Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Cells Powered by Multi-Wavelength Lasers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites and space devices face challenges in generating power when sunlight is unavailable, as conventional multi-junction photovoltaic cells cannot produce energy from laser light due to its monochromatic nature, and relying on batteries adds mass, cost, and limited capacity.
Innovation Solution
A light emission system using multiple lasers emitting different wavelengths and photon energies to produce electron-hole pairs in each layer of a multi-junction photovoltaic cell, allowing it to generate electricity even in the absence of sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lasers emitting different wavelengths are used to illuminate the multi-junction photovoltaic cell, then power generation capability in sunlight-absent conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent laser sources, each emitting at a specific wavelength range matched to a particular junction of the photovoltaic cell. This allows each laser to independently power a specific junction, enabling the cell to generate electricity in sunlight-absent conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-junction photovoltaic cell is designed to serve multiple functions: it can generate power from both natural sunlight (when available) and artificial laser illumination (when sunlight is absent). The cell structure itself remains universal, while the illumination source is adapted to provide different wavelength combinations based on operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers emitting different wavelengths are used to illuminate the multi-junction photovoltaic cell, then adaptability to different lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the photovoltaic cell (specifically different junctions) are optimized for different wavelength ranges. The top junction responds to higher energy photons, while lower junctions respond to lower energy photons. This local optimization of spectral response allows the cell to adapt to different lighting conditions without requiring a completely different cell structure, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different lighting conditions by selecting and activating appropriate laser sources based on the required wavelength range. When sunlight is absent, the system transitions to using artificial laser illumination with specific wavelength combinations that match the photovoltaic cell's junction characteristics, providing dynamic adaptability without permanent 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
Enables efficient power generation from laser light, maintaining the use of multi-junction photovoltaic cells while providing power in sunlight-absent conditions, reducing the need for batteries and their associated drawbacks.
Implementation Method 1
The light emission system uses multiple lasers emitting different wavelengths and/or photon energies to produce electron-hole pairs in each layer of the multi junction photovoltaic device, thereby allowing the multi junction photovoltaic device to generate electricity from the emitted light of the light emission system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for wirelessly transferring power to a multi junction photovoltaic cell of a space apparatus via a light emission system. The light emission system uses multiple lasers emitting different wavelengths and/or photon energies to produce electron-hole pairs in each layer of the multi junction photovoltaic cell to prompt power generation by the multi junction photovoltaic cell. The light emission system may be located on Earth or on another space apparatus. The multi junction photovoltaic cell can convert sunlight and the light emitted by the light emission system into electrical energy.