Infrared-Transmitting PV Module for Angle-Independent Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic modules lack aesthetic integration into building structures due to their dark blue or black appearance, and existing solutions for colored modules fail to meet criteria of high near-infrared transmission, wide color range, low visible light transmission, and angular independence of color effect, while maintaining high photoconversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar photovoltaic module with an infrared transmitting cover sheet that allows high near-infrared transmission and low visible light transmission, providing a homogeneous colored appearance independent of incidence angle, using interference multilayers to achieve specific color effects and maintain photoconversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photovoltaic cells are optimized for maximum photon absorption, then photoconversion efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates (dark blue or black color)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral range into visible light (380-700nm) and near-infrared light (700-2000nm). The cover sheet selectively transmits near-infrared while blocking visible light, allowing the photovoltaic cell to maintain dark appearance in visible spectrum while converting infrared energy, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different spectral ranges: the cover sheet has high transmission (≥65%) for near-infrared wavelengths and low transmission (<25%) for visible wavelengths. This local quality differentiation allows aesthetic improvement in visible range while preserving energy conversion in infrared range
2Shape
If color films are added to photovoltaic cells to improve aesthetic appearance, then color variety is improved, but near-infrared transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the cover sheet to achieve wavelength-selective transmission. By designing the cover sheet with specific optical properties (high infrared transmission ≥65%, low visible transmission <25%), it provides aesthetic color appearance while maintaining high near-infrared transmission for photovoltaic conversion
3Shape
If multilayer antireflection coatings are deposited to achieve specific colors, then color effect is improved, but angular independence of color effect deteriorates (high angular dependence)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneous color appearance that is independent of viewing angle or light incidence angle. The cover sheet design ensures that the color effect remains consistent across different angles, eliminating the angular dependence problem associated with multilayer antireflection coatings
4Shape
If visible light transmission is reduced to make photovoltaic cells invisible, then aesthetic integration is improved, but photoconversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission characteristics to different spectral ranges: low visible light transmission (<25%) for aesthetic invisibility and high near-infrared transmission (≥65%) for energy conversion. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between making the cell invisible and maintaining photoconversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing an infrared-transmitting cover sheet that creates a spectral split: blocking visible light to achieve invisibility while transmitting infrared light to maintain photoconversion efficiency in the infrared range
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 module achieves a visually appealing, angle-independent color appearance while ensuring high photoconversion efficiency, allowing for broader acceptance and integration of solar technology in building design.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared transmitting cover sheet positioned in front of a photosensitive element of the solar photovoltaic modules
Implementation Method 2
using interference multilayers to achieve specific color effects
Implementation Method 3
near-infrared photo-electric conversion element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
A solar photovoltaic module (1) intended to receive incident light, said incident light comprising incident visible light and incident near infrared light, visible light being defined as light having a wavelength between 380nm and 700nm, excluding 700nm and near infrared light is defined as light having a wavelength between 700nm and 2000nm, characterized in that said solar photovoltaic module (1) comprises: - a photovoltaic element (2), sensitive to near-infra red light, - at least a first infrared transmitting cover sheet (4), arranged to one side of said photovoltaic element (2), comprising: - infrared transmission means arranged to transmit at least 65% of said incident infrared light through said infrared transmitting cover sheet, - visible light transmission means arranged to transmit as less as possible incident light having wavelengths lower than 600nm, preferably lower than 650nm, more preferably lower than 700nm, excluding the wavelength of 700nm, through said infrared transmitting cover sheet (4), - reflection means arranged to reflect a portion of said incident visible light of said infrared transmitting cover sheet (4), to the side of said incident light.