Micro Louver PV Stack Structure for Concealing Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar shingles and tiles in building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) fail to provide a uniform appearance, leading to visible differences between PV and non-PV roofing materials, which reduces consumer demand, and existing concealment methods add cost and complexity while slightly impacting energy production.
Innovation Solution
Implementing micro louver structures in PV laminate stacks using pre-treated glass with notches or coatings with varying refractive indices, or textured surfaces with anti-reflective coatings, to control light reflection and refraction, making PV cells less noticeable from street-level angles without significantly affecting energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional PV modules are installed over traditional roofing materials, then solar power generation is achieved, but visual uniformity and aesthetic appearance are compromised due to visible differences between PV and non-PV roofing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roofing material and PV module into a single integrated unit. The PV module is constructed with roofing tiles that match the appearance of traditional roofing materials, combining the functions of protection and energy generation in one homogeneous structure, thereby eliminating visual differences between PV and non-PV areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making specific portions of the PV module visible and other portions invisible from ground level. The tilted surface and transparent cover allow the PV cells to be concealed from street-level views while remaining exposed to overhead sunlight for power generation, achieving both aesthetic uniformity and energy production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar shingles and tiles with embedded PV are developed, then building integrated photovoltaic functionality is achieved, but uniform appearance is not delivered and visual differences remain visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimensional solution by tilting the PV cell surface at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal roofing plane. This angular orientation creates different visibility conditions from different viewing angles: the PV cells become invisible from ground level while remaining visible to overhead sunlight, thus achieving uniform appearance without sacrificing BIPV functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a transparent cover (such as glass or transparent polymer) as an intermediary layer between the PV cells and the external environment. This cover protects the PV cells while allowing light transmission, and when combined with the tilted surface, it conceals the PV cells from ground-level views while maintaining their functional exposure to sunlight.
3Shape
If films with embedded features are used to conceal solar cells, then visual uniformity is improved, but cost and complexity increase and energy production is slightly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the concealment function from separate films or coatings and integrates it directly into the structural components of the PV module itself. The tilted surface and transparent cover are inherent parts of the module construction, eliminating the need for additional concealment films and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the transparent cover serve multiple functions: it protects the PV cells from environmental damage, allows light transmission for power generation, and contributes to the aesthetic concealment of the PV cells from ground level. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate films, reducing complexity and cost.
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 micro louver structures effectively conceal PV cells, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining energy efficiency, reducing visual contrasts, and minimizing glare, thus enhancing consumer appeal.
Implementation Method 1
control light reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 2
control light reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 3
A portion of the notches may be filled or layered with a material having a different index of refraction (IR) than the top layer of glass in the PV laminate stack-up
Implementation Method 4
anti-reflective coatings, to control light reflection and refraction
Data Source
AI summary
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. Micro louvered structures can be incorporated into photovoltaic (PV) stacks, such that light entering a PV stack that is reflected off of embedded solar cells is not directed out at angles at which a typical observer would normally view the PV stack or roof on which a solar array is installed. Further, portions of the micro louvered structures can be coated with reflective, refractive, dielectric, and/or colored films such that underlying solar cells within the PV stack are obscured from the sightlines of a typical observer.