High-efficiency translucent solar module assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panels, especially semi-transparent and translucent ones, have low power conversion efficiency and obstruct aesthetic views, making them less suitable for building integration and greenhouses, as they either block too much light or require significant energy adjustments due to IR radiation.
Innovation Solution
A solar module assembly with bi-facial photovoltaic silicon cells arranged in a pattern to occupy less than the full area, sandwiched between transparent panes, and a reflector below to reflect incident light onto the bottom surface of the cells, enhancing light absorption and conversion efficiency while allowing sufficient light to pass through for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If semi-transparent or translucent solar panels are used to maintain aesthetic views and allow light transmission, then visibility through the panel is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is divided into multiple segments: transparent photonic crystals in the substrate, translucent solar cell layers, and reflective layers. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - some areas transmit light while others convert it to electricity, resolving the contradiction between visibility and power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension with multiple layers (substrate with photonic crystals, solar cell layers, reflective layers) to capture light at different depths and angles. This multi-layer structure enables both light transmission for aesthetics and enhanced light absorption for power generation by utilizing the third dimension
2Illumination intensity
If transparent PV panels are used to allow IR light transmission, then aesthetic view is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to IR radiation heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful IR radiation that passes through transparent panels into a beneficial effect by incorporating reflective layers that bounce IR light back onto the solar cells, transforming energy loss into additional power generation opportunity while maintaining visual transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The panel uses composite structures combining transparent photonic crystals, translucent solar cells, and reflective layers with specific optical properties. This composite material system selectively manages different wavelengths - allowing visible light transmission for aesthetics while capturing and reflecting IR radiation for energy conversion
3Power
If partial transparent panel with Si wafers in pattern is used to improve conversion efficiency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but aesthetic view deteriorates due to spotted shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific patterns of transparent photonic crystals and solar cell layers in different regions of the panel. Certain areas are optimized for light transmission while others are optimized for power conversion, with reflective layers strategically positioned to direct light to specific cell regions, achieving both aesthetic and functional goals simultaneously
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 configuration increases electrical power generation without increasing the panel's footprint, allowing for efficient light conversion and illumination, with a 50%-50% split achieving about 100 W/m² from the top and 40 W/m² from the bottom surfaces, improving overall energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
A reflector is disposed below each solar cell string and is configured to reflect light from around the opposing edges onto the bottom surface of each solar cell string
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of bi-facial photovoltaic silicon cells arranged in a pattern
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A solar module assembly (100) includes a frame (102) having an upper portion (104) encompassing an area and a mid portion (106) disposed below the upper portion (104). A plurality of solar panels (110) is arranged in a string (120), sandwiched between two transparent panes (113, 114) forming a single string panel. The solar panels (110) occupy less than the area of the upper portion (104). Each of the plurality of solar panels (110) has a pair of opposing edges (116, 118). A reflector (130) is mounted on the m id portion (106) to reflect light selectively.