Micro-scale Concentrated Photovoltaic Module with Embedded Lenses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar concentrators are large and inefficient, unable to effectively collect both direct normal incident and diffuse light, limiting their deployment to locations with high direct normal incident radiation due to poor cost effectiveness and efficiency at other locations.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module comprising a silicon cell, a multi-junction cell, and a lens embedded in a substrate, where the lens directs light to the multi-junction cell and the substrate directs diffuse light to the silicon cell, with a light pipe coupled to the multi-junction cell via a gel, forming a single integral component, and an array substrate with embedded lenses and light pipes that concentrate direct normal incident light and collect diffuse light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional solar concentrators are used, then direct normal incident light can be concentrated, but the modules are large and cannot be easily installed in residential locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar concentrator into micro-scale components: small lenses (e.g., 2-5 mm diameter) that concentrate light onto tiny multi-junction cells. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power concentration capability while reducing individual module size to适合 residential installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light pipes to transport concentrated light from the lens to the multi-junction cell, effectively adding a dimensional pathway for light transport. This allows the optical components to be separated in space, enabling compact module design while maintaining high concentration ratios.
2Power
If conventional concentrated PV modules are used, then direct normal incident light can be concentrated, but they have narrow concentrator acceptance angles and do not effectively collect diffuse light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-cell architecture where multi-junction cells handle concentrated direct normal incident light while silicon cells collect diffuse light. This multi-functional design allows the module to adapt to varying light conditions throughout the day and across different geographic locations, maintaining efficiency whether the sun is high in the sky or low on the horizon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional properties to different parts of the module: multi-junction cells with high concentration capability are positioned at the focal points of lenses for direct sunlight, while silicon cells are distributed across the substrate to collect diffuse light from broader angles. This local specialization optimizes performance for each type of incident light.
3Power
If conventional concentrated PV designs are used, then high concentration can be achieved, but deployment is limited to locations with high percentage of DNI radiation due to poor cost effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solar module design that functions effectively in both high-DNI and low-DNI locations by combining concentrated PV and diffuse light collection in a single system. The silicon cells ensure continuous power generation from diffuse light when the sun is not directly overhead, making the technology economically viable across diverse geographic locations without sacrificing concentration capability where available.
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 efficient collection of both direct and diffuse light, improving deployment flexibility and efficiency, reducing the need for solar tracking systems, and allowing for more compact, cost-effective installation in residential locations.
Implementation Method 1
a lens embedded in a substrate, wherein the lens is configured to direct light to the multi junction cell
Implementation Method 2
the substrate is configured to direct diffuse light to the silicon cell
Implementation Method 3
a multi junction cell coupled to the silicon cell, wherein the lens is configured to direct light to the multi junction cell
Implementation Method 4
a silicon cell, wherein the substrate is configured to direct diffuse light to the silicon cell
Implementation Method 5
The light pipe may be coupled to the multi junction cell via a gel
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.