Multilayer Optical Coatings for One-Way PV Cell Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic cell installations are aesthetically distracting due to their dark, unfiltered appearance, which reduces efficiency and is visually noticeable, and current energy transmissive layers cannot be applied without equal modification in both directions, limiting their use.
Innovation Solution
Development of substantially transparent, multi-layer micron-sized particles with controlled refractive indices, allowing selective scattering of specific wavelengths while maintaining transparency, enabling the formation of layers that appear opaque from one side and transparent from the other, with at least 50% to 80% light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional energy transmissive layers are applied to photovoltaic cells, then light transmission is modified, but the appearance is modified equally in both directions, limiting aesthetic flexibility and application scope
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmissive layer is segmented into multiple sub-layers with different optical properties. The first sub-layer has different light transmission characteristics than the second sub-layer, allowing independent optimization of appearance on each side while maintaining overall functionality. This segmentation enables the layer to serve multiple aesthetic and functional purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the energy transmissive layer are assigned different optical properties. The first sub-layer is optimized for one direction's appearance while the second sub-layer is optimized for the opposite direction's appearance. This local quality differentiation allows each side to have tailored aesthetic characteristics suitable for its specific application context.
2Power
If photovoltaic cells are installed to generate energy, then energy production is achieved, but the dark appearance is aesthetically distracting and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmissive layer incorporates color-selective optical properties that allow it to transmit wavelengths beneficial for photovoltaic efficiency while scattering or blocking wavelengths that contribute to aesthetic distraction. The layer can present different visual appearances from different directions, hiding the dark photovoltaic cells from view while maintaining energy generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy transmissive layer is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials with complementary optical properties. This composite construction enables simultaneous achievement of high light transmission for energy generation and selective scattering for aesthetic improvement, resolving the contradiction between functionality and appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional coatings are applied to modify light transmission, then light filtering is achieved, but transmission is reduced equally in both directions, limiting energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmissive layer exhibits dynamic optical behavior where light transmission properties differ depending on the direction of incidence. The asymmetric multi-layer structure causes light traveling in one direction to experience different transmission characteristics compared to light traveling in the opposite direction, enabling optimized energy transmission in both directions simultaneously.
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 provides aesthetically pleasing surfaces that hide photovoltaic cells while maintaining efficiency by allowing selective light scattering and transmission, enhancing the appearance of structures and objects without reducing photovoltaic performance.
Implementation Method 1
Layers formed according to the disclosed systems and methods and of the disclosed material compositions selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
substantially transparent, multi-layer micron-sized particles with controlled refractive indices, allowing selective scattering of specific wavelengths while maintaining transparency
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for delivering material compositions comprising particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particles that are substantially transparent, yet that exhibit selectable coloration based on their physical properties suspended in substantially transparent matrix or binder materials to facilitate delivery onto substrates, particularly aerosol or aspirated delivery. The disclosed physical properties of the particles are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in the substantially transparent matrix material. The multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns, substantially equivalent to paint pigment particles. When delivered, the material compositions form layers that uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques in energy (or light) transmissive layers that appear selectively opaque, while allowing 80+% of the energy impinging on the light incident side to pass through the layers.