Light-concentrating mechanism, photovoltaic power generation device, window structure, and window glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic power generation devices, especially those integrated into window structures, face challenges such as reduced light transmittance, high manufacturing costs, and inefficient energy utilization due to low light concentration efficiency, which limits their ability to harness solar energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light-concentrating mechanism using an angle-selective reflector and an angle-increasing reflector, disposed with a gap between them, to concentrate sunlight by reflecting and refracting incident light, allowing it to propagate and be directed towards a photovoltaic cell for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transparent photovoltaic battery panel is provided in a window structure, then photovoltaic power generation is enabled, but light transmittance decreases and visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple regions: transparent regions that allow light transmission and visibility, and photovoltaic battery regions that generate electricity. The transparent substrate is segmented to accommodate both functions, with photovoltaic batteries arranged in specific patterns that leave sufficient transparent areas for light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window have different optical and electrical properties. The transparent substrate maintains high transmittance in specific areas, while photovoltaic battery regions are optimized for light absorption and electricity generation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of visibility and power generation.
2Productivity
If a light control film is provided to scatter light, then some light concentration is achieved, but light concentration efficiency remains low
Solution Approach 1:
A reflection control film is introduced as an intermediary element between the transparent substrate and the photovoltaic batteries. This film reflects scattered light that would otherwise be lost, redirecting it toward the photovoltaic battery edges, thereby improving light concentration efficiency without compromising the transparency of the main window area.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic batteries are exposed to the outside, then direct light reception is possible, but physical damage and aging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic batteries are nested within the window structure, positioned behind the transparent substrate. This nested arrangement protects the photovoltaic batteries from direct physical exposure while still allowing them to receive light through the transparent substrate, thereby improving both durability and light reception efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves as a protective barrier that cushions the photovoltaic batteries against physical forces and environmental factors before they can cause damage. This prior protection layer prevents direct exposure to rain, wind, and physical impacts, extending the operational life of the photovoltaic system.
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 enhances light concentration efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves energy utilization by directing concentrated light to a photovoltaic cell, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
an angle-selective reflector that reflects light having an incidence angle equal to or larger than a first threshold angle and transmits at least a portion of light having an incidence angle smaller than the threshold angle
Implementation Method 2
an angle-increasing reflector that reflects incident light at an angle larger than an incidence angle thereof
Implementation Method 3
light is concentrated by causing the light to propagate in the gap between the angle-selective reflector and the angle-increasing reflector
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a light-concentrating mechanism that is suitable for photovoltaic power generation. [Solution] This light-concentrating mechanism comprises an angle selective reflection means that reflects light having an incident angle of at least a first threshold angle and transmits at least some of the light having an incident angle smaller than the first threshold angle, and an angle-increase reflection means that reflects incident light at an angle greater than the incident angle of said light, the two means being arranged so as to have a gap therebetween. The angle-increase reflection means reflects, at an angle that is equal to or greater than the first threshold angle, at least some of the light that has been transmitted by the angle-selective reflection means, and the angle-selective reflection means reflects the light that has been reflected by the angle-increase reflection means and has an angle that is equal to or greater than the first threshold angle, and light is propagated and concentrated by the gap between the angle-selective reflection means and the angle-increase reflection means.