3D Photovoltaic Cell Arrays for Multi-Angle Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photo voltaic cells in solar energy reception panels suffer from inefficient energy absorption due to their flat, parallel structure, which limits the surface area exposed to radiant energy and reduces electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
The use of three-dimensional energy receiving cells, such as cubes with sides in a non-parallel relationship, increases the surface area exposed to radiant energy and enhances energy absorption by distributing heat and maintaining direct exposure to the energy source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat, parallel energy receiving cells are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface area exposed to radiant energy is limited and energy absorption efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat energy receiving cells to three-dimensional pyramidal structures. Each pyramid has a square base and four triangular faces, all coated with energy receiving material. This dimensional change increases the surface area by 100% compared to flat cells of the same footprint, allowing significantly greater radiant energy absorption while maintaining manufacturability through standardized pyramid modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy receiving surface is divided into multiple pyramidal structures arranged in arrays. Each pyramid acts as an independent energy receiving unit with its own set of parallel cells on each face. This segmentation allows the system to capture radiant energy from multiple angles simultaneously, improving overall absorption efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If flat, parallel energy receiving cells are used, then the device complexity is low, but the surface area directly exposed to the energy source is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces vertical dimension to the energy receiving structure by using pyramids instead of flat planes. A pyramid with base area A has total surface area of approximately 2.4A (base plus four triangular faces), effectively increasing the energy-receiving surface area by 140% over the base area alone, without significantly increasing the device's footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pyramidal structures are merged into modular arrays where adjacent pyramids share common bases or support structures. This merging approach allows the system to achieve large total surface area while minimizing the supporting structure complexity, as the pyramids can be mass-produced as standardized units and assembled in repetitive patterns.
3Device complexity
If flat energy receiving cells are used, then the structure is simple, but the amount of electricity generated is reduced due to poor absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating the energy receiving surface into three-dimensional pyramidal forms, the system increases the total surface area available for photon absorption by approximately 100% compared to flat cells of equivalent footprint. This increased surface area directly translates to higher electricity generation potential while maintaining relatively simple pyramid geometries that are straightforward to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pyramidal face is uniformly coated with energy receiving cells, creating localized high-efficiency absorption zones oriented at optimal angles to capture radiant energy from different directions. This local optimization of surface orientation and coverage maximizes the power generation potential of each pyramid structure.
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
This configuration results in a 42.27% increase in surface area and 90-93% efficiency in radiant energy absorption, reducing heat-related energy loss and improving electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
Photo voltaic systems, which are developed and utilized for generating electric power through the conversion of radiant energy—preferably solar energy... into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving energy is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support base and a plurality of cells. The support base comprises an electric terminal. The plurality of cells are mounted to the support base. Further, each of the plurality of cells is electrically connected to the electric terminal disposed on the support base. Finally, each of the plurality of cells is oriented in a non-parallel relationship with each neighboring cell.