3D photovoltaic charging system

Abstract

A compact three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic charging system includes a photovoltaic unit, a power management unit, and a support base housed within a transparent housing. The photovoltaic unit has non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces positioned at a relative distance and a relative orientation. Compared to conventional flat solar panels, the 3D photovoltaic charging system can collect light vertically, thus amplifying the solar module power density, defined as power output per installed footprint area. A light-tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system is also described, including a photovoltaic unit, a power management unit, and a means for tracking the source of electromagnetic radiation housed within a transparent housing. The light-tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system tracks a moving light source, resulting in improved captured light flux and therefore improved power output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 408,925, filed Aug. 23, 2021, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 069,261, filed Aug. 24, 2020. The entire disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a photovoltaic module, and more particularly, to a device for improving the power density of a photovoltaic module for powering an electrical device.

Background Art

[0003] This section provides background information related to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not an extensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0004] Solar power has never been more affordable, accessible, and widespread in the United States. The United States Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reported that installations in the United States have grown 35-fold since 2008 and are now estimated to be 62.5 gigawatts (GW), which is enough capacity to power the equivalent of an average of 12 million American homes. Since early 2014, the average cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has dropped nearly 50%. Solar electricity is now economically competitive and, in early 2020, overcame coal electricity for some traditional energy sources in several states, including California, Hawaii, and Minnesota. Furthermore, the solar industry is a proven incubator for economic growth throughout the country and the world, particularly in developing regions.

[0005] The increasing deployment of solar energy will bring enormous benefits to the United States. The abundance and potential of solar energy across the U.S. is astonishing: PV panels on just 0.6% of the country's total land area could generate enough electricity to power the entire nation, as the U.S. Department of Energy has declared.

[0006] Despite this remarkable progress, significant work remains before solar becomes as affordable as conventional energy sources and can unleash its full potential across the nation. While solar hardware costs have fallen dramatically, market barriers and grid integration challenges continue to hinder larger-scale deployments. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has concluded that non-hardware solar "soft costs"—licensing, financing, and land and customer acquisition, etc.—are becoming an increasingly large proportion of the total cost of solar, now accounting for up to 74% of the cost of residential systems. As we rely on solar for baseload power, technological advancements and innovative solutions are still needed to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and make the utility usable.

[0007] PV can be installed on rooftops with virtually no land-use impact. However, in the United States, only 26% of the total rooftop area on small buildings is suitable for PV deployment, and some of it lacks the essential structural integrity to withstand increasing loads. Higher power-density solar modules would allow for a reduction in rooftop loads. Deployable high-power-density solar modules can be installed away from residential rooftops, in backyards, along sidewalks, etc., completely avoiding rooftop installation costs without damaging valuable property. This instruction provides a compact and high-power-density solar module design to address these unmet needs.

[0008] A three-dimensional (3D) solar module, described in International Application PCT / US2018 / 049880, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference, is intended to improve the power density of solar modules and thus reduce the soft cost of solar electricity.

[0009] Unlike conventional flat solar panels, 3D solar modules can collect and convert light from various directions, particularly photons reflected from surrounding and / or adjacent photovoltaic cells, especially in the case of passivated emitters and back-contact cells. More importantly, 3D solar modules can collect light vertically, thus reducing the installation footprint while maintaining power output. Therefore, 3D solar modules have a higher power density compared to conventional flat solar panels, as defined as power output per installation footprint in watts per square meter.

[0010] Further application areas will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this abstract are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] PCT / US2018 / 049880 [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not of all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a 3D photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit having multiple photovoltaic layers housed in a transparent housing, a power management unit with a control unit, and a support base. The current generated from the conversion of light into electricity is sent to the power management unit via cables housed in electrical conduits. The power control unit is coupled to other electrical devices, consumers, or generators via physical and / or virtual electrical connections. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a 3D photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit having multiple photovoltaic layers and reflective layers housed in a transparent housing, a power management unit having a power storage unit and a control unit, and a support base. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a 3D photovoltaic charging system comprising a substrate with a sawtooth surface covered with a uniform photovoltaic layer housed in a transparent housing, a power management unit having a power storage unit and a control unit, and a support base. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a 3D photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit having multiple photovoltaic layers housed in a transparent housing, a power management unit having a power storage unit and a control unit, and a support base. The transparent housing further includes a heat absorption layer and a circulating cooling system. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an optical tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit having multiple photovoltaic layers housed in a transparent housing, a power management unit having a power storage unit and a control unit, a support base, and an anchor base. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The corresponding reference numbers indicate the corresponding parts through several diagrams in the drawing.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments are described more fully here with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the disclosure may be thorough and its scope fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described as examples of specific components, devices, and methods to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that none should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0017] The terms used herein are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural form unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the context. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their implementation in a particular order discussed or shown unless specifically specified as the order of implementation. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0018] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, it can be assumed that no intervening elements or layers are present. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated items listed.

[0019] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. The terms "first," "second," etc., and other numerical terms as used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0020] Spatially relative terms such as "inner", "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or others). Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an upper orientation and a lower orientation. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0021] In accordance with the principles of the present teachings, and referring to FIGS. 1 - 3, a three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic charging system 100 having advantageous configurations and methods of use is provided. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 can include a photovoltaic unit 110 having a plurality of discrete photovoltaic layers 112 that are not on the same plane. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layers are photovoltaic cells such as single crystal or polycrystalline solar cells.

[0022] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having a plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112 configured to convert light into electric current, a certain distance 150 and a certain relative angle 152 between adjacent layers of the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112; a power management unit 120 comprising a power control unit 122 configured to receive and manage electric current from the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112; a support base 130 that receives the photovoltaic unit 110 and the power management unit 120; and a housing 114 that at least partially insulates the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112.

[0023] In some embodiments, multiple photovoltaic layers 112 are separated by a distance 150 longer than 1 nanometer. The distance 150 refers to the separation between adjacent photovoltaic layers 112. The distance between adjacent photovoltaic layers 112 can be adjusted for optimal power output per unit length. Adjacent photovoltaic layers 112 can also be tilted at a relative angle 152 ranging from 0 to 360 degrees. The relative angle 152 refers to the difference in angle between adjacent photovoltaic layers 112 from the zenith. For example, the relative angle 152 between two parallel zenith-facing solar cells stacked at a distance 150 from each other's zeniths is 0 degrees. Similarly, the relative angle 152 between two vertically stacked solar cells facing opposite directions (one cell facing the zenith or with the PV side up, and the other cell facing outward from the zenith or with the PV side down) is 180 degrees. In the latter embodiment, adjacent photovoltaic layers 112 are positioned to face each other, face-to-face, or face outward from each other, i.e., back-to-back. In the case of a two-faced solar cell, the cell may be characterized by two complementary angles, each identifying one of the two faces.

[0024] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 may further comprise a power management unit 120 having a power control unit 122. The power control unit 122 is configured to manage and control the elements and operations of the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 comprises a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller.

[0025] In some embodiments, the power management unit 120 further comprises a power storage unit 124 for receiving and storing the generated power. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 helps to connect multiple photovoltaic units 110. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 helps to manage multiple 3D photovoltaic charging systems 100 and / or other power consumers coupled via physical or virtual electrical connections 141. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 connects one or more photovoltaic units 110 to a power grid. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 comprises a battery management system (BMS).

[0026] In some embodiments, the support base 130 receives and / or includes a photovoltaic unit 110 and / or a power management unit 120. In some embodiments, multiple photovoltaic layers 112 are insulated within a transparent housing 114, and the multiple photovoltaic layers convert light into electric current, which is then received and managed by the power management unit 120.

[0027] In some embodiments, the support base 130 is selected from the group consisting of mounting poles, posts, concrete foundations, bollards, anchors, frames, mounting brackets, clamps, rails, magnetic plates, ropes, chains, wires, cables, arms, legs, hooks, masts, hangers, struts, mounting fasteners, wall mounts, and belts.

[0028] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having 10 photovoltaic layers 112, in this case commercial polycrystalline solar cells, stacked vertically on each other's apex at an angle of 30 degrees from the zenith, i.e., a relative angle 152 of 0 degrees, with a distance 150 between adjacent cells of 3.048 centimeters (0.1 ft), and housed within a transparent polycarbonate tube housing 114 having a reflective back. In some embodiments, the back of each individual solar cell is covered with a reflective layer 118, in this case reflective tape, to reduce light absorption and enhance light reflection. In some embodiments, the solar cells are connected in series. The photovoltaic unit 110 comprises multiple photovoltaic layers 112. The photovoltaic unit 110 may be housed within a transparent housing 114 positioned inside a 7.62 centimeter (3 inch) diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe support base 130 having an open window 129. The photovoltaic unit 110 receives light through the open window 129. The projection area 137 of the photovoltaic unit 110 is 1000 mm. 2 That is the case.

[0029] The open window 129 of the PVC support base 130, which includes the photovoltaic unit 110, was positioned exposed to the summer sun (June 2020) in a fixed plane direction 143 pointing south to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The output of the 3D photovoltaic charging system was measured with various load resistances. The output of a single polycrystalline solar cell fixed at a 45-degree angle from the south-facing horizon, in this case, was also measured. The output of the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 was 30 W / m², measured from a single fixed reference photovoltaic layer 112.2 Compared to the output of 330 watts per square meter (average solar intensity on the ground: 1000 W / m²), this is 330 watts per square meter. 2 It was found that this reached ).

[0030] The arrangement of multiple photovoltaic layers 112 stacked on top of each other at a distance 150 results in a projection area 137 equal to the projection area of ​​each individual photovoltaic layer 112. This demonstrates that a 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 with a height of only 30.5 centimeters (1 foot) generates 10 times the power density of a fixed reference photovoltaic layer 112. In other words, this embodiment achieves 330 W / m² per 30.5 centimeters (1 foot) height. 2 This occurred. For comparison, a typical lamppost is 183-427 centimeters (6-14 feet) tall, and by vertically collecting and converting light, the power density of solar modules can be greatly improved, resulting in increased power output with a small footprint.

[0031] In several embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 provides power to off-the-power grid lighting, charging, communication, chemical reactors, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

[0032] Recently, the solar industry has adopted two-sided flat solar panels to utilize reflected light from the surrounding environment. As a result, the output of two-sided solar panels remains highly dependent on the characteristics of the surrounding environment. This dependence necessitates reflective surfaces such as concrete or painted flooring in two-sided solar installations, further increasing installation costs. While these similar environmental characteristics can also be used to improve the power output of a 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 in some embodiments, they are unnecessary.

[0033] The term “discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112” does not include planar photovoltaic layers 112 in flat solar panels, two-sided solar panels, flexible solar panels, and tandem solar cells. A two-sided solar panel consists of two solar cells arranged in a planar geometric shape. A flexible solar panel consists of solar cells printed on and supported by a planar and flexible surface. A tandem solar cell consists of multiple photovoltaic layers stacked vertically to selectively convert various light frequencies. For this application, a tandem solar cell can be considered as a single “photovoltaic layer 112.”

[0034] The term “discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers” does not refer to surfaces sprayed and / or printed with photovoltaic material. A surface printed with a photovoltaic film is considered as one discrete photovoltaic layer 112.

[0035] The term "transparent" refers to a material whose light transmittance is greater than zero. In this context, transparency is defined as a physical property that allows electromagnetic energy of the electromagnetic spectrum to propagate through the material, at least partially or entirely, with or without significant scattering. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is a transparent cover insulating the photovoltaic layer 112. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layer 112 is located inside a lamppost having an open window 137 carved into the lamppost. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is a transparent access gate, such as a non-glare acrylic covering, insulating the photovoltaic layer 112. The transparent housing 114 provides light entry and, similarly in some embodiments, prevents exposure of the photovoltaic layer 112 to environmental damage, including moisture, dew, hail, dust, wind, or even property damage.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is a transparent molded slab that at least partially houses the photovoltaic layer 112 for improved structural strength. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is vacuum-operated for insulation. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is filled with a dielectric material such as an inert gas for insulation to reduce the corrosion rate, thermal conductivity, and / or electrical conductivity of the photovoltaic layer 112.

[0037] In some embodiments, multiple discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112 are at least partially housed within a molded dielectric slab. In some embodiments, the distances between adjacent layers of multiple discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers are at least partially filled with a material selected from the group consisting of light-reflecting materials, dielectric materials, electrical conductors, thermal conductors, light-transmitting materials, light-absorbing materials, light-concentrators, light-diffusing materials, gels, pastes, liquids, oils, water, resins, polymers, thermosetting polymers, photocurable polymers, thermal coolants, thermal-absorbing materials, thermal-dispersing materials, air pockets, light-emitting materials, electroluminescent materials, and photoluminescent materials.

[0038] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having multiple non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112 housed within a transparent housing 114 and a reflective surface 132. The photovoltaic unit is mounted to a support base 130, for example, a lamppost, by fasteners. In some embodiments, the fasteners can be adjustable belts that attach the photovoltaic unit 110 along the outer surface of the lamppost. In some embodiments, a power management unit 120 is housed inside the lamppost to provide power for lighting. In some embodiments, the support base 130 is an electrical device such as a telephone charger, electric scooter, electric motorcycle charging station, and smart traffic monitor, but is not limited to these. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 is integrated into and powers outdoor configurable or mosaic hardware, such as a sensor assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support base 130 is the floor and / or ground on which the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 rests. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 also houses the power management system 120 and thus serves as the support base 130. In some embodiments, the support base 130 is a utility pole that facilitates power grid connection.

[0040] In some embodiments, the electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit 110 is sent to the power management unit 120 via wires housed in an electrical conduit 116. The electrical conduit 116 can also be used as a support base 130. In some embodiments, the electrical conduit 116 is covered with a reflective material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the individual photovoltaic layers 112 of the photovoltaic unit 110 are replaceable. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layers 112 are withdrawn from a transparent, cured resin molded slab, dielectric gel, or coolant fluid for inspection or replacement.

[0042] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic units 110 housed in a connected transparent housing 114, each individually called a 3D solar block, to create a solar mat. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic layers 112, each photovoltaic layer 112 individually housed in a transparent housing. The plurality of individually housed photovoltaic layers 112 are coupled together in a photovoltaic unit 110. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic unit 110 is further composed of individually housed reflective layers 118. In some embodiments, the 3D solar block comprises at least one pair of photovoltaic layers 112 and reflective layers 118 housed in a transparent housing. The 3D solar mat is installed horizontally or vertically. In some cases, a support base 130, such as a wall mount, is used. In some embodiments, the individual 3D solar blocks are replaceable. In some embodiments, multiple photovoltaic layers 112 and photovoltaic units 110 are housed within a transparent housing 114 to create a 3D solar panel.

[0043] In some embodiments, the reflective layer 118 is distributed between the photovoltaic layers 112. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layers 112 and the reflective layer 118 are oriented at a certain angle. The angle between the photovoltaic layers 112 and the reflective layer 118 can be adjusted for optimal power output.

[0044] In some embodiments, the reflective surface 132 is positioned to direct photons to at least one corresponding photovoltaic layer 112. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 132 is used to limit the angle within which the light beam can enter the photovoltaic unit 110. In some other embodiments, the reflective surface 132 encloses a portion of the transparent housing 114 to improve light capture. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 132 is stationary and fixed, while in some embodiments, the reflective surface 132 rotates depending on the position of the light source. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 132 is rotated along the axis of symmetry, either manually or by a servo motor housed within the support base 130.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 is a molded slab. In some embodiments, the molded slab is one or a combination of at least one partially cured polymer(s). In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 surrounds a heat absorber layer 127 intended to convert thermal energy into electricity and / or store thermal energy within a circulating heat absorber material. In some embodiments, the heat absorber layer 127 selectively reflects light within a specific wavelength range.

[0046] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises one or more 3D charging systems 100 mounted on a central 3D charging system 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 also surrounds a cooling system 128 to lower the operating temperature of the photovoltaic layer 112 by circulating heat-absorbing material. In some embodiments, the molded slab is an electrical, thermal, and / or moisture insulator.

[0048] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 housed within a collapsible, foldable, nesting, and / or expandable transparent housing 114. In some embodiments, the support base 130 is a helium gas balloon in which the photovoltaic unit 110 is housed. In some embodiments, the transparent housing 114 has a pattern such as a dome shape or prism-shaped geometric form for improved light collection and / or improved light control.

[0049] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112 configured to convert light into electric current, wherein the sawtooth surface substrate 126 and the photovoltaic layer 112 have a convergent surface normal 119; a power management unit 120 comprising a power control unit 122 configured to receive and manage the current from the photovoltaic layer 112; a support base 130 that receives the photovoltaic unit 110 and the power management unit 120; and a housing 114 that is at least partially transparent and insulates the photovoltaic layer 112.

[0050] In some embodiments, a substrate 126 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112 is used to collect and convert light. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having a substrate 126 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112, a power management unit 120 having a power control unit 122, and a support base 130 for receiving the photovoltaic unit 110 and the power management unit 120.

[0051] The sawtooth surface substrate 126, and therefore the photovoltaic layer 112 covering, may have a covering surface normal 119. The surface normal is oriented at a relative angle, i.e., a relative surface normal angle 139, ranging between 0 and 180 degrees. The surface normal 119 is defined as the unit vector of any given point P on the surface S, whose unit vector is perpendicular to the tangent plane at P. All surface normals of a planar polygon are parallel, i.e., the relative surface normal angle is 0 degrees. In contrast, the surface normals of a solid sphere point apart in all directions. Two surface normals characterizing two spots on opposite ends of a sphere have a relative angle of 180 degrees, i.e., antiparallel. The orientation of the surface normal indicates the direction in which the surface "faces". In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layer 112 is insulated within a transparent housing 114, and the photovoltaic layer 112 converts light into electric current, which is then received and managed by a power management unit 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, portions of the photovoltaic layer 112 having the same surface normal are electrically connected. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layer 112 is printed on a printed conductive surface, i.e., on a network of wiring. In some embodiments, the printed wiring is designed to connect portions of the photovoltaic layer 112 having the same surface normal and to isolate them from other portions having different surface normals. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 of the power management unit 120 discretely divides and manages different portions of the photovoltaic layer as independent "zones".

[0053] In this specification, the term “serrated surface” refers to a plurality (two or more) of notches cut into and / or created on a surface. “Substrate 126 with a serrated surface covered at least partially by a photovoltaic layer 112” does not include a solar concentrator panel, and the photovoltaic layer 112 is positioned within the serrated, concave notches from which the focused light is converted. In this teaching, the surface normals 119 describing the photovoltaic layer 112 are convergent and / or divergent. All photovoltaic surface normals 119 within a solar concentrator panel are parallel, coplanar, or have a relative surface normal angle 139 of zero degrees, and all are radially oriented toward one or more concentrator lenses.

[0054] The term "substrate 126 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112" can refer to a smooth and uniform surface that changes its structure and geometry in response to external stimuli, such as an origami solar structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, a "substrate 126 with a serrated surface" supports a thin-film photovoltaic layer 112. The thin-film photovoltaic layer 112 can be a uniformly sprayed organic photovoltaic material. In some embodiments, the thin-film photovoltaic layer 112 comprises a host sublayer including a post and / or preconductor layer(s) such as a transparent conductive oxide, a back contact such as ZnTe, and an absorption layer such as CdTe. In some embodiments, the thin-film photovoltaic layer is coated with an anti-reflective material. In some embodiments, the transparent housing is coated with an anti-reflective material. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic layer is insulated by an encapsulation layer.

[0056] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 is stationary with a fixed "face" direction 143. The "face" refers to an open window 129 or aperture through which light enters the system. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 100 is positioned to permanently "face" south in the Northern Hemisphere, and vice versa.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the optical tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having a plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113 configured to convert light into electric current, wherein the plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113 are at least partially insulated within the at least partially transparent housing 114; a power management unit 120 comprising a power control unit 122 configured to receive and manage current from the plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113; and means for causing a change in luminous flux, thereby causing a change in current, the change in current being monitored by the power control unit 122.

[0058] The term "luminous flux" refers to the amount of incident electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, multiple non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113 convert a certain proportion of incident luminous flux (electromagnetic energy) into electricity (electrical energy). Several physical parameters that determine the proportion of energy converted include radiation frequency, intensity, and angle of incidence.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least a certain proportion of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113 change orientation, causing a change in luminous flux. In some embodiments, the change in orientation includes a change in at least one of the relative distance 115 and the relative angle 144 between two adjacent discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112. In some embodiments, the change in luminous flux is caused by a change in the open window 137. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic unit 112 comprises at least one substrate 126 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112 configured to convert light into electric current, wherein the sawtooth surface and the photovoltaic layer have convergent surface normals 119 oriented at a relative angle.

[0060] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 comprises a photovoltaic unit 110 having a plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces 113 that can track a light source and are positioned at a certain relative distance 115 and a certain relative surface orientation 117. The photovoltaic surfaces 113 are insulated within a transparent housing 114. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 may further comprise a power management unit 120 having a power control unit 122. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 may further comprise a power management unit 120 having a power storage unit 124. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 may include an anchor base 140 positioned in relative orientation to a photovoltaic unit 110, i.e., relative orientation 144 between the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base, where the photovoltaic surface 113 converts light into electric current, which is received and managed by a power management unit 120, and changes in the relative orientation 144 between the photovoltaic unit 110 and the anchor base cause changes in the current due to changes in the luminous flux. Changes in the current are monitored by a power control unit 122, and the anchor base 140 is firmly fixed to an object.

[0061] In some embodiments, the relative orientation 144 of the photovoltaic unit 110 and the anchor base 140 is considered to be the angle between a reference point on the anchor base 140 and the "plane" direction 143 of the photovoltaic unit 110.

[0062] In one experiment, the output of the 3D photovoltaic charging system shown in Figure 1 was measured at 9:00 AM on a July day in a fixed south-facing orientation 143. The same embodiment was then manually rotated along its axis, and the output was measured again. It was determined that a single-axis rotation of the embodiment, from a fixed south-facing position to a position directly aligned with the sun's path, resulted in a doubling of its output at that time. The improvement was found to be a function of the position of the sun in the sky, i.e., time.

[0063] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 is a cylindrical structure that rotates along a cylindrical axis to face the sun in the sky. In some embodiments, there is a reflective surface 132 connected to an anchor base 140 that at least partially encloses the photovoltaic unit 110. The reflective surface 132 is oriented in a relative orientation to the photovoltaic unit 110. A change in the relative orientation of the reflective surface 132 changes the luminous flux, causing a change in the power generated by the photovoltaic unit 110.

[0064] In the term "photo-tracking, 3D photovoltaic charging system 200," the term "photovoltaic surfaces" refers to multifaceted, non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces. This term refers to the general concept of 3D stacked photovoltaic technology, which is... a) Multiple discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers 112 having distances longer than 1 nanometer and relative angles ranging from 0 to 360 degrees, and b) A substrate 126 having a sawtooth surface at least partially covered by a photovoltaic layer 112 Includes.

[0065] In several embodiments, the power control unit 122 of the optical tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 monitors and calculates a first maximum power point in the relative orientation 144 of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base. The power control unit 122 then relays the change 142 in the first relative orientation 144 of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base and calculates a second maximum power point. The power control unit 122 continues this process to determine the optimal relative orientation 144 of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base.

[0066] In some embodiments, for optical tracking, a power control unit 122 relays the change 142 of the first relative orientation 144 between the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base. In some embodiments, the change is carried out by a motor. In some embodiments, the motor is connected to the photovoltaic unit 110 by a support shaft, belt, chain, string, rail, hinge, or piston. In some embodiments, the relative orientation 144 between the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base is changed at the mounting point by a hydraulic piston, spring, or rod.

[0067] In some embodiments, the power management unit 120 comprises a power control unit 122. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 comprises components selected from the list of an Internet of Things (IoT) subsystem, a power inverter subsystem, current switches, circuit breakers, resistors, cables, power converters, active and passive sensors, power transmitters, electrical plugs, displays, light-emitting diodes, and a power tracking subsystem. In some embodiments, the power control unit 122 includes an active tracking subsystem such as a motor. In other embodiments, the power control unit 122 relies on a passive tracking subsystem such as paraffin wax to act as a hydraulic actuator.

[0068] In other embodiments, the power management unit 120 further comprises a power storage unit 124. In some embodiments, the power storage unit 124 is selected from the list of electrical, electromechanical, electrochemical, electrobiological, and electrothermal power storage.

[0069] In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 comprises multiple 3D photovoltaic charging systems 100 mounted on one anchor base 140 with one or more degrees of freedom, such as a change in the first relative orientation 144 142 of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base. The anchor base 140 moves one or more 3D photovoltaic charging systems 100 to improve power output. In some embodiments, the 3D photovoltaic charging system 200 comprises multiple 3D photovoltaic charging systems 100 mounted on a central 3D photovoltaic charging system 100.

[0070] The above description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements and features of a particular embodiment are generally interchangeable and may be used in selected embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described, rather than being limited to that particular embodiment. The same may also be modified in many ways. Such modifications will not be considered departures from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system, A tube housing extending in the longitudinal direction, A photovoltaic unit having a plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers configured to convert light into electricity, wherein the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers are housed within the tube housing and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, A power management unit having a power control unit, configured to receive and manage currents from a plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers, A support base that receives the photovoltaic unit and the power management unit, Equipped with, Each of the photovoltaic layers is supported within the tube housing at a position along the outer edge of each layer and extends away from that position in the same direction. The tube housing is at least partially transparent around its entire circumference so that light from outside the tube housing can be transmitted through the tube housing in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A photovoltaic charging system in which each of the entire planes of the photovoltaic layer is located on the same lateral side as the supported position.

2. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the power management unit further comprises a power storage unit.

3. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers include at least a partially transparent layer.

4. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers are at least partially coated with a material selected from the group consisting of dielectric, reflective, anti-reflective, light-dispersive, and light-diffusing materials.

5. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers is replaceable.

6. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers are at least partially housed within a molded dielectric slab.

7. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the distance between adjacent layers of the plurality of discrete and non-coplanar photovoltaic layers is at least partially filled with a material selected from the group consisting of light-reflecting materials, dielectric materials, electrical conductors, thermal conductors, light-transmitting materials, light-absorbing materials, light-concentrators, light-diffusing materials, gels, pastes, liquids, oils, water, resins, polymers, thermosetting polymers, photocurable polymers, thermal coolants, thermal-absorbing materials, thermal-dispersing materials, air pockets, light-emitting materials, electroluminescent materials, and photoluminescent materials.

8. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit comprises components selected from the group consisting of an Internet of Things (IoT) subsystem, a power inverter subsystem, a current switch, a circuit breaker, a power converter, active and passive sensors, a power transmitter, an electrical plug, a display, a light-emitting diode, and a power tracking subsystem.

9. The photovoltaic charging system according to claim 1, wherein the support base is selected from the group consisting of mounting poles, posts, concrete foundations, bollards, anchors, frames, mounting brackets, clamps, rails, magnetic plates, ropes, chains, wires, cables, arms, legs, hooks, masts, hangers, struts, mounting fasteners, wall mounts, and belts.

10. A light-tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system, A tube housing extending in the longitudinal direction, A photovoltaic unit having a plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces configured to convert light into electricity, wherein the plurality of non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces are housed within a tube housing, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and at least partially insulated within the tube housing, A power management unit having a power control unit, configured to receive and manage current from a plurality of photovoltaic surfaces that are not on the same plane, The system comprises an anchor base, the anchor base being fixed to an object and positioned in a certain orientation relative to the photovoltaic unit, and at least one of the anchor base and the photovoltaic unit being movable relative to the other, thereby causing a change in the relative orientation of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base, the change in the relative orientation of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base causing a change in current due to a change in luminous flux, and the change in current is monitored by the power control unit. Each of the photovoltaic surfaces is supported within the tube housing at a position along the outer edge of each surface and extends away from that position in the same direction. The tube housing is at least partially transparent around its entire circumference so that light from outside the tube housing can be transmitted through the tube housing in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A photo-tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system in which each of the entire planes of the photovoltaic surface is located on the same lateral side as the supported position.

11. The optical tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system according to claim 10, wherein the change in the relative orientation of the photovoltaic unit and the anchor base is controlled by the power control unit.

12. The optical tracking 3D photovoltaic charging system according to claim 10, wherein the power management unit further comprises a power storage unit.

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