Magnetic Louver Film for Angle-Selective Solar Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light control films (LCFs) used in devices like solar cells and solar roof panels are costly and intensive to produce, limiting their widespread adoption and efficiency in controlling light transmission for energy conversion and aesthetic purposes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetizable particles aligned using a magnetic field within a binding matrix to form desired structures, such as louver films, which control light transmission by varying the magnetic field's orientation and alignment, allowing for efficient sunlight transmission while camouflaging the devices from certain angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional molding and ultraviolet curing processes are used to prepare light control films, then the light control function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical molding process with a magnetic field-based particle alignment system. Magnetizable particles are suspended in a polymerizable resin and aligned into louver structures through applied magnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex molding tools and ultraviolet curing equipment while achieving the same light control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and arrangement parameters by using magnetizable particles that can be dynamically positioned through magnetic field application. The particles transition from a random suspension state to an ordered louver structure state through magnetic field control, enabling simplified manufacturing without compromising the light control performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnetizable particles are used to form light control structures, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the complexity of particle alignment and orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field forces to replace complex mechanical alignment systems. The magnetic field provides a non-contact method to orient and position particles precisely into louver structures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while reducing the need for complex mechanical positioning equipment and multi-step alignment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light control films are used to conceal solar cells from certain angles, then the aesthetic appeal improves, but the light transmission for energy conversion may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating angle-dependent light control properties through the louver structure geometry. The magnetizable particles are arranged to provide different optical characteristics for different viewing angles: appearing opaque or camouflaged from oblique angles while maintaining high transmission for sunlight incident angles that optimize photovoltaic energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic field strength and orientation to control particle alignment, which in turn adjusts the optical properties of the film. By optimizing the louver structure parameters (spacing, angle, depth), the system achieves both aesthetic concealment from ground-level views and maintains effective sunlight transmission for energy conversion.
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 enables the production of LCFs that effectively transmit sunlight for energy conversion while concealing the solar cells or panels from observers, offering a cost-effective and efficient method for light control, thereby enhancing both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetizable particles can be positioned, aligned and/or oriented relative to one another within a resin using a magnetic field to form a desired structure(s) for light control
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.