Solar power generation apparatus having significantly enhanced power generation efficiency

Abstract

A solar power generation apparatus having significantly enhanced power generation efficiency is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a solar power generation apparatus comprising: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight incident from the outside and focus the sunlight into a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light delivered thereto; a light guide unit having one end connected to each ball lens and the other end connected to each of the optical fibers, and guiding light incident on the ball lenses to the optical fibers; a ball lens support unit that supports each of the ball lenses; an optical fiber support unit that supports each of the optical fibers and moves on a plane perpendicular to a vertical direction; a solar cell disposed at a preset position and converting incident optical energy into electrical energy; a motor that provide power for moving the optical fiber support unit; and a control unit that controls operations of each component within the solar power generation apparatus.

Description

Solar power generation device with significantly improved power generation efficiency

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation device that significantly improves power generation efficiency.

[0002]

[0003] This patent is the result of research conducted with funding from the government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT) and supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (Project No.: 2710013988, Sub-project No.: 2021M3H4A1A02051253, Project Name: Nanomaterial Technology Development, Project Name: Development of Epitaxial Structures for III-V Nanorod Solar Cells), and

[0004] This is the result of research conducted with funding from the government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) and support from the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (Detailed Project No.: RS-2025-25444655, Project Name: Development of Core Technologies for New and Renewable Energy, Project Name: Development of Test Methods and Establishment of System for Performance and Long-term Reliability of Perovskite / Crystalline Silicon Tandem Modules).

[0005] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0006] Generally, solar power generation is a technology that converts sunlight into electrical energy, utilizing solar cells that generate photovoltaic power through the photoelectric effect. Solar power generation possesses the advantages of a clean energy source, ease of maintenance, and the possibility of unmanned operation.

[0007] The structure of a conventional photovoltaic power generation device is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0008] Figures 10 and 11 are drawings illustrating the structure of a conventional photovoltaic power generation device.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 10, a conventional general solar power generation device is installed on a building or other location to produce electrical energy from incident sunlight. However, since the conventional solar power generation device is installed on a building or other location (mainly a building), it has a problem in that it is difficult to install a tracking device to track sunlight. Accordingly, the conventional solar power generation device shown in FIG. 10 could not avoid losses in electrical energy production due to changes in the angle of incidence of sunlight.

[0010] Recognizing these problems, the solar power generation device illustrated in FIG. 11 was introduced. The solar power generation device illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a tracking device to adjust the solar panel to the angle at which sunlight is incident to the maximum. However, since the angle of the entire solar panel must be adjusted, the conventional tracking device must be of a certain size or larger, and consequently, the installation location of the solar power generation device illustrated in FIG. 11 was limited to the ground, such as a wide open space.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a solar power generation device capable of freely tracking sunlight at an installation location and generating power using a ball lens and an optical fiber.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a photovoltaic power generation device that significantly improves power generation efficiency compared to a conventional photovoltaic power generation device by utilizing a ball lens, an optical fiber, and a cooling unit.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a photovoltaic power generation device that provides heat dissipation characteristics by absorbing thermal energy at the front end of a solar cell.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guide unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a solar cell disposed at a predetermined position to convert incident light energy into electrical energy; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, one end of the light-guiding portion has a relatively wide cross-sectional area and is connected to each ball lens.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the other end of the light induction member has a diameter equal to the diameter of the optical fiber and is connected to each optical fiber.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light induction part is characterized by being implemented with the same material as the ball lens.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light guide is characterized by being implemented with a material having a refractive index difference with respect to the ball lens that is less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the previously set position is characterized as being a position capable of receiving sunlight transmitted through each optical fiber.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a tracking sensor disposed at the bottom of one ball lens to track the vertical downward direction of the sun; a solar cell disposed at a preset position to convert incident light energy into electrical energy; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device and controls the movement of the optical fiber support unit by receiving a sensing value from the tracking sensor.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ball lens on which the tracking sensor is placed is characterized by not having a separate light guide and an optical fiber connected thereto.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ball lens support is characterized by supporting each ball lens so that each ball lens does not move from its fixed position.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ball lens support is characterized by supporting each ball lens so that the ball lenses do not move, but can rotate in a fixed position.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, one end of the light-guiding portion has a relatively wide cross-sectional area and is connected to each ball lens.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the other end of the light induction member has a diameter equal to the diameter of the optical fiber and is connected to each optical fiber.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a tracking sensor disposed at the bottom of one ball lens to track the vertical downward direction of the sun; a solar cell disposed at a preset position to convert incident light energy into electrical energy; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device and controls the movement of the optical fiber support unit by receiving a sensing value from the tracking sensor. The tracking sensor is characterized by comprising a substrate, a rod protruding vertically upward from the substrate by a preset height to receive incident sunlight and create a shadow, and a light sensor that senses the intensity of sunlight incident toward itself. It provides a solar power generation device.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is positioned at the bottom of the solar cell in the direction of light incidence to cool the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light-collecting optical fiber is characterized by introducing one end of the optical fiber into its interior.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light-collecting optical fiber is characterized by having a diameter relatively larger than that of the optical fiber.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the light-collecting optical fiber is characterized by introducing and arranging a plurality of optical fibers into its interior.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lens is characterized by dispersing and transmitting light over the entire surface of the solar cell.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit is characterized by including an inlet that receives cooling water having a relatively low temperature into its interior and an outlet that discharges heated cooling water to the outside.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a solar power generation device is provided, comprising: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a tracking sensor disposed at the bottom of one ball lens to track the vertical downward direction of the sun; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit disposed at the bottom of the solar cell in the direction in which light transmitted through the concentrating optical fiber is dispersed to the solar cell and cools the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the solar power generation device.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit is characterized by cooling the solar cell by flowing cooling water into its interior.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit is characterized by receiving heat generated while the solar cell is operating and light that has passed through the solar cell.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit is characterized by receiving light in the infrared wavelength band that has passed through the solar cell.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling unit is characterized by including an inlet that receives cooling water having a relatively low temperature into its interior and an outlet that discharges heated cooling water to the outside.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is positioned at the bottom of the solar cell in the direction of light incident on the lens and cools the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device, wherein the solar cell is implemented with a preset area; a solar cell unit that receives light energy and converts it into electrical energy; and a solar cell unit positioned at one end or both ends of the solar cell unit, wherein the A photovoltaic power generation device is provided, characterized by including an electrode that transmits electrical energy produced in a solar cell to the outside.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrode is characterized by being implemented only on one surface of the solar cell portion.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is positioned at the bottom of the solar cell in the direction of light incident on the lens and to cool the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device, wherein the solar cell is implemented in the shape of a cylinder or prismatic column having a preset size and comprises a nanorod solar cell unit that receives light energy and converts it into electrical energy, and the nanorod solar cell unit A photovoltaic power generation device is provided, characterized by including a transparent electrode support member and an electrode that are disposed at both ends and support the nanorod solar cell member.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is disposed between the concentrating optical fiber and the lens in the direction in which light is incident and absorbs light in the infrared wavelength band incident on the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ball lenses are characterized by being arranged in a plurality of units side by side or at predetermined intervals.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, the ball lens is characterized by having an effective focal length that varies depending on the refractive index or diameter.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber support is characterized by fixing and supporting the optical fiber.

[0045] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber support is characterized by moving itself and moving the position of the optical fiber.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber support is characterized by moving the position above the optical fiber and adjusting the direction of the ball lens.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a tracking sensor disposed at the bottom of one ball lens to track the vertical downward direction of the sun; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit disposed between the concentrating optical fiber and the lens in the direction of light incident to absorb light in the infrared wavelength band incident on the solar cell, which disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the tracking sensor is characterized by sensing and analyzing the incident amount to identify the position where the incident amount is maximum.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, the tracking sensor is characterized by being directly disposed at the bottom of a ball lens without a separate light guide and optical fiber.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is disposed between the concentrating optical fiber and the lens in the direction in which light is incident and absorbs light in the infrared wavelength band incident on the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device, wherein the solar cell is implemented with a preset area, and the solar cell unit that receives light energy and converts it into electrical energy, and the The present invention provides a photovoltaic power generation device characterized by including an electrode disposed at one or both ends of a solar cell section to transmit electrical energy produced by the solar cell section to the outside.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present invention, the solar cell portion is characterized by being implemented with a Group III-V compound.

[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention, the solar cell portion is characterized by being implemented with InGaAs, InAsP, InP, GaAs, AlGaAs, GaInP, AlGaInP, InGaAsP, AlGaInP, or InGaAsSb.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, the solar cell portion is characterized by being implemented by double-junctioning two components selected from InGaAs, InAsP, InP, GaAs, AlGaAs, GaInP, AlGaInP, InGaAsP, AlGaInP, and InGaAsSb.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation device comprises: one or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focus it to a single focal point or a single region; one or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted toward itself; a light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end to guide light incident on the ball lens to the optical fiber; a ball lens support unit that supports each ball lens; an optical fiber support unit that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; a concentrating optical fiber that receives and transmits light transmitted from the optical fiber; a solar cell that converts incident light energy into electrical energy; a cooling unit that disperses light transmitted to the concentrating optical fiber to the solar cell and is disposed between the concentrating optical fiber and the lens in the direction of light incident to absorb light in the infrared wavelength band incident on the solar cell; a motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support unit to move; and a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the photovoltaic power generation device, wherein the solar cell is implemented in the shape of a cylinder or prismatic having a preset size and is a nanorod that receives light energy and converts it into electrical energy. A photovoltaic power generation device is provided, characterized by including a solar cell portion and a transparent electrode support portion and an electrode disposed at both ends of the nanorod solar cell portion to support the nanorod solar cell portion.

[0055] As explained above, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage of being able to freely track sunlight at an installation location and generate power using a ball lens and an optical fiber.

[0056] According to one aspect of the present invention, by utilizing a ball lens, an optical fiber, and a cooling unit, there is an advantage of significantly improving power generation efficiency compared to conventional photovoltaic power generation devices.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage in that heat dissipation characteristics are improved by absorbing thermal energy at the front of the solar cell.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of operation of a photovoltaic power generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings illustrating the structure of a ball lens and the path of light incident into the ball lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a tracking sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIGS. 7a to 7c are enlarged drawings of a light-collecting optical fiber or a solar cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a solar cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIGS. 9a to 9e are drawings illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to the third to seventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] Figures 10 and 11 are drawings illustrating the structure of a conventional photovoltaic power generation device.

[0067] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0068] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0069] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0070] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0072] Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0073] In addition, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically contradictory to one another.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of a photovoltaic power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a photovoltaic power generation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ball lens (110), a light guide (120), an optical fiber (130), a tracking sensor (140), a ball lens support (150), an optical fiber support (155), a solar cell (180), a motor (not shown), and a control unit (not shown).

[0076] The solar power generation device (100) tracks the sun so that the solar cell (180) can receive maximum sunlight, while not including a tracking device, so it can be installed regardless of location. Accordingly, the solar power generation device (100) can have all the advantages of a conventional solar power generation device.

[0077] The ball lens (110) receives sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself and focuses it into a single focal point or a single region. Multiple ball lenses (110) are arranged in a row or at a predetermined interval on the ball lens support (150) to perform the aforementioned operation. The path through which the ball lens (110) focuses sunlight traveling from the outside toward itself is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0078] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings illustrating the structure of a ball lens and the path of light incident into the ball lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, the ball lens (110) can focus light incident on itself to an appropriate effective focal length according to the following formula.

[0080]

[0081] Here, EFL represents the effective focal length, n represents the refractive index of the ball lens (110), and D represents the diameter of the ball lens (110). Light incident on the ball lens (110) is influenced by the refractive index and diameter of the ball lens (110) and is focused to a constant effective focal length. That is, if the refractive index (n) or diameter (D) of the ball lens (110) is adjusted, the effective focal length of the light incident on the ball lens (110) can be adjusted accordingly.

[0082] In particular, when the refractive index of the ball lens (110) is 2, the effective focal length of the light incident on the ball lens (110) becomes half the diameter of the ball lens (110). That is, when the refractive index of the ball lens (110) is implemented as 2, the light incident on the ball lens (110) can be focused onto the surface of the ball lens (110). In this way, the effective focal length of the light can be adjusted by adjusting the diameter or refractive index of the ball lens (110).

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball lens (110) adjusts the effective focal length by adjusting the diameter or refractive index and focuses the light incident on itself into the light guide (120). The ball lens (110) may focus the light incident on itself onto its surface and propagate it into the light guide (120), or it may focus the light incident on itself onto a specific area within the light guide (120) and propagate it into the light guide (120).

[0084] The light guide (120) is connected to a ball lens (110) at one end and to an optical fiber (130) at the other end, so that light incident on the ball lens (110) is guided to the optical fiber (130).

[0085] One end of the light guide (120) has a relatively wide cross-sectional area and is connected to each ball lens (110), and the other end has a relatively narrow cross-sectional area, specifically, a diameter equal to the diameter of the optical fiber (130) and is connected to each optical fiber (130). Accordingly, the light guide (120) transmits light that is focused into itself through the ball lens (110) and causes it to enter the optical fiber (130).

[0086] The light guide (120) is implemented with the same material as the ball lens (110) or with a material having almost no difference in refractive index (below a preset reference value), so that it receives light focused through the ball lens (110) and propagates it to the optical fiber (130). At this time, the light guide (120) is implemented with a material having reflective properties or has a surface coated with a component having reflective properties. Accordingly, the light guide (120) can guide light traveling along its interior to the optical fiber (130) without emitting it to its outside.

[0087] The optical fiber (130) is connected to the other end of each light guide (120) to receive light transmitted through each light guide (120) and transmit it to the solar cell (180).

[0088] The tracking sensor (140) is positioned at the bottom of the ball lens within the solar power generation device (100) and tracks the position where the most sunlight can be received, that is, the vertical downward direction of the sun.

[0089] The tracking sensor (140) is positioned at the bottom of the ball lens within the solar power generation device (100). That is, the light guide (120) and optical fiber (130) are not separately connected to the ball lens (110), and the tracking sensor (140) is positioned at the bottom.

[0090] The tracking sensor (140) senses and analyzes the incident amount to determine the location where the incident amount is maximum. The configuration of the tracking sensor (140) is illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a tracking sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, a tracking sensor (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate (510), a rod (520), and a plurality of optical sensors (530).

[0093] The substrate (510) places a rod (520) and a light sensor (530) and transmits the sensing value of the light sensor (530) to a control unit (not shown).

[0094] The rod (520) protrudes vertically upward from the substrate (510) by a preset height to receive incident sunlight and create a shadow. The shadow created by the rod (520) varies depending on the position (or direction) or altitude of the sun.

[0095] The light sensor (530) senses the intensity of sunlight incident on itself. Multiple light sensors (530) are arranged on the substrate (510) at predetermined intervals or at predetermined angles. The light sensors (530) are arranged in this manner to sense the intensity of sunlight. When the sun is located vertically above the tracking sensor (140) (the position where the most sunlight is incident), the shadow cast by the rod (520) is located only near the bottom of the rod (520) and not on any of the light sensors (530). Accordingly, the sensing value generated by each light sensor (530) becomes maximum. On the other hand, when the sun deviates from the aforementioned position in terms of position or altitude, the length or direction of the formed shadow changes, and the sensing value generated by each light sensor (530) gradually decreases.

[0096] The control unit (not shown) determines whether the current ball lens (110) is facing vertically downward from the sun based on the sum of the sensing values ​​of each light sensor (530), and controls the movement of the optical fiber support (155) according to the result of the determination.

[0097] The ball lens support (150) supports each ball lens (110). The ball lens support (150) supports each ball lens (110) so that each ball lens (110) does not move from its fixed position. However, the ball lens support (150) prevents each ball lens (110) from moving, but allows rotation from its fixed position. As described later, the position of the optical fiber (130) moves according to the movement of the optical fiber support (155). As described above, the light guide (120) is connected to the optical fiber (130), and the ball lens (110) is connected to the light guide (120). When the position of the optical fiber (130) moves according to the movement of the optical fiber support (155), the positions of one end and the other end of the light guide (120) change, and the direction of the central axis of the light guide (120) changes, and together with this, the direction of the ball lens (110) also changes. To enable such movement, the ball lens support (150) supports the ball lens (110) so that the ball lens (110) is fixed in position but can rotate from the correct position.

[0098] The optical fiber support (155) supports each optical fiber (130) and moves on a plane (xy plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction according to the control of a control unit (not shown). Each optical fiber (130) is supported by the optical fiber support (155) so as to be fixed within the optical fiber support (155). When the optical fiber support (155) moves according to the control of the control unit (not shown), the optical fiber (130) supported by the optical fiber support (155) also moves together. As the position of the optical fiber (130) moves, the light guide (120) connected to the optical fiber (130) also moves together with the movement of the optical fiber (130), and its center axis is twisted. Depending on the degree of movement of the optical fiber support (155), the angle at which the center axis of the light guide (120) is twisted varies. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the central axis of the light guide (120) is rotated to face the direction of incidence of sunlight, the greatest amount of sunlight can be incident into the optical fiber (130) through the ball lens (110) and the light guide (120). In this way, the optical fiber support (155) moves the optical fiber (130) so that the greatest amount of sunlight is incident into the optical fiber (130) as the sun moves.

[0099] The solar cell (180) is positioned to receive sunlight transmitted through each optical fiber (130) and converts the incident (solar) light energy into electrical energy.

[0100] A motor (not shown) provides power to enable the optical fiber support (155) to move. The motor (not shown) provides the power necessary for the control unit (not shown) to move the optical fiber support (155). As described above, it is sufficient for the motor (not shown) to supply only enough power to move the optical fiber support (155) that supports each optical fiber. Accordingly, the motor (not shown) can be significantly miniaturized without needing to become excessively large like a conventional solar power generation device.

[0101] The control unit (not shown) controls the aforementioned operation of each component within the solar power generation device (100).

[0102] A control unit (not shown) receives a sensing value from a tracking sensor (140). Using the aforementioned characteristics, the control unit (not shown) receives a sensing value from each light sensor (530) and calculates the sum of each sensing value. The direction in which the sensing value generated by each light sensor (530) is maximum corresponds to the direction in which the most sunlight can be received (vertically downward relative to the sunlight). The control unit (not shown) controls a motor (not shown) to control the optical fiber support (155) so that the central axis of the light guide (120) moves toward the corresponding direction. The control unit (not shown) enables the aforementioned control by moving the optical fiber support (155) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the central axis of the light guide (120) is to face.

[0103] Accordingly, the solar power generation device (100) can achieve maximum power generation efficiency by tracking sunlight without being restricted by the installation location.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a solar cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, a photovoltaic power generation device (600) according to a second embodiment of the present invention further includes a concentrating optical fiber (160), a lens (170), and a cooling unit (190) in the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device (100).

[0106] The solar power generation device (600) can maximize energy efficiency by tracking the sun to secure optimal power generation efficiency, while simultaneously cooling the solar cell (180) that produces electric energy to improve power generation efficiency, and additionally utilizing the heat generated from the solar cell (180).

[0107] The light-collecting optical fiber (160) receives the other end of the optical fiber (130) into its interior and receives light transmitted from the optical fiber (130). The light-collecting optical fiber (160) has a diameter that is relatively larger than that of the optical fiber (130) and allows multiple optical fibers (130), particularly the other end of the optical fiber (130), to be introduced into its interior. In this way, the other ends of multiple optical fibers (130) are introduced into the light-collecting optical fiber (160) and arranged, and the light transmitted to each optical fiber (130) is incident on the light-collecting optical fiber (160). The light-collecting optical fiber (160) transmits the light incident on itself through each optical fiber (130) to the lens (170).

[0108] The lens (170) transmits light output from the concentrating optical fiber (160) to the solar cell (180), but disperses the light across the entire surface of the solar cell (180). Light flowing in from multiple optical fibers (130) is transmitted to the solar cell (180) via the concentrating optical fiber (160). If a relatively large amount of sunlight is concentrated and transmitted to one surface of the solar cell (180), there is a risk of damage to the solar cell (180), and the power generation efficiency is reduced. Accordingly, the lens (170) is positioned at the opposite end of the concentrating optical fiber (160) in the direction adjacent to the optical fiber (130), and disperses the light output from the concentrating optical fiber (160) to the solar cell (180) across the entire surface of the solar cell (180). As a result, the solar cell (180) receives sunlight completely to produce electrical energy and can maintain its full durability.

[0109] The solar cell (180) is positioned to receive sunlight transmitted through the lens (170) and converts the incident (solar) light energy into electrical energy. The solar cell (180) has the structure shown in FIG. 7.

[0110] FIGS. 7a to 7c are enlarged drawings of a light-collecting optical fiber or a solar cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7a, a solar cell (180) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell part (710) and an electrode (720).

[0112] The solar cell portion (710) is implemented with a preset area and receives light energy and converts it into electrical energy. The solar cell portion (710) can be implemented with a III-V group compound, for example, the solar cell portion (710) can be implemented with InGaAs, InAsP, InP, GaAs, AlGaAs, GaInP, AlGaInP, InGaAsP, AlGaInP, or InGaAsSb, or can be implemented with two components such as (Al)GaInP / (In)GaAs double-junctioned.

[0113] The electrode (720) is positioned at one or both ends of the solar cell unit (710) to transmit electrical energy produced in the solar cell unit (710) to the outside. The electrode (720) is not implemented over the entire surface area of ​​the solar cell unit (710) but only over one surface area, thereby transmitting light other than the wavelength band required for producing electrical energy in the solar cell unit (710). If the electrode (720) is positioned to correspond to the entire surface area of ​​the solar cell unit (710), it transmits all light passing through the solar cell unit (710) (light that does not participate in the production of electrical energy). As the electrode (720) is implemented over only one surface area of ​​the solar cell unit (710), it transmits the light passing through the solar cell unit (710) downwards based on the direction of incidence of the light.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7b or 7c, a solar cell (180) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode (720), a nanorod solar cell part (730), and a transparent electrode support part (740).

[0115] The electrode (720) performs the same operation as the electrode shown in FIG. 7a, but can be placed at one end or both ends of the transparent electrode support (740).

[0116] The nanorod solar cell section (730) is implemented with the same components as the solar cell section (710), but is implemented in the shape of a cylinder or prismatic column with a size (diameter) of several nm to tens of µm, and performs the same operation as the solar cell section (710). A plurality of nanorod solar cell sections (730) of the above-described shape are arranged on the transparent electrode support section (740).

[0117] The transparent electrode support (740) is positioned at both ends of the nanorod solar cell (730) to support the nanorod solar cell (730). The transparent electrode support (740) is made of a material that allows sunlight to pass through, so that light proceeds to the nanorod solar cell (730) and prevents the nanorod solar cell (730) from deviating from its position.

[0118] Referring again to FIG. 6, the cooling unit (190) is positioned at the bottom of the solar cell (180) in the direction in which light is incident, and cools the solar cell (180).

[0119] The cooling section (190) is positioned at the bottom of the solar cell (180) in the direction in which light is incident. At this time, as described above, the solar cell (180) absorbs only light of a specific wavelength band to produce electrical energy, so light of the remaining wavelength bands passes through the solar cell (180). In addition, since the electrode (720) is implemented only on one surface of the solar cell section (710), light of the wavelength band not absorbed by the solar cell (180) can pass through the electrode (720). Meanwhile, if the solar cell (180) includes a nanorod solar cell section (730), the nanorod solar cell section (730) is implemented in the shape of a cylinder or a prism, so a gap inevitably occurs between adjacent nanorod solar cell sections (730), and light passes through the gap.

[0120] The cooling unit (190) cools the solar cell (180) by flowing cooling water, while heating the cooling water flowing inside itself using the heat generated by the operation of the solar cell (180) and the light that has passed through the solar cell (180). The cooling unit (190) includes an inlet (194) and an outlet (198) to receive cooling water with a relatively low temperature into itself and to discharge the heated cooling water to the outside. Heat generated by the operation of the solar cell (180) is transferred to the cooling unit (190), and light that has passed through the solar cell (180) is irradiated. The wavelength range of light absorbed by the solar cell (180) is mainly the visible light wavelength range, and the infrared wavelength range, which has high thermal energy, passes through the solar cell (180). Accordingly, the cooling unit (190) cools the solar cell (180) at the bottom of the solar cell (180) and heats the cooling water flowing inside by receiving light incident on it, particularly light in the infrared wavelength band. The cooling water heated inside the cooling unit (190) in this way passes through the outlet (198) and is discharged to the outside of the cooling unit (190), so that it can be appropriately used in places where hot water is required. In this way, the cooling unit (190) cools the solar cell (180) to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell (180), while also being able to heat the cooling water without using separate energy, thereby generating hot water.

[0121] FIGS. 9a to 9e are drawings illustrating the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation device according to the third to seventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9a, a photovoltaic power generation device (900) according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the same components as a photovoltaic power generation device (600), but the cooling unit (190) is positioned at a different location within the photovoltaic power generation device (600).

[0123] The cooling unit (190) is implemented in the same way as that in the solar power generation device (600), but is positioned between the light-collecting optical fiber (160) and the lens (170) in the direction in which light is incident, so as to be able to absorb light in the infrared wavelength band among the traveling light.

[0124] The cooling unit (190) includes an inlet (194) and an outlet (198) to receive cooling water with a relatively low temperature into its interior and to discharge heated cooling water to the outside. At this time, since the cooling unit (190) is positioned at the aforementioned location and flows cooling water into its interior, the cooling unit (190) receives light that is concentrated from the concentrating optical fiber (160) and proceeds to the lens (170), and absorbs light in the infrared wavelength band (more specifically, light in the wavelength band greater than 900 nm). Since the cooling unit (190) absorbs light in the infrared wavelength band at the front end of the solar cell (180) based on the direction of light propagation, it can prevent unnecessary temperature rise of the solar cell (180). Accordingly, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell (180) can be improved. In addition, the cooling water that flows within the cooling unit (190) and absorbs light in the infrared wavelength band is heated and can be appropriately used as hot water in various places. Accordingly, the cooling unit (190) can heat the cooling water flowing into its interior without using separate energy, and at the same time, prevent the temperature of the solar cell (180) from rising, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the solar cell (180).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 9b, a photovoltaic power generation device (900) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling unit (190) having a width (in the x-axis direction) that is relatively shorter than that of a cooling unit within a photovoltaic power generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit (190) may be implemented to be equal to or larger than the width or diameter of a concentrating optical fiber (160) by a preset error range. When the cooling unit (190) is implemented to be relatively shorter in this way, heat density can be concentrated, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 9c, the cooling unit (190) in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is implemented in the form of the cooling unit in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention or the cooling unit in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, but instead of being placed one between each concentrating optical fiber (160) and each lens (170), one may be placed between the entire concentrating optical fiber (160) and the entire lens (170). The cooling unit (190) may be placed between the entire concentrating optical fiber (160) and the entire lens (170) to perform the aforementioned operation.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9d and FIG. 9e, the cooling unit (190) in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the 6th or 7th embodiment of the present invention may be positioned at the rear end of the lens (170), rather than being positioned between the concentrating optical fiber (160) and the lens (170) in the direction in which light is incident, as in the cooling unit in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the 3rd embodiment of the present invention or the cooling unit in the photovoltaic power generation device according to the 4th embodiment of the present invention. That is, the concentrating optical fiber (160) and the lens (170) may be positioned side by side, and the cooling unit (190) may be positioned at the rear end of the lens (170). Each component (160, 170, 190) may be positioned in this manner to perform the aforementioned operation.

[0128] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment, and a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs would be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present embodiment.

[0129]

[0130] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0131] If this patent application claims priority under Section 119(a) of the U.S. Patent Act (35 USC § 119(a)) to Korean patent applications filed on October 28, 2024, No. 10-2024-0148485, No. 10-2024-0148504, or No. 10-2024-0148519, the entire contents thereof shall be incorporated into this patent application by reference. Furthermore, if this patent application claims priority in countries other than the United States for the same reasons as above, the entire contents thereof shall be incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

1. In a solar power generation device, One or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward themselves and focus it into a single focal point or a single region; One or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted to themselves; A light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end, guiding light incident on the ball lens into the optical fiber; Ball lens support for each ball lens; An optical fiber support that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; A solar cell positioned at a preset location and converting incident light energy into electrical energy; A motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support to move; and A control unit that controls the operation of each component within the above-mentioned solar power generation device A solar power generation device characterized by including 2. In Paragraph 1, One end of the above-mentioned light induction part is, A solar power generation device characterized by having a relatively large cross-sectional area and being connected to each ball lens.

3. In Paragraph 2, The other end of the above-mentioned light induction part is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by having the same diameter as the above optical fiber and being connected to each optical fiber.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above light induction unit is, A solar power generation device characterized by being implemented with the same material as the ball lens above.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above light induction unit is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by the fact that the difference in refractive index from the above ball lens is implemented with a material that is less than or equal to a preset standard value.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned pre-set location is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by being a location capable of receiving sunlight transmitted through each optical fiber.

7. In a solar power generation device, One or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward themselves and focus it into a single focal point or a single region; One or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted to themselves; A light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end, guiding light incident on the ball lens into the optical fiber; Ball lens support for each ball lens; An optical fiber support that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; A tracking sensor positioned at the bottom of the sun's ball lens to track the sun's vertical downward direction; A solar cell positioned at a preset location and converting incident light energy into electrical energy; A motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support to move; and A control unit that controls the operation of each component within the above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation device and receives the sensing value of the tracking sensor to control the movement of the optical fiber support. A solar power generation device characterized by including 8. In Paragraph 7, The ball lens on which the above tracking sensor is placed is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by not having a separate light induction section and optical fiber connected.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above ball lens support is, A solar power generation device characterized by supporting each ball lens to prevent each ball lens from moving out of its position.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above ball lens support is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by supporting each ball lens so that each ball lens does not move but can rotate in a fixed position.

11. In Paragraph 7, One end of the above-mentioned light induction part is, A solar power generation device characterized by having a relatively large cross-sectional area and being connected to each ball lens.

12. In Paragraph 11, The other end of the above-mentioned light induction part is, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by having the same diameter as the above optical fiber and being connected to each optical fiber.

13. In a solar power generation device, One or more ball lenses that receive sunlight traveling from the outside toward themselves and focus it into a single focal point or a single region; One or more optical fibers that receive and transmit light transmitted to themselves; A light guiding unit connected to each ball lens at one end and each optical fiber at the other end, guiding light incident on the ball lens into the optical fiber; Ball lens support for each ball lens; An optical fiber support that supports each optical fiber and moves in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; A tracking sensor positioned at the bottom of the sun's ball lens to track the sun's vertical downward direction; A solar cell positioned at a preset location and converting incident light energy into electrical energy; A motor that provides power to enable the optical fiber support to move; and It includes a control unit that controls the operation of each component within the above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation device and controls the movement of the optical fiber support by receiving the sensing value of the tracking sensor, and The above tracking sensor is, Substrate; A rod protruding vertically upward from the substrate by a preset height to receive incident sunlight and create a shadow; and A photovoltaic power generation device characterized by including a light sensor that senses the intensity of sunlight incident on itself.

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