3D Photovoltaic Module with Inclined Support Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-dimensional photovoltaic panels produce low energy per unit area and have non-uniform energy production throughout the day, requiring optimal orientation which can be challenging, and three-dimensional modules suffer from shadowing and resistive losses, limiting annual energy output.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional photovoltaic module with a support structure featuring a central axis and inclined support elements with planar faces, maximizing insulated surface area and reducing shadowing, allowing for consistent energy capture without requiring orientation adjustments, and enabling partial light capture even when directly shadowed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a three-dimensional photovoltaic module with pyramidal support structure is used to increase developed surface area, then energy production per unit area increases, but shadowing losses and resistive loads increase, limiting annual energy output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy production per unit areaVSAvoidshadowing losses and resistive loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple inclined support elements (first, second, third, fourth support elements) distributed around a central axis, each with its own photovoltaic coating. This segmentation allows each element to be independently optimized for light capture while reducing mutual shadowing, resolving the contradiction between increased surface area and shadowing losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each support element has a specific inclination angle and orientation tailored to capture sunlight from different directions throughout the day. The photovoltaic coatings are positioned at optimized locations on each support element to maximize insulation while minimizing shadowing on adjacent elements, addressing the energy loss issue while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If photovoltaic panel orientation is optimized for maximum solar radiation, then energy production increases, but installation complexity increases due to building configuration constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidinstallation orientation requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel to a three-dimensional structure with multiple inclined surfaces arranged around a central axis. This dimensional change allows the system to capture sunlight from multiple directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for precise orientation optimization and simplifying installation on various building configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-faceted support structure with inclined surfaces oriented in different directions can capture solar radiation from various angles throughout the day, making the system adaptable to different building orientations and locations without requiring complex installation adjustments, thus achieving universality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If two-dimensional photovoltaic panels are used, then installation is simple, but energy production per unit area is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidenergy production per unit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a three-dimensional support structure with inclined surfaces extending upward from a base, creating multiple photovoltaic coating surfaces that capture sunlight from different angles. This dimensional enhancement increases the effective light-capturing surface area per unit of ground space, thereby increasing energy production while maintaining structural simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The module achieves higher energy production per unit area and more consistent daily and annual energy output compared to conventional modules, with minimal shadowing and improved light penetration, allowing for earlier and later energy production.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of photovoltaic coatings fastened to the three-dimensional support structure, each photovoltaic coating being arranged on a respective support face... each photovoltaic coating comprising at least one photovoltaic cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240356482A1Three-dimensional photovoltaic module

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 GAUTHIER SYLVAIN

AI summary

The three-dimensional photovoltaic module includes a three-dimensional support structure including a central axis and a plurality of support elements distributed around the central axis, each support element including a vertex and two support faces which are substantially planar and which are connected to each other along a ridge line inclined with respect to the central axis and extending up to the vertex of the respective support element while getting away from the central axis; and a plurality of photovoltaic coatings fastened to the three-dimensional support structure, each photovoltaic coating being arranged on a respective support face and extending substantially parallel to the latter, each photovoltaic coating comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and covering at least partially the respective support face.