Holographic Solar Coupler for Compact High-Concentration Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar concentrators using optics are limited by the size and thickness required to achieve high concentration, making them bulky and heavy, which hinders the efficiency and area reduction of photovoltaic solar cells.
Innovation Solution
An array of lenses with broadband transmission and reflection holographic optical elements is used to focus and redirect solar radiation, allowing it to be injected into thinner and lighter optical fibers, enabling higher concentration with reduced size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional focusing lenses or mirrors are used to concentrate solar radiation, then the concentration factor increases, but the distance from the focusing element to the focal spot must be at least equal to the characteristic dimension of the focusing element, resulting in large size and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focusing function into multiple lenslets arranged in an array, where each lenslet focuses light to a point. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high concentration factors while reducing the overall distance from the lens array to the focal plane, as each small lenslet has a short focal length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses holographic optical elements that operate in multiple dimensions to manipulate light propagation. The transmission and reflection holograms create complex three-dimensional light paths that redirect focused radiation into optical fibers, enabling high concentration in a compact configuration that transcends traditional two-dimensional lens constraints
2Illumination intensity
If traditional optics are used to achieve high concentration, then the concentration factor increases, but the concentrator becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin holographic optical elements that can be made as thin films or lightweight structures. These holograms replace traditional bulky lenses and mirrors, achieving the same optical function with dramatically reduced weight while maintaining high concentration factors
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: lenslets for focusing, holographic elements for beam shaping and redirection, and optical fibers for light transmission. This composite approach optimizes weight and performance, using lightweight materials where possible while maintaining structural integrity and optical efficiency
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 achieves a concentration factor of up to 100,000 times, significantly reducing the size and weight of solar concentrators while maintaining high efficiency, allowing for more compact and efficient solar energy collection.
Implementation Method 1
an array of lenses (or lenslets) focusing solar radiation to a point
Implementation Method 2
a broadband transmission holographic optical element to partially collimate and/or redirect the radiation
Implementation Method 3
a broadband reflection holographic optical element to partially collimate and or redirect the radiation
Implementation Method 4
a broadband reflection holographic optical element to partially collimate and or redirect the radiation
Implementation Method 5
an optical fiber to transmit the radiation away from the lens array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of collecting radiation with an array of lenses or a diffractive optical element are disclosed, the method includes: modifying angles of convergence and/or divergence, and a direction of propagation, with a diffractive element, and coupling the radiation into optical fibers, without separating the radiation into separate bands. The system includes an array of lenses or a diffractive optical element; a broadband holographic optical element, and at least one optical fiber, wherein the array of lenses or the diffractive optical element is configured to collect light and direct the light to the broadband holographic optical element, and wherein the broadband holographic optical element is configured to partially collimate and/or redirect light into the at least one optical fiber, and wherein the at least one optical fiber is configured to transmit the radiation away from the array of lenses or the diffractive optical element.