Diffusing Concentrator for Uniform Photovoltaic Array Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power beam receiver systems face inefficiencies due to non-uniform illumination from artificial light sources, leading to reduced power output and increased costs, as existing solutions either waste energy or add significant weight and cost with electronic controllers or complex wiring schemes.
Innovation Solution
A diffusing concentrator apparatus combining an optical concentrator and diffuser to focus and spread light uniformly over a photovoltaic array, optimizing the layout and connectivity of the array to minimize energy loss and enhance electrical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a narrow beam is used to illuminate the PV array, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates causing some cells to be under-illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The PV array is divided into multiple series strings, with each string containing cells that receive relatively uniform illumination. The optical concentrator is segmented into multiple sub-con concentrators, each directing light to a specific string, ensuring uniform distribution while maintaining narrow beam efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the PV array receive tailored illumination patterns through the optical concentrator design. Each local region (string) is optimized for uniform illumination from the narrow beam, creating local quality variations that ensure all cells operate at similar current levels
2Loss of energy
If an optical concentrator is used to focus light onto the PV array, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to non-uniform beam patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The optical concentrator is divided into multiple sub-con concentrators arranged in an array. Each sub-con concentrator receives a portion of the non-uniform beam and redirects it to a specific string of PV cells, segmenting the illumination task to achieve uniform distribution across the entire array
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-con concentrators act as intermediary optical elements between the non-uniform incoming beam and the PV array. They mediate the transformation of the non-uniform beam pattern into uniform illumination by redistributing light through their geometric optics design
3Power
If series wiring is used to connect PV cells, then voltage output is improved, but power output deteriorates when cells receive non-uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The PV array is segmented into multiple independent series strings, with each string containing cells that receive uniform illumination. This segmentation allows each string to operate at its optimal current level, and the strings are then connected in parallel to achieve high voltage output while maintaining high overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optical design ensures that all cells within each series string receive approximately equal illumination, creating equipotential conditions for current generation. This allows the series connection to achieve high voltage without the current-matching problems that would otherwise reduce productivity
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 solution achieves high optical-to-electric conversion efficiency, reducing energy waste and costs while maintaining a lightweight and efficient power generation system, with efficiencies above 90% compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
an optical concentrator configured to receive beams of light and focus them towards a defined area at a defined distance
Implementation Method 2
an optical diffuser configured to receive the focused beams of light and spread the focused beams of light substantially uniformly over the defined area
Implementation Method 3
a photovoltaic array comprising an array of photovoltaic cells
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a diffusing concentrator for efficient extraction of power from a beam of light. The diffusing concentrator may include an optical concentrator, the optical concentrator configured to receive beams of light and focus them towards a defined area at a defined distance, and an optical diffuser, the optical diffuser configured to receive the focused beams of light and spread the focused beams of light substantially uniformly over the defined area. The diffusing concentrator may also include a reflective surface configured to reflect stray light from the diffusing concentrator toward the defined area such as a photovoltaic array.