Micro-Optical PV Module With Translating Lens Solar Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic systems are not competitive with fossil fuel-generated electricity due to high costs, necessitating a reduction in photovoltaic module and assembly costs while improving efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of microsystem enabled photovoltaic solar energy modules using thin, small-area photovoltaic solar cells batch-fabricated on low-cost stainless steel or polymer substrates with fluidic self-assembly technology, combined with a moveable lens assembly for sunlight concentration and precise solar tracking using micro-optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional photovoltaic systems are used, then they can generate electricity from sunlight, but they are not competitive with fossil fuel generated electricity due to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the optical function into separate microlens arrays positioned at different planes, with each array handling specific aspects of light concentration. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component for cost and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested optical structures where multiple microlens arrays are positioned within each other at different focal planes, creating a compact concentrated photovoltaic system that achieves high efficiency without proportionally increasing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic module costs are reduced, then competitiveness improves, but manufacturing precision and assembly quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical design self-corrects for minor misalignments through the multi-plane microlens configuration, where the distributed focal points provide tolerance to positioning errors, maintaining assembly quality without requiring precision manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters by using multiple microlens arrays at different focal lengths and positions, which transforms the tolerance requirements and allows for lower precision manufacturing while maintaining overall system performance
3Productivity
If sunlight concentration is increased, then electrical generation efficiency improves, but optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical solar tracking mechanisms with a static multi-plane microlens optical system that achieves concentration through optical geometry alone, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimensional aspect of multiple focal planes along the optical axis, transforming a two-dimensional lens problem into a three-dimensional optical path configuration that achieves higher concentration ratios without increasing lateral complexity
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
This approach reduces costs and enhances electrical generation efficiency by concentrating sunlight onto small-area photovoltaic cells with micro-optical elements, allowing for precise solar tracking and increased radiation intensity, thereby improving the competitiveness of photovoltaic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable lens assembly which utilizes relatively small displacements on the order of millimeters or less to track the sun and thereby increase the efficiency of electrical generation
Implementation Method 2
Sunlight can be concentrated onto the photovoltaic solar concentrator to generate electricity
Implementation Method 3
photovoltaic (PV) elements
Data Source
AI summary
A microsystem enabled photovoltaic (MEPV) module including: an absorber layer; a fixed optic layer coupled to the absorber layer; a translatable optic layer; a translation stage coupled between the fixed and translatable optic layers; and a motion processor electrically coupled to the translation stage to controls motion of the translatable optic layer relative to the fixed optic layer. The absorber layer includes an array of photovoltaic (PV) elements. The fixed optic layer includes an array of quasi-collimating (QC) micro-optical elements designed and arranged to couple incident radiation from an intermediate image formed by the translatable optic layer into one of the PV elements such that it is quasi-collimated. The translatable optic layer includes an array of focusing micro-optical elements corresponding to the QC micro-optical element array. Each focusing micro-optical element is designed to produce a quasi-telecentric intermediate image from substantially collimated radiation incident within a predetermined field of view.