Bifacial Solar Tracker Layout Using Cell Gaps and Torque Tube Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bifacial solar panels suffer from significant light loss due to the transparent backside design, which reduces front side power output by approximately 3-5%, and existing designs fail to effectively utilize the dead spaces between crystalline solar cells for additional light harvesting.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gap between solar cells along the centerline of the module to allow light to pass through and be reflected back onto the backside of the solar module, utilizing a torque tube with reflective properties to enhance light absorption by bifacial solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the backside of the solar panel is made transparent to allow backside light harvesting, then bifacial energy production is improved, but front side power output is reduced by 3-5%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light loss through the backside into a beneficial effect by introducing a reflective element (torque tube) that captures the transmitted light and redirects it back to the backside solar cells, transforming the 3-5% power loss into additional energy harvesting opportunity
Solution Approach 2:
The torque tube acts as an intermediary element between the transmitted light and the backside solar cells, serving as a reflective mediator that redirects light paths to enhance backside irradiance without compromising front side transparency
2Loss of energy
If standard white backsheets are used to reflect light onto front side cells, then light recovery is improved through total internal reflection, but light loss occurs in the dead spaces between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to light management by using the torque tube positioned below the module to reflect light back upward through the gap, creating a new light path dimension that accesses previously unused dead space areas
3Strength
If the torque tube is positioned close to the solar module, then structural support is improved, but light reflection yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the torque tube and solar module to achieve an optimal balance, positioning it at a specific distance that maximizes light reflection yield while maintaining adequate structural support
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 gap design increases backside irradiance by 5-15%, optimizing overall energy yield by reducing shading and enhancing light absorption, thereby improving electrical energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a gap formed between two or more of the solar cells, the gap being formed proximate a centerline of the solar module and configured to a allow passage of light from a first side of the solar module to a second side of a solar module
Implementation Method 2
The light impacts a torque located on a backside of the solar module and is reflected back in the direction of the solar module
Implementation Method 3
Each of the solar cells has a front and a back, wherein at least the front is capable of converting at least a portion of solar light incident thereon into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A solar tracker including solar modules which include, a frame and a plurality of bifacial solar cells supported by the frame. The solar modules also including a gap formed between two or more of the solar cells, the gap being formed proximate a centerline of the solar modules and configured to a allow passage of light from a first side of the solar modules to a second side of a solar modules, where the light passing through the gap is reflected back onto the plurality of bifacial solar cells and converted to electrical energy.