Curved-Edge Silicon PV Cell Layout for Compact Solar Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar outdoor lighting systems face challenges in compact design due to the need for increased surface area of photovoltaic cells to achieve sufficient recharge capacity and intensity, which affects the aesthetics and functionality of the luminaire.
Innovation Solution
The use of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells with varied geometries and dimensions, connected in series, are arranged on a support with a curved peripheral edge to optimize intensity delivery without increasing the support's dimensions, allowing for a more compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surface area of photovoltaic cells is increased to achieve sufficient recharge capacity, then the charging capacity of the energy storage unit is improved, but the surface area of the support must be increased which impacts the aesthetics and compactness of the luminaire
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is segmented into multiple curved zones (first curved surface, second curved surface, third curved surface) with different orientations. Each zone hosts photovoltaic cells optimized for its specific lighting conditions, allowing efficient use of the limited support area while achieving sufficient total charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support surface are assigned different functions based on their local characteristics. The first curved surface faces the light source for direct illumination, the second curved surface faces away for indirect illumination, and the third curved surface is positioned at an angle for balanced illumination. This local optimization maximizes energy generation within the constrained support area.
2Productivity
If the surface area of photovoltaic cells is increased to adjust current output, then the charging time of the energy storage unit is reduced, but the dimensions of the support must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is transformed from a flat two-dimensional plane into a three-dimensional curved structure with multiple surfaces at different orientations. This dimensional transformation allows photovoltaic cells to capture light from multiple directions simultaneously, effectively increasing the functional surface area without increasing the footprint dimensions of the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support incorporates curved surfaces instead of flat planes. The first curved surface, second curved surface, and third curved surface are positioned to face different directions, enabling photovoltaic cells to receive optimal illumination throughout the day. This curvature maximizes light capture within the constrained support dimensions, thereby increasing charging speed without expanding the overall size.
3Reliability
If additional support panels are added to increase photovoltaic cell area, then the charging capacity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the luminaire is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the luminaire, defines the aesthetic outer shape visible to users, and hosts photovoltaic cells for energy generation. By integrating these functions into a single multi-faceted support structure with curved surfaces, the design eliminates the need for separate additional panels, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while achieving sufficient recharge capacity.
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 approach enhances the intensity provided by the photovoltaic cells while maintaining a compact form factor, allowing for efficient energy recharge and reduced power losses, thus improving the performance and appearance of solar outdoor lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a device comprising crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells arranged on a flat surface of a support. These photovoltaic cells power, either directly or via an energy storage device (such as a battery or supercapacitor) recharged by means of said photovoltaic cells, one or more active electrical components present on said device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) comprising at least one group of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (4) mounted in a series and a support (1) defining a flat surface (2) provided with a peripheral edge, at least a portion of which has a curved shape. The photovoltaic cells (3) arranged on this flat surface (2) have geometries that vary from one another, so as to cover the flat surface (2) with at least one of the cells (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) which includes a peripheral edge, at least a portion of which (31a, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a) matches at least one curved portion of the peripheral edge of the flat surface (2), the shapes and/or dimensions of the photovoltaic cells (3) being determined so that each photovoltaic cell delivers the same intensity (II). The device can be a light fixture, a sunshade, an automatic lawn or garden watering system, a lawn mower robot, or even a solar panel.