Structure

Abstract

To provide a structure that offers a high degree of design flexibility and aesthetic appeal, while also combining power generation and energy storage functions. [Solution] The structure has a main body and an outer surface. The main body contains a geopolymer, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode opposite to the positive electrode are embedded in the geopolymer to provide an energy storage function. The outer surface has a power generation function, which includes a flexible solar cell array provided on the surface of the main body. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are electrically connected to the solar cell array via input terminals and output terminals inside or outside the main body. The main body has a curved shape, and the outer surface is provided along the curved shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure having both a power generation function and a power storage function.

Background Art

[0002] Geopolymer is an amorphous condensation polymer formed by the reaction of an alkaline silica solution and an alumina silica powder, and has attracted attention in recent years as a structural material showing characteristics different from those of concrete using cement as a raw material. For example, unlike concrete, geopolymer is known to function also as an electrolyte of an all-solid-state battery. Therefore, by providing a pair of electrodes in the geopolymer, the geopolymer can be used as a power storage body. For this reason, by providing a pair of electrodes on a flat base made of geopolymer and connecting a solar cell array arranged on the base to the pair of electrodes, an exterior material having a power generation function and a power storage function can be provided without using a separate power storage device. By using this exterior material, an energy-saving building can be constructed without installing a separate power storage device (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the exterior material described in Patent Document 1 includes a flat base made of geopolymer, it is heavy and hard and cannot be bent freely, and cannot be installed on a building having a curved surface. For this reason, not only the aesthetic appearance brought about by the curved surface cannot be utilized, but also the handling of the base itself becomes extremely difficult.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a structure that offers high design flexibility and aesthetic appeal, and that combines power generation and energy storage functions without the need for a separate energy storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a structure. This structure has a main body and an outer surface. The main body contains a geopolymer, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode opposite to the positive electrode are embedded in the geopolymer to provide an energy storage function. The outer surface has a power generation function, which includes a flexible solar cell array provided on the surface of the main body. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are electrically connected to the solar cell array via input terminals and output terminals inside or outside the main body. The main body has a curved shape, and the outer surface is provided along the curved shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Because the solar cell array used in the structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is flexible, it can be installed not only on the flat portion of the outer surface of the main body but also on the curved portion. Therefore, it is possible to provide a structure that offers a high degree of design freedom and aesthetic appeal, and that combines power generation and energy storage functions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of the interior of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]Schematic end view of a solar cell array of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Schematic perspective view of the interior of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Schematic perspective view of the interior of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Schematic end view of the interior of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Schematic perspective view of the interior of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. ]> [Figure 14] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Schematic end view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. However, the present invention can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof, and is not to be construed as being limited to the description content of the embodiments illustrated below.

[0010] For the sake of clearer explanation, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part as compared with the actual aspect, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In this specification and each figure, elements having the same functions as those described with respect to the previously presented figures may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. <*

[0011] Hereinafter, the expression "a certain structure is exposed from another structure" means a mode in which a part of a certain structure is not covered by another structure, and the portion not covered by this other structure also includes a mode in which it is covered by yet another structure.

[0012] 1. Structure of the structure FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an end face along the chain line A-A' in FIG. 1. The structure 100 mainly includes a main body portion 110, at least a pair of electrodes (a positive electrode 112 and a negative electrode 114) embedded in the main body portion 110, and a solar cell array 120, and may further include a control device 140. Hereinafter, these components will be described. The solar cell array 120 constitutes the outer surface portion of the structure 100. (1) Main body portion The main body portion 110 is a unit that gives high structural strength to the structure 100 and exhibits a power storage function. In other words, the main body portion 110 functions not only as a structural material but also as a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging in cooperation with the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114.

[0013] Here, the main body 110 contains or is substantially composed of a geopolymer. A geopolymer is an amorphous polycondensate formed by the reaction of an alkali silica solution and alumina silica powder, and has a different composition and physical properties from concrete. For this reason, the geopolymer contains at least one of fine particles containing silicon oxide, fine particles containing aluminum oxide, and fine particles containing both silicon oxide and aluminum oxide. The geopolymer may further contain fine particles containing oxides of alkali metals, group 2 metals, or transition metals, such as iron oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, and potassium oxide. The geopolymer also has silicon-oxygen-aluminum (Si-O-Al) bonds, and may further have silicon-oxygen-silicon (Si-O-Si) bonds, silicon-oxygen-metal-oxygen-silicon (Si-OMO-Si) bonds, and silicon-oxygen-metal-oxygen-aluminum (Si-OMO-Al) bonds. The fine particles described above are fixed by the amorphous inorganic material formed by the above bonds. Here, M is a metal, selected from alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, and cesium; group 2 metals such as magnesium and calcium; and transition metals such as cobalt, copper, and iron.

[0014] The geopolymer can further contain various additives. By using a geopolymer containing additives, the battery characteristics of the main body 110 can be improved. Additives may include, for example, materials that exist as metal ions in the geopolymer or that ionize to provide cations. Examples of metal ions include alkali metals or ions of group 2 elements. Materials that provide cations can be selected from transition metals, for example. Examples of transition metals include scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, or zinc. Preferred transition metals are, for example, iron, cobalt, and copper, and so-called copper slag or steel slag can also be used.

[0015] The material that provides the cation may be a carbon material. The carbon material may be electrically conductive. Here, the carbon material is substantially sp2 Materials composed of carbon atoms include carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerenes. Carbon nanotubes may be single-walled or multi-walled. There are no limitations on the diameter or length of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, one or both ends of the carbon nanotube may be capped, or one or both ends may be open. Alternatively, the carbon nanotube may contain other molecules or ions, such as peapots, and its surface may be molecularly modified. When graphene is used as the carbon material, it may be an independent single-walled graphene, or it may be oligographene or graphite, which are stacked layers of graphene. In addition, graphene oxide, in which part of the basic framework is oxidized, may be used. When fullerene is used as the carbon material, C 60 Ya C 70 Not only that, C 74 , C 76 , C 78 Other materials may be used. Alternatively, fullerenes containing metal ions such as scandium, lanthanum, or cerium may be used, or fullerenes in which some carbon atoms are modified and have functional groups such as ester groups may be used. Alternatively, cellulose or cellulose nanotubes may be used as insulating carbon materials.

[0016] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the main body 110 has a curved outer surface 110a. In other words, at least a portion of the outer surface 110a of the main body 110 is curved.

[0017] (2) Electrode As shown in Figure 2, a pair of electrodes (positive electrode 112, negative electrode 114) are embedded in the main body 110 so as to face each other. The positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 are electrodes containing metals such as copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc, palladium, silver, chromium, and manganese, respectively. The metal materials contained in the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 are different from each other. The positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 should be configured such that the metal with the lower ionization tendency is contained in the positive electrode 112.

[0018] As schematically shown in the perspective views of Figures 3 and 4, the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 are provided with input terminals 112a and 114a, respectively, and at least a portion of each input terminal 112a and 114a is exposed from the main body 110. The input terminals 112a and 114a may be integrated with the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114, respectively. The solar cell array 120, which will be described later, is electrically connected to the positive electrodes 112 and 132 via the input terminals 112a and 114a, respectively, and the electricity generated by the solar cell array 120 is supplied to the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 via the input terminals 114a and 114a.

[0019] In an optional configuration, the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 may each have output terminals 112b and 114b, respectively. At least a portion of the output terminals 112b and 114b are also exposed from the main body 110. The output terminals 112b and 114b function as terminals for supplying electricity stored in the main body 110 to various loads. Alternatively, the output terminals 112b and 114b may be omitted, and the input terminals 112a and 114a may be used for connecting to the load. In this case, charging the main body 110 via the input terminals 112a and 114a and discharging to the load can be switched using the control device 140.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in the schematic diagram of the end face along the dashed line BB' in Figure 4 (Figure 5), at least a portion of the input terminals 112a and 114a, and the output terminals 112b and 114b may be arranged within a recess 110b provided in the main body 110, so as not to protrude from the recess 110b. By adopting such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent damage to the aesthetic appearance of the outer surface 110a of the main body 110.

[0021] (3) Solar cell array The solar cell array 120 is the outer surface of the structure 100, has a power generation function, and is configured to be flexible. For example, the solar cell array 120 includes a perovskite solar cell. As shown in Figure 6, the perovskite solar cell is a solar cell having a laminated structure in which a power generation layer 128 is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (positive electrode 122, negative electrode 124) facing each other. The solar cell array 120 may further include a hole transport layer 130 between the positive electrode 122 and the power generation layer 128 and / or an electron transport layer 126 between the negative electrode 124 and the power generation layer 128. Although not shown, the solar cell array 120 may also include a protective film sandwiching the positive electrode 122 and the negative electrode.

[0022] The positive electrode 122 and the negative electrode 124 include, for example, conductive oxides that can transmit visible light, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO), indium-zinc oxide (IZO), or fluorine-doped tin oxide, or metals such as gold, titanium, or aluminum. At least one of the positive electrode 122 and the negative electrode 124 is configured to transmit visible light. The power generation layer 128 has a perovskite crystal structure represented by ABX3, where A is, for example, methylammonium, B is a metal such as lead (Pb), tin (Sn), or bismuth (Bi), and X is a halogen such as iodine (I), bromine (Br), or chlorine (Cl). The hole transport layer 130 may include organic compounds such as polyethylenedioxythiophene doped with polyethylene sulfonic acid, 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)9,9'-spirobifluorene, or metal complexes such as CuSCN. The electron transport layer 126 may contain fullerene derivatives or the like.

[0023] The solar cell array 120 is flexible because it is small, with a thickness of about 1 μm to 1 mm. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the solar cell array 120 is installed to cover at least a portion of the curved outer surface 110a of the main body 110 and to conform to the shape of the outer surface 110a. By arranging the solar cell array 120 in this way, the power generation function can be imparted to the structure 100 without impairing the shape of the curved outer surface 110a of the main body 110 or the aesthetic appearance it provides.

[0024] As described above, the solar cell array 120 is electrically connected to the input terminals 112a and 114a either inside or outside the main body 110. As a result, the electricity generated by the solar cell array 120 is supplied to the positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114 inside the main body 110 and stored in the geopolymer that makes up the main body 110.

[0025] (4) Control device The control device 140 is a device that controls the charging and discharging of the structure 100 and is electrically connected to the solar cell array 120, the positive electrode 112, and the negative electrode 114. When charging the main body 110, the control device 140 is configured to electrically connect the solar cell array 120 to the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 via input terminals 112a and 114a, respectively. When discharging the main body 110, the control device 140 is configured to electrically connect a load (not shown) to the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 via output terminals 112b and 114b (or input terminals 112a and 114a if output terminals 112b and 114b are not provided). There are no restrictions on the location where the control device 140 is installed. For example, the control device 140 may be placed on the outer surface 110a of the main body 110, or on the solar cell array 120. Alternatively, it may be positioned separately from the main body 110, or it may be positioned so as to be embedded within the main body 110.

[0026] As described above, the structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can have high structural strength due to the geopolymer that constitutes the main body 110. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface 110a of the main body 110 is curved. For this reason, it can be used as a structural material that constitutes various social infrastructures. For example, it can be used not only for the walls, floors, and ceilings of buildings such as office buildings and houses, but also for columns and legs. Alternatively, it can be used for bridge piers of even larger structures such as bridges. Alternatively, it can be used as a support for utility poles, various signal bases, signs, road signs, streetlights, elevated lines, etc. Alternatively, the structure 100 can be used as an interior wall of a building.

[0027] Furthermore, the solar cell array 120 can be installed not only on the flat portion of the outer surface 110a of the main body 110, but also on the curved portion. Therefore, electricity can be supplied to the main body 110 using solar energy without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the main body 110's shape. This makes it possible to enable the main body 110 to function as a rechargeable secondary battery. In other words, it becomes possible to provide a structure that offers high design flexibility and aesthetic appeal, while also possessing both power generation and energy storage functions.

[0028] 2. Variations The structure of structure 100 is not limited to the structure described above, and various modifications are possible. The following describes some variations of structure 100.

[0029] (1) Solar cell array The solar cell array 120 may include flexible silicon-based solar cells instead of perovskite solar cells. Specifically, the solar cell array 120 may be configured to include solar cells provided on a flexible substrate such as a resin or a thin metal film, and having amorphous silicon as the power generation layer. Alternatively, instead of amorphous silicon, solar cells having cadmium telluride or a copper-indium gallium selenium compound as the power generation layer may be used. This can achieve the same effects as described above. (2) Spacer and separator As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the main body 110 may further include a spacer 116 and / or a separator 118 to prevent contact between the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114. The spacer 116 and separator 118 may include insulating materials such as polyethylene resin or wood, or they may include separately prepared geopolymers. By providing insulating spacers 116 and / or separators 118, contact between the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 can be prevented. Furthermore, even if the structure 100 is destroyed by some impact, it is possible to prevent fires caused by short circuits between the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114.

[0030] (2) Positive electrode and negative electrode There are no restrictions on the arrangement or shape of the positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114. For example, as shown in the schematic perspective view of Figure 9, multiple pairs of positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114 may be arranged within the main body 110. In this case, although not shown, a spacer 116 and / or separator 118 may be placed between two adjacent pairs of positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114. By providing multiple pairs of positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114, the total surface area of ​​the electrodes can be increased, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery.

[0031] Furthermore, the electrodes are not limited to a flat plate shape, but may have a curved shape along the outer surface 110a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, cylindrical positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114 may be arranged in the main body 110. In this case, one surrounds the other. In the example shown in Figure 10, the positive electrode 112 surrounds the negative electrode 114, but the negative electrode 114 may surround the positive electrode 112. Even in this case, multiple pairs of positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114 may be arranged. For example, as shown in Figure 11, a pair of cylindrical positive electrodes 112-1 and negative electrodes 114-1, and a pair of cylindrical positive electrodes 112-2 and negative electrodes 114-2 arranged to surround them, may be arranged in the main body 110. Although not shown, three or more pairs of positive electrodes 112 and negative electrodes 114 may be arranged. Note that the shape of the positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and they may have C-shaped end faces.

[0032] As can be seen from Figure 9, when the main body 110 is cylindrical, the maximum width of the flat positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114 is less than the diameter of the bottom or top surface. However, when using a positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114 that are curved to follow the curved outer surface 110a, a width greater than or equal to the diameter of the bottom or top surface can be secured. As a result, the total area of ​​the electrodes can be further increased.

[0033] (3) Reinforcement bars As shown in Figure 12, the structure 100 may have a reinforcing bar unit 150 within the main body 110. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the reinforcing bar unit 150; it can be constructed by appropriately combining reinforcing bars of any shape. In the example shown in Figure 12, the reinforcing bar unit 150 is composed of a plurality of main reinforcing bars 152 extending in the longitudinal direction of the structure 100, and a plurality of stirrups 154 arranged to surround the main reinforcing bars 152. By providing the reinforcing bar unit 150, a high tensile force can be applied to the structure. Although not shown, when providing the reinforcing bar unit 150, it is preferable to provide separators 118 between the reinforcing bar unit 150 and the positive electrode 112, and between the reinforcing bar unit 150 and the negative electrode 114, in order to prevent short circuits with the reinforcing bar unit 150.

[0034] (4) Shape of the main body There are no restrictions on the shape of the main body 110; as long as at least a portion of the outer surface 110a is curved, the main body 110 can be constructed in any shape. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, which are schematic end view diagrams corresponding to Figure 2, the main body 110 may have the shape of an elliptical cylinder, or it may have the shape of a semi-cylindrical or semi-elliptical cylinder with a semicircular or semi-elliptical base. Also, a portion of the outer surface 110a may be flat.

[0035] (5) Concrete The main body 110 may contain concrete along with the geopolymer. Unlike the geopolymer, the concrete mainly consists of cement hydrate and may also contain coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, etc. Alternatively, the concrete may be mortar that does not contain coarse or fine aggregate. In this case, for example as shown in Figure 15, the main body 110 may have a first zone 110c containing or made of geopolymer, and a second zone 110d surrounding the first zone 110c containing or made of concrete. The positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 are located in the first zone 110c. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, the main body 110 may be configured such that the second zone 110d containing or made of concrete is surrounded by the first zone 110c containing or made of geopolymer. In this case, it is preferable that the positive electrode 112 and the negative electrode 114 located in the first zone 110c have a cylindrical or curved shape and are arranged to at least partially surround the first zone 110c. This allows for the placement of large-area positive electrode 112 and negative electrode 114.

[0036] As shown in this modified example, the advantages of both materials can be utilized by forming the main body 110 with geopolymer and concrete. For example, geopolymer has higher heat resistance and acid resistance compared to concrete, but is more expensive than concrete. Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 16, by surrounding the second zone 110d with the first zone 110c, it is possible to construct an outer surface 110a with high heat resistance and acid resistance on the main body 110, while also reducing the construction and manufacturing costs of the structure 100.

[0037] The embodiments described above as examples of the present invention can be combined and implemented as appropriate, insofar as they do not contradict each other. Modifications based on these embodiments, in which those skilled in the art have added, deleted, or modified components as appropriate, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the invention.

[0038] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to those skilled in the art, are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 100: Structure, 110: Main body, 110a: Outer surface, 110b: Recess, 110c: First zone, 110d: Second zone, 112: Positive electrode, 112-1: Positive electrode, 112-2: Positive electrode, 112a: Input terminal, 112b: Output terminal, 114: Negative electrode, 114-1: Negative electrode, 114-2: Negative electrode, 114a: Input terminal, 114b: Output terminal, 116: Spacer, 118: Separator, 120: Solar cell array, 122: Positive electrode, 124: Negative electrode, 126: Electron transport layer, 128: Power generation layer, 130: Hole transport layer, 140: Control device, 150: Reinforcement unit, 152: Main reinforcement, 154: Tie reinforcement

Claims

1. A main body containing a geopolymer, in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode opposite the positive electrode are embedded, thereby providing an energy storage function, The main body has an outer surface portion equipped with a power generation function, which includes a flexible solar cell array provided on its surface, The positive electrode and the negative electrode are electrically connected to the solar cell array via input terminals and output terminals inside or outside the main body. The structure is characterized in that the main body has a curved shape, and the outer surface is provided along the curved shape.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell array is a perovskite solar cell.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the input terminal is exposed from the main body.

4. The system further includes the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and a control device connected to the solar cell array, The structure according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to control the charging and discharging of the main body.

5. The control device is embedded within the main body, as described in claim 4.

6. The main body is, A first zone containing the aforementioned geopolymer, and It has a second zone that includes concrete, The structure according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located within the first zone.

7. The structure according to claim 6, wherein one of the first zone and the second zone is surrounded by the other.

8. The structure according to claim 1, wherein both the positive electrode and the negative electrode are curved.

9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is surrounded by the other.

10. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the structure is a column, leg, or wall of a building, a telegraph pole, or a support for a traffic light, sign, road sign, or streetlamp.

11. The structure is the interior wall of a building, according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

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