Neutral Coloration Luminescent Solar Concentrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) for neutral coloration have limitations in exploiting the full solar spectrum, leading to reduced efficiency in energy conversion and aesthetic issues in applications like photovoltaic windows, where intense colors can affect room luminosity.
Innovation Solution
A luminescent solar concentrator comprising multiple sheets of transparent materials with specific photoluminescent organic compounds, strategically stacked to optimize absorption and emission intervals, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and achieving neutral coloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If photovoltaic devices use a restricted spectrum interval for optimal absorption, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the ability to exploit the full solar spectrum is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength ranges, with each photoluminescent compound targeting a specific segment. The first compound absorbs 380-480 nm (violet-blue), the second absorbs 480-580 nm (blue-green), and the third absorbs 580-680 nm (yellow-red), collectively covering the entire visible spectrum while each segment converts to a unified output range for the photovoltaic cell
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite luminescent system comprising multiple photoluminescent compounds with complementary absorption spectra. This composite approach combines the spectral response of individual compounds to create a broad-spectrum absorber that maintains high conversion efficiency across the entire solar spectrum
2Adaptability or versatility
If luminescent solar concentrators use photoluminescent compounds with broad absorption intervals, then spectrum coverage is improved, but coloration intensity increases causing aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the solar spectrum are assigned to different photoluminescent compounds with specialized absorption characteristics. Each compound is optimized for its specific wavelength range, allowing broad spectrum coverage while maintaining controlled coloration properties through selective absorption and re-emission at optimized wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the emission wavelengths of photoluminescent compounds to balance spectrum coverage and coloration intensity. By selecting compounds with specific emission characteristics and adjusting their concentrations, the system achieves neutral coloration that allows visible light transmission while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If polymeric photovoltaic cells are exposed to radiation with wavelengths lower than 500 nm, then spectrum exploitation is improved, but photodegradation damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Photoluminescent compounds serve as intermediary agents that absorb high-energy UV and blue light (380-580 nm) and re-emit at longer wavelengths (600-680 nm) that are safe for polymeric photovoltaic materials. This intermediary conversion protects the photovoltaic active layer from photodegradation while capturing energy that would otherwise be harmful
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts potentially harmful high-energy radiation (UV and blue light that causes photodegradation) into beneficial lower-energy visible light that both protects the photovoltaic material and maintains energy conversion efficiency. The harmful wavelengths are transformed into useful wavelengths through photoluminescent down-conversion
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 improves the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic devices and provides a neutral coloration suitable for applications like building-integrated photovoltaic systems and photovoltaic windows, enhancing both energy production and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
photoluminescent compounds that act as spectrum converters. Through an effect of the optical phenomenon of total reflexion, the radiation emitted by the photoluminescent compounds is 'guided' towards the thin edges of the sheet
Implementation Method 2
selectively absorb the incident radiation having wavelengths outside the effective spectrum of said photovoltaic devices, emitting the absorbed energy in the form of photons of wavelength comprised within the effective spectrum
Implementation Method 3
Through an effect of the optical phenomenon of total reflexion, the radiation emitted by the photoluminescent compounds is 'guided' towards the thin edges of the sheet, where it is concentrated on photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 4
the radiation emitted by the photoluminescent compounds is 'guided' towards the thin edges of the sheet, where it is concentrated on photovoltaic cells positioned thereon
Data Source
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AI summary
Luminescent solar concentrator (L8C) of neutral coloration comprising: - at least one first sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one first photoluminescent organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 400 nm to 550 nm, preferably within the range 420 nm to 500 mrs, and an emission interval within the range 500 nm to 650 nm, preferably within the range 520 mn to 620 nm; - at least one second sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one second photoluminescent organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 420 nm to 650 nm, preferably within the range 480 nm to 600 nm, and an emission interval within the range 580 mn and 750 nm, preferably within the range 600 nm and 700 nm; - at least one third sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one third, optionally photoluminescent, organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 550 nm to 750 nm, preferably within the range 570 nrn to 700 nm, and an emission interval within the range 700 nrn to 900 nm, preferably within the range 740 nm to 850 nm. Said luminescent solar concentrator of neutral coloration may he used advantageously in various applications requiring the production of electrical energy by exploiting light energy, in particular solar radiation energy such as, for example: building/integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) systems, photovoltaic windows, greenhouses, photo bioreactors, noise barriers, lighting engineering, design, advertising, automotive industry.