Hybrid solar energy generator

Abstract

The disclosure relates to systems and kits for continuous generation of solar derived energy. Specifically, the disclosure relates to systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, each module operable at a different, non-overlapping wavelength range. The kits comprise only the photocatalytic water- splitting module adapted, sized and configured to couple to the photovoltaic module and form the systems disclosed.

Description

HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY GENERATORBACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for continuous generation of solar derived energy. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water- splitting module, each module operable at a different wavelength range.

[0002] The first large-scale solar farms in the United States were built in the 1980s, in response to the oil crisis and the increasing interest in renewable energy. The Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) in California, which were built in the Mojave Desert, were some of the first and largest solar farms in the world at the time.

[0003] In the United States, the average lifespan of a solar panel is generally estimated to be around 25-30 years. However, the actual lifespan of a solar panel can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the quality of the components, the installation and maintenance practices, and the local climate and weather conditions.

[0004] In addition, some solar panels may experience a decline in efficiency or performance over time, which can affect their overall lifespan. This can be due to factors such as physical wear and tear, exposure to environmental pollutants or weather events, or changes in the performance of the materials used in the panel. Overall, while solar panels are generally designed to last for at least 25- 30 years, their actual lifespan may vary depending on a variety of factors, and regular maintenance and monitoring can help to ensure that they continue to perform at a high level for as long as possible.

[0005] As older solar farms become less efficient or cost-effective, several options are available remediation; for example - decommissioning, which involves removing the solar panels and other equipment and restoring the land to its original condition. This can be a costly and timeconsuming process, particularly if the solar farm is large or has been in operation for many years. It may also be difficult to find suitable disposal sites for the equipment, particularly if the materials are hazardous. Other options, such as repurposing - may require significant investment in new infrastructure or modifications to the existing equipment. Additionally, the site may not be suitable for certain uses due to environmental or other concerns. Likewise, recycling can also be expensiveand not all materials may be recoverable. Additionally, recycling infrastructure may not be available in all locations.

[0006] The disclosed systems and methods intend to address these deficiencies.SUMMARY

[0007] Disclosed, in various exemplary implementations, are systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, each module operable at a different and non-overlapping wavelength range.

[0008] In an exemplary implementation provided herein is a system for continuously generating solar driven energy comprising: a photovoltaic module; and a photocatalytic watersplitting module, wherein the photocatalytic water- splitting module is stacked above the photovoltaic module, the photocatalytic water- splitting module and the photovoltaic module operable being operable at different solar wavelength.

[0009] These and other features of the systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, each module operable at a different wavelength range, will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the figures and examples, which are exemplary, not limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a better understanding of the systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, each module operable at a different wavelength range, with regard to the exemplary implementations thereof, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1A, illustrates a schematic of an exemplary implementation of a photovoltaic panel, with FIG. IB, illustrating a schematic of an exemplary implementation of the photovoltaic panel with the photocatalytic water-splitting module stacked thereon; and

[0012] FIG. 2, is a schematic showing an exemplary implementation of a semiconductor rod.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Provided herein are exemplary implementations of systems comprising a stacked combination of a photovoltaic module, and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, each module operable at a different wavelength range.

[0014] In an exemplary implementation and as illustrated in FIG.s 1A-1B, provided herein is a system 10 for continuously generating solar driven energy comprising: a photovoltaic module 11; and a photocatalytic water- splitting module 12, wherein the photocatalytic water-splitting module 12 is stacked above the photovoltaic module 11, the photocatalytic water- splitting module 12 and the photovoltaic module 11 operable operable at different solar wavelength.

[0015] Photovoltaic cells operate based on interplay between p-type and n-type semiconductor materials and the depletion layer formed at their junction. The p-type silicon is doped with elements like boron, which introduce "holes" (positively charged carriers) due to the absence of valence electrons. Conversely, n-type silicon can be doped with phosphorus, introducing excess electrons (negatively charged carriers). When these materials are joined, electrons from the n-type side diffuse into the p-type side to fill holes, creating a depletion zone near the junction. This region becomes devoid of free charge carriers and develops an internal electric field due to fixed positive ions on the n-side and negative ions on the p-side. This field acts as a barrier, preventing further diffusion under equilibrium conditions. When photons strike the cell, those photons with energy exceeding the semiconductor's bandgap (e.g., 1.1 eV for silicon) excite electrons from the valence to the conduction band, generating electron-hole pairs. In the depletion zone, the internal electric field separates these pairs: electrons drift to the n-type layer, while holes move to the p-type layer. This separation creates a voltage difference between the layers, casing electrons flow from the n-type to the p-type side, thereby generating current. The bandgap energy defines the minimum photon energy required for this process. Photons with energy below the bandgap cannot release electrons, while those with excess energy lose the surplus as heat, and reducing efficiency.

[0016] In an exemplary implementation, the photovoltaic (PV) module 11 comprises: at least one panel 100 comprising: a base slab 101; a p-type plate 1100, dispose over the base slab 101; n-type plate 1101; a depletion layer 1103, sandwiched between the n-type plate 1100 and the p-type plate 1101; a plurality of conductive traces 120i disposed on the n-type plate 1101; and a transparent cover130, wherein the p-type plate 1 100, the n-type plate 1 101 , and the depletion layer 1103 are configured to generate a bandgap energy corresponding to a first predetermined wavelength.

[0017] In the context of the disclosure, the term “depletion region,” interchangeable with “depletion layer” or “depletion zone,” is formed across a junction between two semiconductors (e.g., a p-n junction) having different concentrations of electrons or holes via, for example, potential-driven diffusion of carriers from the semiconductor having a higher concentration of electrons (or holes) to the other until an electric field generated across the junction practically impedes the diffusion, thus leading to the formation of a region that is substantially lacking in mobile charge carriers and supports an electric field. It is noted that due to gradual decrease in unaccomplished potential, the impedance of diffusion may not necessarily be because of the unaccomplished potential, but may be affected by other factors.

[0018] Solar panels which can comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells (or modules), are typically designed to absorb light in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, which corresponds to wavelengths between approximately 400 and 1100 nanometers (nm), encompassing the peak of the solar spectrum as well as a significant portion of the light that reaches the Earth's surface.

[0019] In an exemplary implementation, the PV modules (interchangeable with panels) are made of crystalline silicon, configured to have an energy bandgap of about 1.1 eV operable to absorb light with wavelengths up to approximately 1100 nm. In another exemplary implementation, thin-film solar panels, are formed of cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), adapted to absorb light at a wavelength range of between 550 nm to 1850 nm, as a function of their materials and design. Accordingly, wherein the p-type plate 1101, and the n-type plate 1100 are comprised of at least one of: Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Cadmium telluride (CdTe), and Copper (Cu) indium (In) gallium (Ga) selenide (Se) (CIGS).

[0020] In another exemplary implementation, as distinct from bulk photocatalysts realized as thin films on conducting substrates, water splitting with nanoscale photocatalysts simply utilizes a photocatalyst material immersed in water. The principles of photocatalytic water splitting having high surface areas for electron excitation and collection, and the use of oriented nanocatalysts, which offer high surface to volume ratios (A / V) and high light harvesting efficiencies.

[0021] Accordingly, and in another exemplary implementation illustrated in FIG. IB, the photocatalytic (PC) water-splitting module 20 used in conjunction with the PV modules disclosed cancomprises: a transparent container 200 having at least one inlet 201 , and a plurality of outlets 202, 203; a water source 250 in liquid communication with an inlet 201; optionally a pressurized source 260 of an electron donor in liquid communication with another inlet 204; and a (transparent membrane / substrate comprising a) plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored, or immobilized, or suspended shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles (not shown), the plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored, or immobilized, or suspended shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles being operable to split water at a second predetermined wavelength range. For example, the predetermined wavelength is between 190 nm and 520 nm, or between 240 nm and 480 nm, for example between 300 nm and 400 nm.

[0022] Turning to FIG. 2, where shaped nanoscale semiconductors, are each comprised of a rod 400 having a basal end 401 and an apical end 402, with a seed 403 embedded within the rod 400 of shaped nanoscale semiconductor, the seed is made of a different semiconductor composition, and at least one cocatalytic domain 404 disposed at the apical end 402 of the shaped nanoscale semiconductor’s rod 400, wherein at least one semiconductor of the plurality of embedded or anchored, or immobilized, or suspended semiconductors used in the PC module has suitable band gap and electron affinity to support production of hydrogen from water when exposed to the second wavelength range, namely the range between 190 nm and 520 nm.

[0023] In an exemplary implementation, the seed 403 is a first Cadmium chalcogenide, or titanium dioxide (TiCh) and the semiconductor rods 400 is formed of a second Cadmium chalcogenide. As indicated, the rod and the seed are comprised of two different semiconductors, whereby the at least two different semiconductors, are Cadmium selenide (CdSe), and Cadmium sulfide (CdS). Other pairs of semiconductors can be used so long as the pairing has suitable band gap and electron affinity to support production of hydrogen from water when exposed to the second wavelength range, namely the range between 190 nm and 520 nm. In the context of the disclosure, the term "band gap" means a transition energy from a certain level in the valence band to a certain level in the conduction band, including a quantization energy, in the case of the quantum well. Likewise, "electron affinity" refers to the energy difference between the conduction band minimum (CBM) of the semiconductor and the vacuum level, indicating whether the semiconductor's conduction band electrons possess sufficient reducing power to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), where protons are reduced to molecular’ hydrogen (H2). A semiconductor with suitable electron affinity is configured such that its CBM is positioned at a more negative electrochemical potential than the H / H2 redox couple (0 V vs.the standard hydrogen electrode at pH 0), enabling spontaneous electron transfer to water molecules for hydrogen production.

[0024] Furthermore, the at least one cocatalyst domain can be comprised of at least one of: nickel, platinum, bimetallic cocatalyst, a transition metal chalcogenide, and a domain comprising one or more of the foregoing metals.

[0025] The term “band gap energy” as used herein refers to the lowest energy at which a quantum dot will absorb or emit photons. The actual value of this “band gap energy” can be calculated by the equation E= / zc / k, where E is the band gap energy, h is Plank's constant (a fundamental physical constant of nature), c is the speed of light in vacuum (a fundamental physical constant of nature) and is the wavelength of the photon absorbed by the semiconductors. Accordingly, the bandgap energy corresponding to the wavelength range between about 190 nm and about 520 nm, is between about 6.5 eV and about 2.4 eV respectively. Conversely, the PV module is adapted to operate at wavelengths of between about 580 nm, and about 1850 nm, yielding a bandgap energy of between about 2.1 eV and about 0.7 eV respectively.

[0026] For example, the PC module is removable from the PV module, and can be configured to refurbish and / or supplement existing PV panels, while in other implementations, the PC and PV modules are a single, integrated monolithic unit. The system can further be coupled to a storage module configured to convert the heat generated by the PV module to electricity (a battery), while an outlet 203 (see e.g., FIG. IB) could be coupled to a purification module 270 with a hydrogen container for purifying the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic water-splitting module 20. The purification module further comprising pressurizing means, such as pumps (e.g., positive displacement, duplex, or triplex pumps). Furthermore, the PV module can be comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in an array whereby the area of the array will be coupled as the PV module to the PC module. Also illustrated, is a container 240 for an oxidized electron donor, in communication with a second outlet 202.

[0027] In an exemplary implementation, provided herein is a kit, comprising the PC watersplitting module operable to couple to the PV module configured, when assembled, to form the systems disclosed.

[0028] The system can have support components, for example control module 280 for regulating the operation of the PV module and the PC water- splitting module based on the availability of solar energy, the control module 280, comprising at least one processor in communication withvalves or heliostat configures to modulate the angle of the face of the such that it is facing the sun through the day, the processor being in further communication with a non-transitory memory device storing thereon a set of executable instructions configured, when executed, to cause the processor to adjust the position of the photovoltaic module and / or the photocatalytic water- splitting module to optimize solar energy collection, whether for the production of electricity, and / or hydrogen.

[0029] In the context of the disclosure, the term "transparent" refers to a wall or any other composition capable of at least 70% transmission of light. The light referred to can be, e.g., sunlight (filtered or not), actinic light (e.g., from a laser), emitted light (e.g., from a fluorochrome), light of a given wavelength range, or a combination of the foregoing, or transmittance of at least 80%, for example at least 85%, or at least 90%, as measured spectrophotometrically using water as a standard (100% transmittance) at 690 nm. The term "transparent" as used herein would also refer to a composition that transmits at least 70% in the region ranging from 330 nm to 800 nm with a haze of less than 10%. Likewise, the term “wall” which can be interchangeable with the term “aspect”, can be used throughout to identify the various layers regardless of thickness and be rigid made of thermoplastic material, silicone glass or other glassy and / or crystalline state minerals and polymers.

[0030] In an exemplary implementation, the hydrogen collected from the first outlet is further purified and compressed to a predetermined pressure (e.g., between about 150 psi and 500 psi) using a gas processing module, included with the system. The gas processing module, which can comprise compressor, separator, and purifier, is used in another example, to condition the hydrogen, for example, using heat exchanger / condenser included with the gas-processing module, the gas stream is cooled to a predetermined temperature, (e.g., between about 24 °C and about 45 °C) thereby removing water vapor and reducing flow volume to the compressor. For example, a triplex pump compressor with intercooling is selected in an exemplary implementation for the compressor. In addition, the systems can further comprise a plurality of sensors, such as thermocouples, oxygen sensors, pressure sensors, flow meters and the like and be operably coupled to the control module, configured to control the operation of the system.

[0031] The term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar- meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives.

[0032] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the rod(s) includes one or more rod). Reference throughout the specification to “one exemplary implementation”, “another exemplary implementation”, “an exemplary implementation”, and so forth, when present, means that a particular’ element (e.g., feature, structure, and / or characteristic) described in connection with the exemplary implementation is included in at least one exemplary implementation described herein, and may or may not be present in other exemplary implementations. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various exemplary implementations.

[0033] In the context of the disclosure, the term "operable" means the system and / or the device and / or the program, or a certain element or step is fully functional, sized, adapted and calibrated, comprises elements for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated, coupled, implemented, actuated, effected, realized, or when an executable program is executed by at least one processor associated with the system and / or the device. In relation to systems and circuits, the term "operable" means the system and / or the circuit is fully functional and calibrated, comprises logic for, having the hardware and firmware necessary, as well as the circuitry for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when executed by at least one processor.

[0034] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another.

[0035] Likewise, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size,formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such.

[0036] Accordingly, and in an exemplary implementation, provided herein is a system for continuously generating solar driven energy comprising: a photovoltaic module; and a photocatalytic water- splitting module, wherein the photocatalytic water-splitting module is stacked above the photovoltaic module, the photocatalytic water- splitting module and the photovoltaic module operable being operable at different solar wavelength, wherein (i) the photovoltaic module comprises: at least one panel comprising: a base slab, a p-type plate, dispose over the base slab, n-type plate, a depletion layer, sandwiched between the n-type plate and the p-type plate, a plurality of conductive traces disposed on the n-type plate, and a transparent cover, wherein the p-type plate, the n-type plate, and the depletion layer arc configured to generate a bandgap energy corresponding to a first predetermined wavelength, wherein (ii) the photocatalytic water- splitting module comprises: a transparent container having at least one inlet, and a plurality of outlets, a water source in liquid communication with an inlet, optionally a pressurized source of an electron donor in liquid communication with another inlet, and a membrane / substrate comprising a plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles, the plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles being operable to split water at a second predetermined wavelength range, wherein (iii) the first predetermined wavelength is between 550 nm and 1850 nm, (iv) the second predetermined wavelength is between 190 nm and 480 nm, wherein (v) the p-type plate, and the n-type plate are comprised of at least one of: Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Cadmium telluride (CdTe), and Copper (Cu) indium (In) gallium (Ga) selenide(Se) (CIGS), while (vi) the shaped nanoscale semiconductors, are each having a basal end and an apical end, with a seed embedded within the shaped nanoscale semiconductors in one example, and / or without a seed in another exemplary implementation, and a cocatalytic domain disposed at the apical end of the shaped nanoscale semiconductors, wherein (vii) at least one semiconductor has suitable band gap and electron affinity to support production of hydrogen from water when exposed to the second wavelength range, wherein (viii) the at least two different semiconductors, are Cadmium selenide (CdSe), and Cadmium sulfide (CdS), wherein (ix) the photocatalytic water-splitting module is removable from the photovoltaic module, or (x) are integrated into a single unit, (xi) the system further comprising a storage module for storing the electricity generated by the photovoltaic module, as well as (xii) a purification module for purifying the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic water-splitting module, wherein (xiii) thephotovoltaic module is comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in an array, whereby(xiv) the system further comprising a control module for regulating the operation of the photovoltaic module and / or the photocatalytic water-splitting module based on the availability of solar energy, with(xv) a tracking module for adjusting the position of the photovoltaic module and / or the photocatalytic water- splitting module to optimize solar energy collection, wherein (xvi) the cocatalyst domain comprises: nickel, platinum, bimetallic cocatalyst, a transition metal chalcogenides, or a cocatalyst domain comprising one or more of the foregoing metals, whereby (xvii) the system further comprising: a hydrogen container, in communication with a first outlet; and a container for an oxidized electron donor, in communication with a second outlet and wherein (xviii) the seed is a first Cadmium chalcogenide, or titanium dioxide (TiCh) and the semiconductor rods is formed of a second Cadmium chalcogenide.

[0037] In another exemplary implementation, provided herein is a kit, comprising the photocatalytic water- splitting module adapted, sized and configured to couple to photovoltaic modules configured, when assembled to form the systems disclosed herein.

[0038] The above examples and description have of course been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the disclosed technology in any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the disclosed technology can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A system for continuously generating solar driven energy comprising: a photovoltaic module; and a photocatalytic water-splitting module, wherein the photocatalytic water- splitting module is stacked above the photovoltaic module, the photocatalytic water- splitting module and the photovoltaic module operable being operable at different solar wavelength.2 The system of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic module comprises: at least one panel comprising: a base slab; a p-type plate, dispose over the base slab; n-type plate; a depletion layer, sandwiched between the n-typc plate and the p-typc plate; a plurality of conductive traces disposed on the n-type plate; and a transparent cover, wherein the p-type plate, the n-type plate, and the depletion layer are configured to generate a bandgap energy corresponding to a first predetermined wavelength.3 The system of claim 2, wherein the photocatalytic water- splitting module comprises: a transparent container having at least one inlet, and a plurality of outlets; a water source in liquid communication with an inlet; optionally a pressurized source of an electron donor in liquid communication with another inlet; and a membrane / substrate comprising a plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles, the plurality of at least partially embedded or anchored shaped nanoscale semiconductor particles being operable to split water at a second predetermined wavelength range.4 The system of claim 3, wherein the first predetermined wavelength is between 550 nm and 1850 nm.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the second predetermined wavelength is between 190 nm and 480 nm.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the p-type plate, and the n-type plate are comprised of at least one of: Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Cadmium telluride (CdTe), and Copper (Cu) indium (In) gallium (Ga) selenide(Se) (CIGS).7 The system of claim 3, wherein the shaped nanoscale semiconductors, are each having a basal end and an apical end, with a seed embedded within the shaped nanoscale semiconductors, and a cocatalytic domain disposed at the apical end of the shaped nanoscale semiconductors.8 The system of claim 7, wherein at least one semiconductor has suitable band gap and electron affinity to support production of hydrogen from water when exposed to the second wavelength range.9 The system of claim 7, wherein the at least two different semiconductors, are Cadmium selenide (CdSe), and Cadmium sulfide (CdS).10 The system of claim 1, wherein the photocatalytic water- splitting module is removable from the photovoltaic module.11 The system of claim 1 wherein the photovoltaic module and the photocatalytic watersplitting module are integrated into a single unit.12 The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage module for storing the electricity generated by the photovoltaic module.13 The system of claim 1 further comprising a purification module for purifying the hydrogen produced by the photocatalytic water- splitting module.14 The system of claim 1 wherein the photovoltaic module is comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in an array.15 The system of claim 1 further comprising a control module for regulating the operation of the photovoltaic module and the photocatalytic water- splitting module based on the availability of solar energy.16 The system of claim 1 further comprising a tracking module for adjusting the position of the photovoltaic module and / or the photocatalytic water- splitting module to optimize solar energy collection.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the cocatalyst domain comprises: nickel, platinum, bimetallic cocatalyst, a transition metal chalcogenide, or a domain comprising one or more of the foregoing metals.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a hydrogen container, in communication with a first outlet; and a container for an oxidized electron donor, in communication with a second outlet.

19. The system of claim 7, wherein the seed is a first Cadmium chalcogenide, or titanium dioxide (TiC ) and the semiconductor rods is formed of a second Cadmium chalcogenide.

20. A kit, comprising the photocatalytic water-splitting module operable to couple to the photovoltaic module configured, when assembled to form the system of any one of claims 1-19.

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