Dual solar cell albedometer and method of manufacturing a dual solar cell albedometer
By thermally connecting bifacial solar cells and maintaining the same temperature and degradation rate, the problems of temperature difference and spectral mismatch in albedo meters are solved, achieving accurate albedo measurement and device compactness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INDIAN INST OF TECHIIT BOMBAY
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing albedo meters suffer from measurement errors due to temperature differences, spectral mismatch, and bulky equipment, especially in the albedo measurement of bifacial solar cells.
By thermally connecting two solar cells and maintaining them at the same temperature and degradation rate, a compact structure is formed using transparent and encapsulation components, eliminating the need for mounting structures and backsheets, and ensuring electrical specification matching.
It achieves accurate albedo measurement, reduces errors caused by temperature differences and spectral mismatch, and is compact and cost-effective.
Smart Images
Figure CN122159787A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments described herein generally relate to albedo meters. More specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to dual-solar cell albedo meters and methods of manufacturing dual-solar cell albedo meters. Background Technology
[0002] Albedo is the ratio of radiation reflected from a surface to the total radiation received from sunlight. Albedo values are measured by an instrument called an albedo meter. The amount of radiation reflected by the surfaces surrounding a bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module is significant in determining the appropriate location for installing such PV modules. Furthermore, performance evaluation of a PV system composed of bifacial modules will require understanding the reflections received on the rear side of the bifacial PV module. Conventional monofacial PV modules receive solar radiation and generate electricity from only one surface. However, bifacial PV modules have the advantage of generating electricity from both sides and therefore have a greater power output than conventional monofacial PV modules. To obtain optimal power output from bifacial PV modules, they must be installed in locations where the surrounding surfaces have high albedo values.
[0003] Currently, some instruments used to measure albedo are albedo meters based on solar irradiance meters. Typically, a solar irradiance meter consists of two solar irradiance meters, one facing the sun (sky) and the other facing the ground. The albedo value is calculated based on the ratio of radiation measured by the ground-facing solar irradiance meter to that measured by the sun-facing solar irradiance meter. However, solar irradiance meters are expensive. Furthermore, they have a spectrum that is mismatched with solar PV modules. Some albedo meters are based on two solar irradiance sensors (solar cells), where one solar irradiance sensor facing the sun is positioned above and mounted on the mounting structure, while the other solar irradiance sensor facing the ground is positioned below and mounted on the mounting structure. Each solar irradiance sensor-based albedo meter includes a backplate, a first encapsulation layer disposed above the backplate, a solar cell disposed above the first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer disposed above the solar cell, glass disposed above the second encapsulation layer, and a housing for accommodating the aforementioned components. Albedo meters based on solar irradiance sensors measure albedo values by comparing the ratio of the short-circuit current of the ground-facing sensor to that of the sun-facing sensor. In these sensors, the primary source of error is the temperature difference between the two solar irradiance sensors. The sun-facing sensor has a higher temperature, while the ground-facing sensor has a lower temperature. This is due to the structural arrangement of the albedo meter, where the mounting structure, housing, and backplate are positioned between the solar cells, thermally insulating (isolating) the sensors from each other. The output current of the solar irradiance sensor is temperature-dependent. Therefore, the temperature difference between the sensors affects the output current, leading to errors in the albedo value. Furthermore, solar irradiance sensors degrade at a faster rate as operating temperature increases. Thus, the sun-facing sensor will degrade faster than the ground-facing sensor, again contributing to errors in the measured albedo value. Furthermore, due to the mounting structure, four-layer encapsulation, and the use of two backplanes, the albedo meter based on the solar irradiance sensor is bulky.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a dual-solar cell albedo meter that can eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, as well as a method for manufacturing a dual-solar cell albedo meter. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The main objective of this embodiment is to provide a dual-solar-cell albedo meter that accurately measures albedo values.
[0006] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to thermally connect one solar cell to another, such that both solar cells of the albedometer will have nearly the same temperature, thereby eliminating errors caused by temperature mismatch of the solar cells when measuring albedo values.
[0007] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to thermally connect one solar cell to another, thereby enabling the two solar cells to have nearly identical degradation rates, which in turn reduces the error caused by different degradation rates of the solar cells.
[0008] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to ensure that both solar cells of the albedo meter have the same size and technology and matching electrical specifications, thereby eliminating errors caused by spectral mismatch of the solar cells when measuring albedo values.
[0009] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a method for manufacturing a dual-solar-cell albedo meter.
[0010] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a compact and lightweight dual solar cell albedo meter by eliminating the use of mounting structures and backplates in dual solar cell height meters.
[0011] Another objective of the embodiments described herein is to provide a reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-manufacture dual-solar-cell albedo meter.
[0012] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that while the following description indicates embodiments and their many specific details, it is given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from their spirit, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] Figure 1 An exploded view of a dual solar cell albedo meter according to an embodiment disclosed herein is depicted.
[0015] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a dual solar cell albedo meter according to an embodiment disclosed herein is depicted;
[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart depicts the steps of a method for manufacturing a dual-solar cell albedo meter according to instructions of embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The embodiments herein, along with their various features and advantageous details, are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of how the embodiments herein can be practiced, and further to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0018] The embodiments of this paper implement a dual-solar cell altimeter that accurately measures albedo values. Further, the embodiments of this paper implement a method for manufacturing a dual-solar cell albedo meter. Referring now to... Figures 1 to 3 Similar reference numerals are consistently used throughout the figures to denote corresponding features, wherein embodiments are shown.
[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a dual-solar-cell albedo meter (100) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the dual-solar-cell albedo meter (100) includes at least two transparent members (102A, 102B), a plurality of encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C), at least two solar cells (106A, 106B), a sealing member (108), and a frame structure (110) (as shown in the image). Figure 2 (As shown). In one embodiment, the solar cells (106A, 106B) are adapted to have the same size and technology and matching electrical specifications. For the purposes of description and ease of understanding, the albedo meter (100) is explained below with reference to a dual solar cell albedo meter. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that albedo meters having any other number of cells (solar cells) can be used / practiced with minor modifications (one or more) that do not impede the intended function of the albedo meter (100), as can be inferred from the description and the corresponding drawings. In one embodiment, each of the transparent members (102A, 102B) is configured to allow sunlight (solar radiation) to reach the respective solar cell (106A, 106B). In one embodiment, each transparent member (102A, 102B) is glass.
[0020] In one embodiment, the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) are adapted to bond with the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the transparent components (102A, 102B), thereby bonding the solar cells (106A, 106B) to the transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, a plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) and solar cells (106A, 106B) are alternately arranged one on top of another and sandwiched between the transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, each encapsulation component (104A, 104B, 104C) is one of silicone material and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). However, within the scope of this invention, any other materials, such as polyolefin elastomers (POE) or combinations thereof, may be used / implemented, as can be inferred from the description and the corresponding drawings, provided that only one or more minor modifications are made and that this does not impede the intended function of the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C).
[0021] In one embodiment, the solar cells (106A, 106B) are adapted to be opposite to each other. In one embodiment, the plurality of solar cells (106A, 106B) includes a first solar cell (106A) adapted to face the sky and a second solar cell (106B) adapted to face the ground. A plurality of transparent members (102A, 102B) include a first transparent member (102A) disposed above the first solar cell (106A) via a respective encapsulation member (104A) and a second transparent member (102B) disposed below the second solar cell (106B) via a respective encapsulation member (104C). In one embodiment, the first solar cell (106A) facing the sky is configured to receive solar radiation from the sun via the first transparent member (102A). In one embodiment, the second solar cell (106B) facing the ground is configured to receive solar radiation reflected from the ground via the second transparent member (102B). In one embodiment, each solar cell (106A, 106B) includes a pair of electrical terminals (106a) adapted for facilitating the measurement of albedo values.
[0022] In one embodiment, the sealing member (108) is adapted to enclose the solar cells (106A, 106B) and encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C) to restrict fluid inflow into the solar cells (106A, 106B) and encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C), thereby protecting the albedo meter (100). The sealing member (108) protects the albedo meter (100) from external damage, including damage from environmental factors such as dust, water, etc. In one embodiment, the sealing member (108) is at least one of silicone resin, polyisobutylene (PIB), and pumpable solar edge tape (PSET). However, it is also within the scope of the invention that any other material for the sealing member (108), as can be inferred from the description and corresponding drawings, may be used / implemented for the sealing member without thereby impairing its intended function. In one embodiment, the frame structure (110) is adapted to accommodate transparent components (102A, 102B), multiple encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), and solar cells (106A, 106B). In another embodiment, the frame structure (110) is adapted to provide strength for the albedo meter (100).
[0023] In one embodiment, a plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) include at least three layers of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), wherein at least two solar cells (106A, 106B) and the three layers of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) are alternately arranged one on top of another and sandwiched between two transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, the solar cells (106A, 106B) are physically separated from each other by respective encapsulation components (104B). In one embodiment, the encapsulation components (104B) are adapted to provide electrical insulation for the solar cells (106A, 106B). In one embodiment, the encapsulation components (104B) are adapted to achieve thermal contact between the solar cells (106A, 106B) in the albedo meter (100).
[0024] The plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) includes a first encapsulation component (104A), a second encapsulation component (104B), and a third encapsulation component (104C). The first encapsulation component (104A) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of a first transparent component (102A) and the top surface of a first solar cell (106A), thereby connecting the first transparent component (102A) and the first solar cell (106A). The second encapsulation component (104B) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of the first solar cell (106A) and the top surface of the second solar cell (106B), thereby thermally connecting the first solar cell (106A) and the second solar cell (106B). Further, the second encapsulation component (104B) is adapted to electrically insulate the first solar cell (106A) and the second solar cell (106B). The third encapsulation member (104C) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of the second solar cell (106B) and the top surface of the second transparent member (102B), thereby connecting the second solar cell (106B) and the second transparent member (102B).
[0025] Therefore, the solar cells (106A, 106B) are configured to operate at nearly the same temperature and degradation rate, which in turn results in accurate measurement of albedo values by the dual solar cell albedo meter (100). Furthermore, each solar cell (106A, 106B) is a silicon solar cell, whose spectral response is consistent with that of the photovoltaic (PV) module, thereby ensuring accurate determination of the albedo values. After outdoor testing of the dual solar cell albedo meter (100) and a conventional albedo meter, a temperature difference of approximately 11°C to 12°C was observed between the two solar cells of the conventional albedo meter. However, the temperature difference between the first solar cell (106A) and the second solar cell (106B) of the albedo meter (100) was approximately 1°C to 1.5°C. Therefore, the error caused by the temperature difference between the solar cells (106A, 106B) when measuring albedo values is eliminated in the dual solar cell albedo meter (100). Furthermore, the first and second solar cells (106A, 106B) of the dual solar cell albedo meter (100) will degrade at almost the same rate.
[0026] Figure 3A flowchart depicts the steps of a method (400) for manufacturing an albedometer (100) according to embodiments disclosed herein. For the purposes of description and ease of understanding, the method (400) is explained below with reference to the manufacture of a dual-solar cell albedometer (100) using a silicone material as an encapsulation member (104). However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the entire process of the method (400) may be practiced / implemented in the same or different manner, or with the omission of at least one step of the method (400), or with the addition of at least one step to the method (400), without thereby impairing the intended function of the method (400), using any other encapsulating material to manufacture the dual-solar cell albedometer (100) or any other type of albedometer or dual-solar cell albedometer (100), as can be inferred from the description and the corresponding drawings.
[0027] In one embodiment, at step (402), method (400) includes cutting a full-size solar cell into at least two solar cells (106A, 106B) of predetermined identical size and electrical specifications using a laser cutting process. In one embodiment, the predetermined size of each solar cell (106A, 106B) is 7 cm by 8 cm. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the solar cells can be cut to any other size, as can be inferred from the description and corresponding drawings, without impairing the intended function of the solar cells (106A, 106B). In one embodiment, at step (404), method (400) includes measuring the current-voltage (IV) characteristics (open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, maximum power point (MPP), and fill factor (FF)) of each solar cell (106A, 106B). In one embodiment, at step (406), method (400) includes soldering a pair of electrical terminals (106a) to each solar cell (106A, 106B). In one embodiment, at step (408), the method (400) includes alternately arranging solar cells (106A, 106B) and encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) in a layer-by-layer pattern, with the solar cells (106A, 106B) and encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) sandwiched between transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, at step (410), the method (400) includes performing a lamination process on the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), thereby bonding the solar cells (106A, 106B) to the transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, the type of lamination process is selected based on the type of material used as the encapsulation component. In one embodiment, the lamination process for the silicone resin material used as the encapsulation component is performed at room temperature. In one embodiment, the silicone resin encapsulation material is cured for a period of 22 to 26 hours. In one embodiment, when using EVA encapsulation components, a lamination process is performed under vacuum conditions in a laminator at a temperature of 140°C to 150°C for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Within the temperature range of 140°C to 150°C, the EVA encapsulation components are adapted to melt and bond with the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the transparent components (102A, 102B). In one embodiment, at step (412), the method (400) includes sealing the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) with a sealing component (108) to restrict fluid ingress therein. In one embodiment, at step (414), the method (400) includes housing the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the transparent components (102A, 102B) therein via a frame structure (110) to facilitate the packaging of the dual solar cell albedometer (100).In one embodiment, in step (416), the method (400) includes measuring the current-voltage characteristics of each solar cell (106A, 106B) after the packaged albedo meter (100) for recalibration of the solar cells (106A, 106B).
[0028] The embodiments described above have several technical advantages, including but not limited to realizing a dual-solar-cell albedometer (100) that accurately measures albedo values. Furthermore, the dual-solar-cell albedometer (100) minimizes the temperature difference between the solar cells (106A, 106B), thereby eliminating errors in the measured albedo values caused by the minimum temperature difference. In addition, the dual-solar-cell albedometer (100) is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The two solar cells (106A, 106B) are configured to operate at nearly the same temperature, and the degradation rates of the two solar cells (106A, 106B) will be almost identical. Therefore, after a period of field operation, errors in measuring albedo values due to different degradation rates will be eliminated. Both solar cells (106A, 106B) of the albedometer (100) are configured to have the same size and technology and matching electrical specifications, thereby eliminating errors caused by spectral mismatch of the solar cells when measuring albedo values. Because it eliminates the need for mounting structures and backplates found in dual solar cell albedo meters, the albedo meter (100) is compact and lightweight. The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) is reliable, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture.
[0029] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can readily modify and / or adapt various applications of such specific embodiments by applying present knowledge without departing from the overall concept, and therefore, such modifications and alterations should and are intended to be understood as being within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation. Therefore, although the embodiments herein have been described with reference to examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to practice the embodiments herein within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. A dual-solar-cell albedo meter (100), the albedo meter (100) comprising: At least two solar cells (106A, 106B) are adapted to be arranged opposite to each other; At least two transparent components (102A, 102B), wherein each of the transparent components (102A, 102B) is adapted to facilitate the arrival of sunlight radiation on the corresponding solar cell (106A, 106B). A plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), said plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) being adapted to bond with the solar cell (106A, 106B) and the transparent component (102A, 102B), thereby bonding the solar cell (106A, 106B) to the transparent component (102A, 102B); and A frame structure (110) adapted to accommodate the solar cells (106A, 106B), the transparent members (102A, 102B), and the encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C). in: The solar cell (106A) is thermally connected to another solar cell (106B) via a corresponding encapsulation member (104B).
2. The dual-solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two solar cells (106A, 106B) include: The first solar cell suitable for facing the sky (106A); and A second solar cell (106B) suitable for ground orientation.
3. The dual-solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) include at least three layers of the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), wherein the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) are arranged alternately in a layer-by-layer pattern and sandwiched between the transparent components (102A, 102B).
4. The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The solar cells (106A, 106B) are physically separated from each other by the corresponding encapsulation components (104B).
5. The dual-solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) includes at least one sealing member (108) adapted to seal the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C) to restrict fluid ingress therein.
6. The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least two transparent components (102A, 102B) include: A first transparent member (102A) is adapted to be disposed above the first solar cell (106A) via a corresponding encapsulation member (104A); and A second transparent member (102B) is adapted to be disposed below the second solar cell (106B) via a corresponding other encapsulation member (104C).
7. The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of packaging components (104A, 104B, 104C) include: A first encapsulation member (104A) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of the first transparent member (102A) and the top surface of the first solar cell (106A), thereby connecting the first solar cell (106A) to the first transparent member (102A). A second encapsulation member (104B) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of the first solar cell (106A) and the top surface of the second solar cell (106B), thereby thermally connecting the first solar cell (106A) and the second solar cell (106B); and A third encapsulation component (104C) is adapted to be disposed between the bottom surface of the second solar cell (106B) and the top surface of the second transparent component (102B), thereby connecting the second solar cell (106B) and the second transparent component (102B).
8. The dual solar cell albedo meter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The solar cells (106A, 106B) are adapted to have the same size and technology and to have matching electrical specifications.
9. A method (400) for manufacturing a dual solar cell albedo meter (100), the method (400) comprising: The original-size solar cell is cut (402) into at least two solar cells (106A, 106B) with the same predetermined size and electrical specifications by laser cutting process. Measure the current-voltage characteristics of each solar cell (106A, 106B) (404); A pair of electrical terminals (106a) are soldered (406) onto each solar cell (106A, 106B); The solar cells (106A, 106B) and encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) are arranged alternately in a layer-by-layer pattern (408), and the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) are sandwiched between a pair of transparent components (102A, 102B); A lamination process (410) is performed on the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C), thereby bonding the solar cells (106A, 106B) to the transparent components (102A, 102B). The solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C) are sealed (412) by sealing member (108), thereby restricting fluid from entering the solar cells (106A, 106B) and the encapsulation members (104A, 104B, 104C). The solar cells (106A, 106B) and the transparent components (102A, 102B) are housed (414) within a frame structure (110) to facilitate packaging the dual solar cell albedometer (100); and After packaging the albedo meter (100), the current-voltage characteristics of each solar cell (106A, 106B) are measured (416) for recalibration of the solar cells (106A, 106B).
10. The method (400) according to claim 9, wherein, The lamination process (410) performed on the encapsulation components (104A, 104B, 104C) includes at least one of the following: When silicone resin is used as the encapsulation component (104A, 104B, 104C), the encapsulation component (104A, 104B, 104C) is cured for a period of 22 to 26 hours; and When ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is used as the encapsulation component (104A, 104B, 104C), the lamination process is performed under vacuum conditions in a laminator at a temperature of 140°C to 150°C for a period of 10 to 15 minutes.