Optical solar cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy technologies, such as photovoltaic and thermal-solar systems, face inefficiencies and integration challenges, with photovoltaic systems limited by high production costs and low efficiency, and thermal-solar systems being cumbersome and costly due to the need for large installations.
Innovation Solution
An optical solar cell system utilizing a matrix of optical concentrators connected to optical fibers and collectors, which concentrates solar radiation without requiring sun tracking, allowing for more adaptable and efficient solar energy collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic technology using crystalline silicon is used, then conversion efficiency is improved (14%), but manufacturing cost and initial energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the photovoltaic conversion mechanism with an optical concentration mechanism using mirrors and lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a smaller photovoltaic cell, thereby reducing the amount of expensive crystalline silicon needed while maintaining or improving overall conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the solar energy collection process into two parts: a large-area low-cost optical concentration stage using mirrors/lenses, and a small-area high-efficiency photovoltaic conversion stage, allowing the expensive photovoltaic material to be used only where needed for maximum effect
2Productivity
If thermal-solar systems are used, then conversion efficiency is improved (close to 30%), but device complexity and installation size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex thermal-solar conversion mechanism (requiring heat transfer fluids, thermal storage, and thermodynamic cycles) with a direct optical concentration to photovoltaic conversion system, maintaining high efficiency while dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate thermal conversion stage from the solar energy conversion process, going directly from optical concentration to electrical generation, thereby removing the complexity associated with thermal management while preserving high conversion efficiency
3Productivity
If thermal-solar systems are used, then conversion efficiency is improved (close to 30%), but ease of integration into building architecture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film photovoltaic cells combined with flexible optical concentration elements that can be integrated into building surfaces such as windows, facades, and roofs, allowing high-efficiency solar conversion without the bulky equipment required by thermal-solar systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the large three-dimensional thermal collectors required by thermal-solar systems to a two-dimensional planar integration approach using flat photovoltaic cells with optical concentrators, enabling seamless integration into building surfaces while maintaining high conversion efficiency
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
This solution enhances solar radiation capture efficiency, reduces installation size and costs, and is applicable to both thermal-solar and solar laser technologies, offering a more integrated and economically viable alternative.
Implementation Method 1
The array of optical concentrators comprises an array of hollow columns... The bottom of each column comprises an optical device allowing the light to converge towards an optical fiber... The convergence device can be formed of an annular prism... presenting an angle with the longitudinal axis of the column, for example 45°
Implementation Method 2
The inside faces of the columns form a reflective surface... The walls of the hole are perfectly reflective and parallel, so as to constitute an optical hole
Implementation Method 3
The optical fibers of the fiber array then concentrates the light into a single optical fiber or a single collimated light ray at the output of the collector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an alternative solar collector method and device, in the form of an optical solar cell that makes the solar radiation collection part more adaptable to the architecture. This technology, which can be applied, for example, to solar thermal methods, consists of using at least one optical concentrator matrix (1), at least one optical fibre matrix (2), at least one optical collector (3), making it possible to concentrate radiation coming from all or part of the optical fibre matrix into one optical fibre (4) or a single light beam, such that each optical concentrator of the concentrator matrix focuses or deflects the sunlight, in order to capture it by means of optical fibres of a matrix of fibres, said optical fibres concentrating the light, through a collector (3), into a single optical fibre or into a single light ray at the outlet of the collector to which the optical fibres are connected.