Flexible Solar Energy System with Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems face challenges with low photoelectric conversion efficiency, high costs, and portability issues, particularly with silicon-based cells being too heavy and flexible cells having low efficiency and production yield.
Innovation Solution
A flexible solar energy system incorporating a light-guide member with a flexible transparent body, edge filter, and wavelength converting layer to convert light wavelengths for efficient energy conversion using solar cells attached to the edges, allowing for improved efficiency and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If silicon-based solar cells are used, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but weight increases making them unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film solar cells with a thickness of 1-10 micrometers made from flexible transparent bodies such as polyimide or PET substrates. This thin film structure dramatically reduces weight compared to conventional silicon-based cells while maintaining flexibility for portable applications. The flexible substrate supports the solar cell structure and enables bending without breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining flexible transparent substrate materials (polyimide, PET) with solar cell materials and wavelength converting layers. This composite approach integrates multiple functions: the flexible substrate provides mechanical support and flexibility, while the solar cell layer performs energy conversion, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and portability.
2Ease of operation
If flexible solar cells are used, then portability is improved, but photoelectric conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength converting layer as an intermediary between the light source and solar cells. This layer converts light wavelengths to match the solar cells' optimal absorption range, thereby improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. The wavelength converting layer includes phosphors or dyes that absorb high-energy photons and emit lower-energy photons suitable for the solar cell bandgap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing wavelength conversion. The wavelength converting layer modifies the spectral distribution of incident light, transforming it into a form that maximizes the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the flexible solar cells. This parameter transformation enables flexible cells to achieve higher efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If thin film solar cells are used, then cost is reduced, but photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength converting layer acts as an intermediary that enhances the performance of thin film solar cells. By converting incident light to optimal wavelengths, it compensates for the inherently lower efficiency of thin film materials, enabling them to achieve competitive photoelectric conversion efficiency while maintaining cost advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies wavelength conversion locally at the interface between light and solar cells. The wavelength converting layer is positioned specifically where light enters the solar cell structure, creating a localized optimization zone that enhances energy conversion at the most critical point without requiring expensive materials throughout the entire device.
4Loss of energy
If conventional solar cells are used, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is achieved, but flexibility and portability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid silicon-based solar cells with flexible thin film solar cells supported by polyimide or PET substrates. This flexible shell structure maintains the photoelectric conversion function while enabling bending, folding, and integration into portable devices, thereby achieving both efficiency and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from rigid three-dimensional silicon structures to thin two-dimensional film structures. This dimensional reduction enables flexibility while maintaining the essential photoelectric conversion function. The thin film geometry allows bending and conformal mounting on various surfaces, adding adaptability without sacrificing energy conversion capability.
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 enhances photoelectric conversion efficiency and portability by guiding light to solar cells using a sawtooth microstructure and wavelength conversion, enabling flexible and efficient energy harvesting suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A wavelength converting layer is provided for converting light with the first wave-length to light with the second wave-length
Implementation Method 2
the solar cells can covert light having a second wave-length into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a solar energy system. A flexible transparent body includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two edges, wherein the top surface is a light receiving surface for receiving light with a first wave-length. A plurality of solar cells is disposed on at least one of the edges of the flexible transparent body, wherein the solar cells can covert light having a second wave-length into electrical energy. A wavelength converting layer is provided for converting light with the first wave-length to light with the second wave-length.