Roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material

Abstract

The invention provides a roll-type photovoltaic panel based on a shape memory material, and relates to the technical field of photovoltaic equipment, and the roll-type photovoltaic panel comprises a first photovoltaic layer, a first supporting layer, a first heating layer, a first heat insulation layer, a control circuit layer, a second heat insulation layer, a second heating layer, a second supporting layer and a second photovoltaic layer which are stacked. The first photovoltaic layer and the second photovoltaic layer are used for photovoltaic power generation; the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer are made of shape memory materials and can be switched among a plurality of forms under the influence of temperature; the first heating layer and the second heating layer are used for heating, and the forms of the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer are controlled by changing the temperature. The first heat insulation layer and the second heat insulation layer are used for preventing heat emitted by the first heating layer and the second heating layer from being transmitted to the control circuit layer; the first heating layer and the second heating layer are electrically connected with the control circuit layer, and the control circuit layer is used for controlling heating of the first heating layer and the second heating layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of photovoltaic equipment, and in particular to a roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material. Background Art

[0002] Currently, traditional solar photovoltaic panels are typically installed on building roofs or on the ground, but they are large, heavy, and easily damaged during transportation. This is especially true for spacecraft or satellites, where high space utilization is crucial.

[0003] While some flexible photovoltaic panels can be folded and stored, they have limited ability to unfold in extreme temperatures and lack the ability to automatically adjust their orientation to accommodate changes in sunlight angle. Existing photovoltaic panel systems often require additional motors or mechanical equipment for unfolding and adjusting, increasing system complexity and energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material, which can solve the problem that the prior art lacks the function of automatically adjusting the direction to cope with changes in the angle of sunlight, and requires additional motors or mechanical equipment to unfold and adjust, which not only increases the complexity of the system, but also brings about technical problems of additional energy consumption.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a roll-up photovoltaic panel based on a shape memory material, comprising: a first photovoltaic layer (1), a first support layer (2), a first heating layer (3), a first heat insulation layer (4), a control circuit layer (5), a second heat insulation layer (6), a second heating layer (7), a second support layer (8), and a second photovoltaic layer (9) arranged in a stacked manner;

[0006] The first photovoltaic layer (1) and the second photovoltaic layer (9) are used for photovoltaic power generation;

[0007] The first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are made of shape memory material and can be switched between multiple forms under the influence of temperature;

[0008] The first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) are used to generate heat, and the shapes of the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are controlled respectively by changing the temperature;

[0009] The first heat-insulating layer (6) and the second heat-insulating layer (6) are used to prevent the heat emitted by the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) from being transferred to the control circuit layer (5);

[0010] The first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) are both electrically connected to the control circuit layer (5), and the control circuit layer (5) is used to control the heating of the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7).

[0011] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention include at least:

[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, the shape memory material can be controlled by temperature to change the shape of a rolled photovoltaic panel, allowing for easier transportation in a rolled state and generating photovoltaic power in an unfolded state. Furthermore, the properties of the shape memory material in the support layer can automatically adjust the angle at which the photovoltaic panel faces the sun, eliminating the need for additional motors or mechanical equipment to adjust the panel's orientation and reducing energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference symbols represent the same components. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of a driving mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 It is a side view of a driving mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1-first photovoltaic layer; 2-first supporting layer; 3-first heating layer; 4-first thermal insulation layer; 5-control circuit layer; 6-second thermal insulation layer; 7-second heating layer; 8-second supporting layer; 9-second photovoltaic layer; 10-motor; 11-reel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following description, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts disclosed in the present invention.

[0020] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention.

[0021] Reference Manual Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the present invention provides a structure of a roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material, including: a first photovoltaic layer 1, a first support layer 2, a first heating layer 3, a first thermal insulation layer 4, a control circuit layer 5, a second thermal insulation layer 6, a second heating layer 7, a second support layer 8 and a second photovoltaic layer 9 arranged in a stacked manner.

[0022] The first photovoltaic layer 1 and the second photovoltaic layer 9 are used for photovoltaic power generation. They are arranged on either side of the photovoltaic panel structure, absorbing both direct sunlight and reflected ambient light, achieving double-sided photovoltaic power generation. This significantly improves the photovoltaic conversion efficiency per unit area, making them particularly suitable for applications with limited space but abundant sunlight resources, such as space.

[0023] The first supporting layer 2 and the second supporting layer 8 are made of shape memory material and can be switched between multiple shapes under the influence of temperature.

[0024] Alternatively, shape memory materials can be made of SMPs (shape memory polymers), which exhibit temperature-responsive properties. They maintain a rigid shape below a specific threshold temperature, but soften and automatically return to a preset "memory shape" when heated above that threshold. By incorporating a time-dependent response (i.e., 4D properties), these materials can achieve automatic unfolding and curling in photovoltaic panels without mechanical devices, making them particularly suitable for adaptive structural adjustment in complex or extreme environments.

[0025] The first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 are used to generate heat, and the shapes of the first supporting layer 2 and the second supporting layer 8 are controlled by changing the temperature. The first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 are built-in heating devices, usually made of copper wire or other high-efficiency heating elements. They are tightly attached to the interior of the supporting layer, and by controlling the heating power, the local temperature can be precisely adjusted, thereby activating the deformation response of the SMP material. By separately regulating the heating behavior of the supporting layers on both sides, the system can achieve fine-tuning or directional adjustment of the photovoltaic panel's posture to optimize the illumination angle.

[0026] The first and second thermal insulation layers 6 are used to prevent heat generated by the first and second heating layers 3 and 7 from being transferred to the control circuit layer 5. These layers, placed between the heating layers and the control circuit layer and made of high-performance thermal insulation materials, act as a thermal barrier. They effectively prevent heat generated during heating from dissipating internally, preventing performance drift or component damage in the control circuit layer 5 due to overheating, thereby ensuring the system's thermal stability and electrical control reliability.

[0027] The first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 are both electrically connected to the control circuit layer 5, which is used to control the heating of the first and second heating layers 3 and 7. The control circuit layer 5 is the core of the system, responsible not only for managing the collection and output of photovoltaic power but also for temperature control and regulation. Through electrical connections, it controls the heating cycle, temperature threshold, and power intensity of the first and second heating layers 3 and 7, achieving intelligent control of the entire photovoltaic panel configuration. This design enables the photovoltaic panel to be highly integrated, low-energy, and programmable and adaptive, enabling stable operation even in complex environments.

[0028] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention include at least:

[0029] In embodiments of the present invention, the shape memory material can be controlled by temperature to change the shape of a rolled photovoltaic panel, allowing for easier transportation in a rolled state and generating photovoltaic power in an unfolded state. Furthermore, the properties of the shape memory material in the support layer can automatically adjust the angle at which the photovoltaic panel faces the sun, eliminating the need for additional motors or mechanical equipment to adjust the panel's orientation and reducing energy consumption.

[0030] In a possible implementation, a copper wire heating system is built into the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 .

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a copper wire heating system is built into the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7, enabling rapid, precise, and controllable heating of the shape memory polymer (SMP) support layer, thereby effectively triggering the material's morphological changes. This built-in heating method offers advantages such as fast response, high thermal efficiency, and flexible layout, avoiding the complexity and energy waste associated with external heating devices. Furthermore, through integrated control with the control circuit, it enables on-demand heating and zoned temperature control, enabling the photovoltaic panels to adaptively expand, retract, and adjust their angles, thereby enhancing the system's intelligence and environmental adaptability.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the rolled photovoltaic panel further includes a motor 10 and a reel 11. The first photovoltaic layer 1, the first support layer 2, the first heating layer 3, the first thermal insulation layer 4, the control circuit layer 5, the second thermal insulation layer 6, the second heating layer 7, the second support layer 8, and the second photovoltaic layer 9 are wound around the reel 11. The motor 10 is connected to the reel 11 and drives the reel 11 to rotate, thereby unrolling or rolling the rolled photovoltaic panel.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the design of the motor 10 and the reel 11 is introduced into the rolled photovoltaic panel, so that the entire photovoltaic structure can achieve mechanically assisted orderly unfolding and curling. The advantage of this structure is that by driving the reel to rotate by the motor, the unfolding length and recycling speed of the photovoltaic panel can be accurately controlled, and the necessary external force is provided after the SMP material softens to overcome its deformation resistance, ensuring that the photovoltaic panel can be smoothly laid flat or rewound from the curled state, thereby improving the reliability and control accuracy of the system. This method not only simplifies the deployment and recycling process and improves the level of automation, but also enhances the safety and adaptability of operations in complex environments (such as space deployment).

[0034] In one possible embodiment, the shape-memory material used in the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 has a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, with the second temperature threshold being greater than the first temperature threshold. When the temperature of the shape-memory material is below the first temperature threshold, the shape-memory material is in a solid state. When the temperature of the shape-memory material reaches the first temperature threshold, the shape-memory material gradually softens from a solid state. When the temperature of the shape-memory material approaches the second temperature threshold, the shape-memory material assumes a memorized form. When the temperature of the shape-memory material exceeds the second temperature threshold, the shape-memory material gradually assumes a liquid state, losing its original memory function and allowing a reset of the memorized form. The preset memorized form is the state at the time of printing. As the temperature drops, the material begins to memorize, achieving complete memorization below the second threshold temperature. Once complete memorization is achieved, any shape changes can be gradually restored by slowly heating the material until it is fully restored at the second threshold temperature. As the temperature rises, the material begins to transition from a solid state to a liquid state.

[0035] In this embodiment of the present invention, a shape-memory material with first and second temperature thresholds is employed to achieve precise, staged control over the photovoltaic panel's morphological transformation. When the temperature is below the first threshold, the material remains solid, ensuring structural stability and transport safety. When the temperature reaches the first threshold, it begins to soften, preparing for deployment. When the temperature approaches the second threshold, the material returns to its pre-set memory shape, at which point the restoring force disappears. This hierarchical temperature control design enhances the system's responsiveness, controllability, and safety, prevents sudden and drastic material deformation, and improves the smoothness and durability of the structure's operation.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the temperature of the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 is increased by the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7, so that the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 are softened, and the motor 10 drives the reel 11 to rotate so that the softened first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 are unfolded or curled.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 are heated by the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 to soften them, and then the motor 10 drives the reel 11 to unfold or curl the photovoltaic panel. The advantage of this combination is that it not only utilizes the thermal response characteristics of the shape memory material, but also introduces mechanical drive to ensure the controllability and smoothness of the unfolding and retraction process. Heating first softens the material to reduce rigidity, and then the motor provides precise external force, which can effectively avoid material damage or jamming, improve the safety, reliability and automation level of the system operation, and adapt to the needs of efficient deployment and storage in complex environments.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the memory shape of the shape memory material is specifically a spiral shape.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shape memory material is pre-set into a spiral memory configuration. Upon softening by heating, it naturally drives the photovoltaic panel to curl inward or unfold from its flat state, enabling self-contraction and expansion. The spiral form is highly compressible and recoverable, facilitating compact storage and rapid deployment of photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, under the influence of temperature differences, the restoring forces on both sides of the spiral create a dynamic equilibrium, enabling adaptive angle adjustment and light tracking, improving light utilization efficiency and the system's spatial adaptability. This makes it particularly suitable for aerospace and portable power generation scenarios.

[0040] In one possible embodiment, when the rolled photovoltaic panel is unfolded, the temperature of the side facing the sun is higher than the temperature of the side facing away from the sun. The response forces generated in the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 are opposite and offset each other, so that the rolled photovoltaic panel maintains the maximum unfolded area when facing the sun.

[0041] In this embodiment of the present invention, by utilizing the temperature difference caused by solar radiation, the temperature on the sun-facing side of the rolled photovoltaic panel is higher than that on the shady side. This generates opposing and mutually offsetting restoring forces in the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8. The advantage of this design is that it allows the photovoltaic panel to maintain a stable unfolded state when facing the sun without additional energy consumption. This self-balancing mechanism not only improves the system's energy efficiency and structural stability, but also enhances its adaptability to environmental changes, helping to continuously maintain the maximum light-receiving area, thereby significantly improving photovoltaic power generation efficiency.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, the spiral degrees of the shape memory materials in the first supporting layer 2 and the second supporting layer 8 are different. The shape memory materials with different spiral degrees make the response forces generated in the first supporting layer 2 and the second supporting layer 8 opposite and offset each other.

[0043] In this embodiment of the present invention, by using shape-memory materials with varying degrees of helicity in the first and second support layers 2 and 8, the restoring forces on both sides after heating are directed in opposite directions and have complementary strength differences. This design benefits the photovoltaic panel by achieving mechanical equilibrium after deployment, maintaining a stable and flat overall structure. The force differences resulting from the varying degrees of helicity offset each other within a certain temperature range, preventing excessive bending or instability. This ensures that the photovoltaic panel maintains its maximum light-receiving area during operation, improving power generation efficiency and operational reliability. This design is particularly suitable for long-term use in dynamic lighting environments.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, when the angle of the rolled-up photovoltaic panel facing the sun changes, the temperature of the side facing the sun decreases, and the temperature of the side facing away from the sun remains unchanged. The restoring force in the support layer on the side facing away from the sun is greater than the restoring force in the support layer on the side facing the sun, driving the rolled-up photovoltaic panel to turn toward the sun, and relying on the inherent characteristics of the shape memory material in the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 to adjust the angle of the photovoltaic panel facing the sun.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, by utilizing the temperature differential between the two sides of a rolled photovoltaic panel, when the temperature on the side facing the sun decreases and the temperature on the side facing away from the sun remains unchanged, the shape memory material in the support layer on the back-facing side generates a greater restoring force, thereby driving the photovoltaic panel to automatically turn toward the sun, achieving self-adjustment of the angle. The advantages of this solar tracking mechanism, which relies on the material's inherent thermal response rather than external mechanical devices, include a simpler system, lower energy consumption, and a lower failure rate. It can continuously optimize the light receiving angle without increasing structural complexity or energy consumption, significantly improving the photovoltaic panel's power generation efficiency and environmental adaptability under dynamic lighting conditions.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, when the rolled photovoltaic panel is unfolded, if there is an emergency and the angle of the photovoltaic panel facing the sun cannot be adjusted by relying on the inherent properties of the shape memory material in the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8, the temperature of the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 is increased by the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7, so that the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 are softened, and the motor 10 drives the reel 11 to rotate, so that the softened first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8 adjust the angle of the photovoltaic panel facing the sun.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, during the unfolding process of the rolled photovoltaic panel, if an unexpected situation causes the shape memory material to be unable to adjust its angle through its own thermal response characteristics, the system can actively heat the first heating layer 3 and the second heating layer 7 to soften the first support layer 2 and the second support layer 8, and cooperate with the motor 10 to drive the reel 11 to rotate precisely, thereby forcibly adjusting the orientation angle of the photovoltaic panel. The advantage of this design is that it provides a redundant adjustment mechanism for the system. When the passive adaptive mechanism fails, it can still ensure that the photovoltaic panel continues to align with the direction of the sun, ensuring the stability of power generation efficiency and mission reliability. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios in extreme environments or high reliability requirements, such as spacecraft or remote unmanned systems.

[0048] The present invention encompasses any alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and solutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While specific details are described in detail in the preferred embodiments to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be able to fully understand the present invention without these details. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary confusion regarding the essence of the present invention, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents; and such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Any changes or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material, characterized in that: include: A first photovoltaic layer (1), a first supporting layer (2), a first heating layer (3), a first heat-insulating layer (4), a control circuit layer (5), a second heat-insulating layer (6), a second heating layer (7), a second supporting layer (8), and a second photovoltaic layer (9) are stacked; The first photovoltaic layer (1) and the second photovoltaic layer (9) are used for photovoltaic power generation; The first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are made of shape memory material and can be switched between multiple forms under the influence of temperature; The first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) are used to generate heat, and the shapes of the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are controlled respectively by changing the temperature; The first heat-insulating layer (6) and the second heat-insulating layer (6) are used to prevent the heat emitted by the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) from being transferred to the control circuit layer (5); The first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7) are both electrically connected to the control circuit layer (5), and the control circuit layer (5) is used to control the heating of the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7).

2. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 1, characterized in that: A copper wire heating system is built into the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7).

3. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Motor (10) and reel (11); The first photovoltaic layer (1), the first supporting layer (2), the first heating layer (3), the first heat-insulating layer (4), the control circuit layer (5), the second heat-insulating layer (6), the second heating layer (7), the second supporting layer (8) and the second photovoltaic layer (9) are wound on the reel (11); The motor (10) is connected to the reel (11), and the motor (10) drives the reel (11) to rotate, so that the rolled photovoltaic panel is unfolded or rolled up.

4. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shape memory material used in the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) has a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; When the temperature of the shape memory material is lower than the first temperature threshold, the shape memory material is in a solid state; When the temperature of the shape memory material reaches the first temperature threshold, the shape memory material gradually softens from a solid state; When the temperature of the shape memory material approaches the second temperature threshold, the shape memory material presents a memory shape; When the temperature of the shape memory material exceeds the second temperature threshold, the shape memory material gradually becomes liquid, loses its original memory function, and can reset the memory shape.

5. The roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 4, characterized in that: The temperatures of the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) are increased by the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7), so that the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) are softened, and the motor (10) drives the reel (11) to rotate, so that the softened first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) are unfolded or curled.

6. The roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 4, characterized in that: The memory shape of the shape memory material is specifically a spiral shape.

7. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the rolled photovoltaic panel is unfolded, the temperature of the side facing the sun is higher than the temperature of the side facing away from the sun. The response forces generated in the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are opposite and offset each other, so that the rolled photovoltaic panel maintains a maximum unfolding area when facing the sun.

8. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 7, characterized in that: The spiral degrees of the shape memory materials in the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) are different. The shape memory materials with different spiral degrees make the response forces generated in the first supporting layer (2) and the second supporting layer (8) opposite and offset each other.

9. The roll-type photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the angle at which the rolled photovoltaic panel faces the sun changes, the temperature on the side facing the sun decreases, while the temperature on the side facing away from the sun remains unchanged. The restoring force in the support layer on the side facing away from the sun is greater than the restoring force in the support layer on the side facing the sun, driving the rolled photovoltaic panel to turn toward the sun. The angle at which the photovoltaic panel faces the sun is adjusted by relying on the inherent characteristics of the shape memory materials in the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8).

10. The roll-up photovoltaic panel based on shape memory material according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the rolled photovoltaic panel is unfolded, in the event of an emergency in which the angle of the photovoltaic panel facing the sun cannot be adjusted by relying on the inherent characteristics of the shape memory material in the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8), the temperature of the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) is increased by the first heating layer (3) and the second heating layer (7), so that the first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) are softened, and the motor (10) drives the reel (11) to rotate, so that the softened first support layer (2) and the second support layer (8) adjust the angle of the photovoltaic panel facing the sun.

Images