to allow for the guidance of the multiple optical fibers.The optical fibers can also be guided within or embedded in the cover plate itself, for example, through bores or channel-shaped recesses. The cover plate preferably has a plurality of through-openings, i.e., it is perforated. In this preferred embodiment of a stacking arrangement, the second ends of the optical fibers are guided into these through-openings. The through-openings are preferably formed perpendicular to the surfaces of the cover plate or the solar modules, but can also be formed at an angle to them, preferably up to 45°. The second end faces of the second ends of the optical fibers are preferably also formed perpendicular to the surfaces of the cover plate or the solar modules.In this preferred embodiment, the cover plates have a reflector on a surface facing a solar module, for example in the form of a reflective paint or coating or a reflective film, preferably on the entire surface of a cover plate, which advantageously increases the efficiency of the solar generator when stacked. Alternating stacking of solar modules with cover plates having a plurality of openings for the second ends of optical fibers and a reflector on a surface of a cover plate facing a solar module is particularly preferred in the sense of the present invention and enables a spatially compact design of the solar generator with high light yield and thus efficient power generation.Such a stacking or multiple such stackings are preferably connected via the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers to at least one cover, preferably a lens, as described above. The at least one cover is preferably arranged on the roof of a building, particularly a high-rise building, and the at least one stacking is arranged inside the building, preferably near the roof. This enables efficient power generation in buildings for cooling, heating, or water treatment. Preferably, in such an alternating stacking of solar modules and cover plates, at least three, four, five, six, or more solar modules and cover plates are provided in a planar arrangement; even more preferably, more than 10, 15, or more than 20 solar modules and cover plates are provided.

[0037] The solar generator can include at least one battery or buffer battery for storing the generated electrical energy. The battery can be, for example, a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. The battery is preferably connected downstream of at least one solar module or solar cell. According to a first preferred embodiment, the solar generator has a solar module with a plurality of solar cells, wherein the solar module has a surface for receiving sunlight. From the surface, the sunlight reaches the solar cells to generate electrical energy. The solar generator includes an optical fiber.

[0038] The optical fiber has a first end with a first end face and a second end with a second end face. Both end faces are flat. The first end face is located on a cover. The cover is a glass pane and includes a lens. Sunlight emitted by the sun is focused by the lens and passes through the cover to the first end face. The sunlight absorbed by the first end face is guided through the optical fiber to the second end. The sunlight is then emitted from the optical fiber through the second end face. This emitted sunlight strikes the surface of the solar module and thus the solar cells.

[0039] The end faces are planar. The first end face is orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis x of the second end of the optical waveguide. The second end face is orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis x of the second end of the optical waveguide. The first end face is mounted on the underside of the cover in a holder. The second end face is positioned in front of the surface by its second end being located in a holder designed as a perforated cover plate. The second end is received in a through-opening of the perforated cover plate, with the second end face projecting away from the underside of the cover plate towards the surface. The through-opening is oriented orthogonally to the surface. The second end face is oriented parallel to the surface. A reflector is mounted on the underside of the perforated cover plate.The reflector is manufactured by means of a reflective coating applied to the underside of the perforated cover plate. The cover, the perforated cover plate, and the solar module are mounted on a housing. The cover acts as the housing lid. The embodiment described above is particularly suitable for installation in mobile devices, such as a vehicle. According to a second preferred embodiment, the solar generator has a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers are essentially designed like the optical fibers of the solar generator in the first preferred embodiment. Each optical fiber has a first end with a first end face that is planar. The first end faces are each orthogonal to a longitudinal center axis of the first ends. The first end faces are mounted on the underside of a cover by means of a bracket.The cover is designed as a glass pane and features a large-area lens that extends across the top of the cover over the end faces.

[0040] The cover is arranged as a lid on the top of a first housing part. The two ends are arranged in a second, separate housing part. The two housing parts are connected to each other by the optical fibers. The optical fibers emerge from the first housing part as bundles. The optical fibers have a common sheath. After entering the second housing part, the optical fibers divide into small bundles, depending on the number of solar modules arranged in the second housing part. For example, three solar modules are arranged in the second housing part. The solar modules are each essentially designed like the solar module according to the first preferred embodiment. Each module has a plurality of solar cells and a surface on its upper side for receiving sunlight. The solar modules are arranged stacked on top of each other. A perforated cover plate is arranged over each surface.A battery is connected downstream of the solar modules. The perforated cover plates have through-openings, each configured like the through-opening of the first preferred embodiment. The cover plates can have a plurality of through-openings, depending on the number of optical fibers to be arranged, at least, for example, four through-openings. The perforated cover plates each have a reflector on their underside, which is produced as a coating.

[0041] Each of the through-openings contains a second end of an optical fiber, with the second end faces projecting downwards towards the respective solar modules. The through-openings are perpendicular to the surfaces of the respective solar modules. The second end faces are also perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the second ends. Furthermore, the second end faces are flat and aligned parallel to the surface of the respective solar module. This arrangement ensures that sunlight emitted from the second end faces strikes the surface of the respective solar module directly. This enables particularly efficient sunlight transfer to the solar modules. When the solar generator is operating to produce electrical energy, the cover is oriented towards the sun. Sunlight passes through the cover to the first end faces.The sunlight captured by the first end faces of the optical fibers is guided through the fibers to the solar modules and distributed across them. The sunlight is emitted through the second end faces towards the respective surface of the solar modules. Within the solar modules, the sunlight is converted into electrical energy by the solar cells, which is then fed into the downstream battery. The second preferred embodiment is particularly suitable for installation in buildings.

[0042] According to the invention, a solar generator as described above is used to generate electrical energy from sunlight, wherein the solar generator comprises a plurality of solar modules and / or optical fibers. A preferred use according to the invention involves a configuration of the solar generator with at least one stacking arrangement as described above, in particular at least one stacking arrangement of solar modules alternating with cover plates having through-openings and a reflector. A further preferred use involves at least one cover, in particular with a lens, being located on the roof of a building and at least one stacking arrangement, in particular one as described above, being located inside the building, preferably near the roof.

[0043] Further advantageous embodiments are shown in the following drawings. Identical parts or parts with the same function may have the same reference numerals. The embodiments shown in the figures are not to be interpreted as limiting. Rather, the features described therein can be combined with each other and with the features described previously to form further embodiments. The figures show:

[0044] Fig. 1: a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a

[0045] solar generator according to the invention; and

[0046] Fig. 2: a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a

[0047] The solar generator 10 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows that the solar generator 10 comprises a solar module 12, a plurality of solar cells 14, and a surface 16 for receiving sunlight 4. From the surface 16, the sunlight 4 reaches the solar cells 14 to generate electrical energy. The solar generator 10 has an optical fiber 20. The optical fiber 20 has a first end 22 with a first end face 24 and a second end 26 with a second end face 28. Both end faces 24, 28 are planar. The first end face 24 is arranged on a cover 40. The cover 40 is designed as a glass pane and encloses a lens 42. The sunlight 4 emitted by the sun 2 is focused by the lens 42 and passes through the cover 40 to the first end face 24. The sunlight 4 absorbed by the first end face 24 is guided by the optical waveguide 20 to the second end 26.The second end face 28 re-emits the sunlight 4 from the optical fiber 20. The emitted sunlight 4 strikes the surface 16 of the solar module and thus the solar cells 14.

[0048] The end faces 24 and 28 are planar. The first end face 24 is orthogonal to a longitudinal center axis x of the second end 28 of the optical waveguide 20. The second end face 28 is also orthogonal to a longitudinal center axis x of the second end 28 of the optical waveguide 20. The first end face 24 is attached to the underside of the cover 40 by means of a retainer (not shown). The second end face 28 is positioned in front of the surface 16 such that its second end 26 is located in a retainer formed as a perforated cover plate 30. The second end 28 is received in a through-opening 32 of the perforated cover plate 30, with the second end face 28 projecting away from the underside of the cover plate 30 towards the surface 16. The through-opening 32 is oriented orthogonally to the surface 16. The second end face 28 is aligned parallel to the surface 16.

[0049] A reflector 34 is arranged on the underside of the perforated cover plate 30. The reflector 34 is manufactured by means of a reflective coating applied to the underside of the perforated cover plate 30. The cover 40, the perforated cover plate 30, and the solar module 12 are mounted on a housing 50. The cover 40 serves as the lid of the housing 50. Fig. 2 shows that the second embodiment of the solar generator 100 has a plurality of optical fibers 20. Twelve optical fibers 20 are shown. The optical fibers 20 are essentially each designed like the optical fibers 20 of the solar generator 10 according to Fig. 1. The optical fibers 20 each have a first end 22 with a first end face 24, which is planar. The first end faces 24 are each orthogonal to a longitudinal center axis of the first ends 22 (not shown).The first end faces 24 are attached to a cover 140 on their underside by means of a bracket (not shown). The cover 140 is designed as a glass pane and has a large-area lens 142 that extends over the end faces 24 on its upper surface. The cover 140 is attached to a first housing part 151 on its upper surface as a lid.

[0050] The second ends 28 are arranged in a second housing part 152. The housing parts 151 and 152 are connected to each other by the optical fibers 20. The optical fibers 20 emerge from the first housing part 151 as a bundle 160. The optical fibers 20 have a common sheath (not shown). According to Fig. 2, the bundle 150 of optical fibers 20 divides into three bundles of four optical fibers 20 each before entering the housing part 152. However, the optical fibers 20 can also divide only after entering the housing part 152.

[0051] Three solar modules 12 are arranged in the second housing part 152. The solar modules 12 are essentially designed like the solar module 12 shown in Fig. 1. Each module has a plurality of solar cells 14 and a surface 16 on its upper side. The solar modules 12 are arranged one above the other as a stack 150. A perforated cover plate 130 is arranged over each surface 16. A battery 170 is connected downstream of the solar modules 12.

[0052] The perforated cover plates 130, as shown in Fig. 2, each have four through-openings (not shown in detail), each designed like the through-opening 32 shown in Fig. 1. The cover plates 130 can, however, have a plurality of through-openings, depending on how many optical fibers are to be arranged. The perforated cover plates 130 each have a reflector 34 on their underside, which is produced as a coating.

[0053] Each of the through-openings 32 contains a second end 26 of an optical fiber 20, with the second end faces 28 projecting downwards towards the respective solar modules 12. The through-openings 32 are orthogonal to the surfaces 16 of the respective solar modules 12. The second end faces 28 are each orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of the second ends 26 (not shown). The second end faces 28 are also planar and aligned parallel to the surface 16 of the respective solar module 12. This arrangement ensures that sunlight emitted from the second end faces 28 strikes the surface 16 of the respective solar module 12 directly. This enables particularly efficient sunlight transfer to the solar modules 12.

[0054] When the solar generator 100 is operating to produce electrical energy, the cover 140 is oriented towards the sun 2. Sunlight 4 reaches the first end faces 24 via the cover 140. The sunlight 4 absorbed by the first end faces 24 of the optical fibers 20 is guided through the optical fibers 20 to the three solar modules 12 and distributed across them. For this purpose, the sunlight 4 is emitted through the second end faces 28 towards the respective surface 16 of the solar modules 12, see also Fig. 1. In the solar modules 12, the sunlight is converted into electrical energy by the solar cells 14, which is fed into the downstream battery 170. The stored electrical energy can be used as electricity.

[0055] The invention provides solar generators with solar modules that are protected from the weather. The solar modules can be arranged in a housing or building. Maintenance is therefore less complex. The solar modules do not need to be aligned with the sun in a flat plane, but can, for example, be arranged compactly stacked on top of each other in the solar generators according to the invention. According to the invention, sunlight is fed in via optical fibers, and the arrangement of the optical fibers according to the invention ensures that sunlight is delivered to the solar modules particularly efficiently. This is because the ends of the optical fibers are aligned directly with the respective surfaces of the solar modules.

Claims

A solar generator (10, 100) comprising a plurality of solar modules (12) and a plurality of optical waveguides (20), wherein each solar module (12) has at least one solar cell (14) and at least one surface (16) for receiving sunlight (4), wherein each optical waveguide (20) has at least one first end (22) having a first end face (24) for receiving sunlight (4) and at least one second end (26) having a second end face (28) for giving off sunlight (4), wherein on each surface (16) of the plurality of solar modules (12) at least one second end face (28) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20) is arranged in front of or on the corresponding surface (16) in such a way that the sunlight (4) given off by the at least one second end face (28) impinges at least partially on the corresponding surface (16), characterised in that the solar generator (10, 100) comprises at least one perforated cover plate (30, 130) with at least one passage opening (32), and wherein at least one second end (26) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20) is at least partially arranged in the passage opening (32), wherein on the cover plate (30,130) of the solar generator (10, 100) at least one reflector (34) is arranged on a surface facing a solar module of the cover plate (30, 130) and several solar modules (12) are arranged as at least one stack (150).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one second end face (28) is essentially arranged in parallel to the corresponding surface (16).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one second end face (28) is essentially designed orthogonally to a longitudinal centre line (x) of the corresponding second end (26) of the optical waveguide (20).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one second end face (28) is designed at an oblique angle to a longitudinal centre line (x) of the corresponding second end (26) of the optical waveguide (20).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one first end face (24) or at least one second end face (28) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20) are designed in a flat manner.The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one first end face (24) or at least one second end face (28) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20) are designed in a convex manner.The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one reflector (34).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the solar generator (10, 100) has at least one cover (40, 140) for at least one first end (24) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20), wherein the cover (40, 140) has at least one lens (42, 142) for focussing light.The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the solar generator (10, 100) comprises at least one means for orientation towards the sun (2) for at least one first end (24) of the plurality of optical waveguides (20).The solar generator (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that several optical waveguides (20) are at least partially arranged as at least one bundle (160).A method of using the solar generator (10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for generating electrical energy from sunlight (4), characterised in that the solar generator (10, 100) comprises a plurality of solar modules (12) or optical waveguides (20).

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