Optical Fiber Light Collection for Architectural Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional solar panel installations on architectural structures, such as windows, face inefficiencies due to limited light contact, necessitating an improved system for collecting light transmitted through these openings.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising optical fibers positioned within architectural openings to redirect and transmit light to light collection elements, which convert the absorbed light into electricity for storage, enhancing efficiency and allowing retrofitting into existing structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solar panels are installed on architectural openings such as windows, then solar energy can be harvested from building structures, but the efficiency is limited due to restricted light contact with the panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidlight contact area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar solar panels to three-dimensional light collection using optical fibers positioned at the perimeter of the window. Light is collected from multiple angular dimensions through the optical fibers rather than requiring direct planar contact, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the light harvesting approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Optical fibers serve as intermediary elements that capture light at the window perimeter and transport it to photovoltaic elements positioned away from the glass surface. This mediator approach allows indirect light collection, overcoming the limitation of restricted direct light contact on traditional panel surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If traditional solar panels are deployed on building structures, then solar energy can be captured, but the available installation area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture volumeVSAvoidinstallation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the light collection function across multiple optical fibers positioned at the perimeter rather than requiring a single large panel area. Each optical fiber acts as an independent light collection channel, allowing distributed energy capture that scales with perimeter length rather than area constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Optical fibers are positioned within the window frame structure itself, nesting the light collection system within the existing architectural opening. This allows the energy harvesting system to utilize the building's existing structure without requiring additional external installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If solar panels are integrated into existing windows, then energy harvesting can be added to existing structures, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Optical fibers are pre-positioned within the window frame during installation, with light collection points established at the perimeter before final assembly. This preliminary positioning simplifies the integration process compared to attempting to install traditional panels on existing windows, as the optical infrastructure is prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standardized optical fiber and photovoltaic element components that can be replicated and installed in various window configurations. This modular copying approach allows the same basic system architecture to be adapted to different building types and window sizes without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 system significantly increases the conversion of light into electricity compared to traditional methods, offering a retrofittable solution for existing structures and improving energy efficiency by optimizing light collection from architectural openings.

Implementation Method 1

each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers configured to absorb light radially from a light source and transmit the absorbed light axially along a length of the optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber light transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

converting the absorbed light transmitted to the at least one light collection element into electricity for storage within an energy storage device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12130459B2Systems and related methods for collecting light transmitted through an architectural opening

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

In one aspect, a system for collecting light directed through an architectural opening includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned within the architectural opening. A portion of light from a light source is absorbed by the plurality of optical fibers. One or more optical fibers of the plurality of optical fibers are configured to transmit the absorbed light to one or more light collection elements.