Opaque Light Shield for Concentrated Solar PV Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated solar photovoltaic systems face issues such as damage from stray concentrated light, electrical shorts, and condensation-related heating and failures due to misalignment and temperature changes, which affect the efficiency and reliability of GaAs photocell arrays.
Innovation Solution
A solar photovoltaic module design featuring a base member with cooling fins, side panels, and an opaque light shield that blocks stray light and guides condensation away from photocells, using Fresnel lenses and secondary optical elements to focus solar radiation efficiently while preventing damage and shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concentrating lenses are used to increase insolation intensity on GaAs photocells, then electrical output efficiency is improved, but the risk of stray light damaging wiring and causing electrical shorts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful concentrated light from the optical path by introducing a light shield that blocks stray light before it can reach the wiring and base structure, separating the useful light concentration function from the harmful stray light propagation
Solution Approach 2:
A light shield is introduced as an intermediary element between the concentrating lenses and the base structure, absorbing or blocking stray light while allowing the intended concentrated light to reach the photocells through properly aligned optical paths
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are used in assembling concentrator lenses and secondary optical elements, then light channeling precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield is installed beforehand to establish proper optical boundaries and alignment references, allowing subsequent components to be assembled with relaxed tolerances while maintaining precise light channeling through the shield's guiding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield serves as an intermediary alignment reference that defines the optical path boundaries, enabling easier assembly of concentrator lenses and secondary optical elements by providing physical and optical guides for proper positioning
3Reliability
If condensation forms on the inside of concentrator lenses, then electrical shorts in wiring are caused, but the high specific heat content of water also causes undesirable heating of photocells
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield extracts condensation droplets from the optical path by providing a surface where condensation can form and be guided away from the photocells and electrical wiring, removing the harmful effects of water accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield converts the harmful condensation into a beneficial element by providing a condensation collection surface that guides water away from sensitive components, and the shield itself can be designed with thermal properties that mitigate photocell heating while maintaining electrical insulation
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 module effectively prevents electrical shorts, reduces photocell heating, and directs condensation away from sensitive components, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of solar energy conversion in terrestrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
concentrating lenses that focus solar energy through the interior of the module to an array of photocells
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic cells are typically made from either silicon or gallium arsenide. Silicon photocells are less efficient at converting solar insolation to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The at least one light shield is opaque and preferably reflective with respect to incident solar insolation and thus operates to block the incident concentrated light
Implementation Method 4
The array of photocells typically heats up as the photocells absorb solar insolation and convert it to electrical energy
Implementation Method 5
condensation can form on the inside of the large concentrator lens of the module when the ambient temperature decreases
Data Source
AI summary
A solar photovoltaic module including a base member supporting an array of photocells as well as corresponding concentrating lenses and light guides. At least one opaque light shield defines cutouts corresponding to the light guides. The at least one opaque light shield is positioned above the base member and operates to block light incident thereon from reaching portions of the base member. The at least one light shield can be installed with a convex shape that directs condensation away from the cutouts and preferably functions as part of guide channels that guide condensation toward one or more vented hydrophilic members (e.g., sponges and the like), which are preferably disposed at one or both ends of the module.