Edge-Lit Photovoltaic Array with Light Transport Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar panel arrays require significant space and maintenance due to the need for direct sunlight exposure, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular photovoltaic system featuring an edge-lit photovoltaic array illuminated by a light-tracking solar collector with a light transport conduit, allowing for indirect sunlight exposure and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional solar panels are used to generate electricity, then direct sunlight exposure is required, but this requires significant surface area and increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface-mounted solar panel array to a three-dimensional concentrated photovoltaic system. A light-tracking solar collector positioned above the ground directs focused sunlight through a transport conduit to edge-lit photovoltaic panels mounted on vertical structures. This vertical configuration allows electricity generation without occupying significant horizontal surface area, resolving the contradiction between productivity and area requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light transport conduit as an intermediary element between the light-tracking solar collector and the edge-lit photovoltaic panels. This conduit transports concentrated sunlight from the collector to the PV panels, enabling indirect illumination and eliminating the requirement for direct sunlight exposure on the PV surfaces. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity through concentration while reducing area requirements through indirect lighting.
2Productivity
If traditional solar panels are exposed to direct sunlight, then electricity generation is effective, but the panels remain exposed to environmental debris and require labor-intensive cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The light transport conduit serves as a protective intermediary, shielding the edge-lit photovoltaic panels from direct exposure to environmental debris while still delivering concentrated sunlight. The panels are positioned in a protected location away from direct weather exposure, significantly reducing cleaning and maintenance requirements while maintaining electricity generation effectiveness through the guided light delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light collection function from the photovoltaic panels themselves and places it in a separate light-tracking solar collector. This separation allows the PV panels to be positioned in a protected, low-maintenance location while the collector handles direct sunlight exposure and can be easily accessed for maintenance. The light transport conduit connects these separated functions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If solar panel arrays are expanded to meet power demands, then electricity generation increases, but space occupation and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical mounting structures and three-dimensional space utilization to accommodate solar collectors and PV panels at different heights and locations. This vertical configuration allows multiple PV panels to be served by a single collector system, increasing electricity generation capacity without proportionally increasing ground space occupation or installation complexity. The modular vertical design simplifies system expansion compared to traditional horizontal array expansion.
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 system achieves efficient electricity generation using a fraction of the surface area of traditional solar panels, reduces maintenance needs, and allows for modular upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
The light-tracking solar collector employs a light focusing means, such as a lens, to collect and focus the light rays
Implementation Method 2
edge-lit photovoltaic array which is illuminated by a separate solar collector
Implementation Method 3
transport the collected light rays to the edge lit photovoltaic array using a light transport conduit
Implementation Method 4
a transparent diffusing pane positioned between two backing panels with photovoltaic surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A modular photovoltaic system adapted for collecting light rays from a solar light source to generate electrical current, the system having a light-tracking solar collector adapted to collect the light rays, an edge-lit photovoltaic array, and a transport conduit adapted to transport the light rays to the edge-lit photovoltaic array. The edge-lit photovoltaic array has a plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels, each having a transparent diffusing pane positioned between two backing panels with inwardly directed photovoltaic surfaces. Each edge-lit photovoltaic panel perpendicularly contacts a lateral light distributor attached to the transport conduit, causing the transparent diffusing pane to illuminate the photovoltaic surfaces to generate electrical current. The light-tracking solar collector is adapted to rotate to remain oriented toward the solar light source.