Light-Guide Solar Panel for Thin Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) modules are bulky and costly due to the need for complex structural enclosures and large amounts of photovoltaic (PV) cell material, and they require significant material and weight to secure concentrating optical elements, which increases shipping and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
The development of a light-guide solar panel that uses a light-insertion stage with optical elements to direct sunlight into an optical waveguide stage, where it is trapped and propagated to the edge of the panel for harvesting by a solar energy collector, reducing the need for bulky structural enclosures and minimizing PV cell material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If concentrating optical elements are used to reduce PV cell material, then the amount of PV cell material is reduced, but the module becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical elements and waveguide into a single integrated panel structure, eliminating the need for separate bulky enclosures to hold optical elements. The optical elements are formed directly within the waveguide stage, combining multiple functions into one compact component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky enclosures to a two-dimensional planar panel structure. The optical elements are arranged in a flat panel configuration with the waveguide propagating light across the panel surface, reducing volume while maintaining optical concentration functionality.
2Reliability
If complex structural enclosures are used to secure optical elements, then the optical elements are held in place, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural enclosure function is merged with the waveguide structure itself. The waveguide stage provides both the optical propagation path and the structural support for optical elements, eliminating separate enclosure components and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves itself by providing both optical guidance and mechanical support functions. The optical elements are secured within the waveguide structure without requiring additional external enclosures or mounting mechanisms.
3Reliability
If complex structural enclosures are used to secure optical elements, then the optical elements are held in place, but the shipping and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical elements, waveguide, and structural support into a single integrated panel that can be shipped as one piece. This eliminates the need to disassemble or specially protect separate optical components during shipping, reducing handling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed as a modular integrated unit that can be manufactured and shipped as a complete functional module, simplifying logistics while maintaining the precise positioning of optical elements through the integrated structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If more PV cell material is used, then energy harvesting is simplified, but the cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct optical coupling with PV cells with an optical waveguide system that guides light to the PV cells. This substitution allows for reduced PV cell material while maintaining effective energy harvesting through the waveguide's light guidance functionality.
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
This design results in thinner, less expensive solar modules that are self-supporting and can be easily assembled, allowing for efficient sunlight concentration and energy harvesting while reducing material and shipping costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide stage optically coupled to the at least one optical output aperture to receive the light therefrom, the optical waveguide stage for guiding the light towards the output surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is that of a solar energy system that uses a light-guide solar panel (LGSP) to trap light inside a dielectric or other transparent panel and propagates the light to one of the panel edges for harvesting by a solar energy collector such as a photovoltaic cell. This allows for very thin modules whose thickness is comparable to the height of the solar energy collector. This eliminates eliminating the depth requirements inherent in traditional concentrated photovoltaic solar energy systems. A light guide solar panel has a deflecting layer, a light guide layer and a solar cell in optical communication with the light guide layer. The deflecting layer receives light at a first surface and inputs the light into the light guide layer. The light guide layer propagates the light to the solar cell, which is aligned generally parallel to the input surface.