Light Redirecting Panel for Edge-Mounted PV Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for generating electric energy from sunlight are inefficient, particularly in overheated interior spaces, as they rely on non-sustainable energy sources and do not effectively utilize incident light for electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a spectrally selective panel that redirects a portion of incident light towards edges or side portions, where photovoltaic elements are positioned to capture and convert this light into electricity, with multiple photovoltaic elements oriented differently to maximize energy generation, and a frame structure that supports and protects these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity, then electricity generation is achieved, but visible light transmission is blocked and interior spaces are deprived of natural light
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a first region that captures redirected light at an angle for electricity generation, and a second region that transmits visible light for illumination. This segmentation allows the panel to simultaneously perform both electricity generation and light transmission functions without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel are assigned different optical properties: the first region has photovoltaic properties for capturing redirected light, while the second region has high visible light transmission properties. This local differentiation of functional qualities enables the panel to generate electricity while maintaining natural light transmission for interior illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If photovoltaic elements are positioned only at edges to capture redirected light, then visible light transmission is maintained, but electricity generation efficiency is reduced due to limited light capture area
Solution Approach 1:
The panel utilizes the third dimension by capturing light at angled redirection from the first region, in addition to the traditional planar light capture. This dimensional approach allows edge-positioned photovoltaic elements to intercept light that has been redirected at an angle, effectively increasing the light capture capability without compromising visible light transmission through the second region.
Solution Approach 2:
A light redirection mechanism acts as an intermediary between incident light and the photovoltaic elements positioned at the edges. This intermediary redirects a portion of incident light at an angle toward the first region, enabling edge-positioned photovoltaic elements to capture light that would otherwise miss them, thereby increasing electricity generation efficiency while maintaining visible light transmission.
3Power
If a light redirection component is added to redirect incident light towards edge regions, then electricity generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light redirection component is designed to perform multiple functions: it redirects incident light at an angle toward the first region for photovoltaic capture, while simultaneously maintaining overall panel transparency for visible light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still improving electricity generation.
4Productivity
If multiple photovoltaic elements with different orientations are used, then light capture efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Photovoltaic elements are positioned with different orientations in different regions: elements in the first region are oriented to capture redirected light at an angle, while elements in the second region are oriented for direct light capture. This local differentiation of orientations optimizes light capture efficiency for each region's specific function, with the first region elements capturing redirected light and the second region elements maintaining standard orientation.
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 device achieves efficient electricity generation from redirected light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact by utilizing a significant portion of incident light, including infrared and visible light, while maintaining transparency for visible light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a panel that is at least partially transmissive for visible light, the panel having a receiving surface for receiving incident light and being arranged such that a portion of the incident light is redirected towards regions that are at edges or side portions of the panel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photovoltaic elements positioned at or in the proximity of the edges or side portions of the panel wherein each of the plurality of photovoltaic elements is electrically parallel connected to another one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and the device is arranged to generate the electricity from at least a portion of the redirected incident light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a device for generating electric energy. The device comprises a panel that is at least partially transmissive for visible light. The panel has a receiving surface for receiving incident light and is arranged such that a portion of the incident light is redirected towards regions that are at edges or side portions of the panel. The device further comprises a plurality of photovoltaic elements positioned at or in the proximity of the edges or side portions of the panel. Each of the plurality of photovoltaic elements is electrically parallel connected to another one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and the device is arranged to generate the electricity from at least a portion of the redirected incident light.