Bifacial Solar Module Frame With Reflective Light Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bifacial solar modules, while offering higher energy production than monofacial modules, have room for further improvements in light utilization to enhance their performance.
Innovation Solution
A frame member for bifacial solar modules featuring a retaining portion and a sloped reflector surface positioned rearward and laterally inward of the retaining portion, which reflects light passing through the module towards the solar cells to increase electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a frame is provided around the solar module to protect edges and assist mounting, then mechanical protection and mounting capability are improved, but light transmission through the periphery is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light blocking by the frame into a beneficial effect by adding a reflector surface to the frame. The reflector captures light that would otherwise be blocked and redirects it onto the solar cells, transforming the frame from a light-obstructing element into a light-directing component that enhances energy capture
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector surface acts as an intermediary between the blocked light and the solar cells. It receives light that would be obstructed by the frame structure and mediates by redirecting this light onto the solar cells, enabling indirect light transmission through the frame system
2Productivity
If bifacial solar modules are used to capture light from both front and rear sides, then energy production is improved, but light utilization efficiency can be further enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the limitation of bifacial modules by converting the light that would be lost through the transparent rear layer into useful energy. The reflector surface positioned behind the module captures and redirects this transmitted light back onto the solar cells, turning what would be energy loss into additional energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector surface enables continuous light utilization by capturing light that passes through the module and redirecting it back onto the solar cells. This creates a continuous cycle of light interaction, maximizing the utilization of available light energy throughout the day
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 sloped reflector surface directs light that would otherwise be lost to enhance the energy yield of the solar module by utilizing it for electricity generation, thereby improving the module's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector surface disposed rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the retaining portion, the reflector surface sloping in a direction away from the reference plane such that light passing through the reference plane and onto the reflector surface is reflected by the reflector surface in a forward and laterally inward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A frame member for a bifacial solar module. The frame member comprises a retaining portion (or e.g. a holder) configured to retain (or e.g. hold) a longitudinally extending edge of a solar module, such that the solar module, when retained (or e.g. held) by the retaining portion, extends laterally inwardly from the retaining portion along a reference plane. The frame member also includes a reflector surface disposed rearwardly and laterally inwardly of the retaining portion. The reflector surface slopes in a direction away from the reference plane such that light passing through the reference plane and onto the reflector surface is reflected by the reflector surface in a forward and laterally inward direction.