Cylindrical Photovoltaic Module with Flexible Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic modules face inefficiencies and high maintenance costs due to their flat structure, which limits weather resistance, requires complex sun-tracking mechanisms, and is prone to damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical photovoltaic module with a translucent tube housing a flexible solar cell arrangement that follows the tube's curvature, allowing for increased efficiency, reduced weight, and self-cleaning properties, along with encapsulation films for protection and passive cooling, eliminating the need for sun-tracking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flat photovoltaic modules are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but weather resistance is poor and they require complex sun-tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using a cylindrical tube as the photovoltaic module housing. This curved structure enables the module to withstand adverse weather conditions (improving reliability) while the flexible solar cell arrangement conforming to the cylinder allows capturing sunlight from various angles without requiring active sun-tracking mechanisms (reducing device complexity).
2Reliability
If conventional flat photovoltaic modules are used, then structural strength is adequate, but maintenance costs are high due to damage from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical curved structure provides superior structural strength and weather resistance compared to flat modules, reducing damage from environmental factors like wind, snow, and hail. This improved durability directly reduces maintenance costs and repair frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved outer surface of the cylindrical module enables self-cleaning properties, where rain and wind naturally remove dust and debris without requiring manual intervention. This self-maintaining capability significantly reduces maintenance costs over time.
3Productivity
If conventional flat photovoltaic modules are used, then light capture is limited to direct sunlight, but cylindrical design requires complex curvature adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical curvature allows the photovoltaic module to capture sunlight from various angles throughout the day and year, including diffuse light and low-angle sunlight, significantly increasing energy yield without requiring complex active tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible solar cell arrangement that can conform to the cylindrical shape of the tube. This flexible film technology enables the photovoltaic cells to adapt to the curved surface while maintaining their light-converting efficiency, resolving the complexity of curvature adaptation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rigid solar cell arrangements are used in cylindrical modules, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin-film solar cells that can be bent and shaped to conform to the cylindrical tube surface. These flexible films maintain structural stability through proper mounting and encapsulation while providing the necessary flexibility to adapt to the curved geometry and withstand environmental stresses.
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 cylindrical design enhances efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and improves durability and energy yield by utilizing sunlight at various angles and maintaining optical properties under adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is configured translucent. The term 'translucent' here and below means that at least 90%, preferably at least 94%, of the light hitting the translucent material is transmitted through the material.
Implementation Method 2
The photovoltaic module is provided for direct conversion of the energy contained in sunlight into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
the curved outer face gives a self-cleaning effect
Implementation Method 4
the natural air circulation inside the tube lowers the operating temperature of the photovoltaic module
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic module is specified, comprising: a cylindrical light-transmissive tube enclosing an interior and having a main extension direction and a curved inner surface facing the interior, and a mechanically flexible photovoltaic component comprising a solar cell arrangement applied on a carrier film, wherein the photovoltaic component is arranged in the interior, the solar cell arrangement has a curvature, wherein the curvature follows the curved course of the inner surface of the tube at least in places and the solar cell arrangement at least partly covers the inner surface, wherein the covered inner surface forms a light passage surface of the photovoltaic module.