Concentrator Photovoltaic Shielding Plate Stray Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concentrator photovoltaic systems face challenges in producing a secondary concentrating portion that is easy to manufacture and enhances light transmittance, while also protecting the surroundings of the power generating element during light concentration, particularly when the optical axis is displaced.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secondary photovoltaic unit with a secondary lens positioned above the power generating element, supported by a lens supporting portion and a shielding plate that blocks light converging outside the secondary lens, preventing burning and using a translucent resin covering and sealing portion to improve light transmittance and protect the element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary lens is provided to concentrate light onto a small area and reduce tracking deviation influence, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secondary lens, lens supporting portion, and shielding plate into an integrated assembly where the lens is mounted on the shielding plate which itself is supported by the lens supporting portion. This merging of multiple functional elements into a coordinated system achieves the desired light concentration and protection functions while managing structural complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding plate serves multiple functions: it supports the secondary lens, blocks harmful stray light from reaching the power generating element, and provides a mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the secondary lens is fixed slightly spaced from the power generating element to guide light accurately, then concentrating accuracy is improved, but the risk of burning the supporting structure increases when optical axis is displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate acts as an intermediary element between the secondary lens and the power generating element. It is positioned to block stray light that converges outside the secondary lens from reaching the power generating element and supporting structures, thereby preventing burning while allowing the lens to maintain its optimized spacing for accurate light concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding plate is positioned in advance to intercept and block harmful stray light before it can converge and cause burning of the supporting structure or power generating element. This preliminary protective action occurs regardless of optical axis displacement, preventing the harmful effect before it can manifest.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding plate blocks light converging outside the secondary lens to prevent burning, then safety is improved, but light transmittance to the power generating element may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate is designed with a specific geometry that provides light blocking only in the regions where stray light converges outside the secondary lens. The plate's structure allows full light transmittance through the area where the secondary lens focuses light onto the power generating element, thereby preventing burning without interfering with useful light transmission.
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 the completeness of the secondary concentrating portion, improves power generation efficiency, and prevents damage to the supporting structures and bypass diodes by blocking stray light, while maintaining accurate optical alignment and protecting the power generating element from environmental contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary lens provided above the power generating element... Sunlight is concentrated by the primary lens to be incident on the secondary lens, and then, is further concentrated by the secondary lens to reach the power generating element
Implementation Method 2
a shielding plate... configured to block light converging at a position outside the secondary lens
Implementation Method 3
a primary lens being a convex lens... Sunlight is concentrated by the primary lens to be incident on the secondary lens
Implementation Method 4
a power generating element (for example, see PATENT LITERATURE 1 (FIG. 8))... As the power generating element, a solar cell having high power generation efficiency is used
Data Source
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AI summary
When upper-lower positional relationship on an optical path is defined such that the primary concentrating portion is at an upper position than the secondary concentrating portion, the secondary concentrating portion includes: a secondary lens provided above the power generating element; a lens supporting portion configured to support the secondary lens; and a shielding plate being a flat-plate-shaped member preventing sunlight to pass therethrough whereas allowing an upper portion of the secondary lens to be exposed from a hole formed in the flat-plate-shaped member, the shielding plate being fixed in a state of being mounted to the lens supporting portion, the shielding plate being configured to block light converging at a position outside the secondary lens.