Light-Guide Solar Module with Deflecting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules are bulkier and more expensive due to the need for complex structural enclosures and larger PV cell material, which increases handling and material costs, and they often require assembly at the destination, complicating shipping and installation.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic light guide solar concentration apparatus with a deflecting layer, a light-guide layer optically coupled to the deflecting layer, a secondary optic, and a photovoltaic cell, where focused sunlight is directed and trapped through total internal reflections, allowing for a more compact and efficient concentration of sunlight onto a smaller PV cell, reducing material usage and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional concentrating optical elements (lenses and mirrors) are used to concentrate sunlight, then the concentration factor is achieved, but the module becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light concentration function from traditional bulky lenses and mirrors, separating it into a flat deflecting layer that redirects light into a thin light-guide layer. This extraction eliminates the need for thick optical components while maintaining the concentration capability through a planar integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lenses and mirrors with focal lengths) with an optical waveguide system based on total internal reflection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical bulk of traditional concentrating optics while achieving the same light concentration effect through optical principles.
2Power
If conventional concentrating optical elements are used, then sunlight concentration is achieved, but complex structural enclosures are required to hold elements in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical elements (deflecting layer and light-guide layer) into a single integrated planar structure. This merging eliminates the need for complex structural enclosures to hold separate lenses and mirrors in place, as the optical functions are combined in a flat, self-supporting configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical path by copying the essential function of traditional concentrating optics into a flat light-guide layer that uses total internal reflection. This copying approach replicates the concentration effect without requiring the complex three-dimensional structural support that traditional optics demand.
3Power
If conventional CPV modules are assembled with multiple optical components, then concentration is achieved, but shipping and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into two thin, flat layers (deflecting layer and light-guide layer) that can be manufactured separately and assembled simply. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while enabling straightforward assembly without complex alignment requirements, reducing both manufacturing and shipping complexity.
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 solution results in less bulky, cost-effective, and easier-to-assemble CPV modules with improved optical efficiency and reduced material costs, while maintaining the concentration factor, by using a deflecting layer, light-guide layer, and secondary optic to concentrate sunlight onto a smaller PV cell.
Implementation Method 1
the light-guide layer including a reflective surface and a plurality of opposite facets symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis, focused sunlight from the deflecting layer entering the light-guide layer being directed and trapped by the reflective surface and the opposite facets and guided inside the light-guide layer towards an exit aperture through total internal reflections
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic light guide solar concentration apparatus has a deflecting layer, a light-guide layer optically coupled to the deflecting layer, a secondary optic and a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic concentration apparatus has a central optical axis that, in operation, is parallel to incident sunlight. A deflecting layer includes a plurality of focusing elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the central optical axis. The light-guide layer is optically coupled to the plurality of focusing elements of the deflecting layer. The light-guide layer has a reflective surface and a plurality of opposite facets symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis and focused sunlight from the deflection layer enters the light-guide layer and is directed and trapped by the reflective surface and the opposite facets and guided inside the light-guide layer towards an exit aperture through total internal reflections. A secondary optic is coaxially located with respect to the central optical axis and is coupled to the light guide layer the secondary optic that has at least one reflective surface. The secondary optic redirects the light towards the exit aperture. A photovoltaic cell is located at the exit aperture and on the central axis to receive sunlight from the secondary optic within an acceptance angle relative to the central axis.