Multi-Level Photovoltaic Modules with Vertically Offset Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar panels with a single plane of photovoltaic modules are inefficient in energy generation due to shadowing and limited light absorption, leading to suboptimal surface area usage in solar farms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-level photovoltaic modules with vertically offset planes and fractal patterns in solar panels, where each subsequent layer is arranged with photovoltaic cells and photonic openings to allow more light to reach lower panels, optimizing the inter-panel distance and using fractal patterns like the Sierpinski Carpet to enhance light absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If single plane photovoltaic modules are used, then device complexity is low, but power output per unit area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane (2D) photovoltaic module arrangement to multi-level (3D) configuration with vertically offset planes. This dimensional change allows photons to be trapped and bounce around within the module, increasing absorption opportunities and power output per unit area without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where photovoltaic cells are arranged in multiple levels within a single module footprint. Lower-level cells are positioned beneath upper-level cells with vertical offsets, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and light absorption efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If vertically offset planes are implemented, then light absorption is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photovoltaic module into multiple discrete planes or levels, each containing photovoltaic cells at different vertical positions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each plane's cell arrangement and spacing, facilitating modular manufacturing while achieving enhanced light absorption through the vertical offset configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies the vertical offset parameter between planes to optimize light absorption. By adjusting this parameter, the design enables photons to traverse multiple levels and be absorbed by cells at different heights, transforming a single-plane absorption limitation into a multi-level absorption advantage
3Productivity
If multi-level photovoltaic modules are used, then power output per unit area increases, but surface area required decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to increase power output within the same horizontal footprint. By stacking photovoltaic cells across multiple levels with vertical offsets, the system generates more power per unit area, effectively reducing the total surface area needed for a given power output target
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 configuration increases power output per unit area, requiring less surface area to produce the same amount of electricity compared to single plane solar panels, resulting in substantial surface area savings for solar farms.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel typically includes one plane of photovoltaic modules... Photons would be trapped and allowed to be bounced around within a photovoltaic module, resulting in increase in photon absorption by the photovoltaic cell towers, and energy generation
Implementation Method 2
Photons would be trapped and allowed to be bounced around within a photovoltaic module, resulting in increase in photon absorption
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include multi-plane photovoltaic modules and/or solar panel arrangements, as well as solar farms constituted with such arrangements/modules. In embodiments, a solar panel arrangement may include a first solar panel having a first plurality of solar photovoltaic modules, disposed at a first plane; and a second solar panel having a second plurality of solar photovoltaic modules, disposed at a second plane; vertically offset from the first plane. Similarly, in embodiments, a photovoltaic module may include a first substrate having a first plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed at a first plane; and a second substrate having a second plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed at a second plane, vertically offset from the first plane. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.