Macro-textured Structure for Bifacial PV Module Light Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertically-mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules experience reduced sunlight exposure during midday due to parallel solar radiation, leading to power loss, and frequent cleaning is necessary to mitigate dust accumulation, which complicates maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A macro-textured structure with protruding features and drainage holes is positioned between bifacial photovoltaic modules to redirect and reflect incoming solar radiation, ensuring optimal light absorption and minimizing dust accumulation without requiring frequent cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bifacial PV modules are mounted vertically to reduce dust accumulation, then ease of operation is improved, but power generation efficiency deteriorates due to reduced sunlight exposure during midday
Solution Approach 1:
A macro-textured structure is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between vertically-mounted bifacial PV modules. This structure reflects incoming solar radiation (particularly at 0-10 degrees from vertical) toward the PV module surfaces, enabling midday power generation while preserving the vertical mounting configuration that prevents dust accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the environment by introducing a macro-textured structure with specific reflective properties. The structure is designed to reflect light within a specific angular range (0-10 degrees from vertical), transforming the light path to increase PV module exposure during midday while maintaining vertical orientation.
2Productivity
If the macro-textured structure is added to redirect light, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The macro-textured structure is divided into multiple discrete protruding features (pyramids, domes, or other shapes) arranged in patterns across the surface. This segmentation allows the complex light-redirection function to be achieved through repeated simple geometric elements rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The macro-textured structure incorporates drainage holes within the protruding features or between them, creating a porous configuration that serves dual functions: maintaining structural integrity for light reflection and enabling dust/moisture removal through gravity-driven drainage.
3Reliability
If drainage holes are added to remove dust and moisture, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple holes distributed across the macro-textured structure. This distribution reduces the precision requirement for each individual hole while collectively achieving effective dust and moisture removal through gravity-driven drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The macro-textured structure is designed with inherent porosity through the protruding feature geometry and drainage hole placement, creating natural pathways for dust and moisture to drain. The porous configuration leverages gravity and surface tension rather than requiring precise positioning for active removal mechanisms.
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 enhances midday energy yield by redirecting solar radiation towards bifacial photovoltaic modules, reducing power loss and maintaining cleanliness by effectively removing dust and moisture from the structure.
Implementation Method 1
a macro-textured structure having surface including a plurality of protruding features having reflective surfaces. The protruding features are operative to reflect light incoming within a range of 0 to 10 degree of vertical toward the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of drainage holes positioned between adjacent protruding features on the macro-textured surface, the drainage holes adapted to remove dust and moisture from the macro-textured structure
Implementation Method 3
bifacial solar (PV) modules are panels that include photovoltaic cells on both planar faces
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electricity from solar energy comprises a first vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module, a second vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module positioned a horizontal distance form the first bifacial photovoltaic module, and a macro-textured structure positioned between the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules. The macro-textured structure includes a plurality of protruding features having reflective surfaces, and the protruding features are operative to reflect light incoming within a range of 0 to 10 degree of vertical toward the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules.