Optical waveguide, optical waveguide system, light confining structures, light energy storage structure, light energy storage system, and energy storage and/or conversion system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical waveguides face inefficiencies in transmitting optical energy due to high costs and power losses, particularly in solar energy applications, where improving efficiency and reducing losses in electrical power generation and transmission are crucial for renewable energy adoption.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide system featuring an optical fiber with an optical active cladding structure, including a Bragg mirror stacking and wavelength conversion coating, which enhances light harvesting and transmission by converting radiation wavelengths, allowing for improved optical transmission and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional optical waveguides are used for transmitting optical energy, then the transmission can be established, but the transmission efficiency is low and power losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the waveguide system through wavelength conversion. The wavelength conversion coating transforms incident light to wavelengths that experience lower attenuation in the optical fiber, thereby reducing power losses and improving transmission efficiency. This is achieved by changing the wavelength parameter of the transmitted light to match the optimal transmission window of the fiber medium.
2Reliability
If conventional optical waveguides are used, then optical transmission is possible, but the cost to furnish electric power unit is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces costs by utilizing wavelength conversion to enable the use of standard optical fibers for solar energy transmission. By converting sunlight to wavelengths optimized for fiber transmission, the system can leverage existing, cost-effective fiber infrastructure rather than requiring expensive specialized high-transmission components, thereby reducing the overall cost of furnishing electric power units.
3Reliability
If light is coupled into optical waveguide along optical axis, then transmission is achieved, but light harvesting is limited by waveguide cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional axial coupling to two-dimensional lateral surface coupling by placing the wavelength conversion coating on the outer surface of the optical fiber. This dimensional change allows light to be harvested from the entire lateral surface area of the fiber, dramatically increasing the effective light collection area beyond what is limited by the fiber's cross-sectional area in conventional axial coupling schemes.
4Productivity
If optical active cladding structure is added to optical fiber, then light harvesting and transmission efficiency are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating the wavelength conversion coating directly onto the optical fiber surface, creating a structure that simultaneously performs light harvesting, wavelength conversion, and optical transmission guidance. This unified approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality provided by the wavelength conversion capability.
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 optical waveguide system achieves enhanced light harvesting and transmission efficiency, enabling the effective use of a broader solar spectrum, including near IR and UV light, and allows for long-distance transmission up to several thousand kilometers, making it suitable for diverse applications such as solar-based desalination and indoor farming.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion coating over the fiber core of the optical fiber, the wavelength conversion coating being configured to convert radiation with wavelengths in the first wavelength region into radiation with wavelengths in the second wavelength region
Implementation Method 2
a Bragg mirror stacking having a high transmittance in a first wavelength region and a high reflectivity in a second wavelength region of wavelengths longer than wavelengths in the first wavelength region
Implementation Method 3
an optical fiber with a fiber core and an optical active cladding structure over at least a portion of the fiber core
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed in various illustrative embodiments to an optical waveguide, an optical waveguide system with such an optical waveguide, a light energy storage structure, light confining structures, a light energy storage system and an energy storage and/or conversion system with such an optical waveguide system. In an aspect, an optical waveguide is provided, comprising an optical fiber with a fiber core and an optical active cladding structure over at least a portion of the fiber core at a first end of the optical waveguide, wherein the optical active cladding structure comprises a Bragg mirror stacking having a high transmittance in a first wavelength region and a high reflectivity in a second wavelength region of wavelengths longer than wavelengths in the first wavelength region, and a wavelength conversion coating over the fiber core of the optical fiber. The wavelength conversion coating is configured to convert radiation with wavelengths in the first wavelength region into radiation with wavelengths in the second wavelength region and the Bragg mirror stacking is disposed over the wavelength conversion coating.