Photovoltaic solar conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic systems are limited by their design, which integrates light collection and conversion processes, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of upgradability, preventing the utilization of improved semiconductor devices as they become available, necessitating large land areas for power generation and inflexible infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical fibers to separate sunlight collection from conversion, allowing for the easy replacement of photovoltaic chips and carriers, enabling future upgrades and improved efficiency without requiring full system replacement, with a modular design that includes thermally conductive casings and cooling systems for efficient energy harvesting and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If photovoltaic panels are designed as integrated systems combining light collection and conversion, then structural simplicity is achieved, but upgradability and flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: light collection apparatus and photovoltaic conversion apparatus. The light collection apparatus collects sunlight and directs it to the photovoltaic chips, which are mounted on replaceable carriers. This segmentation allows independent optimization and replacement of each component, enabling upgradability without replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic conversion function is extracted from the integrated panel structure and placed in separate, replaceable carriers that can be independently upgraded. The light collection infrastructure remains fixed while the conversion elements can be replaced with improved semiconductor devices as technology advances.
2Productivity
If large areas are covered with silicon semiconductor material to achieve useful power generation, then energy production capacity is increased, but land use and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional flat plate photovoltaic panels to a three-dimensional concentrated system using optical fibers and light guiding structures. Sunlight is collected over an area and concentrated onto small photovoltaic chips, enabling high power density in a compact footprint, thereby reducing the land area required for equivalent power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates optical materials (for light collection and guidance) with semiconductor materials (for conversion) in a composite configuration. This allows efficient light transport and concentration, achieving high conversion efficiency with minimal semiconductor material area, thus reducing both land use and material costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic systems are designed without provision for future upgrades, then initial system cost is reduced, but long-term economic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with pre-provisioned upgrade pathways: standardized carrier mounts, accessible photovoltaic chip positions, and modular light collection structures. This preliminary design consideration enables cost-effective upgrades without requiring complete system replacement, balancing initial cost with long-term economic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic replaceability of photovoltaic chips while maintaining a stable light collection infrastructure. The carriers are designed for easy removal and replacement, allowing the system to adapt to technological advances in semiconductor efficiency without compromising the fixed optical infrastructure.
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 photovoltaic system efficiency and flexibility, allowing for periodic upgrades of semiconductor devices, reducing costs and land use, while maintaining high thermal management and energy conversion efficiency, making the system future-proof and scalable.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic chip arranged to convert sunlight into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one coupling device operable to secure one or more optical fibers in a configuration with a light transmission end-face arranged to couple sunlight transported by the optical fiber onto a photosensitive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic chip is designed to receive light energy from a light box arranged above it. The light can be sunlight guided by optical-fibers. For ease of replacement the photovoltaic chips can be supported in a carrier which is movably housed in a block. The blocks are housed on racks and are movable for ease of repair and replacement.