Light-Scattering Photovoltaic Module for Uniform Transmitted Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic devices are opaque, leading to inhomogeneous light distribution and unsightly shadow patterns behind semi-transparent solar modules, which affect aesthetics, comfort, and crop growth in light-sensitive environments like greenhouses.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring highly transparent and scattering front and back sheets, with embedded solar cells sandwiched between them, and an encapsulating material to ensure uniform light distribution by scattering incident light and minimizing shadow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional opaque photovoltaic devices are used, then solar energy conversion efficiency is maximized, but uniform light distribution behind the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light-diffusing sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the opaque solar cells and the space behind the photovoltaic device. This sheet has light-diffusing properties that scatter transmitted light to create uniform distribution, while the front surface maintains high light transmission to ensure adequate light reaches the solar cells for efficient energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic device employs a composite structure combining opaque solar cells with a translucent light-diffusing sheet. The solar cells are made of opaque semiconductor materials for maximum light absorption and energy conversion, while the light-diffusing sheet uses materials with specific optical properties to scatter light uniformly, creating a composite system that achieves both high energy conversion and uniform light distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If semi-transparent photovoltaic panels are used, then light transmission to illuminate habitats is improved, but shadow patterns are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light-diffusing sheet acts as a mediator that receives light transmitted through the opaque solar cells and scatters it uniformly in all directions. This eliminates the directional shadow patterns that would otherwise be cast by the solar cells, while still allowing sufficient light transmission to illuminate the space behind the photovoltaic device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the photovoltaic device have different optical properties: the solar cells are opaque to maximize energy conversion, while the light-diffusing sheet is translucent with light-diffusing properties to eliminate shadow patterns. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve high light transmission and uniform light distribution.
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 module achieves a uniform light intensity distribution, reducing shadow patterns and enhancing the aesthetic and functional performance of light-sensitive environments, such as greenhouses, by scattering light uniformly behind the solar module.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic module for transforming an incident light into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a second sheet that is transparent to the incident light... At least one of the first and second sheets has a high transparency regarding the incident light and also a high scattering of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic module for transforming an incident light into electrical energy includes plural solar cell configured to transform the incident light into the electrical energy; a first sheet that is transparent to the incident light; and a second sheet that is transparent to the incident light. The plural solar cell are sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet. At least one of the first and second sheets has a high transparency regarding the incident light and also a high scattering of the incident light.