Luminescent Concentrator with Quantum Dot Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminescent concentrators (LCs) face issues with undesirable color tinting and reliability in outdoor conditions due to the use of monolithic polymer slabs, which affect both aesthetics and performance, as they are prone to abrasion and light scattering, leading to impaired light transmission and energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a luminescent concentrator system comprising a waveguide with quantum dots (QDs) and a colorant embedded in a polymer matrix, which absorbs visible radiation and transmits near-infrared radiation, providing a neutral grey appearance and enhancing light absorption and energy conversion efficiency while being resistant to shattering and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic polymer slab is used as the waveguide structure, then the device can be manufactured with simple structure, but the polymer material is prone to abrasion and light scattering which impairs light transmission and energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic polymer slab is divided into multiple discrete polymer layers (first polymer layer, second polymer layer, third polymer layer) separated by interlayers. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions while improving overall durability and reducing light scattering at interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Interlayers are introduced between the polymer layers to act as intermediaries. These interlayers protect the luminescent materials from abrasion, reduce light scattering between layers, and improve overall light transmission while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If conventional luminescent concentrators are used, then the device can harvest solar radiation, but they produce undesirable color tinting which affects aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple luminescent materials with different emission spectra (first luminescent material, second luminescent material, third luminescent material) that emit at different wavelengths. By combining these materials, the system harvests solar radiation across the spectrum while producing a neutral or desired color appearance, eliminating the undesirable color tinting of conventional single-material LCs.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide combines multiple luminescent materials embedded in polymer layers, creating a composite structure that integrates different optical properties. This composite approach enables simultaneous solar harvesting and aesthetic color control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple luminescent materials are combined to achieve neutral color, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but self-absorption increases reducing energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent spatially separates different luminescent materials into different polymer layers along the thickness dimension of the waveguide. This dimensional arrangement allows each luminescent material to absorb and emit at different wavelengths without significant spectral overlap, minimizing self-absorption losses while maintaining neutral color appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each polymer layer is designed with specific luminescent materials having tailored absorption and emission characteristics optimized for their local position in the spectrum. This local optimization minimizes spectral overlap and self-absorption while collectively achieving neutral color output.
4Ease of manufacture
If polymer materials are used for the waveguide, then ease of manufacturing is improved, but they are prone to abrasion which impairs LC performance by introducing light scattering centers
Solution Approach 1:
Protective interlayers are placed between polymer layers containing luminescent materials to cushion against abrasion before it occurs. These interlayers prevent direct contact and wear between layers, maintaining optical quality and preventing light scattering centers from forming.
Solution Approach 2:
Interlayers serve as intermediary protective barriers between polymer layers, reducing mechanical wear and preventing the formation of light scattering centers that would otherwise occur due to abrasion between adjacent polymer layers.
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 system effectively converts sunlight into electricity with improved aesthetic appeal, reduced self-absorption, and enhanced durability, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative for solar energy harvesting and integration into building and vehicle windows.
Implementation Method 1
When sunlight or other radiation impinges on the luminescent material, the material undergoes luminescence (and most commonly, fluorescence) and emits light into the waveguide.
Implementation Method 2
the material undergoes luminescence (and most commonly, fluorescence) and emits light into the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
this fraction of the light is then trapped in the substrate by internal reflection until successive reflection carries it to the edge of the plate where it enters an absorber placed at the edge of the plate
Implementation Method 4
The photovoltaic cell 104 then converts the radiation into electricity to provide power 105 for end use devices 106
Implementation Method 5
Since the radiation emitted by the luminescent material is typically emitted at different wavelengths than the radiation initially absorbed by the luminescent material, the luminescent LC 102 has the effect of both concentrating and modifying the spectrum of the radiation which is impingent on it
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated glass luminescent concentrator is provided which includes a solid medium having a plurality of fluorophores disposed therein. In some embodiments, the fluorophore is a low-toxicity quantum dot. In some embodiments, the fluorophore has significantly reduced self-absorption, which allows for unperturbed waveguiding of the photoluminescence over a long distance. Also disclosed are apparatuses for generating electricity from the laminated glass luminescent concentrator, and its combination with buildings and vehicles.