Graphic appearance for solar modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels have an aesthetically unpleasing black color, which can be visually intrusive and may be restricted by local regulations, while attempts to improve their appearance often compromise energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A graphic mesh is integrated into solar modules, made from fibers that are interlaced to form openings, allowing sunlight transmission while enabling a printed graphic appearance, balancing energetic efficiency with chromatic effectiveness by adjusting warp fiber thickness, weft fiber thickness, and mesh open area size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel surface is made black to maximize energy absorption, then energy efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel surface is segmented into multiple colored cells arranged in patterns, rather than using a uniform black surface. This segmentation allows different portions of the panel to have different colors while maintaining overall energy efficiency through strategic placement of high-absorption cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the solar panel are assigned different colors and absorption properties based on their function. High-absorption black cells are placed in regions prioritized for energy generation, while aesthetically pleasing colored cells are placed in visible regions, creating local quality variations that balance both energy efficiency and appearance.
2Shape
If colored cells are used to improve aesthetic appearance, then visual appeal is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel employs adjustable elements such as movable mirrors or rotating components that can dynamically redirect sunlight onto colored cells, allowing these aesthetically pleasing cells to contribute to energy generation only when needed, thus dynamically balancing appearance and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of colored cells are optimized to enhance their light absorption capabilities. By adjusting color depth, transparency, and surface texture parameters, the colored cells maintain aesthetic appeal while improving their energy conversion efficiency to minimize the impact on overall panel performance.
3Shape
If a mesh with smaller open area is used to improve graphic appearance, then chromatic effectiveness is improved, but energy transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is designed with selective density - areas requiring high graphic visibility have smaller open areas for better chromatic effectiveness, while areas prioritized for energy transmission have larger open areas. This partial application of different mesh densities allows both chromatic effectiveness and energy transmission to be optimized in their respective zones.
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 maintains high energy efficiency while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance, allowing solar panels to blend into their environment without sacrificing energy production, with the graphic appearance being durable and resistant to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
selecting a fiber material for a mesh, the fiber material being absorbent for a coloring substance
Implementation Method 2
A graphic mesh is integrated into solar modules, made from fibers that are interlaced to form openings, allowing sunlight transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of producing a graphic mesh for a solar module are described in which mesh parameters such as warp fiber thickness, weft fiber thickness, and open area size are determined to meet a target energetic efficiency and a chromatic effectiveness. In some embodiments, chromatic effectiveness is based on mesh count, where the mesh count is set according to a distance at which the mesh will be viewed when assembled into the solar module. The mesh has a plurality of warp fibers having the warp fiber thickness and a plurality of weft fibers having the weft fiber thickness, that are interlaced to form a plurality of mesh unit cells. A graphic appearance is printed into the mesh using a coloring substance, where the coloring substance is absorbed by the fiber material to form the graphic mesh.