Intercalated Photovoltaic Arrays for Diffuse Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic systems with light concentration struggle to maintain efficiency in non-ideal lighting conditions, such as cloudy weather or when not aligned with the Sun, and are often expensive and complex to produce.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method for a photovoltaic system with two interposed networks of cells, one optimized for concentrated light and the other for diffuse light, using a stack of layers to simplify production and reduce costs, where both networks share common layers and materials, allowing for efficient energy capture across varying illumination conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a light concentration system is used with photovoltaic cells, then conversion efficiency is improved, but performance drops considerably in cloudy weather or when not well aligned with the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is segmented into two distinct networks: a first network of photovoltaic cells optimized for concentrated light reception, and a second network of photovoltaic cells optimized for diffuse light reception. This segmentation allows each network to specialize in capturing specific types of illumination, thereby maintaining high conversion efficiency across varying lighting conditions while resolving the contradiction between efficiency and adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If expensive high-efficiency III-V semiconductor monocrystalline cells are used, then conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different photovoltaic cell technologies are deployed in different locations within the module according to local requirements: expensive high-efficiency III-V semiconductor cells are used only in the first network where light concentration is applied, while cheaper photovoltaic cell technologies are used in the second network where diffuse light is captured. This local quality approach optimizes overall system efficiency while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding the use of expensive materials throughout the entire module.
3Ease of manufacture
If the area between concentration cells is left unused, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy loss increases in non-direct illumination conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The second network of photovoltaic cells serves a dual function: it captures diffuse light when the first network is not optimally illuminated, and it also functions as a backup power source when the light concentration system is not properly aligned or when cloudy conditions prevail. This multi-functionality ensures that no energy is wasted in non-ideal lighting conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard photovoltaic cell technologies.
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 method enables photovoltaic systems to function effectively under both direct and diffuse light conditions, reducing production costs and complexity, while maintaining high efficiency and adaptability to different sunlight levels, making it suitable for regions with weaker sunshine.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system makes it possible to increase the light intensity received by solar cells
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic systems with light concentration, in which an optical system makes it possible to increase the light intensity received by solar cells
Implementation Method 3
a second array of photovoltaic cells to capture diffuse illumination
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3f
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for producing a light concentrating photovoltaic system, comprising: a first step of producing, on a substrate, a first photovoltaic cell array from a stack of layers deposited on the substrate, the cells of the first array being linked to a first group of electrical connectors, a second step of forming a light concentrating system on top of the cells of the first array. It further comprises: a third step, prior to the second step (S3) at least, of forming, on the substrate, a second photovoltaic cell array from a stack of layers deposited on the substrate, the cells of the second array being interposed with the cells of the first array and linked to a second group of electrical connectors, and not provided with a light concentrating system.