Power generation device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device for power generation. The device includes: a first panel and a third panel, which are respectively at least partially transmissive to visible light and are separated from each other. The first panel defines a light receiving surface. The device also includes: a first photovoltaic element and a second photovoltaic element. The first photovoltaic element is arranged in a first orientation relative to the light receiving surface, and the second photovoltaic element is arranged in a second orientation, and the second orientation is different from the orientation of the first photovoltaic element and the orientation of the light receiving surface. The first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element are located within the projection of the circumference of the first panel in the direction along the surface normal of the first panel. The device also includes: a support for supporting a part of the device. The support has a channel that opens outward at an edge portion of the device. The third panel, the first photovoltaic element, and the second photovoltaic element are located within the projection of the circumference of the first panel in the direction along the surface normal of the first panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for generating electricity and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus comprising a photovoltaic element. Background Art

[0002] Overheating of indoor spaces (such as spaces that receive sunlight through large windows) is a problem that can be solved using air conditioning. A large amount of energy is used globally to cool indoor spaces. Much of this electrical energy is generated using unsustainable energy sources, which is a growing concern for the environment.

[0003] PCT International Application Nos. PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787 and PCT / AU2014 / 000814 (owned by the present applicant) disclose a spectrally selective panel which can be used as a window glass and is mostly transmissive to visible light but diverts a portion of the incident light to the sides of the panel where it is absorbed by photovoltaic elements to generate electricity. The disclosed panel is integrated with a window frame which carries both the panel and the photovoltaic element solar cells.

[0004] It should be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a power generation device, which includes:

[0006] a first panel and a third panel, the first panel and the third panel are respectively at least partially transmissive to visible light and spaced apart from each other, the first panel defining a light receiving surface;

[0007] a first photovoltaic element and a second photovoltaic element, the first photovoltaic element being arranged in a first orientation relative to the light receiving surface and the second photovoltaic element being arranged in a second orientation, the second orientation being different from both the orientation of the first photovoltaic element and the orientation of the light receiving surface, the first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element being located within a projection of a circumference of the first panel in a direction along a surface normal of the first panel; and

[0008] a support member for supporting a portion of the device, the support member having a channel opening outward at an edge portion of the device;

[0009] The third panel, the first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element are located within the projection of the circumference of the first panel in a direction along a surface normal of the first panel.

[0010] By providing the device with a support member along the surface normal direction of the first panel within the projection of the circumference of the first panel and having a channel opening outwardly at the edge portion of the device, the device can be designed so that it can be installed in various window frames and / or existing window frames that are already installed. The device can be designed so that it can replace a standard double or triple glazed window in a standard window frame. For example, the device can replace the window glass in a traditional integrated glazing unit (IGU) with a window frame system having a traditional double or triple glazing.

[0011] The outwardly opening channel may be continuous and may surround a portion of the device, such as at least a portion of the third panel and / or the first photovoltaic element and / or the second photovoltaic element.

[0012] Each of the first, second, and third panels may transmit 80%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 20%, or more than 10% of incident visible light.

[0013] The first orientation may be substantially parallel to the light receiving surface, and the second orientation may be transverse to the light receiving surface. The third panel may have an end face transverse to the light receiving surface and an area near the end face substantially parallel to the light receiving surface. The first photovoltaic element may be adjacent to the area near the end face, and the second photovoltaic element may be adjacent to the end face.

[0014] The third panel may be an arrangement for redirecting light incident on the receiving surface in at least one direction transverse to the surface normal of the first panel for collection by the photovoltaic elements. The means for redirecting light may include a diffraction grating and / or a luminescent material and / or a light scattering material.

[0015] The term "lateral" should be broadly interpreted to refer to any angle extending from a surface, including, for example, angles in the range of about 5° to about 175° relative to a planar surface.

[0016] In use, the redirected light may be guided by total internal reflection within the third panel.

[0017] The third panel may include a plurality of panel portions, for example, the plurality of panel portions may be arranged as a laminated layer structure including two or more panel portions. The arrangement for redirecting light may be located within or between two panel portions of the plurality of panel portions. The panel portions may cooperate with each other to form a stack, wherein each panel portion is arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0018] The support member may include a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, and the first wall and the second wall may be arranged parallel to the light receiving surface. The support member may also include a third wall and a fourth wall opposite to the third wall. The third and fourth walls may be arranged transversely to the light receiving surface. The third wall and the fourth wall may connect the first wall and the second wall. The flange may extend parallel to the light receiving surface, for example, extending from the third wall. The flange may be positioned close to the third panel, but spaced apart from the third panel. The channel may be defined by the first, second and fourth walls. The first photovoltaic element may be located on the flange, and the second photovoltaic element may be located on the third wall.

[0019] The apparatus may further comprise a third photovoltaic element which may be arranged in the first orientation substantially parallel to the light receiving surface.The third photovoltaic element may be located on or above the second wall of the support.

[0020] The photovoltaic elements may be of the same type, or at least some of the photovoltaic elements may be of different types. For example, the photovoltaic elements may comprise different types of semiconductor materials, such as one or more of Si, CdS, CdTe, GaAs, CIS or CIGS.

[0021] The device can be configured to fit into a standard window frame.

[0022] The present disclosure also provides a window frame, which includes the device as described above.

[0023] The present disclosure further provides an integrated glass unit comprising the above device.

[0024] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a system, which includes a plurality of devices as described above and electrically connected. These devices can be connected in parallel.

[0025] The present invention also provides a power generation device, which includes:

[0026] a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, each of which is at least partially transmissive to visible light, the first panel defining a light receiving surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel are spaced apart from each other by a member so as to define a cavity therebetween, the third panel being held within the cavity by the member; and

[0027] a first photovoltaic element and a second photovoltaic element positioned within the cavity, the first photovoltaic element being arranged in a first orientation relative to the light receiving surface and the second photovoltaic element being arranged in a second orientation different from both an orientation of the first photovoltaic element and an orientation of the light receiving surface;

[0028] Wherein the device is arranged to generate electricity from at least a portion of the light being used received by the light receiving surface and to generate electricity to the first photovoltaic element and / or the second photovoltaic element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 Shows light passing through Figure 2 Embodiments of the device;

[0032] Figure 4a showing a front view of an embodiment of a window including an embodiment of a device;

[0033] Figure 4b An end view of a window including an embodiment of the device is shown;

[0034] Figure 4c A side view of a window including an embodiment of this arrangement is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 An embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power generation device. The device can be designed so that it can replace a standard double or triple glazed window in a standard window frame. The device includes a first panel and a third panel, the first panel and the third panel are parallel to each other and spaced apart so that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the third panel. The first panel and the third panel are spaced apart by a support and supported by the support. The first panel and the third panel have a large transmittance to visible light. The first panel defines a light receiving surface. The device also includes first and second photovoltaic elements. The first photovoltaic element is arranged in a first orientation relative to the light receiving surface, and the second photovoltaic element is arranged in a second orientation, which is different from both the orientation of the first photovoltaic element and the orientation of the light receiving surface. The device is arranged to generate electricity from at least a portion of the light in use received by the light receiving surface, and to generate electricity to the first and / or second photovoltaic elements. The third panel, the first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element are located within a projection of the circumference of the first panel in a direction along the surface normal of the first panel. The first and third panels can form a double glazing arrangement, which will be referred to below Figure 2Further detailed description. In addition, the device may include a third panel, the third panel is positioned so that the third panel is sandwiched between the first panel and the second panel. In this arrangement, the first, second and third panels can form a triple glazing arrangement, which will be referred to below Figure 1 Described in further detail.

[0037] The support is located within the projection of the circumference of the first panel and within the edge of the first panel in the direction along the surface normal of the first panel, and has a channel that is open to the outside, continuous, and surrounds a portion of the device at the edge portion.

[0038] Now first refer to Figure 1 More specific embodiments of the present invention are described. Figure 1 An apparatus 10 for generating electricity is shown. The apparatus 10 may be provided, for example, in the form of a window glass structure (in this example triple glazing) positioned within a (standard) window frame (not shown) of a building. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 10 may be applied to different structures, such as walls and roofs, etc.

[0039] The device 10 has a first panel and a second panel, and in this particular embodiment also has a third panel, which are respectively mostly transmissive to visible light and are arranged in the form of a first pane 12, a second pane 16 and a third pane 14, respectively. In one embodiment, the first pane 12 is a low iron ultra-clear glass pane having a thickness of 4 mm, and the third pane 14 is a low iron glass having a low E coating having a thickness of 4 mm. The first pane 12 defines a flat light receiving surface 12a and faces the external environment in use, such as being located on a structure facing the external weather. The first pane 12 and the third pane 14 are spaced apart from each other by means of a support 20. The support 20 is within the projection of the first pane 12 in the direction of the surface normal of the first pane 12. The second pane 16 is positioned between the first pane 12 and the third pane 14 and is held by the support 20. The position of the second pane 16 defines a cavity 18a between the first pane 12 and the second pane 16 and a second cavity 18b between the third pane 14 and the second pane 16.

[0040] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the second pane 16, the second pane 16 is a laminated structure with three sub-panes 16a, 16b and 16c. In other words, the second pane 16 includes a plurality of pane parts. In one embodiment, the sub-pane 16a is a low iron ultra-clear glass with a thickness of 4mm, and the sub-panes 16b and 16c are each an ultra-clear glass layer with a thickness of 4mm. Each sub-pane 16a, 16b and 16c cooperates with each other to form a stack, wherein each sub-pane is arranged substantially parallel to each other. Distributed between the sub-panes 16a and 16b is an interlayer 17a of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The PVB interlayer 17b is located between the sub-panes 16b and 16c, but in some embodiments, the PVB interlayer 17b also includes a light scattering element. In some embodiments, the light scattering element is a luminescent scattering powder, which includes an epoxy resin that provides bonding, luminescence and light scattering functions. The second pane 16 may also include a diffraction grating arranged to help redirect light to the edge area of ​​the third panel and guide light by total internal reflection.

[0041] It should be understood that the second pane 16 may include any number of sub-panes with any number of intermediate layers. In some embodiments, the second pane includes a single sheet of optically transmissive material, such as glass. The second pane 16 has an end 40 having a plane that is transverse to the light receiving surface 12a. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the edge 40 is approximately 90° relative to the flat light receiving surface 12a of the first pane 12. The second pane 16 also has an end region 42 extending substantially parallel to the light receiving surface 12a. The end region 42 is a flat region of the second pane 16 near the end 40.

[0042] In one embodiment, the distance from the light receiving surface 12a to the outer surface 14a of the third pane (ie, the thickness of the device) is approximately 58 mm.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the device 10, the support member 20 is an extruded aluminum frame with a square tubular cross-section, which defines a tubular cavity 11. The tubular cavity 11 is defined by a first wall 20a and a second wall 20b that are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface 12a. The tubular cavity 11 also has a third wall 20c and a fourth wall 20d that are parallel to each other and transverse to the light receiving surface 12a. The third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d are substantially parallel to the end 40 of the second window pane 16. The fourth wall 20d is set inwardly from the outer surface 26 of the device 10 to form a channel 25 defined by the first wall 20a and the second wall 20b. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the interval between the first wall 20a and the second wall 20b is about 34 mm, and the interval between the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d is about 30 mm. However, the distance by which the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d are spaced from each other can be determined by the desired depth of the channel 25. The support member 20 also includes a tab 21 extending from the second wall 20b toward the first wall 20a and a tab 23 extending from the first wall 20a toward the second wall 20b. The support member 20 also has a channel 25 open to the outside, which surrounds the wall 20d of the support member 20.

[0044] The support member 20 has a flange 22 extending into the second cavity 18b in a direction substantially parallel to the light receiving surface 12a. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the flange 22 is formed as a continuation of the first wall 20a. However, in some embodiments, the flange 22 extends from the third wall 20c into the second cavity 18a. Typically, the flange is positioned on the side opposite to the light receiving surface 12a relative to the second pane 16. In some embodiments, the flange 22 extends beyond the third wall 20c and into the cavity 18b by about 39 mm. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the second pane 16 is spaced about 6 mm from the flange 22 .

[0045] exist Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the first photovoltaic element 30 is sandwiched between the flange 22 and the end region 42 of the second window pane 16 in a first orientation substantially parallel to the light receiving surface 12a. The flexible PCB 38 is located between the first photovoltaic element 30 and the flange 22. In some embodiments, a transmissive spacer in the form of a cover 24 is located between the second window pane 16 and the first photovoltaic element 30. In one embodiment, the cover 24 has a thickness of about 3 mm. The first photovoltaic element 30 and the cover 24 are held in position relative to each other at the edge region of the second window pane 16. The second window pane 16 is fixed to the flange 22 by means of an adhesive portion 36. In one embodiment, the adhesive portion is a window silicone. In order to prevent the adhesive portion 36, the first photovoltaic element 30 and the cover 24 from slipping off, the flange 22 has a lip 23 that extends toward the second window pane 16, thereby narrowing the cavity opening compared to the cavity formed between the flange 22 and the second window pane 16. The lip 23 is not required in all embodiments. In one embodiment, the first photovoltaic element 30 has a width of about 30 mm extending along the flange 22 away from the third wall 20c.

[0046] The second photovoltaic element 28 is positioned on the third wall 20c so that a portion of the second photovoltaic element 28 is sandwiched between the end 40 of the second pane 16 and the third wall 20c. The second photovoltaic element 28 is oriented transversely to the light receiving surface 12a. In this way, the second photovoltaic element 28 is in a second orientation different from the first orientation of the first photovoltaic element 30. The width of the second photovoltaic element 28 extending in the direction from the first wall 20a to the second wall 20b depends on the distance from the flange 22 to the second wall 20b. In one embodiment, the second photovoltaic element 28 has a width of about 27mm. In one embodiment, the second photovoltaic element 28 has, for example, a silicone sealant (e.g., layer 29). The flexible PCB is located between the second photovoltaic element 28 and the third wall 20c.

[0047] Figure 1 The embodiment also has a third photovoltaic element 26. However, the third photovoltaic element 26 is not required in all embodiments. The third photovoltaic element 26 is located on the second wall 20b between the support 20 and the first pane 12. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, an air gap is formed between the third photovoltaic element 26 and the first window pane 12. The use of the air gap helps to reduce heat conduction. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the device 10 can be arranged to form an integrated glass unit. In order to prevent the third photovoltaic element 26 from moving in the direction of the plane defined between the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d (i.e., along the direction of the plane defined by the second wall 20b toward the edge 26), the foot 48 extends from the second wall 20b toward the first window pane 12. However, the foot 48 is not required in all embodiments, and the third photovoltaic element 26 can be fixed to the support 20 with the aid of an adhesive. Like the second photovoltaic element 30, the third photovoltaic element 26 has a silicone sealant. The flexible PCB is located between the third photovoltaic element 26 and the second wall 20b. In some embodiments, a single flexible PCB is provided and fixed to the flange 22, the third wall 20c and the second wall 20b in a continuous manner, so that each of the first photovoltaic element 30, the second photovoltaic element 28 and the third photovoltaic element 26 is in contact with the single flexible PCB. In one embodiment, the third photovoltaic element 26 has a width of approximately 30 mm extending from the foot 48 along the second wall 20 b into the cavity 18 .

[0048] exist Figure 1 In certain embodiments, each photovoltaic element is of the same type. However, it should be understood that the photovoltaic elements may include elements of different types. For example, the photovoltaic elements may include different various semiconductor materials, such as Si, CdS, CdTe, GaAs, CIS or CIGS or any other suitable semiconductor material.

[0049] The first pane 12 is connected to the support 20 by means of an adhesive portion 32. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 32 is used as a seal to prevent the external environment from entering the cavity 18a. The adhesive portion 32 also helps to thermally insulate the support 20 from the first pane 12. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 32 is a window silicone. Similarly, the third pane 14 is connected to the support by means of an adhesive portion 34, which in some embodiments serves as a seal to prevent the external environment from entering the cavity 18b. The adhesive portion 34 also helps to thermally insulate the support 20 from the third pane 14. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 34 is a window silicone. When the adhesive portions 32 and 34 form a seal, it can be considered that the cavity is closed to the external environment. In order to prevent any moisture that may exist in the cavities 18a and 18b from condensing, a desiccant 44 is positioned in the first cavity 18a near the adhesive portion 32, and a desiccant 46 is positioned in the second cavity 18b near the adhesive portion 34.

[0050] The support 20 having a continuous channel 25 surrounds a portion of the device 10 and is generally shaped so that the device 10 can be positioned in a standard window frame providing a triple glazing arrangement. The device can also be arranged to provide a double glazing arrangement, which will be referred to below. Figure 2 Give a description.

[0051] Figure 5 A related embodiment of an apparatus for generating electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The same reference numerals are used for the same components.

[0052] Reference now Figure 2 , a device 70 for generating electricity is shown. In this embodiment, the device 70 is provided in the form of a double glazing arrangement. All components of the device 70 are also included in the above reference Figure 1 However, compared to the device 10, the device 70 does not include a third panel (e.g. Figure 1 The third panel 14 is shown, as the device forms a double glazing arrangement.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 3 The use of device 70 to generate electricity is described in more detail. Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 The same features are used, but some reference numerals have been omitted for clarity. The use of the device 100 for power generation may be similar to that described in WO 2015 / 024046, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0054] Reference now Figure 3, when the incident light 50 passes through the first pane 12, it enters the cavity 18a before reaching the light receiving surface 13 of the second pane 16. A portion of the incident light 50 is reflected from the light receiving surface 13 as a light beam 52, wherein the light beam 52 is further reflected from the first pane as a light beam 54 before reaching the second photovoltaic element 28. It should be understood that in addition to forming the light beam 52, the incident light 50 may be reflected only from the light receiving surface 13 before reaching the second photovoltaic element 28 and / or the incident light 50 reaches the second photovoltaic element 28 without joining with the second pane 16. A portion of the incident light 50 may also travel through the second pane to join with the luminescent scattering powder in the intermediate layer 17b. As indicated by the light beam 58, a portion of the light that joins with the luminescent scattering powder is reflected or emitted in random directions. Depending on the direction of the light beam 58, the light will undergo total internal reflection at the interface of the third panel 16 toward the end 40 before reaching the first photovoltaic element 30 or the second photovoltaic element 28. Although Figure 3 The embodiment of FIG. 4 shows only the light beam 58 generated near the end region 42, but the light beam may also be generated at a position away from the end region 42 (e.g., toward the center point of the longitudinal length of the second window pane 16). In particular, for vertical incidence of light on the light receiving surface, scattering of the emission or incidence of light emitted by the luminescent scattering powder increases the portion of light directed toward the edge 40 and the second photovoltaic element 28.

[0055] In some embodiments, the gratings, luminescent materials and / or scattering materials are arranged to spectrally deflect incident and reflected IR towards the edge region of the third panel 16 and for transmission of visible light.

[0056] In some embodiments, the face 19 of the sub-pane 16a facing the first pane 12 is provided with a diffraction layer, such as a layer of diffraction grating elements (not shown). The diffraction grating may be a blazed diffraction grating in transmission mode and designed to deflect most of the incident solar (IR) light into a single preferred diffraction order, and the features of the grating design are optimized for an incident angle determined by the angle at which typical midday solar radiation is expected to be incident on the window surface. The spectral characteristics of the diffraction grating can be designed by those skilled in the art by adjusting the following parameters: refractive index, grating profile shape, blaze angle, duty cycle, grating period, phase order, and etching depth.

[0057] In some embodiments, the diffraction grating comprises a plurality of grooves, each groove having a distance to an adjacent groove (grating period) in the range of 4 μm. The diffraction grating may be embossed into one surface of panel 16, such as surface 17a or 17b. For further details of arrangements for redirecting light towards an edge region of the third panel, reference is made to PCT International Applications PCT / PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787 and PCT / AU2014 / 000814 (owned by the present applicant), which are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

[0058] Incident light 50 may also pass directly through second pane 16 and reach first photovoltaic element 30 in the form of light beam 56. Similarly, incident light 60 passes through first pane 12 and contacts third photovoltaic element 26. It will be appreciated that the ratio of light received by each of first photovoltaic element 30, second photovoltaic element 28, and third photovoltaic element 26 will depend on the angle that the incident light forms with light receiving surface 12a.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second pane 16 has a backside coating on the back side 15, which is opposite to the face 19. The coating may be a multi-layer coating and is arranged to reflect incident IR light within a wide IR band.

[0060] In some embodiments, a front coating is provided on face 13 on the second panel 16. The front coating may have anti-reflective properties in the UV and visible wavelength ranges - in order to use as much incident UV energy as possible in the panel structure to excite a range of inorganic light emitters, or alternatively may have high reflective properties in the UV and also have anti-reflective properties in the visible wavelength range, while also acting as a partial IR reflector. The anti-reflective properties in the visible range may also be adjusted by design to minimize reflection of incident light energy within a specific range of incident angles. In another embodiment, the front coating on face 13 is arranged to be highly reflective to UV radiation, anti-reflective to visible light, and optionally also highly reflective in the IR wavelength (sub) bands of light emitted by the light emitter material. In this example, the high reflective properties in the UV band are used to protect the light emitter from the adverse effects of incident UV radiation.

[0061] It should be understood that the terms "front" and "rear" are relative to the light receiving surface and the orientation of the device relative to the external environment, and do not limit the device to any particular orientation.

[0062] The multilayer structure of the second pane 16 may also have a UV and IR reflective backside coating. The backside coating on the rear face 15 of the panel 16 is a multilayer structure formed of metal and dielectric material. Alternatively, the multilayer structure may be formed of dielectric material only.

[0063] The combination of the front coating on face 13, the back coating on face 15, the light scattering material, the luminescent material, and the diffraction grating helps direct incident light toward at least a portion of the first photovoltaic element 30 and / or the second photovoltaic element 28, and this can help increase the intensity of light received by the first photovoltaic element 30 and / or the second photovoltaic element 28, which can help increase the amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic element and, therefore, the device 10. These features make the third panel 16 a spectrally selective panel, as specific wavelengths of light may be absorbed, scattered, and diffracted by the second pane 16.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a device 100 forming a window element 102 arranged to be assembled into a window frame. The support 20 extends around the periphery of the window element 102. FIG. 4 shows a view toward the first pane 12 at an angle transverse to the plane defined by the light receiving surface 12a. The end of the flange 22 is depicted by the dotted line 22a. The first photovoltaic element 30 is positioned near the end of the flange 22a, and the third photovoltaic element 26 is positioned near the end 26 of the support 20 on the second wall 20b. Figure 4b A cross-sectional view of device 100 extending along a line extending from side 106 to 107 is shown.

[0065] Figure 4c A cross-sectional view of the window element 100 is shown along a line extending from the side 104 to 105. Figure 4b In the embodiment of the present invention, the width (d4) of the element 100 is 1087 mm, and the height (d3; see Figure 4b ) is 1200 mm. However, the height and width of the device 100 vary depending on the desired dimensions of the window element 102, and in principle the element 100 can have any dimensions.

[0066] Those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will appreciate that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0067] In the appended claims and the preceding description, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations thereof are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., in various embodiments, specifying the presence of the stated features but not excluding the presence or addition of other features.

Claims

1. A power generation device, comprising: a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are respectively at least partially transmissive to visible light, the first panel defines a light receiving surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel are spaced apart from each other by a support so as to define a cavity between the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the third panel are supported in the cavity by the support, and the third panel has an end surface substantially transverse to the light receiving surface and a region near the end surface substantially parallel to the light receiving surface; a first photovoltaic element and a second photovoltaic element positioned within the cavity, the first photovoltaic element being arranged in a first orientation relative to the light receiving surface and the second photovoltaic element being arranged in a second orientation different from both an orientation of the first photovoltaic element and an orientation of the light receiving surface, wherein the device is arranged to generate electricity from at least a portion of the light being used received by the light receiving surface and to generate electricity for the first photovoltaic element and / or the second photovoltaic element, wherein the first orientation is substantially parallel to the light receiving surface and the second orientation is transverse to the light receiving surface, wherein the second panel, the third panel, the first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element are entirely located within a projection of the circumference of the first panel in a direction along the surface normal of the first panel, wherein the first photovoltaic element is positioned to be spaced apart from the first panel and adjacent to the region near the end surface of the third panel, and the second photovoltaic element is adjacent to the end surface, and Wherein, the third panel is located between the first photovoltaic element and the light receiving surface.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The support surrounds the third panel at an edge of the first panel.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support surrounds at least a portion of the first photovoltaic element and the second photovoltaic element.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The third panel has an end surface transverse to the light receiving surface and a region near the end surface substantially parallel to the light receiving surface, and wherein the first photovoltaic element is adjacent to the region near the end surface and the second photovoltaic element is adjacent to the end surface.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The third panel comprises an arrangement for redirecting light incident on the light receiving surface in at least one direction transverse to the surface normal of the first panel to be collected by the first photovoltaic elements and the second photovoltaic elements.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: Said arrangement for redirecting light comprises a diffraction grating and / or a luminescent material and / or a light scattering material.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: In use, the redirected light is guided by total internal reflection through the third panel.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The third panel includes a plurality of panel portions.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The diffraction grating and / or the luminescent material and / or the light scattering material are located within a panel part or between panel parts.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The panel sections cooperate with each other to form a stack, wherein each of the panel sections are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A transparent spacer is provided between the first photovoltaic element and the third panel.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support member comprises: a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first wall and the second wall being arranged parallel to the light receiving surface; a third wall and a fourth wall opposite to the third wall, the third wall and the fourth wall being arranged transversely to the light receiving surface, the third wall and the fourth wall connecting the first wall and the second wall; and A flange extends on an edge portion of the third panel in a direction parallel to the light receiving surface.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The first photovoltaic element is located between the flange and the third panel, and the second photovoltaic element is located between the edge portion of the third panel and the third wall.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The support includes a channel opening outwardly at an edge portion of the device.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The outwardly opening channel is continuous.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising a third photovoltaic element arranged in the first orientation and located between the first panel and the support at or near an edge of the first panel.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The third photovoltaic element is located on the second wall.

18. The device of claim 1 or 2 configured to fit in a standard window frame.

19. A window frame comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. An integrated glazing unit comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A window system comprising a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18 which are electrically connected.

22. The window system of claim 21, wherein: The devices are connected in parallel.

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