Assembly for a solar panel having an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system

Abstract

The present invention comprises solar tubes and other components that are repeatedly arranged to form solar bricks. More specifically, a solar brick (102) is assembled to form a solar panel that enables multiple direct and multiple indirect reflections of solar radiation in order to achieve multiple reflections by an induced optical vortex of sunlight in the visible spectrum that minimizes reflection losses. The assembly (100) includes a three-dimensional arrangement of solar cells within the solar tubes that captures solar radiation and enables utilization of a higher solar cell area relative to a horizontal ground surface. The assembly includes Peltier cells suitable for operating at a low temperature difference for utilizing and using the solar energy that is converted into heat. Further, solar heat and full-spectrum solar photovoltaics are combined in order to obtain maximum efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following complete specification particularly describes the present invention and the manner in which it is practiced.

[0002] Embodiments described in this disclosure generally relate to assemblies comprising solar tubes and other components that are repeatedly arranged to form solar bricks. More specifically, the three-dimensional arrangement of solar cells assembled to form a solar panel enables multiple direct and multiple indirect reflections of solar radiation to achieve multiple reflections by an induced optical vortex of sunlight in the visible spectrum that minimizes reflection losses.

Background Art

[0003] Load centers rely heavily on energy transmitted from utilities through sophisticated electrical transmission and distribution systems because the surfaces available for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation cannot meet the energy demand. Energy transmission from utilities obliges the use of transformers, transmission lines, trenches, cables, etc., significantly increasing the carbon footprint, power generation / transmission / distribution losses, electricity theft, and susceptibility to faults / accidents / electrical hazards.

[0004] Conventional solar panels of single-crystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, bifacial, or HJT solar cells arranged in the X-Y plane can have a maximum theoretical efficiency of 33.7% with a bandgap of 1.34 eV. In practice, the efficiency is 18 - 25%, and it can generate approximately 180 W / m2 - 250 W / m2. Therefore, current load centers require a large area for PV power generation to meet their power demand. If sufficient PV power generation area is not available in a load center, it will depend on power from other utilities.

[0005] Incident solar radiation includes wavelengths from 300 nm to 2700 nm at sea level. In the case of c-Si solar cells, the photon energy of wavelengths from 300 nm to 900 nm collides with the electrons in the valence band of the solar cell substrate, helping the electrons to jump across the bandgap and move to the conduction band. The energy required to jump across the bandgap is determined for each type of solar substrate. The non-consumed energy of the photons is converted into heat. The heat further reduces the efficiency of the solar cell. The photon energy of wavelengths from 900 to 2700 nm is not used because it does not have the ability to jump electrons from the valence band to the conduction band. Conventional solar panels do not have a mechanism to change the incident wavelength and do not have the ability to reduce losses due to the bandgap.

[0006] After jumping across the bandgap, the free electrons in the conduction band need to be collected by the interlace busbar within the solar cell. The electrons collected by the busbar are subject to the DC resistance of the long cable between the solar cell and the battery. The DC impedance of such a long cable between the solar cell and the battery reduces the collection efficiency of the interlace busbar and further causes a voltage drop along with transmission losses.

[0007] The minimum loss due to reflectivity in conventional solar assemblies requires that the incident solar radiation be within a specific angle with respect to the solar surface. Therefore, conventional PV systems employ complex and heavy frameworks and structures to maintain the solar cells at an appropriate angle with respect to the sun. When such automatic arrangements fail, power losses occur and sometimes power generation stops.

[0008] The protruding solar panel structure is vulnerable to lightning strikes and causes damage to expensive assets.

[0009] Since the solar panel frames are arranged in a linear array along with other accessories, the maintenance of such systems is extremely delicate, difficult, and costly.

[0010] A shiny solar surface is vulnerable to surface damage such as bird pecking and scratches from abrasive dust particles.

[0011] Therefore, an efficient PV power generation assembly and an efficient mechanism are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to provide a solar assembly that enables a PV power generation mechanism that needs to reach over 600 W / m2 and significantly reduces the load center dependence on commercial power.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a PV power generation assembly having a built-in power storage mechanism.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a PV power generation assembly that does not depend on the inclination of the sun.

[0015] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from further disclosure made in the following detailed description.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0016] This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0017] The present invention provides an assembly including solar tubes and other components that are repeatedly arranged to form solar bricks. Further, the solar bricks are assembled to form a solar panel. The designs of the solar panel, solar bricks, and solar tubes are detailed along with their functional interdependencies.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly includes a plurality of solar bricks arranged in an interconnected manner. Along the boundary line of the assembly, an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system is arranged for each solar brick of the plurality of solar bricks.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, each solar brick of the plurality of solar bricks includes a lattice of hexagonal tubular frames for mounting solar cells. The tubular frames include a three-dimensional arrangement of solar cells for capturing solar radiation, and the interleaved energy storage system of consecutive bricks is connected in a series-parallel combination to achieve an optimal charging voltage for external energy storage.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, each hexagonal tubular frame arrangement includes a protective glass, a downconversion assembly, a Fresnel lens, a height adjustment system, a solar cell assembly, an upconversion assembly, and a mirror. The upconversion assembly includes multilayer components for converting near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and mid-infrared (MIR) light into visible light.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the height adjustment assembly is disposed above the solar tube frame at an adjustable height. With the height adjustment assembly, the PV assembly is independent of the sleep angle tilt.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the protective glass is a transparent protective cover or a protective glass that allows all solar spectrum radiation to enter the solar tube.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the protective glass is configured to provide a desired ingress protection (IP) rating as well as protection from impact and surface aberration.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the downconversion assembly may comprise a downconversion frame configured to hold a plurality of downconversion systems.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, a radial Fresnel lens (306) or a linear refractive assembly distributes incident light rays to a perpendicular or angled solar cell surface.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly comprises a plurality of busbars or wires configured to transport free PV charges to an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid system.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly comprises an upconversion frame configured to hold a plurality of upconversion assemblies.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, a selective mirror assembly for visible light returns the upconverted light to a solar cell mounted within a tubular configuration.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the mirror assembly is a convex / plano-convex / prismatic mirror disposed at the bottom of a geometric tube frame.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of solar bricks are attached to a DIN rail roof over system.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, heat from the solar brick is extracted by a thermoelectric generator.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, solar energy is combined with thermoelectric energy to maximize efficiency.

[0033] These, together with other objects of the present invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0034] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings submitted during the filing of the complete patent specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] The embodiments of this specification, as well as their various features and advantageous details, will be more fully described with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to obscure the embodiments of this specification unnecessarily. The examples used in this specification are merely intended to facilitate the understanding of how the embodiments of this specification can be implemented and further enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments of this specification. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments in this specification.

[0037] References to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and distinct or alternative embodiments are not mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that are shown by some embodiments and not by other embodiments. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0038] Furthermore, the following description includes many details for illustrative purposes, but those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and / or modifications to the details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, many of the features of the present disclosure are described in relation to each other or in connection with each other, but those skilled in the art will understand that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Therefore, this description of the present disclosure is presented without loss of generality and without imposing limitations on the present disclosure.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure show a PV power generation assembly (100) comprising solar tubes and other components that are repeatedly arranged to form solar bricks. Further, the solar bricks are assembled to form a solar panel. The design of the solar panel, solar brick, and solar tube is detailed along with their functional interdependencies from FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a PV power generation assembly (100) (hereinafter, “the assembly”) of a solar brick stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly (100) is a modular design that employs an arrangement of interconnected solar bricks (102) in a given area. Along the boundary line (104) shown in FIG. 1, ultracapacitors or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system are arranged in the solar bricks (102). The interleaved energy storage system (battery) is connected to the assembly (100) in a series-parallel combination to achieve a higher voltage and minimize the voltage drop of the busbar / cable that transmits energy to an external energy storage system such as a battery, current, and DC resistance loss.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a single brick (102). The single brick (102) houses a grid of hexagonal (or other geometric shapes) tubular frames for mounting solar cells. The hexagonal grid is shown for illustrative purposes herein. However, a manufacturer may select various geometric shapes of the tubular arrangement to employ the assembly (100) based on ease of manufacture, geographical considerations, or location.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly (100) includes an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system (206), which, as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed at the boundary of each solar brick and forms a majority of the frame for holding the solar tubes. The interleaved energy storage system of consecutive bricks is connected in a series-parallel combination to achieve an optimal charging voltage for external energy storage. The solar brick (102) may further include a tubular frame (208).

[0043] FIG. 3 shows the overall arrangement of components in the tubular frame (208) of the solar brick (102). In some exemplary embodiments, the solar cells are disposed along the inner or outer wall of each tubular frame (208) according to the required alignment.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the hexagonal arrangement of tubular frame components (208) may include a protective glass (302), a down-conversion assembly (304), a Fresnel lens (306), a height adjustment system (308), a solar cell assembly (310), an up-conversion assembly (312), and a mirror (314).

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the protective glass (302) may be a transparent protective cover or a protective glass that allows all solar spectrum radiation to enter the solar tube. The protective glass (302) may provide a desired ingress protection (IP) rating as well as protection from impact and surface aberration.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the down-conversion assembly (304) may include a multi-layer component for the conversion of UV light to visible light. In some exemplary embodiments, the down-conversion assembly (304) can include a down-conversion frame configured to hold a plurality of down-conversion systems.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the refraction and height adjustment assembly (308) may comprise a radial Fresnel lens (306) or a linear refraction assembly that distributes incident light rays to a vertical or angled solar cell surface. With the refraction assembly lens and height adjustment system, the assembly (100) is independent of the sleep angle tilt.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the solar cell assembly (310) may include three components. The solar cells are disposed on the walls of the tubular frame. The solar cells can be arranged in various possible geometric shapes. In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of terminals are configured to enable series and parallel connection of the solar cells inside the tubular frame.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the assembly (100) further comprises a plurality of busbars or wires configured to transport free PV charge to an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid system.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the upconversion assembly (312) may comprise a multilayer component for the conversion of near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-infrared (MIR) light to visible light. The assembly (100) may further comprise an upconversion frame that holds a plurality of upconversion assemblies (312).

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the mirror assembly (314) returns the upconverted light to the solar cells mounted within the tubular arrangement.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the Fresnel lens and diverging lens ray diagrams on a hexagonal tubular frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the height adjustment assembly (306) is disposed above the solar tube frame at an adjustable height as shown in Figure 4. The height adjustment assembly allows the refractive or lens assembly to direct maximum incident light at all solar inclinations to the wall-mounted solar cell within the tube with maximum reflectance efficiency.

[0053] The mirror assembly (314) is a convex / plano-convex / prismatic mirror and is disposed at the bottom of the geometric tube frame as shown in Figure 4 to return the converted IR radiation back to the solar tube for PV power generation.

[0054] Operation of Assembly (100) Assembly (100) includes a mechanism of multiple direct and indirect reflections of radiation to achieve an optical vortex of solar rays as shown in Figure 5. Such a configuration can utilize full-spectrum solar radiant energy and thus can provide higher PV power generation efficiency.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, after the necessary upconversion and downconversion, a portion of the solar energy is still converted to heat. The solar brick is covered with a solar paint having a low emissivity dso to heat the periphery of the solar brick. The brick is covered with a thermal coating to minimize heat transfer to the photoelectric conversion mechanism. Under the photovoltaic enclosure, a Peltier cell assembly is disposed with a suitable heat sink. Solar radiation heats one surface of the Peltier cell, while the heat sink keeps the other surface cool. The temperature difference is converted to electricity by the Peltier cell. The electricity generated by the solar heat and solar photovoltaic system is supplied to a PCB for voltage regulation and synchronization to obtain a desired output voltage. The resulting output voltage is used to charge an ultracapacitor battery hybrid system.

[0056] Example of Installation of Assembly (100) Figures 6A and 6B show the attachment of a solar cell to a DIN rail using various types of DIN rail attachment assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since the solar brick (102) does not require a network of tilt assembly systems or frames, it can be attached directly to the DIN rail roof over system as shown in Figure 6A. Any other type of fixture can also be used based on regional applications. Different dimensions are shown in Figure 6B.

[0057] Novel aspects of the assembly (100): The PV power generation efficiency of the assembly (100) is several times higher than that of equivalent conventional solar cell configurations. The higher efficiency is made possible by the following novel ideas incorporated into the assembly (100).

[0058] The assembly (100) enables multiple direct and indirect reflections of solar radiation and achieves multiple reflections by guided optical vortices of sunlight in the visible spectrum that minimize reflection losses.

[0059] A system of up and down conversion assemblies and mirror assemblies in the assembly (100) is arranged in such a way that a commercially available solar cell can utilize the entire spectrum of solar radiation and minimize the bandgap loss of the solar substrate.

[0060] With the height adjustment assembly (306) and the refraction assembly, the assembly (100) is independent of the sleep angle tilt. The introduction of a three-dimensional arrangement of solar cells in the solar tube enables the capture of solar radiation and the utilization of a higher solar cell area with respect to the horizontal ground surface regardless of the sleep angle. Combining solar heat and full-spectrum solar power generation results in maximum efficiency.

[0061] An ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system located at the boundary of a solar brick increases the discharge efficiency of electrons in the conduction band through the interlace bus bar of the solar cell. The electricity generated by the solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power generation system is supplied to the PCB for voltage regulation and synchronization to obtain the desired output voltage. The obtained output voltage is used to charge the ultracapacitor battery hybrid system.

[0062] Analytical Justification Table 1 summarizes the various losses occurring in the conventional 2D assembly of a single-junction C-Si solar cell and shows its efficiency in percentage.

Table 1

[0063] The single-junction solar cell can generate up to 280 W / m 2 . The currently available efficiency is 22 - 25%. According to Shockley and Queisser for a single-junction cell with a 1.34 eV bandgap, the theoretical peak performance is about 33.7%, or about 337 W / m 2 .

[0064] Increase in Efficiency of Assembly (100) Example 1 Table 2 shows an example of a solar panel using the 3D assembly (100) design idea, which uses the same C-Si solar cell as used in the above example and can generate more PV energy considering only a 30% down-conversion efficiency and 20% NIR, 5% SWIR / MIR up-conversion efficiency.

Table 2

[0065] The photovoltaic power generation of the assembly (100) of commercially available solar cells is 382.1 W / m 2can be generated, with an efficiency of approximately 38.2% compared to the 22 - 28% efficiency of conventional solar cells. The additional 102.1 W / m2 beyond 280 W / m2 represents an increase in efficiency of approximately 36.4%.

[0066] The efficiency of the solar thermal power generation system is further increased by 10% on top of the efficiency of the assembly (100). This increases the net efficiency of the assembly (100) to over 48.2%.

[0067] Example 2 The up - conversion and down - conversion efficiencies are changing rapidly. The improvement of these efficiencies significantly increases the efficiency of the assembly (100). An example of such an improvement with 75% down - conversion efficiency and 75% NIR, 25% SWIR / MIR up - conversion efficiency is shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0068] The photovoltaic power generation of the commercially available solar cell assembly (100) can generate 516.2 W / m2, with an efficiency of approximately 51.62% W / m2 compared to the 22 - 28% efficiency of conventional solar cells. The additional 236.2 W / m2 beyond 280 W / m2 represents an increase in efficiency of approximately 84.6%.

[0069] The efficiency of the solar thermal power generation system is further increased by 10% on top of the efficiency of the assembly (100). This increases the net efficiency of the assembly (100) to over 61.62%.

[0070] Inference Table 3 shows that the utilization efficiency of solar energy increases from 28% to 61.62% in commercially available solar cells, and the output is improved by 2.2 times compared to flat solar panels. Therefore, the assets of the electric utility distribution system can be minimized and restricted to only backup power or peak demand.

[0071] Many features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended to cover all such features and advantages of the present invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention by the appended claims. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the present invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the present invention may be employed.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic (PV) power generation assembly (100) for enabling multiple direct reflections and multiple indirect reflections of solar radiation, a plurality of solar bricks (102) are arranged in an interconnected manner, along the boundary line of the assembly (100), an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid energy storage system (206) is arranged for each solar brick (102) of the plurality of solar bricks (102), each solar brick (102) of the plurality of solar bricks (102) includes a lattice of hexagonal tubular frames (208) for mounting solar cells, the tubular frame (208) includes a three-dimensional arrangement of solar cells for capturing solar radiation, the interleaved energy storage system of consecutive bricks (206) is connected in a series-parallel combination to achieve an optimal charging voltage for external energy storage, each hexagonal arrangement of the tubular frames (208) includes a protective glass (302), a down-conversion assembly (304), a Fresnel lens (306), a height adjustment system (308), a solar cell assembly (310), an up-conversion assembly (312), and a mirror (314), the up-conversion assembly (312) includes multilayer components for converting near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), and mid-infrared (MIR) light into visible light, the height adjustment assembly (306) is arranged above the solar tube frame at an adjustable height, due to the height adjustment assembly (306), the PV assembly (100) is independent of the sleep angle tilt characterized by a PV assembly (100).

2. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective glass (302) is a transparent protective cover or a protective glass that allows all solar spectrum radiation to enter the solar tube.

3. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective glass (302) is configured to provide a desired ingress protection (IP) rating and protection from impact and surface aberration.

4. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the down-conversion assembly (304) comprises a down-conversion frame configured to hold a plurality of down-conversion systems.

5. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein a radial Fresnel lens (306) or a linear refraction assembly distributes incident light rays to a perpendicular or angled solar cell surface.

6. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a plurality of busbars or wires configured to transport free PV charges to an ultracapacitor or an ultracapacitor-battery hybrid system.

7. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) comprises an up-conversion frame that holds a plurality of up-conversion assemblies (312).

8. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein a selective mirror assembly (314) returns up-converted light to a solar cell mounted within a tubular configuration.

9. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mirror assembly (314) is a convex / plano-convex / prism mirror disposed at the bottom of a geometric tube frame.

10. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein a thermoelectric generator assembly (316) is configured to extract heat from a solar brick and maximize the conversion efficiency by combining solar energy with thermoelectric energy.

11. The PV assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of solar bricks (102) are attached to a DIN rail roof-over system.

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