Anti-Reflective Photovoltaic Shingles With Patterned Glass Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic modules installed on roofing structures face performance reduction due to reflection issues at the air-polymer interface, which decreases flash power and energy production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of photovoltaic shingles with an anti-reflective coating and protrusions on a glass layer, where the anti-reflective coating is exposed between the protrusions, minimizes light reflection by using a combination of metal oxides, nitrides, or polymers with specific thickness and coverage on the glass layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an anti-reflective coating is applied to the glass layer, then light reflection is reduced and energy production is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflective coating is segmented into multiple discrete protrusions rather than a continuous layer. Each protrusion is separated from others, creating a patterned structure that reduces reflection while simplifying the overall coating application process compared to achieving uniform continuous coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-reflective properties are localized to specific protrusion structures rather than requiring uniform coverage across the entire glass layer. This allows the coating to provide anti-reflective functionality only where needed (at the protrusion locations) while reducing material usage and simplifying manufacturing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the anti-reflective coating covers the entire glass layer, then reflection is minimized, but the manufacturing precision and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring precise continuous coverage across the entire glass layer, the coating is divided into discrete protrusions. This segmentation relaxes the manufacturing precision requirements, as gaps between protrusions are acceptable and do not compromise the anti-reflective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is applied in a patterned manner with partial coverage (only at protrusion locations) rather than attempting complete continuous coverage. This partial action approach reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving the desired anti-reflective effect.
3Use of energy by moving object
If protrusions are added to the glass layer, then light absorption is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflective coating and the light-absorbing protrusion structures are merged into a single integrated component. The protrusions serve dual functions: they provide the structural element for light trapping and simultaneously support the anti-reflective coating material, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: light trapping for enhanced absorption, support structure for the anti-reflective coating, and potential structural reinforcement for the glass layer. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple roles into single elements.
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 flash power and energy production by reducing light reflection, allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed or transmitted, thereby improving the overall performance of photovoltaic shingles.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of photovoltaic shingles comprises an anti-reflective coating located above the glass layer
Implementation Method 2
Reflection reduces the performance of photovoltaic modules
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of photovoltaic shingles comprises an encapsulated solar cell
Implementation Method 4
the anti-reflective coating is attached to the glass layer by a first adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to photovoltaic shingle. A photovoltaic shingle comprises an encapsulated solar cell, a glass layer above the encapsulated solar cell, an anti-reflective layer above the glass layer, and a plurality of protrusions above the glass layer. The plurality of protrusions covers at least a portion of at least one of the glass layer, the anti-reflective layer, or any combination thereof, such that the anti-reflective coating is exposed between at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions.