Infrared Reflective Backsheet for Building-Integrated PV Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building-integrated photovoltaic modules face efficiency losses due to increased operating temperatures caused by dark backsheets that absorb infrared radiation, leading to reduced electricity conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer backsheet design with an infrared-reflective first layer and a highly reflective second layer, adjacent to each other, to enhance infrared and visible light reflection, reducing the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If dark backsheets (carbon black or iron oxide pigments) are used for aesthetic reasons to blend with architectural colors, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the operating temperature of the photovoltaic module increases due to infrared absorption, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet is divided into multiple layers: a first layer containing carbon black or iron oxide pigment for aesthetic appearance, and a second layer containing infrared-reflective pigment (such as barium sulfate, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide) for thermal management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the backsheet have different properties: the first layer provides dark coloration for aesthetic integration with building surfaces, while the second layer provides infrared reflectivity for temperature control. Each layer is optimized for its local function.
2Shape
If dark backsheets are used to maximize aesthetic integration with building structures, then the visual blending is improved, but the electricity conversion efficiency decreases due to heat absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet is divided into multiple layers: a first layer containing carbon black or iron oxide pigment for aesthetic appearance, and a second layer containing infrared-reflective pigment (such as barium sulfate, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide) for thermal management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the backsheet have different properties: the first layer provides dark coloration for aesthetic integration with building surfaces, while the second layer provides infrared reflectivity for temperature control. Each layer is optimized for its local function.
3Shape
If carbon black pigment is used to absorb all visible light for dark appearance, then the aesthetic integration is improved, but infrared light is also absorbed, increasing backsheet temperature and reducing module efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The backsheet is divided into multiple layers: a first layer containing carbon black or iron oxide pigment for aesthetic appearance, and a second layer containing infrared-reflective pigment (such as barium sulfate, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide) for thermal management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the backsheet have different properties: the first layer provides dark coloration for aesthetic integration with building surfaces, while the second layer provides infrared reflectivity for temperature control. Each layer is optimized for its local function.
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 multi-layer backsheet design effectively reduces the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules, enhancing their electricity conversion efficiency by reflecting infrared and visible light, thus improving energy output.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer having a reflectance of more than 25% of a light with a wavelength anywhere from 1000 nm to 2100 nm
Implementation Method 2
a second layer having a reflectance of more than 50% of all light with a wavelength from 380 nm to 2000 nm
Implementation Method 3
The multi-layer backsheet design effectively reduces the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules, enhancing their electricity conversion efficiency by reflecting infrared and visible light
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-layer backsheet for a photovoltaic module comprising a first layer having a reflectance of more than 25% of a light with a wavelength anywhere from about 1000 nm to about 2100 nm, and a reflectance of less than 35% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm; and a second layer having a reflectance of more than 50% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 2000 nm. A photovoltaic module comprising the multi-layer backsheet, a method of making the photovoltaic module, and a method of converting sunlight into electricity by exposing the photovoltaic module to sun light.