Energy Augmentation Structures for UV-Responsive Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells face inefficiencies due to limited absorption of ultraviolet light and uneven energy distribution in the solar radiation spectrum, leading to wasted energy and reduced conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of energy augmentation structures, such as electromagnetic resonators and fractal structures, to enhance the electromagnetic field and convert electromagnetic energy, combined with luminescent materials to emit augmented electromagnetic energy, improving energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and other energy conversion devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cells are used, then the device structure is simple, but the absorption of ultraviolet light is limited and energy conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure is segmented into multiple functional layers including energy augmentation structures, luminescent materials, and electromagnetic field enhancement zones. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (UV absorption, field enhancement, light conversion) that collectively improve overall energy conversion efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested structures where energy augmentation structures are integrated within the solar cell architecture, luminescent materials are positioned within electromagnetic field enhancement zones, and multiple functional components are layered concentrically. This nesting maximizes space utilization and enhances energy conversion through multiple interaction stages without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Loss of energy
If conventional solar cells are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but uneven energy distribution in solar radiation spectrum leads to wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell incorporates materials and structures with locally optimized properties: energy augmentation structures are positioned in regions requiring electromagnetic field enhancement, luminescent materials are placed where UV absorption is needed, and each layer has tailored optical and electrical characteristics. This local quality optimization ensures that energy is effectively utilized across different spectral regions, reducing wasted energy while the modular nature maintains manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in material properties (optical absorption coefficients, emission wavelengths, electromagnetic resonance frequencies) to optimize energy capture across the solar spectrum. By adjusting these parameters, the system converts previously wasted UV and other spectral regions into usable energy, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes
3Productivity
If energy augmentation structures are added to enhance electromagnetic field, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy augmentation structures utilize electromagnetic resonance (analogous to mechanical vibration principles) to amplify electromagnetic fields at specific frequencies. By tuning the resonance frequencies of these structures to match the solar spectrum, the system achieves enhanced power generation through field amplification without requiring proportionally complex structures, as the resonance effect provides natural field enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures (energy augmentation structures and luminescent materials) that mediate between incident solar radiation and the photovoltaic conversion process. These intermediaries enhance electromagnetic field strength and facilitate energy transfer across different spectral regions, improving power generation while maintaining a clear functional architecture that manages structural complexity
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 absorption and conversion of electromagnetic energy, particularly in the ultraviolet range, leading to increased energy conversion efficiency and improved power generation in solar cells and other energy conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
an energy augmentation structure capable of capturing one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, and augmenting the one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy in at least one property
Implementation Method 2
at least one luminescent material disposed in a vicinity of the energy augmentation structure such that emission of electromagnetic energy from the at least one luminescent material is augmented
Implementation Method 3
at least one energy converter capable of receiving an applied electromagnetic energy, converting the applied electromagnetic energy and emitting therefrom an emitted electromagnetic energy shifted in wavelength or energy from the applied electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
An emission enhancement structure having at least one energy augmentation structure; and an energy converter capable of receiving energy from an energy source, converting the energy and emitting therefrom a light of a different energy than the received energy. The energy converter is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one energy augmentation structure such that the emitted light is emitted with an intensity larger than if the converter were remote from the at least one energy augmentation structure. Also described are various uses for the energy emitters, energy augmentation structures and energy collectors in a wide array of fields, especially in the field of solar cells and other energy conversion devices.