Lattice Structure for Homogeneous BIPV Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications face challenges in achieving both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, as traditional photovoltaic modules are often dark and unappealing, and solutions like colored cover glasses are complex, expensive, and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A lattice structure is designed to deflect light homogeneously onto photovoltaic modules integrated into building facades, using a light and/or matt, white lattice with a high degree of reflection, comprising slats and meshes that obscure the view of dark solar cells while ensuring efficient illumination and energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If colored cover glasses are mounted over dark solar cells to improve aesthetic appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the aesthetic function from the cover glass and transfers it to the lattice structure itself. The lattice structure is designed with light-colored or white appearance to provide aesthetic appeal without requiring additional colored cover glasses, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic appearance (light-colored or white design), structural support, and light management (deflecting light onto solar cells). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate colored cover glasses, reducing both complexity and cost
2Shape
If colored cover glasses are used to conceal dark solar cells, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the aesthetic concealment function from the vulnerable colored cover glass and assigns it to the robust lattice structure. The lattice structure, being structurally sound and designed for outdoor exposure, provides aesthetic appearance without the reliability issues of colored cover glasses
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using colored cover glasses to create aesthetic appearance, the invention uses a light-colored or white lattice structure that naturally provides the desired aesthetic effect. This lattice structure is inherently more durable and resistant to damage compared to colored cover glasses
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional dark photovoltaic modules are used for BIPV applications, then energy efficiency is maintained, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light-colored or white lattice structure acts as an intermediary element between the dark solar cells and the external environment. It conceals the dark appearance of solar cells from external view while allowing light to pass through to the cells, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while improving aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure is designed with different properties for different functions: it appears light-colored or white for aesthetic purposes while being transparent or translucent to light for energy efficiency. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between appearance and energy efficiency
4Shape
If a light-colored lattice structure is used to improve aesthetic appearance, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but light absorption by solar cells may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure serves as an optical intermediary that deflects and redirects light onto the solar cells rather than simply blocking or absorbing it. The geometric design of the lattice structure ensures that light is channeled toward the solar cells, maintaining light absorption efficiency while providing aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure utilizes three-dimensional geometric design to manage light paths. By creating specific spatial configurations and angles in the lattice structure, light is redirected onto the solar cells from multiple angles, ensuring adequate light absorption while maintaining aesthetic appearance from external views
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 lattice structure enhances the aesthetic appeal of BIPV applications by concealing their appearance while maintaining or improving energy efficiency by preventing hot spot formation and ensuring uniform illumination, using materials like expanded metal for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the lattice structure is designed in such a way that, in a state mounted on the photovoltaic module, with the photovoltaic module itself being integrated into a building façade, it is suitable for light striking the lattice structure deflect in such a way in the direction of the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 2
In advantageous embodiments, the lattice structure is at least partially light and/or matt and/or white. 'Bright' here means that the lattice structure has a degree of reflection of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 65%
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A lattice structure (G) to be mounted on a photovoltaic module (P) is designed so as to be suitable, once it has been mounted on the photovoltaic module (P), to deflect light that is incident on the lattice structure (G) in the direction of the photovoltaic module (P) in such a way that the photovoltaic module (P) is illuminated as homogeneously as possible.