Multilayer material sequence for generating energy from sunlight, their preparation and their use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar collectors face issues with heat dissipation during high sun intensity and temperature, leading to material overload and accelerated aging, resulting in reduced effectiveness and shorter lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer material sequence with a sandwich-like structure, featuring a reflective carrier substrate, a transparent spacer layer that absorbs solar light, and a subsequent layer with variable electrical conductivity for controlled absorption and reflection, utilizing sub-stoichiometric materials to adjust solar absorptivity and emissivity, thereby managing heat generation and dissipation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar collectors absorb solar energy to heat water, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but material aging accelerates due to overheating under high sun intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach by incorporating a thermally switchable material in the subsequent layer that automatically changes its properties in response to temperature variations. When the collector overheats under high sun intensity, the material transitions from an absorbing state to a reflective state, dynamically adjusting the system's behavior to prevent excessive temperature rise and material degradation, thus maintaining reliability while preserving energy generation efficiency during optimal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by modifying the electrical conductivity and optical properties of the subsequent layer material based on temperature. The thermally switchable material exhibits changing electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and absorptivity as temperature varies, allowing the system to adapt its energy absorption characteristics in real-time to balance efficiency and durability
2Temperature
If the spacer layer is made transparent to infrared radiation, then heat dissipation is improved, but solar light absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties in different layers: the spacer layer is specifically designed to be transparent in the infrared range to facilitate heat dissipation, while the subsequent layer is engineered to absorb solar light in the visible and near-infrared ranges. This spatial differentiation of functional properties allows simultaneous optimization of both heat dissipation and solar energy absorption without mutual interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If the subsequent layer has variable electrical conductivity, then control over absorption and reflection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by using a thermally switchable material that automatically adjusts its electrical conductivity and optical properties in response to temperature changes without requiring external control systems. The material's inherent phase transition or conductivity change with temperature provides self-regulating absorption control, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability
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 enhances the durability and efficiency of solar collectors by allowing controlled absorption and reflection, reducing overheating, and extending the lifespan while maintaining cost-effectiveness through improved resistance to aging.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier substrate with reflective properties at least in the infrared wavelength range serves as the basis
Implementation Method 2
The spacer layer is also designed to absorb solar light
Implementation Method 3
The spacer layer is designed in such a way that it largely does not impair, more advantageously does not impair, the reflective property of the carrier substrate at least in the infrared wave range
Implementation Method 4
This subsequent layer advantageously has absorbing properties and is consequently suitable for converting incoming radiation into heat energy
Implementation Method 5
the subsequent layer has the advantageous material property that it has at least one material whose electrical conductivity is designed to be changeable by exposure to heat and/or radiation
Implementation Method 6
A change in the electrical conductivity of the subsequent layer also causes a change in the emissivity
Implementation Method 7
A destructive interference is produced by a phase shift and/or by amplitude matching of the radiation reflected by the carrier substrate, as a result of which the reflection is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multilayer material sequence (1) for generating energy from sunlight, comprising at least one carrier substrate (2) with reflective properties at least in the infrared wavelength range, at least one spacer layer (4) applied to the carrier substrate (2) with reflective properties at least in the infrared wavelength range and at least one further subsequent layer (6) which is at least partially applied to the spacer layer (4) and which has at least one material whose electrical conductivity can be modified by exposure to heat and/or radiation, the subsequent layer (6) and/or the spacer layer (4 ) have at least one substoichiometric proportion of material.