Optically Active Cover for Photovoltaic Concentrator Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic concentrator assemblies face efficiency losses due to the introduction of additional optical losses from windows used to protect the sensitive electronic components from environmental factors like moisture and temperature, which reduces the operating efficiency of high-efficiency photovoltaic cells.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic concentrator assembly with a housing that incorporates an optically active lens as the window, where the lens forms a monolithic body with a flange extending outward to seal the opening, eliminating the need for additional windows by creating a vapor-tight seal using a sealing member such as an O-ring or gasket, thereby directly aligning the optical element with the housing to ensure efficient light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional windows are used to seal the housing, then the photovoltaic cells are protected from environmental factors, but additional optical losses occur reducing operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window and sealing functions into a single integrated optical element. The optically active cover (lens) includes an integrated flange that directly engages with the housing to provide sealing, eliminating the need for separate windows and gaskets. This integration maintains protection from environmental factors while eliminating additional optical interfaces that cause energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses sunlight onto the photovoltaic cell, seals the housing against environmental factors, and provides structural support. The integrated flange on the lens enables the same component to perform both optical and sealing functions, reducing the number of separate parts and minimizing optical losses.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for sealing and optical functions, then protection is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (window, gasket, lens mounting structure) into a single integrated optically active cover. The lens body provides optical functionality while the integrated flange provides sealing and mounting capabilities, significantly reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining protective functions.
3Reliability
If additional windows and sealing components are added, then environmental protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optically active cover is manufactured as a single piece with the flange already formed as part of the lens body. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for windows, gaskets, and mounting structures, and eliminates multiple assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining vapor-tight sealing.
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 configuration enhances the operating efficiency by eliminating additional optical losses, maintaining a vapor-tight seal, and protecting the photovoltaic cells from environmental factors while maintaining the integrity of the optical pathway.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic concentrator systems use various optical elements to concentrate incoming sunlight onto photovoltaic devices housed in photovoltaic concentrator assemblies, thereby collecting sunlight from a large area and concentrating it on a relatively small target area.
Implementation Method 2
optical element that includes an optically active body... directly aligning the optical element with the housing to ensure efficient light transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
A photovoltaic concentrator assembly that includes a housing that defines an internal volume and includes a rim, wherein the rim defines an opening into the internal volume, a photovoltaic cell positioned in the internal volume, and an optical element that includes an optically active body and a flange extending outward from the body, wherein the flange is sealingly engaged with the rim of the housing to enclose the internal volume.