Concave Hemisphere Solar Cell Structure for Multi-Angle Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for solar energy capture is limited by available surface area and non-ideal angles, leading to high installation costs and reduced efficiency due to the need for additional structures to optimize sunlight capture.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic solar cell structure with concave hemisphere cavities on the light-receiving surface, sealed by a transparent cover, which increases light capture area and efficiency by reflecting sunlight at varying angles without the need for surface texturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard two-dimensional solar panels are installed to capture solar energy, then energy capture is achieved, but available surface area becomes limited and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat solar panel surface to a three-dimensional structure with concave hemisphere cavities. This dimensional change allows sunlight to be captured from multiple angles and paths, effectively increasing the energy capture quantity without requiring additional installation surface area. The concave hemispheres create internal reflection paths that trap and absorb more photons within the same footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are installed at non-ideal angles to accommodate roof constraints, then installation flexibility is improved, but solar energy capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The concave hemisphere cavities utilize curved surfaces to reflect and redirect sunlight at multiple angles. This curvature allows the solar cell to capture effective sunlight even when the overall panel is installed at non-ideal roof angles. The spherical geometry creates internal light paths that compensate for external angle deviations, maintaining energy capture efficiency across various installation orientations.
3Quantity of substance
If surface texturing is applied to increase light absorption, then light capture efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying continuous surface texturing across the entire solar cell, the patent segments the surface into discrete concave hemisphere cavities. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to traditional texturing methods, as the cavities can be formed through simpler molding or etching processes. Each cavity acts as an independent light-trapping element, achieving high absorption without the complexity of full-surface texturing.
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 concave hemisphere design enhances solar energy capture by 75% while reducing manufacturing steps and costs, allowing flexible installation options and improved efficiency through gas-filled cavities and anti-reflective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
increases light capture area and efficiency by reflecting sunlight at varying angles
Implementation Method 2
gas filled concave hemisphere cavities
Data Source
AI summary
Three dimensional concave hemisphere solar structures are provided. A photovoltaic solar cell substrate has a light receiving surface and a back surface opposite the light receiving surface. The photovoltaic solar cell substrate light receiving surface has a plurality of gas filled concave hemisphere cavities having a depth and a radius of one millimeter or greater. A substantially planar transparent cover seals the plurality of gas filled concave hemisphere cavities.